ALIANA

My mobile rings the moment I occupy the driver’s seat, seeing Collins enter his personal car with Grace when I had asked for some personal space.

I don't have to look to guess and see who this is.

“Jenna,” I say, answering, and already sounding tired.

"Oh thank God," she whispered. "You're alive?"

"Barely,” I laugh weakly.

“Did he burn down the school? Bit anyone? Declared himself king of the playground?”

"No arson," I repeat, turning over the engine. "No biting. Little display of strength."

“That's growth...".

I leave the parking lot very slowly. The weight of my hands is heavy against the coldness of the wheel.

“So what?”...