𝓥𝓲𝓸𝓵𝓮𝓽

Clara told me everything.

But despite Mavericks demeanor, my feelings still did not waver. Every amount of dislike I had was still just as strong.

"I'm sorry, Violet," Clara apologized over and over. "Maverick offered me his phone, and I should have called you, but I just didn't.. I don't know why."

"I'm not blaming you," I mumbled, keeping my eyes from meeting hers.

"You are mad, though." She pointed out, moving closer. "And I'm sorry. There's things I should have done that I just didn't do."

I nodded. Even though she pointed out her mistakes to me, I couldn't help but point all my anger towards Maverick. I couldn't be mad at Clara.

She sighed quietly, giving up on trying to move my opinion. "I... I have to go. I have to work."

I nodded, listening as she moved down the hall to her bedroom.

Why didn't she ask someone for their phone? Why didn't she just say no and make Maverick drive her back? Why did she follow him into his house?

He could have done anything to her, and no one would have heard.

I shook my head, wanting to rid myself of these thoughts, but they wouldn't disappear.

I looked down the hall, at the light flooding from under Clara's bedroom door. What if?

What if?

I needed a distraction, and considering Clara was leaving soon, I didn't want to be alone. I spoke loud enough that Clara could hear me, but not to the point of yelling.

"I'm going to see Katie."

I left without waiting for a reply. I took my phone and a book along with me as I trekked down the sidewalk, staring at the distant two-storied home, hoping for some sort of distraction.