IAN'S POV

　　"A lot has happened," she said, a faraway look in her eyes. "But it's a long story."

　　She took a deep breath and started talking. "After I left the welcome party that night without telling you, I regretted it almost immediately. But it was too late. I wanted to explain to you why I had to leave and I didn't want to get you involved in my messy life that I foolishly made. I wanted to stay in school and be with you, but I couldn't because I didn't want ...