Mandy didn’t go home that night.

The thought of facing Jessica, who had a short temper, or her grandma, who’d be full of questions, was too overwhelming. Her chest felt tight, and her head was spinning with fear and confusion.

So instead, she got into her car and turned in a different direction.

Aiden’s place.

She didn’t even text ahead. She just drove there quietly, the city lights passing her like a blur, her heart racing faster.

When she arrived, she hesitated in ...