"Make your call." I push the phone into Layla’s hand and leave her.

"Hi, have you been trying to call me?" Her voice shakes, and I pause in the hall. Why is she afraid? Is Evelyn hurting her?

"I’m sorry. I left my bag in class." Her words are stronger. I can’t hear the voice on the other end of the phone. "No. Ashley, my friend, invited me to her house to study."

Of course, she won’t mention me.

I don’t shower but change into a ...