Chapter 1: The Start of the End Summer had barely started, and I already felt like I was falling apart.
While everyone else at school was buzzing about road trips and sleepovers, all I could think about was Travis.
My boyfriend.
My safe space.
The guy I had been with for three years.
Or at least, he used to be that guy.
Lately, something had changed.
He wasnt texting back as fast.
He bailed on plans.
And when we were together… it was like I wasnt really there.
I noticed.
Of course I noticed.
But I didnt say anything.
Thats not what I do.
I kept smiling, kept pretending, kept telling myself that maybe he just needed space.
So I decided to fix it the only way I knew how.
Im gonna show up at his house, I told Erin, my voice barely a whisper as we sat under the tree behind school.
Erin gave me a look.
Wait, like… unannounced? I nodded and held up the little paper bag Id packed.
I got his favorite snacks, and these movie tickets I found online.
Thought we could go out.
Just the two of us.
Like before.
She frowned, chewing her lip.
Lil… I dunno.
Hes been acting weird for a while now.
I know, I admitted.
Thats why Im doing this.
He just needs a reminder.
Were still us.
Erin didnt push it.

Maybe because she knew I wouldnt back down even if she tried.
I didnt tell my mom, either.
That wouldve turned into a disaster.
Dating ruins girls, she always said.
Focus on your future, not on football boys.
So I told her I was studying at Erins.
Then I slipped out the door with my heart racing and hope swelling in my chest.
The sun was brutal as I walked to Traviss place, but I barely noticed.
My thoughts were too loud.
About him.
About how things used to be.
About how badly I needed something anything to go right.
This summer was supposed to be mine.
I didnt text when I got to his house.
That wouldve ruined the surprise.
The front door was unlocked.
My hand shook a little as I pushed it open.
Travis? I called out, stepping inside.
There was steam drifting down the hall he was in the shower.
Perfect timing, I thought.
Maybe I could do one of those cute flirty entrances girls in movies always pull off.
Then I saw him.
Fresh out of the shower.
Wet hair.
Towel around his waist.
Looking at me like I was a fly that slipped in through the window.
Lily? His voice was flat.
No smile.
No warmth.
Just… irritation.
I tried to smile, lifting the bag a little.

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I thought Id surprise you.
I brought snacks and movie tickets, and I figured Then Angela walked out of the bathroom behind him.
Babe, can I take this hoodie home? It smells like you.
She asked him as she closed the bathroom door.
Since Travis was not answering her, she followed his eyes to see me standing there.
Angela.
No wonder shes been avoiding and ignoring my texts.
I thought she was my friend since she always cared and checked on me from time to time, but I guess I was wrong about that.
Shes busy fucking my boyfriend on the side.
I raised my eyebrows looking at her, waiting for her to say something.
She blinked.
Oh.
Um… hey.
Surprise? I stared at her.
Then at him.
And I didnt say a word.
My hands went cold.
My chest cracked.
I dropped the bag.
And I ran out.
The sun was too bright.
My breathing was too shallow.
I ran and ran, not caring where my feet were going.
Everything I had been holding together with duct tape and hope just… fell apart.
I didnt stop until I reached the bridge.
It wasnt high.
Not the kind you see in movies.
Just a plain stretch of metal and concrete over the river.
But it was quiet.
Still.
I walked to the edge.

My hands clutched the railing.
And for the first time, I let myself think it Maybe I dont have to keep doing this.
School.
Parents.
Expectations.
Lies.
Fake smiles.
I was tired.
So, so tired.
The wind brushed past me like it was saying goodbye.
I closed my eyes.
Itll be quick, I whispered.
Maybe no one will even notice.
I leaned forward.
Then something no,someone grabbed me from behind.
Hard.
Hey! a voice shouted, rough and panicked.
What are you doing?! I screamed, stumbling back as strong arms yanked me away from the edge.
I hit the pavement, the wind knocked out of me.
I looked up, gasping.
And there he was.
Tall.
Messy dark hair.
Shoulders like a wall.
A face I only recognized from football posters and whispered hallway gossip.
Jake Roberts.
The captain of East Haven Highs football team our schools rival.
The kind of guy who left a trail of broken hearts and broken rules.
Everyone knew his name.
Everyone had a story.
What the hell washe doing here?