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friend. He slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled it out again, holding something up for Reed to see.
Ariana leaned forward, squinting in the sunlight. The realization of what Thomas was holding settled over her
slowly. She watched
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as Thomas pinched the small piece of metal between his thumb and forefinger.
It was a subway token. Just like the one he'd given her.
Prickly heat raced over Ariana's skin and stung her eyes. She pulled out her delicate gold chain, where the
token had once hung next to her fleur-de-lis, and twisted it tightly around her finger. All summer she had felt
the absence of that token, the symbol of her and Thomas. All summer she'd looked forward to the day he
would return it to her and she could feel the cool weight of it against her skin again, reminding her of
Thomas's devotion every second of every day. Now she watched as Thomas rolled the token carelessly
between his fingers, grinning devilishly at Reed while he held it in front of her. Just out of her reach.
This wasn't happening. It was not happening. Thomas loved her. She knew he did.
But there was no denying what she was seeing. Hot rage bubbled up inside of her. She watched as a warm
pink blush surfaced in Reed's cheeks. Watched Thomas laugh and joke with her. Watched as they stopped at
the edge of the quad. As Thomas peered into Reed's eyes. Ariana was close enough to see the way he looked
at Reed. A mixture of intrigue and attraction.
Ariana's heart pounded wildly. Her dry throat started to close and she had to force herself to breathe.
In... two ... three ...
Out... two ... three ...
He couldn't be interested in Reed. This common sophomore. This was some kind of mistake. It had to be.
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He loves me. He's been waiting all summer to be with me.But then Thomas handed the subway token to
Reed, and the world screeched to a stop around Ariana. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, backing away,
still smiling at the new girl. Finally, he turned away from Reed, toward Ariana, the satisfied smile still playing
about his lips. Dash and Gage fell into step with him, and they shuffled through the quad, passing just a few
feet away from where Ariana was standing.
She had to do something. Had to stop this. The situation was hers to control. She had to be in control.
"Thomas," Ariana called out, her voice strained.
But he didn't see her. Or chose to ignore her. Either way, the pain was unbearable.
