Chapter 20

• Isabella.
• The bitter taste of my saliva slid down to the pit of my stomach, where it burned. Just seeing her victorious laughter made it hurt even more. I couldn't think of any excuse for why I dropped my books, which were still scattered on the steps. I just managed to pick them up as my burning face demanded, take a breather, and run away.
• "Do you find it surprising, dear?" Marlene asked confidently. "Isn't that what happens when you fuck without a condom?"