"I'm sorry," the girl mutters. "I feel partially responsible. I'm Alli."
"Pandora," I mutter miserably. She sits down next to me.
"I'm sorry to say, Pandora, but you seem like kind of a mess right now," she says amicably. "You want to talk? I'm going all the way to North Haven, so I have time."
"I get off there, too." I groan, rubbing my eyes. "This is my worst fucking nightmare."
"Well, let's talk it through," Alli suggests. "You'll feel better if you do. By the way... do you go to Eden Falls Prep?"
I look up, surprised, and notice her staring at my uniform.
"I guess, well, I used to," I manage. "How do you know the school?"
"Oh, my cousin goes there," she replies easily.
"Maybe I know her. What's her-"
"Anyway, you were going to tell me your tragic life story." She leans back with a beatific smile. I can't deny how beautiful she is. Like a dark-haired Barbie doll - stunning perfection. It makes me feel frumpy and sad to just look at her. "I'm sure it's not as bad as mine."
I muster up a smile despite the disaster that is my life. "Wanna bet on that?"
She grins, and once again I'm struck by just how familiar her features are.
"Tell me," she says, almost hungry. "Tell me everything about Eden Falls, Pandora."
TO BE CONTINUED...