To Start Over (Book 1)

The Night Everything Ruined

Mild mature content 18+ only

Read at your own risk.

I wish alarm clocks had never been invented. I really hate waking up early. As I groaned and complained about my luck, a loud knock on the door startled me.

"Oli, se réveiller! Tu seras en retard pour l'école!" (Oli, wake up! You'll be late for school!)

I frowned and muttered back, "Se réveiller bientôt, rencontre-toi dans 20 minutes." (Waking up soon, see you in 20 minutes.)

I dragged myself out of bed and went to the bathroom. When I looked in the mirror, I hardly recognised myself. I used to wear my hair down, but now it's always in a ponytail. I used to like wearing a little makeup, but now I skip it. I grabbed some jeans and a plain shirt from my closet. There was a time when other girls at school copied my style.

Now? Not anymore.

At the dining table, Mehusa was setting out breakfast. She gave me a sad look. I ignored her, grabbed my toast, and left. I knew she wanted to talk about our last conversation, but I just wasn't up for it.

I got in my car and drove to school, hoping—no, actually praying—that today would be different. Or maybe I didn't really want it to change.

As soon as I parked and walked to my locker, my worst nightmare showed up: Brad Stanford, the football team captain and my biggest bully. He shoved me hard against the lockers, and my books crashed to the floor.

The reason for his hatred? I had slapped him once when he tried pressuring me into sleeping with him back when I was the cheerleading captain. Ever since then, he had made my life hell.

I bent down to pick up my books, but he kicked one aside, making everyone around us laugh. Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

"I thought you'd be gone by now, Olivia," Brad sneered. "I've made it pretty clear that you're not wanted here. But look at you—so damn stubborn, showing up anyway."

I clenched my fists, swallowing the anger bubbling inside me.

Then, my gaze landed on him.

Carter West. My ex-boyfriend.

He wasn't laughing. He wasn't bullying me. He just stood there, his face blank, as if none of this concerned him.

I quickly looked away.

Brad shoved me one last time before walking away, leaving me standing there, shaking. I quickly stuffed my books into my locker and tried to hold back my tears. I wasn't going to let them see me cry.

Not again.

I walked to English class, where Carter was sitting with his new girlfriend, Emily Gomez. They looked happy, just like we used to be.

My mind drifted back to a time when everything felt normal.

Flashback

Friday nights at White Tigers Stadium were electric. The energy made my skin buzz and my heart race. The air smelled like popcorn and fresh-cut grass, and the roar of the crowd echoed in my chest.

And then there was Carter.

He moved across the field like he was made for it: fast, sharp, and completely untouchable. The way he dodged defenders and the power in every sprint made it impossible to look away.

I was on my feet before cheering with my cheerleading girls Go, White Tigers, go! My voice joined the chorus of cheers just as he made the final dash toward the end zone. Touchdown.