“That’s… good,” Brittany said quietly.
“My dad lost his job. We’re losing our house. I guess things aren’t always what they seem.”
And in that moment, Cassie didn’t feel triumph.
She felt a strange sort of pity.
She remembered the loneliness, the shame.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Cassie said, and she meant it.
The girl who had been her tormentor was just another scared kid.
Graduation day was bright and sunny.
Cassie sat in her cap and gown, searching the crowd.
She saw them.
Margaret, crying into a handkerchief.
Mrs. Ramona, beaming.
And in the back, a whole section filled with large men in leather vests.
Jax stood in the front of them, a massive smile on his face.
Next to him was his brother Mark, in his police uniform.
When her name was called, the applause was polite.
But then, a thunderous roar erupted from the back of the auditorium.
The Vipers were on their feet, whistling and cheering, louder than everyone else combined.
Cassie laughed, tears blurring her vision as she accepted her diploma.
She had done it.
After the ceremony, Jax pulled her aside.
