The Broken Curse Read Online Free PDF

shut the bathroom door behind me, but I know it will only save me a minute or two. Before I can swallow the water, Kara opens the door. I turn to look at her as I gulp my water, and she's drilling me with her expectant eyes.
    "What's up?" I lean against the counter, trying to play cool, but her eyes are like lasers that can see right through me.
    "What's up?" She crosses her arms over her chest and glares. "You totally bailed on your party last night. We looked everywhere. I had to talk Ollie off a ledge from tearing campus apart. Who, by the way, is livid. Where'd you go?"  
    "I was in one of the rooms. You probably just didn't see me," I lie through my teeth.
    "Seriously? We've resorted to lying now." She shakes her head side to side in disappointment. "Whatever. I thought I was your best friend…" Her voice trails as she retreats into our dorm room, her shoulders slumped forward in defeat.
    "Fine!" I yell, throwing my hands up. I hate this. "I was with Ari, okay? Are you happy?" I slam the bathroom door shut and lock it. I quickly turn the water on and strip myself. The muscles in my arms burn just reaching down to touch my toes, but I push past the pain and jump in the shower.
    A large knot forms in my throat as I try to focus on everything but my life. I try not to think about the fact that I betrayed Ollie last night. I try not to think about Ari at all, or the effect he has on me. I refuse to think about my mother or Megan—both of their circumstances too heartbreaking.  
    I will not cry. I refuse to let myself cry ever again. I don't deserve to cry. I should feel this guilt and anger. I should channel it, use it to make me stronger. Use it to seek revenge.  
    I shake my head under the hot water and promise myself, right then and there, that the emotional drama within me is done. I won't think of a single thing except taking revenge on those who have hurt my friends, my family, and me.
    When I re-enter the bedroom, Kara is sitting on her bed, her legs crossed at the ankles and her hands clasped on her lap. Her eyes are drawn down, sadly, and I try not to make eye contact.
    "I won't judge you," she says, her voice shaky.
    "I know," I answer. I riffle through my closet, searching for a sports bra and shorts or leggings. Unfortunately, I haven't done laundry in who knows how long, and I think I'm on my last pile of relatively clean clothes.  
    "I don't care who you choose. I just want you in my life. I'll support you no matter what. I swear."
    "I know," I answer again, my responses almost rehearsed. Everyone says the same things. Her death isn't your fault. My answer: I know. Your mom is going to be just fine. My answer: I know. Your situation is unusual because of the curse; you aren't betraying anyone. My answer: I know.
    But the truth is, all of those things are wrong. If Megan wasn't my friend, she'd be alive right now. If Ari hadn't betrayed me, thinking that he was saving me, my mother would be okay right now. If I could just firmly choose someone, nobody would feel betrayed.
    It all comes back to me.  
    Me. Me. Me.  
    I'm the problem here. I'm the one causing everyone pain. I'm the one killing people.  
    "So, do you want me to come train with you?" Kara asks me.
    "If you want. I'll probably just throw my headphones on, but you can come," I tell her, not wanting to hurt her feelings. But the fact of the matter is, I don't want her to come with me. I use the training as therapy. I need this to breathe.
    "Maybe I'll just hang with Junior."
    "Sure, I'm sure he misses you," I tell her while I finish tying my last shoe.
    "I guess I'll see you later," she says as she leaps off the bed. She moves towards the door, but stops. "I really, really miss you. I wish you weren't doing this."
    "I know."

CHAPTER FIVE
    pushing it down

    I'm just finishing up my last set of walking lunges when my stomach starts to grumble. I drop the weight bar on the ground and stand up straight, pausing. I try to remember the last time I