Chapter 22

• “Khrystal!” Nexus called me. He was looking evidently amazed and happy when he saw me coming into the resort my former classmates chose to meet.
• He quickly stood up from the table where they were gathered and patted Jared who was on his side—a reason for him to stand up as well. They went to me and gave me a hug. In the corner of my eyes, I saw some girls glared at me. I didn’t give a damn about that. In the few years I had studied with them, I got used to their accusing stares. I had learned early on not to let their opinions or judgments affect me, and today was no different. The years of practice in building a wall around my own self-esteem finally paid off, though my chest still ached slightly at the memories of their past coldness.
• "Nexus told me you were going, but I didn't actually believe it. Knowing you, you'd rather hang out in the room than deceitfully act like you are friends with the people here," Jared laughed in a low tone. "By the way, you look hot," he added—a little bit loud this time—and chuckled.