Chapter 1

The hospital smelled sterile, a clean scent that couldn't cover the fear clinging to the air.

My twin sister, Olivia, lay in the bed, too pale, too still.

An IV dripped fluid into her arm.

Bandages covered her wrists.

She tried to die because of Northwood High.

Because of Brittany and her followers.

They bullied Olivia until she broke.

My parents stood beside me, Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, looking like any other worried, wealthy couple.

Mom squeezed my hand, her face a mask of sorrow.

Dad stared at Olivia, his jaw tight.

They knew what those girls did.

They knew how much Olivia suffered.

Then, the door creaked open.

Brittany and Jessica walked in, smirking.

Brittany, blonde and perfect, her expensive clothes out of place here.

Jessica, her shadow, always a step behind.

"Heard little Olivia had a boo-boo," Brittany said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

Jessica snickered.

"Guess she couldn't handle high school."

My blood went hot.

I wanted to launch myself at them, feel their bones break under my fists.

But Olivia was here, fragile.

And my parents were watching.

Dad stepped forward. "Get out," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"Or we'll call security."

Brittany just tossed her hair. "Whatever. Just wanted to see the drama."

They sauntered out, their laughter echoing.

Mom called the police.

An officer came, took notes, looked bored.

"They're minors," he said later. "From good families."

Brittany's father was a big-shot lawyer in town, everyone knew that.

"We'll give them a warning," the officer said. "That's about all we can do."

A warning.

For driving my sister to try and kill herself.

The system was a joke.

I looked at Olivia, her face peaceful in a drugged sleep, and felt a coldness settle deep inside me.

A warning wouldn't be enough.

Not nearly enough.