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Grace Dean. Was this because of Christian? He’d said sexploits, and there must be sexy rumour with my name slapped on it. I needed to pull myself together and talk to him. Talk this out like we should have on Saturday night.
    Yes, that’s what I’d do. Tomorrow. Right now, I couldn’t move at all. My legs felt all wobbly, and my stomach still threatened to bring up all the food I hadn’t eaten today. Good thing I kept a stash of snacks in my top cupboard. Somehow managing to climb to my feet, I threw the cupboard open and my heart sank. It was just about bare. I scavenged some dried fruit from the very back and sat at my desk, busting the packet open.
    I flicked my computer on, and when it booted up, went straight to email. Four new messages. Mum, Student Services, Savannah, and [email protected]. Hmm, not an address I know. Savvy’s message was date stamped yesterday, 16:09.
I’m so sorry about Christian. The guy’s a jerk and revenge will be sweet. Knocked on your door once or twice today to plan said revenge, but you didn’t answer. I won’t let you get away with solitude for long.
    I clicked to open the other message from an unknown sender.
Olivia Wants-To-Sit-Alone,
Your screen was noticeably blank at the end of today’s lecture. Thought you might appreciate a re-cap.
You’re welcome.
Stalker Boy
    Ohmygod. I snapped the offending laptop closed and jumped away from it. Lhays14 had to be Logan. How in the heck did he get my email and why was he being nice?
    He so wanted in because of those damn rumours. Whatever they were.
     

CHAPTER THREE
    I wasn’t game to show my face around college until I got to the bottom of this mess. At least not in crowded places like the dining hall, which meant I needed food somewhere else, which meant a trip into town. Luckily, I had no early classes on Tuesdays. My first lecture was at eleven, so I had time to nick in and back out before I needed to head up the hill to campus.
    After a quick shower, and pulling on my jeans and tee, I grabbed my purse and headed out. With nerves churning my tummy yet again, I took the long way around the back of the dorm and to the street, then over to the bus stop. Not walking through college was self-preservation, not cowardice. Maybe. While I waited for it to arrive, I tipped my head back and peered up at the dappled light passing through the massive elm trees.
    Town, then uni, then tonight I’d talk to Christian.
    A lump formed in my throat. We’d had a good thing and it was over. I had no idea why or even if it was my fault. Christian and Dad had gotten on so well when he’d come to visit me over the summer break that my parents would be disappointed. Christian came from a good family that was well connected. I sighed. Who broke up with someone without even discussing the reasons? And publicly? It all seemed really ... high school.
    “Livia!”
    I cringed at the sound of my not-name being hollered from the opposite side of the road, but it was just Savannah, looking like a giant strawberry in a bright trench coat and matching crimson boots. She waved like a lunatic, glanced both ways far too quickly and darted across the road to join me. Her arms swooped around me as she pulled me in tight. I almost melted into her embrace, for the first time in days I felt a little less alone.
    “Where have you been? I’ve called by a dozen times and you never answer, then you’re not at meals either, or answering emails. I’ve been worried about you, and I’m so sorry about Christian.”
    “It’s been weird. Everyone’s been weird.” I swallowed the pain in my throat.
    She pushed me back at arm’s length and her gaze rolled over me from head to toe.
    “You look terrible. Where’s all your style ... and your ... your makeup?”
    A rumble made me bring my gaze back to the road in time to see the bus pull up. I would have rathered stay here with my best friend, but there wasn’t time.
    “That’s me. I’ve got to go, but I need to talk to