Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Amy's parents had it all planned out. They even hired a top-notch tutor for her-so even though they kept her locked away in that tiny room, at least she still got to learn.

It was their way of covering all the bases. Too bad Amy couldn't care less about any of it. She wasn't close to her parents-in fact, she straight-up hated them.

“You know, you spilled water on my chair on purpose and never apologized. I just did the exact same thing back, and suddenly you're acting like you're the victim. Why? Am I not a victim too? Then you hit me—what, just because you think you can push me around since I've been stuck in that dark little room for years? Or is it just because you're taller?"

Amy's words hit home. The other girl's face turned red with embarrassment. She glared at Amy, clutching her ruined leather jacket like it was all she had left, but she couldn't come up with a comeback.

"I don't care. You ruined my jacket, so you have to pay for it," she snapped.

“Sure, I'm so scared of paying for your jacket," Amy deadpanned, standing up straighter. She looked so small, but there was something fierce about her, like a stubborn flower refusing to be blown over. "How about this: I get to pour water all over your chair, you have to sit there and take it while I call you every name in the book, and then I'll beat you up so you end up just like me. Sound fair?”

"You're crazy!"

Who would agree to

like it either?" Amy shot her a cold, mocking smile and went back to her

not to notice,

and everyone tried to move on—except Patricia. She wasn't done yet. While

jacket. I'll make

classroom. Amy's voice echoed off the walls, raw and full of

Amy's scalp turning red where the water had burned her, clumps of hair sliding off. The sight was enough to make

ever seen anything so awful. Panic spread. Amy had already collapsed on the floor,

check on her, but Amy didn't respond—she was totally unconscious. The fear that she might actually be dead sent

happens to Amy, you'll pay for it!" a boy yelled, scooping Amy up and rushing toward the nurse's office. Several girls ran

settled over

just got so mad... I didn't