As if physically struck, Alice flinched at his request. Years of friendship, of unwavering constant loyalty and support, and he thought her capable of causing either of them harm. She had worked tirelessly to help him with his grades, had even done so at the expense of her own studies. She had gone to every game to cheer them on like any good friend ought. Alice had done everything — everything! — in her power to prove herself a good friend to them, and Cameron doubted her.

It was the straw that broke the camel's back.

Alice turned sharply on her heel, no longer capable of managing this conversation in the presence of other students. Not when his only concern was Sloane's expulsion and not the fact that they were willing to tear their friend group apart over a secret of this caliber. Already, Sisse had made it clear she and Sloane wouldn't ever be the same. Already, the fissures had formed beneath their feet. Alice wouldn't — couldn't — do it. She just couldn't.

With quick but quiet footsteps (as to not disturb the other sleeping patients) she fled the hospital wing, moving aimlessly down the mostly empty corridor.