a P

sleeping so long. It makes sense because Jake didn't depart until around one in the morning. For the past two months, Jake and I have been casually dati

y , I left you a plate of f

eat breakfast, st, and

s, "Oh, that boy

and saying, "You better come

es he's entered through the same door over the last ten years. He walks beneath t

e. You know how she is." Jake replies to my mo

her hard expression softens. "A

"Well, she just woke

ace me while feigning a shock. I approach him, strike him in the

rs. Rivers." "Jerk, you know why I was sleep

ing me. Over the last several months, we hav

's get you to t

e salon, hah

we drive to the hairdresser, where he drops me

ce. My appointment goes well, and I even finish about ten minutes early. I'm excited to text Jake to let him know I've

s I enter the front door

simply look gorgeous?" We'll work out those curls before the party," my mother croon

il I need to start, about 4. "Whew," I thought to myself, "I might get some time to relax today." I head upstairs and run a hot bath. I plop in a bath bomb to make it extra luxurious. Then I prop up my tablet and put on a movie. I need something

t, "Co

t leaps into the bed besid

in your hair! It looks so c

ng your mate? You guys are so cute already. I always knew you

than us. "Carol's mom wants to talk to you downstairs. Carol heads out, and Mary sits

conjure up a clever lie before giv

vour these few minutes of leisure befor

N, it's a good change." I hesitate,

ith Jake? What if we are not mates? Ev

t the Moon Goddess desires and it w

ng the Moon Godde

ing the movie together, my mom knocks on my door to remind me that it's time to start getting dressed. We go downstairs to the spare room, where Carol and my Aunt Becky are waiting. Mary and Carol begin doing my makeup while

k our work here is finis

nt Becky winks, Carol laughs, and Mary gives me a

u do look gorgeous." while shedding a tear. My mother starts telling me a story I've heard a thousand times, "I remember my fated ceremony," but then there's a knock on the door

, "Thanks, kiddo. Now, do

man you have become. We wanted to give you your birthday present early." He opens it, and the exquisite jewellery inside is shown. It's a dainty chain w

remark as my mom raises my hair so

, "You guys are th

"We love yo

ou." My dad teases. "We'll send him in,"

ur until the party starts!" I hear a little k