oria

that," I whispered, my voice trembling. But all I heard

way beneath me. Maya rushed over before I

are you crying like this?" Her voice was franti

roking my back. "You're scaring me, Vee

ng. How do you even say out loud that the man you love

tried everything...food, water, jokes. Nothing

elf. I get it, Rylan is... whatever he is. But you're you, Victoria. You're strong. Don't

inked at the screen. Mom. I hes

through the phone, like a soft blanket aroun

don't understand what I d

haven't eaten anything since morning. You need to take care

but it hurts, Mom

nt you to come home this weekend. Your dad and I

feel like going anywhere... is it

r life. Your future. Something we should've told yo

he tremble in her voice wasn

come. I'll

ed at me, with a cautious and smil

me home. She Says they have s

like... family meeting seriou

aya's expression sobered. "Well... then go. And whateve

ighter than I

...

of countryside, twisting trees, and flickering thoughts. I hadn't been hom

ivy crawling up the side like nature's delicate tattoo.

smile widening as she pulled me into a hug. "Littl

tearing up. "You still

night bag upstairs. Everything in my old room was unto

aded downstairs. My parents were waiting for

up with a grin. "My girl's finally

alked into his hug. "You've been hiding too long

it. "Wait...is tha

orite pasta. Your father grated the cheese h

..something warm. I sat down and took a bite. The taste explo

everything,"

e house was quiet, save for the ticking antiq

under me. "So... what is it? You bot

do," Mom said slowly. "But first, promise us you'll listen

slowly, "you'r

p tight. Dad sat forward, his el

ember when you were little," Mom began, "and you u

died in an accident before I was born." Another lon

d. "What?" "She's alive. And not just that. S

an...dangerous, criminal even. When she got pregnant, our family made a decision to protect

"So... I have a c

. "She's here. In this town."

nd there's more... Victoria, Rylan

h this?" "He's connected to her. To Rachel's daug

s insane. You're saying I've been lied to my whole life? That Rylan kn

ere's one more thing." I froze. I didn't think I cou

er by the fireplace, and pulled out

air. Familiar green eyes. "Her name is Sien

h opened, but no sound came out. I looked

ipped the photo tighter. My whol

d you neve

ying to protect you

photo slipped from my hand and fluttered to the floor. Outside, ligh