ia were often out, sometimes not returning until late at night. I

ek before my flight. I saw it as a final

a glass of champagne in his hand, looking every bit the powerful

e of my classma

Hayes and Amelia Vanc

her guardian. Won't he

e's an adult now. He won't be c

world no longer had a place for me, and my world wou

han appeared in front of me. Before he could speak, A

r you," she cooed, resting

a gesture of affection he had never shown me. Then, he scooped her up

thing in your eye," my friend Chl

forcing a smile. "I

ed, looking at their retreating figures. "Ev

id, my voice surprisingly steady. "We

he cool night air. Ethan's car was parked

grim. "It's late, Ava. You sho

harsh," Amelia sai

y opened an umbrella, holding it over A

held an umbrella for me, his arm

od alone i

. I started walking, m

little rose, too frag

, always facing the light, even if it meant