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I smile back, ecstatic he’s found the happiness he deserves

Trouble’s expression turns uncertain “Will you be staying?”

“I think so,” I say, still unsure how living here will affectto be here with my family

“I know it’ll be hard, but if you give it tie, JW, and I have changed a lot around here Made it a safe place to be proud to live in”

I have no doubt his words are true Despite its unorthodox nahly of the town she lived in She clairew up in I didn’t allow s when I drove into town or when Trouble brought me here to our childhood home, but the small parts that made it past my defenses were a lot different than I remembered as a child

I just hope my demons will allow me the freedom to be happy here

I look over and find Aziah’s eyes on me On the very rare occasion I would leave Deanna and Mick’s house, I would always be unco Aziah’s eyes onI think I actually like it

“Layla’s been asking about you,” Remi says “She’s worried about you and wanted to know if she could stop by sometime”

Guilt resurfaces Layla has been my only friend for the past couple of years, and I feel bad for leaving her in the dark

“I’ll call her Can I invite her over tos to her”

“Of course Whatever you’re comfortable with”

“Thank you”

“Mae ant to see you too”

My heart stutters “Mae’s here?”

Trouble’s lips tip up “She is She was at the bar yesterday when you showed up You about gave her a heart attack She’s been calling on the hour every hour since then I asked her to give you a couple of days, but she’s growing impatient”