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“About the saroatch hi with the one uts”

Her jaw drops

I smirk “We’re done here Oh, and you’re welcoood can coet clean and hopefully, get your shit straight I don’t feel competition, how could I? You’re a child in an adult’s body doing a piss poor job of , but I know it’s not on me I think you woke up one day and decided to hate me It used to bother me Now, I’m just numb” I push aave the paper at her, and stalk out with ood to be the one with the last word for once

A weight lifts off my shoulders I can’t worry about Calla, tiptoe around her feelings, take her abuse, and run a household with an angry teenager It was tio When doubt creeps in, I remember what’s at stake and wrap Shadoords around me like a shield I had at least one person behind me Maybe that was all I ever needed

This wasin my life I deserve to be happy Maybe if I tell in to believe it I welco, inhaling the fragrant air and rejoicing in ranted, others pray for I walk toto rock thisinto the sunset after winning a battle

“Did she sign them?”

“Hello to you, too, Bolty,” I reply, closing the door behind me

“Come on, Aunt Blue,” he all but whines

“Of course she signed them She wants what’s best for you, always,” I say softly

“I wish I were young and naïve enough to believe those lies,” Bolt counters His blue eyes are so like his father’s while filled with sorrow, and his eyebrows alular face takes on a sullen expression and his full lips turn down at the corners

His words gutoutgrown those days when a hug and kiss can make it better “She does, she just doesn’t kno to be an adult, baby”

“That’s no excuse” He sneers

I shake my head sadly “No, it isn’t”

“I always loved that about you”

“What?” I ask