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25. Storm

September 2026,
Scars Bay, USA

Alyanna

"I have a surprise for you!" Jayden grinned.

"What is it?" I asked, excited.

"It's someone you've wanted to meet for the longest time..." He couldn't stop smiling as he stood up and walked somewhere, carrying his laptop, and by extension me, with him.

"Is it Usain Bolt?" I joked.

"Unfortunately, no, not this time." He chuckled and then set the laptop down somewhere and then backed up a bit.

It looked like he was now in the living room.

"Come 'ere buddy." Jay patted his thigh a couple of times and a moment later, Storm came into view.

"Oh my God, it's Stormy! He's back!" I pressed a hand against my heart. He was all grown up now and still had all of his cuteness.

Storm's head tilted to the side in confusion before he let out a low whine.

Jayden looked surprised before his features softened. "I think he remembers you, Alya," he told me softly and then looked back at Storm. "She's there." He pointed towards me.

Storm looked at me and then came rushing over. I could only see the top of his head and hear sniffs and low whines. He was trying to sniff me but obviously couldn't.

"I think so too, Jay." I smiled, feeling really emotional. "He was a puppy when I last saw him. How is that even possible?"

Jay came closer and settled down in front of the screen. He started rubbing Storm's back, calming him down. "You were his human, Alya. His favorite. Of course, he remembers you."

What wouldn't I give to be there with them right now...

I hated it. I hated the distance between us now more than ever.

And I was only a few miles away from him now. It wouldn't take me longer than a twenty-minute drive to go see him. But I couldn't do that. Not until we get Sergio Moretti to talk and solve this case.

"I didn't think he would. Five years is a long time. And look how grown up he is." He wasn't a cute, little puppy anymore. He was a fully grown dog.

I still remember the day Jay gifted him to me. We were back home during the summer and we had gone out clubbing on my birthday night.

***

20 July 2020,

Scars Bay, USA

"Thank you, everyone," I pressed my hands over my heart as I looked at all of my friends. Kate, Ajax, Isabelle, Cameron, Grayson, and Caleb. Well, I tried to look at them. But the inside of the limo was dark and I was drunk. "And of course, Jayden, my love, for the most amazing birthday party everrr." I pressed a kiss on his lips. "You're the best, babe. The best. I love you. SO MUCH!"

"Thank you, babe." Jay chuckled. "You're the best too."

"I knowww," I grinned and then turned to Kate. "And you're the best too! For helping Jay plan this. Kisses for you too!"

I leaned forward and pressed a kiss on her lips, grinning. "I looove you. You are the bestest, best friend anyone could ask for."

The guys, who were just as drunk as us, cheered when they saw that.

Kate giggled and then copied me, saying, "I knowww." That made me laugh again.

Oh crap! Jay!

With wide eyes, I turned to him. "Oopsies?"