❝You have ice powers?❞ Adam asked shocked.
Taelyn turned around, laughing as she looked back at her hand. She looked at him, confused. ❝What? You've never seen a girl with ice powers before?❞
Leo is an ordinary teenager who has moved into a high...
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Mimi's anxiety was palpable as she looked around, dreading the moment she'd have to return home. Her parents had planned a romantic evening, and she wasn't keen on being the third wheel. She fidgeted, hoping for an excuse to stay out longer.
In the hallway, Steven and Candace were in the midst of a heated argument. Their voices echoed off the walls as Steven, clearly exasperated, threw his hands up. "This is ridiculous, Candace! I don't want to keep fighting about this."
Candace's face was flushed with anger. "Well, maybe if you'd actually listen instead of rolling your eyes, we wouldn't be having this argument!"
Steven sighed deeply. "I'm done with this. I'm going to the cafeteria. I need some space."
Candace's eyes widened in frustration. "Oh, so now you're just going to run away? Fine, whatever."
Steven stalked off toward the cafeteria, his mind racing. The idea of going home, where the tension between him and Candace still lingered, was unbearable. As he walked into the cafeteria, he spotted Taelyn and made a beeline toward her.
"Taelyn, please, you've got to help," Steven pleaded. "I can't go home tonight. Candace and I just had another fight, and it's driving me crazy. I know she's already made plans to come over and make things worse."
Taelyn's eyes lit up with determination. "I get it, Steven. Don't worry. I'll talk to Tasha and Donald. I'm sure I can convince them to let you and Mimi stay over. Just hang tight."
Grateful but anxious, Steven nodded. "Thanks, Taelyn. I really appreciate it."
Taelyn hurried away to find Tasha and Donald, but on her way to the bathroom, she ran into Candace. Candace was waiting for her, arms crossed and a stormy expression on her face.
"Seriously, Taelyn?" Candace said sharply. "Why are you sticking your nose into Steven's and my business? You think you can just solve everything by arranging a sleepover?"
Taelyn stood her ground, her voice steady. "I'm just trying to help. Steven and Mimi both need a break from their current situations. They're both under a lot of stress. I'm not trying to interfere; I just want to make things a little easier for them."
Candace's anger flared. "You don't get it. This is about more than just tonight. We need to talk and work things out ourselves."
"I understand that," Taelyn replied calmly. "But he needs a reprieve right now. You don't have to worry about this sleepover. Nothing bad will happen."
Candace's expression softened slightly. "Alright, but this isn't over. I need to make sure we can talk things through properly."
Taelyn nodded. "Of course. Just let Steven have it tonight. I'll do my best to get everything sorted."
With that, Taelyn continued on to the bathroom, determined to make her case. She knew it wouldn't be easy to convince Tasha and Donald, but seeing Steven and Mimi relieved would be worth the effort.
