"You may be his world, but you're the only thing that ever felt like home to me."
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Some people never get second chances. Lilah never thought she'd get one with her brother's best friend.
She's quiet...
When I first started posting this story, I honestly never expected it to reach this point. Writing has always been a passion of mine, but hitting milestones like this makes me feel like I'm not just writing for myself anymore. I'm sharing it with all of you, and that means the world to me.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, vote, comment, or even just silently follow along. Every bit of support is noticed and appreciated more than I can put into words. You've kept me motivated on the days I doubted myself, and I'm so excited to keep bringing these characters and their story to life for you.
Here's to the next chapter—and the next milestone! ✨
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Kayce jingles his keys as we step into the cold November air and cross the lot, our breaths puffing in the late afternoon sun, sharp against the cold. "Shotgun," Jackson says flatly, sliding into the passenger seat before anyone else can react.
Natalie shoots me a grin and loops her arm through mine as we head to the back. "Guess that makes us the cool kids in the back seat," she whispers.
I try to smile, but my stomach is still knotted. Kelsey's words are stuck in my head on repeat.
"Guess I'll see you around, Lilah."
The familiar tug of dread fills my chest as I inhale. I already know what Kelsey had meant, as if she was speaking in code to me; Scarlett's going to know I'm back. I climb in beside Natalie, tugging my jacket tighter like I can fold myself small enough to vanish.
The drive starts quiet. Kayce fiddles with the radio until he finds one of Mom's favorite stations, country twang spilling through the speakers. The familiar tune from my childhood only adds to my unease as the memories threaten to cloud my mind. Jackson leans against the window, eyes on the blur of headlights and trees.
"So," Natalie says brightly, breaking the silence, "you guys still do the whole Christmas lights tradition right after Thanksgiving?"
Kayce chuckles under his breath. "Mom's already been hinting at it. Bet she's got the boxes stacked by the front door."
"Classic." Natalie nudges me, dragging me from my negative thoughts. "Remember the time we tried to help and ended up tangling the entire strand?"
The memory flickers, and I manage a small laugh. We'd ended up sprawled on the lawn in defeat while Dad grumbled about 'useless teenagers.' A simple, harmless memory. I wish I could stay in it.
When I glance up, I catch Jackson watching me through the rearview mirror. Just for a second. His eyes are sharp, questioning. My pulse stutters, warmth flooding my chest. But the moment I meet his gaze, he looks away, back to the window like it never happened.
