HEALING THE SCARS

CHAPTER 51

PENELOPE

For the first time in a long time, I feel at ease. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because everyone is sitting at the table, eating peacefully. Maybe it's because Dylan keeps making everyone laugh with his ridiculous jokes. Or maybe it's because, for once, I catch a glimpse of what genuine happiness might feel like. It's a fleeting thought, but I hold onto it.

The weekend passes quickly, with Dylan and Joey still in town. They've been staying at Dylan's hotel because I told them they couldn't sleep here. Every morning, they show up at the house and stay until after dinner before heading back. Surprisingly, Dylan doesn't complain about the arrangement. He kisses my forehead before they leave, a simple gesture that feels oddly grounding.

Mabel, on the other hand, is still fuming at Joey over how he handled the whole situation. When I ask her why she won't let him stay in her room, she grins and says she's punishing him by withholding sex. I can't help but laugh at how petty but effective. Joey, meanwhile, sulks around, clearly miserable about the whole thing. At least he's trying to make an effort.

Dylan tells me he plans to stay for another two weeks. His assistant is handling things back at the office, and he's not in any rush to return. It's nice having him here, even if it means I have to keep reminding myself not to lean on him too much.

Meanwhile, I've been avoiding Eric's calls and texts all weekend. I don't know why. He's a good guy, a genuinely nice person who doesn't deserve to be ghosted like this. The guilt eats at me, especially when he sends a long, heartfelt text about his feelings. I read it and then... ignore it. I can't bring myself to respond. The thought of what he must be thinking makes me feel even worse.

Andrew has been unusually quiet. On Saturday, he went into town with Dylan and came back with a giant bar of chocolate, which I later found out he gave to Ava. He hasn't shouted at her again since the incident on Friday night, but he hasn't apologized to me for the way he disrespected me, either. He's been avoiding me, which, honestly, is fine. I'm not ready to have that conversation yet.

Ava spends most of her time reading or hanging out with Mabel in her room. The two of them have grown close over the past few days. Mabel even tells me that Ava opened up to her about everything that happened at the shelter. I'm happy she has someone to talk to, though I can't help feeling a little jealous. I wish she'd opened up to me instead.

By Monday morning, I'm back at the café, going through paperwork. My phone rings, and I glance at the screen. It's Townsend Harris High School. Taking a deep breath, I answer the call, hoping for good news. But after what feels like an eternity of polite small talk, the answer is a firm no. They won't admit the kids. They claim they're full, but I know it's a lie. They just don't want to admit kids like mine, kids who don't fit into their polished, upper-class mold.

Frustrated, I hang up and bury my face in my hands. Now I have to start the school search all over again. I had my hopes pinned on Townsend Harris. It was supposed to be the fresh start Jason and Andrew needed. Instead, I have to tell them they'll be staying home for a while longer.

The only silver lining to my day is that I haven't noticed the stalker's car lurking around. That's something, at least.

When I get home, dinner is already prepared, and Maria has left for the evening. Dylan and Joey aren't here yet, and Mabel and Ava are still out shopping for clothes and whatever else Ava wants. Jason ignores me as I say hello, his focus glued to his PlayStation. Typical.

Upstairs, I hear Andrew shouting in his room. For a moment, I debate whether I should check on him. He doesn't make it easy to care, but I decide to act like the adult I'm supposed to be. I knock on his door.