“I always thought Cole took after you more, but now that you mention it, he’s actually more like the young Mr. Whitley.”

“Oh, absolutely. But at least he got his looks from me–thank goodness he didn’t end up awkward–looking.”

Jade’s confidence made Alessia laugh out loud. If nothing else, Cole’s

self–assuredness was definitely inherited from Jade.

Jade went on, sharing bits and pieces about her younger days, her fingers absentmindedly twirling a strand of Alessia’s hair.

“Are you… not going to yell at me?” Alessia finally blurted out the question she’d been holding in.

She’d wanted to get the Tates‘ attention, but the fear of disappointing Parrish and Jade was what kept her from coming home–or even going to school. She didn’t understand herself, either. She just felt lost.

It was as if there were two little voices inside her, always at war. One said, “If you just become a good kid again, they’ll love you.” The other spat back, “No matter how hard you try, your parents will never really care, so why not rebel against

them?”

a gorgeous color? Or for skipping school for a whole week? When I was your age, I

half his mustache.”

chuckle softly, a touch of nostalgia in

laughed, too, but soon

darkness, Jade’s sigh was the

as family. Blood doesn’t matter to me, and I never thought it

listening to Jade’s

and after a week of restless sleep, Alessia felt herself growing drowsy. Even Jade’s worried yet soothing words seemed to come from somewhere far

want your parents to care more about you. I get that. Every kid wants

1/2

12:35

Chapter 236

by their mom and dad. But you can’t ignore the people who already love you, can

at you. If you didn’t want to go to school, you could’ve told Ms. June. She would’ve taken you on a little getaway to clear your head–no big deal. But you shouldn’t have skipped class and cut us off so we couldn’t reach you. Do you have any idea how worried

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255