Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I chuckled. "Brandon, I've made myself clear. Since we have different goals, let's call it off, then."

"But don't you need a boyfriend?" Brandon pressed.

"Yes, I do, but I can't handle a military guy like you. I'll figure something else out."

My response seemed to darken his gaze even more.

I half-expected him to protest or compromise, but he surprised me by saying nothing at all. I had overestimated myself.

"Well, then, I'm sorry for overstepping," I said.

Turning away, I hurried into my car as though eager to escape the scene.

It wasn't until I was sure Brandon couldn't see me that I finally stopped the car. After taking a deep breath, I regretted the reckless impulsiveness of last night's drinks.

I should have asked Derick to pretend to be my boyfriend instead of getting involved with Brandon.

But it was too late for regrets now.

shop, bought a bouquet,

birthdays and the anniversaries of their passing, I rarely visited this

and my parents. So, I wanted to

Its wilted petals

been over a decade since my parents' passing, and besides

respects? If they

going on with Chris now, perhaps Bree had simply forgotten to

set aside the withered flowers

my heart ached, yet I managed to smile. "Mom, Dad, have

sorry I couldn't

I

...

I poured out my heart for over an

realized how much time had passed when

throw them away. I noticed they weren't lilies.

Gildon family, whenever Zack, Bree, Chris, and I came to mourn my