Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"Really? But who could it be? Your parents have been gone for years, and their old friends have moved on completely.

"They've never even mentioned their names. Why would anyone go and pay respects?" Bree asked.

Bree's words struck a nerve.

The notion that 'people move on' hit hard. I hadn't noticed their absence in conversation before, but Bree's blunt reminder left me unsettled.

"Maybe someone made a mistake, Maddie?" Bree suggested again, surprisingly.

I glanced at the tombstone with its photo and name. How could anyone make such a mistake? Her words sounded like something you'd say to a child. "Maybe," I agreed with Bree to stop her from pressing on.

I was certain it wasn't from the Gildon family, nor could it be Mom and Dad's old friends.

There was something suspicious about this bouquet, and I needed to investigate.

"Maddie, don't overthink it. I'll ask Zack later if any of his old friends might have done this," Bree reassured me.

"Okay."

more to make sure we

a photo of the flowers in my hand and posted it on Instagram with the caption: "Whose

called after seeing my post. I was surprised she

on?"

to her, I murmured, "I'm really

like throwing yourself to the wolves?" Lisa's focus shifted away from

really an option, but going worries

at least you'll have someone to protect you, and it might help Chris and the entire Gildon family to move on," Lisa suggested. Then she asked, "Has Brandon contacted

"He turned me down."

I told Lisa what Brandon

chuckled. "He's got personality. Why not give it a shot with him for real? Maybe you'll develop feelings for him,

blankly out the window. "I'm just not in that headspace right now,

love. If he wanted a relationship with me,

someone I could easily dismiss. That was the impression I'd gotten from the moment I

me well enough not to push it further. She

it doesn't change Chris and the Gildons' minds, at least it'll prevent Chris from taking advantage of you." After a

and say yes to