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."

once more to make sure we celebrated Zack's birthday

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

post. I was surprised she

on?"

I murmured, "I'm really

you really going to Gildon estate? Isn't that like throwing yourself to the wolves?" Lisa's

isn't really an option, but going worries me too,"

and it might help Chris

"He turned me down."

I told Lisa what Brandon

"He's got personality. Why not give it a shot with him for

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

a relationship with me,

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

to push it further.

at least it'll prevent Chris from taking advantage of you." After a few seconds of thought, I said, "I still need to find

and say yes to Brandon.