Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 102

After hanging up the phone, I had zero desire to go back to the living room

I made a sneaky exit and started to wander around the neighborhood. The whole place was dolled up for the New Year and had a real festive vibe. A few kids were running around, having a ball.

Before I knew it. I found myself outside the complex, aimlessly meandering the streets like a vagabond

Out of the blue. I noticed Neil’s car parked at a nearby intersection.

Why was he here? Was he looking for me?

I felt a little jittery

Quickly, I realized I was overthinking. Bonnie was getting out of the passenger seat

Neil also got out of the car. They chatted by the roadside for a bit before hopping back in. The car started moving in my direction.

As soon as Neil saw me, he slammed on the brakes.

He sprang out of the car, circled around the front, and stood in front of me. His brow was furrowed slightly, and I wasn’t sure if it was because of Bonnie

of me

“Happy New Year.” I said, managing a calm smile

“Uh huh.” Neil grunted in response before asking. “When are you heading back to Sterling Estates?”

Behind him, Bonnie rolled down the car window, watching us nervously.

Didn’t Bonnie tell him that I was going abroad after the holidays?

ww

But then again, it made sense. Neil was all over the place when it came to me. If he knew I was leaving the country, he might do something rash. Bonnie wouldn’t want to bring that upon herself.

was probably waiting for me to make the first move. By the time I was miles away,

casually said, “We’ll see. Don’t sweat about

date on New Year’s

her watching him, he stuttered

idea” Bonnie interjected earnestly. “I snuck out while my parents were away, and they thought Mr. Whitmore had egged me on to leave home.

she was again, playing the peacemaker.

was trying to maintain her image as the innocent, kind–hearted girl in

“Alright, I got it. You better get going”

Bonnie waved at me.

to see and turned

was beat from wandering around, I headed back to Harold’s place. Simmons was just about to leave, and I was secretly pleased with

timing

dad said, “Rena, Stella wants you to come over. You should go with Simmons. Don’t forget to bring a

we visiting Kelley too?”

to go to Stella’s. We’ll be back tomorrow or the day after. Manage your own schedule for now” My dad said that as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

In the middle of a family holiday, he wanted me to live

was my best

and he waved at

want to go with you.” I refused to leave with Simmons.

picked my next husband, not caring about what I wanted. Didn’t they promise

mom said, “If you go too, it’ll be too crowded. Kelley doesn’t want to cook

in arm with my mom, then they just

since

for me? This must have

me. They quickly drove off, disappearing at the

I’m here that you don’t want to go to my house?” Simmons asked,

right to go to other people’s houses during the holidays. “I waved it

of our family How can it not be

out of options.

was parked outside the complex. We chatted as we walked out. Just as we were about to get in the car, a car honked from across

was shocked. Neil was back!

car and strode over