The Bound Between Us

Chapter 955

The Lounge

Pattie's heart did a little leap when Justin walked into the lounge. Honestly, it was the first time anyone her age had ever come by just to check on her. Growing up with Penny and her lot, school wasn't really an option, and getting knocked around was just another Tuesday. Friends? That was something other kids had.

Later, when Herman stepped in, she finally got to go to school. But by then, she was so used to being an outsider, and everyone knew her backstory. No one wanted to hang out with the girl whose home life was a mess.

Most of the kids at Maple Lane Preschool were from around the block. Their parents, not wanting trouble from Penny, warned their kids to stay away from Pattie.

When Herman and Anastasia took her in and sent her to a posh private school, things didn't get much better. Julie made sure everyone knew to keep their distance-spread some nasty rumors, called her a charity case. School was just

another battleground.

Then her voice got ruined, and Herman started hiring private tutors. Pattie barely even saw kids her own age after that.

So yeah, aside from her family, Pattie was pretty much on her own. She had that cool, icy look down pat, but deep inside, she would have given anything just for a real friend.

She was a little jealous of Layna, if she was honest. Layna could always summon a crowd-sure, sometimes just to stir up trouble, but still. At least Layna had people.

"Paradise, let me put some ice on your forehead," Justin said, snapping Pattie out of her thoughts. "I'll be gentle, promise. The swelling will go down in no time."

a

then she remembered how Juliana and Layna had laughed at her for it-said it was like she was putting on a show. That stung.

if Justin thought she was weird for not talking? What if

towel and reached out, but Pattie took it from him, pressing

Pattie couldn't talk, and Justin didn't know sign language—he just had to guess what

sat across from her, hesitated, then said, "Paradise, does it hurt? If it does, you can tell me.

like any other kid he knew—quiet, stubborn, and way too serious for

was calm and cool. She acted like she was older than

forehead really did hurt, but she didn't want to admit it. At the same time, she wanted to be honest with her friend. So she nodded

ache a little. He reached out and gently ruffled her

did that sometimes, but it was different coming from

warmly, he said, "Tomorrow I'll bring you another drawing.

like you'd just stepped into a patch of sunlight after a cold day. Pattie felt something warm up

Like the big brother

her best to

grew. "Paradise, you look great when you

he looked good smiling, too. She dug out a notepad and scribbled, "You look great when