The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0196

dare

“Everyone knows you are capable, especially Prince Nicholas. But wanting and needing are different,”

Susie said. “You are allowed to want things, Piper, even if you don’t need them. You are allowed to want

to be taken care of once in a while. No one should have to stand alone all the time.”

“I do,” I said, though listening to her words, I wondered what it would be like to let myself depend on

others, even just a little bit.

I had friends here and at home. Anna, Susie, Nicholas, Julian, and Mark. They were each dependable, in

their own ways. If I needed them, they would likely answer my call.

But that was just the problem. I couldn’t need them. I could let myself be weak enough to even want

their help.

I had to be able to stand on my own, as I always had.

“There has to be some way that I can prove to Nicholas that I can defend myself,” I said. “I’d feel better

then, I think, even if he still wants to protect me after. I don’t want him to think that he has to.”

as she

Elva turned away from her stuffed animals to look at me. “Do you need

lovely, Elva. Thank you.” I held up my teacup for her. She lifted the

pouring motion.

hot,” Elva said.

I gently blew over the cup before

“Delicious,” I said.

Elva smiled.

was sneaking glances

they would lock eyes and smile at each other. Susie would

the two of

me an

“Mark,” I said.

way

ed Mark.

to address him. A bit

to call him out for looking at Susie? Never.

“Yes, Miss Piper?”

many self–defense techniques?” I asked.

“I do.”

you thinking Pino

thinking, Piper?” Susie asked.

her, but then I asked Mark, “Do you

Susie did too.