The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

I accepted admission to Stanford, moving with my family to Palo Alto.

When I heard Zephyr had managed to get into UC Davis after all, I simply nodded, unsurprised.

Despite everything ugly between us, we’d known each other most of our lives.

I was genuinely glad he’d found his way back to a better path.

For his sake and his parents‘. But Stanford and Davis- One in Silicon Valley, one in the Central Valley. Different worlds, different futures, different lives.

I spent the entire summer traveling, exploring national parks and cities I’d never seen.

It wasn’t until welcome week that I heard from old classmates: Zephyr had been frantically searching for me all summer.

I hadn’t shared my location with anyone from high school. I

‘d made sure my parents understood the full situation to prevent any accidental information leaks.

But somehow, he still managed to find me on campus during the first week of classes.

Zephyr looked rough–his usually perfect hair unwashed, dark circles under bloodshot eyes, clothes wrinkled like he’d slept in them.

A year ago, I would have found his disheveled appearance heart–wrenching.

Now I just noticed how ordinary he looked without his carefully maintained image.

way, but with confusion rather

here?” I asked, genuinely shocked.

at me, desperation in

without a word. You can’t just vanish like that,

44.4%

Chapter 19

busted my ass

uncomfortably, “Zephyr, I thought I

emotion: “Phoebe, you can’t

years

broke up with Katherine, cut off Derek and Mason and all those guys, quit drinking, haven’t touched a cigarette

mild annoyance

all things you should have done for

Katherine. I

anymore.”

visibly stung

I know you were always trying to help

you want me on my knees begging, I’ll do it right here in front of everyone. Just

take…”

through, don’t

makes sense without you. I can’t sleep, can’t focus–I need you back in my life.”

animals–the rabbit and dog–holding them out

But I’ve changed everything. I’ll spend forever making it

for them, just replied quietly: “Some things can’t be fixed with

if you’re sorry, I can’t forget what

my body like a convenience,

Pride of Velvet Nights