8: Gavin.

From the end of the road, I wait for Apollo to pick up Celeste for school. It’s early, but I wanted to wait until Ariana was alone to talk to her in person. I texted her over the weekend, and she never responded, not that I could blame her.

Once I see them turn in the opposite direction, I pull out of my spot and drive to Ariana’s house. After I park in her driveway, I go to the door and knock softly. I didn’t even bother dressing for work today. I’m in a T-shirt and gray sweatpants. As soon as I woke up, I was ready to see her.

There’s a sound inside, and I hear her come closer. “Did you forget something, sweetheart?” When she finally opens the door and looks at me, she starts to close the door in my face.

“Wait.” I put my hand on it to stop her. “Let me talk.”

“I don’t want to hear what you have to say.”

She steps out, and I see she must have woken up not long ago. Her blond hair is piled high on her head, and she’s in a pale blue tank top and sleep shorts. She’s not wearing any mak