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Chapter 46

Author: Jewels
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-29 21:44:42

Quincy and I are in the kitchen, the soft hum of the stovetop blending with the rhythmic clatter of utensils. The air is heavy with the rich aromas of dinner—the smoky scent of sizzling vegetables, the sweet warmth of baking brownies, and the faint tang of something spicy simmering on the stove. It feels strangely comforting, like stepping back into a part of my life I’d almost forgotten.

We’re catching up, sharing snippets of the years I’ve missed. Or rather, Quincy is doing most of the talking. She rattles on like a runaway train, her words tumbling over each other as though she’s afraid the silence might swallow her whole. I’m content to let her fill the space, listening as I carefully slice the brownies into neat squares, their edges still warm and slightly gooey under the blade.

Quincy’s voice rises, animated and bright, as she recounts the girls’ antics—how much they’ve grown, their mischief, their quirks. It’s a warm, nostalgic flow of chatter that makes the kitchen feel cozier
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    I bite down on the rising unease in my chest and quickly gather the brownies and muffins from the tray, carrying them to the dining table. The smell of chocolate feels oddly comforting, but it does little to ease the tension crackling in the air like an approaching storm.Quincy follows me, carrying her own plate of food, though her movements are shaky. Tears streak her face again as she sets the plate down with a clatter. Her sobs start to break free, and the sight of her crumbling is like a punch to the gut.I place a hand on her shoulder gently, trying to steady both her and myself. “Just calm down, Quincy. She has nothing on you.”Quincy shakes her head violently, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. “She does!” she cries, her voice breaking.I crouch slightly so I can meet her eyes, my voice firm yet soothing. “Quincy, you are not ugly. You’re gorgeous and charming. Your blonde hair doesn’t make you ugly—it makes you the beauty you are now. And your eyes? They aren’t hideous. Th

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