CHAPTER 21: PIPER

"Julianna!" I awoke to the sound of Mark's voice cutting through the stillness of the morning. Sunlight streamed in through my window, and the clock indicated that it was almost ten—not too early for a Saturday.

Groggily, I muttered, "What?" while rolling over and pulling the covers up to my chin. A late-night study session had left me feeling fatigued, even on a weekend morning.

Mark's persistence in his quest to enter my room was evident in his voice. "Can I come in?" I sighed before begrudgingly granting permission.

"Fine," I grumbled, my attempt to return to slumber thwarted. Weariness clung to me from the previous night's study session.

As Mark entered my room, the half-hearted glance I gave him conveyed my reluctance. "What's up?" I managed, my eyes barely open.

A chuckle escaped Mark as I moaned in response. "Not a fan of early mornings, huh?"

I shook my head, my voice still groggy with sleep. "Why are you here, and what do you want?"

Mark continued to chuckle. "Today, we