Emma's POVAugustine's gentle prodding broke down my defenses. I took a deep breath and let it all spill out."It's just... everything has fallen apart, Augustine. One stupid incident, and my whole life has turned upside down."Augustine's expression turned sympathetic. "What incident, Emma? What happened?"I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about Augustine's kind eyes put me at ease."It's just... Rosaline's Father-Daughter Day, and she didn't want me there. And Lucien... he won't even talk to me. And Gabe... he's always taking their side."Augustine listened attentively, his nodding encouraging me to continue."I feel like I've lost my family, Augustine. Like I'm a stranger in my own home."Augustine's face reflected his understanding. "It sounds like a perfect storm of hurt and misunderstanding."I sniffled, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I wasn't alone in this.Augustine's expression turned somber, his eyes clouding over. "Emma, I understand what
Gabe's POVI spun Rosaline around, laughing as she giggled and twirled in my arms. Father-Daughter Day was turning out to be everything I'd hoped for – quality time with my little girl, making memories that would last a lifetime.But as I gazed into Rosaline's sparkling eyes, I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was off. Her attitude towards Emma earlier had left a sour taste in my mouth.I recalled the way Rosaline had dismissed Emma, her words dripping with disdain. "It's Father-Daughter Day, Mom. It'll be more fun just with Dad and me."At the time, I'd brushed it off as teenage angst, but now, as I watched Rosaline's carefree dance moves, I wondered if there was more to it. Was she feeling resentful towards Emma? Had I unintentionally contributed to this rift?My mind wandered to Emma, standing alone in the hallway, a mixture of sadness and understanding on her face. I'd wanted to reassure her, to tell her that Rosaline's behavior wasn't a reflection of her wort
Gabe's POVAs the laughter died down, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. This was everything I'd always wanted - my kids happy, carefree, and connected to me.But as I looked around the room, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing. Emma.It was strange without her. I'd always wanted to connect with my kids, to be the father they deserved. And now, here I was, experiencing that connection, but it felt incomplete without Emma by my side.I remembered the countless times we'd shared moments like these, the laughter, the joy, the sense of family. Emma had always been the glue that held us together, and without her, everything felt slightly off-kilter.I pushed the thoughts aside, not wanting to ruin the moment. But as I looked at my kids, I knew I couldn't ignore the elephant in the room. Emma's absence was felt deeply, and I knew I needed to find a way to address it.For now, though, I just smiled, trying to savor the moment, imperfect as i
April's POVI was running, crazy, mad, insane. I needed it. I really needed it. My feet pounded the pavement, my lungs burning as I sprinted through the deserted streets.Tears streamed down my face, my eyes red and puffy from crying. My hair was disheveled, tangled from pulling it out in frustration.My body ached from rolling on the floor, from banging my fists against the wall. I couldn't contain the emotions anymore.Why did they do this to me? Why did I keep secrets from them?I thought of Emma, of Camilla, Lucien, and Rosaline. They were I was hiding something. They knew it.My mind raced with questions, with fears, with doubts. What was going on? Why couldn't I trust myself?I stopped running, collapsing onto a bench, exhausted. My chest heaved as I struggled to catch my breath.I looked up at the sky, tears streaming down my face. "Why?" I screamed, my voice echoing through the empty streets.But there was no answer. Only silence.And the ache within me grew, a hollow feeling
Camilla's POV I stood at my locker, exchanging pleasantries with Rosaline and Lucien. But my mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of April.Her behavior earlier had left me unsettled. The lies, the evasions...something was wrong, and I couldn't shake the feeling.Rosaline nodded along, her eyes glazing over as she responded to my questions. Her mind was clearly elsewhere, lost in thoughts I couldn't begin to decipher.Lucien's gaze drifted over my shoulder, his eyes fixed on someone behind me. I followed his gaze, but saw nothing out of the ordinary."Hey, how's it going?" Lucien asked, his voice distracted."Yeah, good," I replied, going through the motions.Rosaline murmured something incoherent, her thoughts still a million miles away.I couldn't help but wonder what was going on with my friends. April's secrets, Rosaline's distant thoughts, Lucien's mysterious gaze...it all added up to a sense of unease I couldn't shake.As we parted ways to head to our next class, I couldn't
Camilla's POVI walked alongside Rosaline and Lucien in the hallway, lost in thought. We were on our way to meet with our teacher to discuss our group project.As we turned a corner, a commotion caught our attention. Krisdana Elrod, the school's notorious mean girl, was standing in the hallway, her eyes blazing with contempt.But it was the sight of the student kneeling at her feet, begging for mercy, that made my blood boil."Please, Krisdana, I'll do anything," the girl whimpered, her eyes brimming with tears.Krisdana sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "You'll do anything? Really? Well, let's start with your lunch money. Hand it over."The girl hesitated, then slowly reached into her pocket and pulled out her wallet. Krisdana snatched it from her hand, flipping through the contents with a sneer."Pathetic," Krisdana spat. "You're practically broke. What else can you offer me?"The girl trembled, her eyes darting around the hallway for help. But no one intervened. Krisdana's r
Emma Point of ViewI nod my head along to song playing, feeling a bit wistful and nostlagic. It is barely six in the morning and I am awake, unable to sleep any longer, they often say old habits die hard and I guess it's true. The song shuffles to Eastside and I smile, getting up from my large bed, slowly moving my body to the beautiful rythme.I walk to the bathroom carefully, and stare at myself in the mirror, my blue eyes staring back at me, with my red hair falling all over my face.I used to be young, I used to be the most beautiful girl in the room, but now I am a shadow of who I used to be, and the odd thing is I am fine with it, I like who I am now.Change is inevitable, mine came with a bit of struggle, but I am fine now."Mommy?"Fuck, guess I wasn't as quiet as I thought.I turn to face my daughter -- Camilla, who is seven, her green eyes and brown hair staring at me."Hey baby." I say, throwing my hands around her, pulling her close to me."Did I wake you up?' I ask, kiss
Emma Point of ViewOh God, Oh God, I can't breathe, my kids, where are my kids?"Emma?" I turn and see Dave staring at me, everyone was staring at me."Did you see them? Did you see my kids?" I say, in utmost manic."The girls and Lucien?" He says, and I nod, crying, letting the fact sink in, that my children has been kidnapped."I have to go." I say, and push through the crowd that has formed, how come no one saw my children, how come they were taken in broad day light and no one noticed."Emma!" I hear, but I don't turn back, I get in my car and drive away.God, please, let my kids be safe.______"We have gotten their description, we will let you know when we have any information." The Policeman says to me, and my eyes widen."What? Just like that?" I snap."What did you expect?""I don't know, I got a fucking note, the kidnapper threatened to kill Rosaline and traumatize her siblings, I would expect more than this, a search party, maybe?" I yell."You could check the note for fuc