All Roads Lead Back to You

"Mom, remember that guy you wanted to set me up with? I've decided to meet him."

The moment Noelle Anderson said it, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders.

Julia Badger's voice softened when she realized her daughter was finally giving up on Stephen Sedgwick.

"I'm glad you've come to your senses, Noelle. The Sedgwicks are way out of our league. Besides..."

Julia caught herself and quickly changed the subject.

"The guy I want you to meet might not be quite like Stephen, but he's handsome. I think you two would make a good match."

Noelle knew her mother was only trying to make her feel better. But after nine years of following Stephen around, she couldn't help feeling a little let down.

"Okay. One more month."

"What's happening in a month?"

Noelle scrambled to end the call before turning around. Stephen was standing in the doorway, looking amused.

"Your birthday. It's in a month," she said calmly.

Stephen scoffed. "I thought you meant you'd finally leave me alone in a month. What, pestering me didn't work, so now you're playing hard to get?"

"Mm," Noelle replied.

When they'd first met, Stephen had been happy to have Noelle around to play with. He'd even help her with her mother's chores after finishing his schoolwork each day.

But after what happened, his attitude toward her changed completely.

When he was in a good mood, he'd tease her and enjoy watching her light up, only to turn around and hurt her. When he wasn't, he wouldn't even spare her a glance.

Noelle had gotten used to it long ago.

When she didn't get flustered this time, Stephen lost interest. Before leaving, he turned back to warn her.

"Noelle, I'm going out with my friends tonight. We'll be out all night, so don't call me. And don't come looking for me."

Noelle lowered her gaze. The last time she'd insisted on tagging along to a party with Stephen, she'd seen him on the dance floor with his arms around Rachel Thayer.

The music had been deafening, leaving her dizzy as her heart ached so badly she could barely breathe.

Back in high school, Rachel had looked down on Noelle for being the housekeeper's daughter. She'd even gotten the other girls in their class to bully her.

Then Stephen transferred to their school and stood up for her, putting himself between Noelle and the girls who bullied her. He'd saved her from them.

And now, despite knowing what Rachel had put Noelle through, Stephen could still laugh and joke with Rachel as if nothing had happened.

That was the day Noelle finally realized she had to give up on Stephen. Everyone knew how she felt about him, but it was time to let go.

Stephen's expression darkened at her silence. "Did you hear me, Noelle? If you bother me tonight, you're moving out immediately."

He'd used that threat on her countless times. Whenever he threatened to kick her out, she'd tearfully give in, no matter how much she wanted to refuse.

Noelle flinched.

"Okay," she said automatically.

Noelle was being unusually obedient today. Stephen brushed it off when he remembered how she'd clung to his leg, crying and begging him not to leave.

After all, nothing scared her more than losing him.

His phone kept ringing with calls from his friends, urging him to hurry. Stephen thought nothing more of it and left, humming to himself.

The front door slammed shut, and the house fell silent again.

Noelle looked down at the stuffed rabbit in her hands. After a moment, she decided not to pack it.

Julia had forgotten to get her a present for her 18th birthday. By the time she remembered, someone had already bought the stuffed rabbit Noelle had wanted for ages.

Not wanting to make Julia feel bad, Noelle had hidden under the covers and cried.

When Stephen found out, he'd searched all over town for another one. It had already been discontinued, though, so he'd had one custom-made just for her.

"Noelle, I'll always be here for you. I won't let anyone hurt you," Stephen had promised, holding the rabbit.

When Rachel found out, she'd flown into a rage, snatched the rabbit from Noelle's hands, and torn it apart.

Noelle hadn't even cried when she'd been severely punished at school. But the sight of her ruined rabbit had made her burst into tears.

Sobbing, she'd pinned Rachel to the ground and started hitting her. When Stephen arrived, he'd pulled Noelle into his arms.

"Don't cry, Noelle. Your bunny will be good as new tomorrow."

Sure enough, the next day, the rabbit looked just like it had before.

Noelle had been so happy she'd jumped up and down. Stephen watched her smiling and couldn't resist pinching her chubby cheek.

His hand was covered in tiny punctures and bandages. His touch stung a little, but to Noelle, nothing had ever felt gentler.

All that tenderness came to an end the day Stephen's father died.