LOGINI can hardly believe it. Before my friends can say anything else, I squeal and throw my arms around them both, jumping up and down. Liam and Brian and the twins are the one major thing I’ve missed dearly since leaving Bo’Arrocan, and to find that they’re finally considering living in Ordan full time
“On schedule, believe it or not,” I reply. “The Bo’Arrocan branch is finally running smoothly, and the Ordan location just graduated its first class of seniors. Six of them got full scholarships to prestigious art schools.”“That’s amazing, Iris.” Alice squeezes my arm. “You’ve created something tru
IrisFive Years Later…“Fifty years of marriage, and they still make each other laugh like that,” Arthur says, appearing at my side with two glasses of champagne. He hands me one and clinks his against it, and we watch as my parents twirl on the lawn, my mom throwing her head back at something my fa
“Gee. Thanks,” I manage to laugh weakly. “I’ll see you all next week.”“You most certainly will not,” Arthur, Hunter, and Alice all say in unison, making me roll my eyes.Outside, Arthur’s car is waiting, parked haphazardly half on the curb. He must have driven like a maniac to get here so quickly f
IrisEight months later…“And that’s why the colors on this side of the color wheel are considered ‘cool’ colors,” I explain to the class of children sitting in a semicircle around me. “They remind us of water, ice, and the sky.”I’m demonstrating on a large color wheel chart when a sharp pain rips
And through it all, Augustine’s breathing grows slower, shallower.Then, quietly and calmly, she goes.Her hand turns limp in mine. The steady beeping of the heart monitor flatlines. The doctor steps forward, checks for a pulse, then shakes her head.“Time of death, 10:47 AM,” she says quietly.I br
IrisI shut my laptop with more force than I should.No. I refuse to give those comments another second of my attention. So what if the public thinks Veronica would make a better Luna? Arthur doesn’t think that. I certainly don’t. And that’s what matters.Moving day arrives before I know it. Once al
“I think Arthur and I are doing just fine,” I manage to say, even managing a small smile. “But thanks for your concern.”Veronica laughs lightly. “I hope that didn’t come across the wrong way. I just worry about you, cousin, and I’ve been in the spotlight long enough to know how the public works.” S
IrisThe entire restaurant seems to hold its breath as Veronica plays. Even the waitstaff have paused, trays balanced on their palms, just to listen.It’s beautiful. Haunting and melodic, like a beautiful voice on the wind. I’ve always known Veronica’s music, have even attended some of her shows, bu
Arthur and I quietly dance through several songs, lost in our own little bubble despite the crowd around us. We don’t talk much, but we don’t need to. I’m just glad to be here, listening to my mate’s heartbeat in tandem with the music.Together. In public. No longer hiding.It’s still so… surreal.E







