Mag-log inI 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
I’m not sure. I need to think. And rest.“I’m tired,” I say abruptly, setting aside my tea cup and rising. Cliff and Augustine don’t stop me, although they watch me with sad expressions as I slump out of the room. Arthur is still on the phone, and gives me a curt nod and a sympathetic look when I br
Iris“Imposter! Hypocrite! Slaver!”I flinch as the shrill voice cuts through the silence, and whip my head around. For a moment, I can’t locate the source of the outburst in the sea of shocked faces. Then the crowd parts, and a woman pushes her way through, heading straight for the stage. Her face
IrisThe flash of cameras is as blinding as ever as Arthur and I step onto the red carpet leading into the Marsiel Gallery. Arthur keeps close to me, as always, gently guiding me up the path.“Iris! Over here!”“Miss Willford, this way please!”“Arthur, Iris, look this way!”The shouts of the photog
My throat tightens. “I’d like that.”She smiles, wiping away a tear that has escaped despite her best efforts. “Speaking of moments to come… any chance I might get to see you in a wedding gown soon?”I feel my cheeks flush. “Mom!”“What?” she asks innocently. “You and Arthur have been back together







