Chapter 4

The day I left, the house was even livelier than usual.

Raina had set up her phone in the living room first thing that morning. When I walked past, she immediately turned the screen face down. "No peeking! We've got another round of fun tonight."

Mom came out carrying a plate of fruit. "Don't go too far this time. You really upset Blakely yesterday." She said it, but she was already laughing herself.

Raina was full of confidence. "Relax! Blakely never stays mad for more than two days."

Dad sat on the couch reading the newspaper. "She's always been like that. When she was little, she'd threaten to run away, make it all the way to the entrance of the complex, get hungry, and come right back."

Zayne leaned against the dining table, drinking coffee. He laughed when he heard that. "She's still the same. Where could she possibly go?"

None of them bothered to lower their voices around me. They'd never imagined I might actually leave.

When Mom noticed my suitcase by the front door, she even asked, "Are you moving in with Zayne today?"

Raina let out an exaggerated gasp. "Wow, Blakely! You're really taking the initiative, huh?"

Zayne looked surprised, too, but soon the corners of his mouth lifted. "You should've told me. I thought you were actually that mad these past couple of days."

He came over to take my suitcase, but I moved it out of his reach. "I can handle it myself."

Zayne clicked his tongue. "Still sulking. Fine, Your Highness. Keep up the attitude if you want."

Mom tried to smooth things over. "Girls get moody before their engagement. Just humor her."

In all these years, it was the first time she had ever told someone else to humor me. Too bad it was too late.

Before leaving, I went into the kitchen for a glass of water.

On the refrigerator was a family portrait Raina had drawn when she was little.

Dad. Mom. Her.

Later, someone had added a stick figure in the corner. I'd drawn it myself the year I was brought back to live with them at five years old.

Mom had laughed when she saw it. "Blakely, why did you draw yourself so small?"

I didn't know. Maybe even then, I'd already realized there wasn't much room left for me on that piece of paper.

I finished my water and turned to leave.

Raina followed me to the door and called after me, "Blakely, you have to be back by six tonight! I've got something big planned."

Dad warned her, "Take it easy. Don't make her cry again."

"That's the fun part!"

Just before the door closed, I heard Zayne laugh. "Don't worry. She can't bear to stay away. She'll come back."

Standing outside, I suddenly laughed, too. He was right. I'd never been able to bear leaving before.

I couldn't bear to leave my parents or Raina behind. Most of all, I couldn't bear to leave the man who'd been by my side for seven years.

So every time they hurt me, I'd find an excuse for them.

Mom was just playing favorites. Dad was just stubborn. Raina was just having fun.

Zayne was just trying to get along with my family.

I'd made excuses for every single one of them. The only person I'd never allowed myself to feel sorry for was me.

A taxi pulled up downstairs, and I put my suitcase in the trunk.

The driver asked, "Airport or train station?"

My colleagues in Port Sterling had already messaged me to say my desk was ready. They wanted to grab a late-night bite together after I arrived.

On the way, Mom sent me a voice message. "Pick up two boxes of those savory pastries your dad likes on your way back."

Two minutes later, Raina sent another message. "Blakely, make it five boxes! Zayne wants some, too."

She attached a sticker of someone kneeling and begging.

I didn't reply.

Just before we reached the station, Zayne finally called. "Where'd you run off to?"

There was a lot of noise in the background. Raina was asking him where they should hide the camera.

I watched the streets slide past the car window. "Something came up."

Zayne chuckled. "Still putting on a show? Come on, sweetheart. That's enough. Get home early tonight. Raina's been planning this for ages. If you refuse to play along, you're going to ruin all her fun."

Even now, the only thing he was worried about was Raina having a good time.

I was silent for a few seconds.

"Zayne."

"Yeah?"

"Never mind."

I hung up and blocked his number.

The train began to move just as dusk settled over the city.

In the distance, the moon slowly rose from behind the buildings.

Messages were still pouring into the family group chat. Mom was asking who was going to buy the pastries. Dad was urging everyone to sit down and eat.

Raina had started a poll. "Guess what time Blakely will admit defeat and come home tonight?"

Zayne voted for seven.

Dad voted for seven-thirty.

Mom was the most cautious and voted for eight.

I watched for a while, then left the group chat. After that, I turned off my phone.