Temperance I sit in the living room with pillows and blankets littering the floor below me. We are all cuddled up on the couch, shoulder to shoulder. A movie plays on the flat screen tv in front of us. We all have pajamas on, including Connor who doesn't live here. I have no idea where he acquired them from. Emaline and I cuddle with our backs against the couch behind us. "Go get Ella to turn down the temperature," Emaline demands Zander. He nods and stands up, patting her leg. I don't miss the blush that forms on Emaline's face. "Do you guys do this often?" I ask them, grabbing a handful of kettle popcorn and piling it into my mouth. "No. This is the first time." Alec replies. I expected that—kind of. I lay my head back and smile. I've never had a fun day like this. Not ever since my mom died. God, I miss her. So much. "It always feels like something bad is happening. One thing after another." Ethan blurts. "Well, for Temperance at least," Connor adds, his voice low. It see

Temperance I lay on my back, staring at the ceiling. I woke up hours ago but haven't had the strength to move. Alec explained to me that when the police find me I'm going to have to go back. Of course, I won't have to go back to my own home, I would be leaving for my Aunt and Uncles. That is exactly the thing that causes me to be nervous. I haven't seen their family in years. The only place I know is my own home and then Alec's home. Going to this new place fills me with uncertainty. But alas, there's only a matter of time before they house me somewhere else. I have all of my friends here. Alec's people are my friends, and I would be leaving them. Not only them but Nicole and Ryan as well. I've been distant from them since I met Alec but that doesn't mean that I want to completely leave their side. There's this feeling inside of me that causes me to be sick with anxiety. I can't help but feel like something bad is going to happen. Something bad always happens. This time, It's cau

Temperance After we leave her grave we end up at the warehouse per my request. I walk past everyone who had just come from the funeral. Instead of mourning at home, they hide the pain by continuing their work. I stand in front of Rea and Justin who guard the heavy metal door. I know Tj is behind this door, and you bet your ass I'll get in. "Let me in," I grit my teeth. They glance at each other, then back at me. "We can't let you do that." Rea looks at me sadly. They know who I'm going for. They know my reason. And they continue to stand in my way. I turn around and eye Alec and Zander. They speak up. "You can let her in. There's no stopping her today.." Alec replies, watching my every move. They open the door, revealing a set of stairs leading down into a dimly lit hall. I go down the stairs. "I'll take watch. Rea, you can go down there instead." Zanders's voice almost cracks in that sentence. He's too heartbroken to look at the man who murdered the woman he loved in cold

Alec I sit alone in my office, thoughts spinning through my head about the girl we can't find. Did she run away? If she did, then why? Would she be coming back? Did she get kidnapped? Does she need help? All these thoughts spin around in my head, forcing a headache to take over my fatigued body. I know she is strong. She can handle herself. But for how long? I know she could somewhat handle herself when she lived with her father. Well, not handle it. Definitely not handle it. I mean, she almost died over a million times. Almost like she's in a very overdramatic book. But at least she survived. I know she can take care of herself. She is stronger than she looks. I mean, she punched me a few days ago for accidentally touching her boob. Now I have a bruise. And I didn't even get a good feel. Great, just great. However, the thing about her is that she's stronger emotionally and stronger in smartness and strategy. She's strong when it comes to punching me, but what about again

Temperance Two weeks have passed since Emaline's funeral. A few days ago I finally opened the bedroom door to Alec. We now share his bed since he continues to let me reside here. I haven't destroyed any more furniture since the last time they replaced it. Whenever I get overwhelmed and have to self-harm I do it in the shower. I continue to avoid speaking but sometimes I have to. I'm not completely silent like I was, I just don't have anything to say anymore. Zander is finally out of his room. My worry for him has been constant. He helplessly tries to find distractions from her death. Rea is technically bound by my side, ordered by Alec. He can't be with me every second of the day, which I understand, so he sends Rea to tend to me. She is always stationed close by, I can't help but feel guarded. I have no problem with her being around. She has never shown ill intentions towards me. If I ever need anything she doesn't hesitate to help me. I consider her a friend. A friend but not