When I got home that night, I felt something I thought I’d moved on from already. The waves of emptiness, siphoning from within the walls and into the voids of my apartment.Alone. I was alone, once again.No Marcus. No Cristo. No Aubrey, either. Her and Jenna were on a European tour together. Alex? I preferred her sober for such occasions.I really had no one, did I?With a sigh, I fell face first into the couch and let my heels fall to the floor. Familiar. This was all so familiar. Holly barked lightly next to me, so I reached out to pet her soft fur. So familiar, but not in a good way.The phone rang, but I ignored it.Not now, I told myself, Too tired.It took a moment before it went to voicemail.“Hi, Lilith…” came her soft voice and I froze, “It’s me. I thought leaving you alone might…help? I don’t know. Please come home. Not to stay, I won’t ask that of you. But to talk. I believe we have to talk.”I rolled my eyes in annoyance, reminded of the peace I had when mom wasn’t inter

No more of the norm I’d gotten so used to in the few weeks I’d had it. Cristo’s presence, unexpected antics, his eyes so intense that I’d never realized how desperate they really were.“Greece, huh.” I pondered aloud as I sat in a loveseat, overlooking Gangnam’s still crowded street. The occasional cyclist would squeeze against streams of dark cotton and leather that were heading down towards the clubs. Koreans held their alcohol.I’d hear the occasional police siren in the distance. My lone lightbulb overhead flickered sadly as it drew slow and dying moths to it.“Greece?” Blair asked, confused.I snapped out of my reverie immediately, realizing I wasn’t in the hotel room.“Oh, sorry.” I blinked quickly and shook my head with an apologetic smile, “I was somewhere else in my head. Some holiday.”“I took a while, I believe…” she nodded, eyeing me with concern. She was perched on the edge of her desk, hands placed elegantly on the edge to hold herself as she leaned forward. A red stilet

I sat at my booth, smiling at people and taking quick interviews with them, pointing them to their respective tables with potential partners. They all seemed so excited. After an hour, when everyone was situated in their seats, the event began. While the people talked and switched partners at intervals, I was assigned three couples to counsel.“So, Josh and I are going to be married by next year, hopefully.” The brunette, Miranda, said cheerfully.I smiled at them, “Congratulations! How long have you been dating?”“It’s been a year,” Josh said, “but it was love at first sight.” He looked over at her with softness in his eyes, “I just knew I wanted her.”Lilith, do not gag, I warned myself.“So, I’ve got your profiles in front of me.” I said and brought out their files, “and I’ll be doing an on-the-spot analysis of your relationship. Bear in mind, I’m quite transparent with my opinions.”“We’re ready.” Miranda giggled and took Josh’s hand. I looked over their profile and worked out the

My head was a blur as I drove down to Renée Helvig’s office in a frenzy with my head spinning. I seemed to be losing my sanity with each passing day, in all honesty. But I needed to get there quickly. The phone rang as I accepted it. “Lyra, are you sure it’s his car.” “Yes, a red mustang.” She said, “I thought you’d know what he drove.” “Guess it was irrelevant to me,” I breathed, “I’m sure that was the same car pulling away from my mom’s place that night.” “He drives his mom around,” Lyra offered, “so maybe yours wasn’t lying. Maybe Marcus’s mom did visit her.” “I trust no one.” “Fair enough. Make sure your recorder is on.” I screeched to a halt in Helvig’s parking spot, inciting concerned and surprised stares from people nearby. But I didn’t care. Getting out of the car and slamming my door shut, I marched into the building. The receptionist saw me and got up, but I held up a hand. “Stay there.” She stared at me, lost, and I walked past her into the elevator. I knew Marcus

The ballroom was majestic, to say the least. It was as if I’d stepped into a Disney movie. The delicate chandeliers hung over my head as if frozen into the air, throwing off dazzling warm light onto everyone. Polished biblical frescoes adorned the ceiling, guiding my eyes to the large windows stained with color into geometric designs. Gold accents on the walls only added to the dazzling richness of the place. The curved walls of the room were lined with round tables of appetizers and alcohol, and I knew I needed some liquid courage if I was to make a good impression. The jitters just wouldn’t calm down.“Do you guys see Blair anywhere?” I whisper. Aubrey immediately scans the room while Jenna rolls her eyes and grabs my arm.“Lilith, relax.” She sighed, “We won’t let anything happen to you.”“Exactly.” Aubrey hissed in determination as her vision narrowed down all the way across the hall. I followed her gaze. Lo and behold, Cristo and Blair within the shadows of the pillars, talking.