Page 77 of Under an Endless Moon

Hi, Raven,

I loved that we finally got to meet, and oh my gosh, can you believe I dumped my whole cone on the ground? And bubblegum is my favorite. Wahhhh. Of course, Otto got me another one, but still, I was so embarrassed. But you were really nice. My other friends would have laughed and told me I deserved it. They pretend that they like me, but I don’t really think they do. Ugh, they’re dumb. I’m really glad I met you.

Haddie <3

Haddie,

Well at least youhave friends.

Raven

Raven,

Um, hello, you have me. You totally have a friend. And also my brother’s friends because my brother told me you’re a part of the family now. And all of them are so cool and always bring me stuff. You’re so lucky you get to live with them. My mom sucks sometimes, but she’s been cool lately, so that’s good. Okay, I have dance class. Gotta go!

Haddie <3

Haddie,

I’m sorry I didn’t write for a while. My brother thought I should have a better place to live, and I went to stay with my grandma for a little bit. She was supposed to keep it a secret, but she told my DAD. I hate him and I hate her now, too. But I got back here, and River promised I would never have to leave again. I hope we are still friends.

Raven :)

Raven,

Of course we’re still friends. What do you think BFF means? It means best friends forever. No matter what. And my brother was so mad River took you there. He wouldn’t tell me at first, but then I made him because he was being so grumpy when he came to visit. I’m really glad you’re back!

Haddie <3

Haddie,

So guess what? We are getting a new house. A real house!! I mean, not that I don’t like it here, but it’s kind of gross and we always have to sneak in, and my brother is always worried we’re going to get caught and I’m going to get taken away. And my brother got a motorcycle, almost like Otto’s and Theo’s, but his is black.

Raven :)

Raven,

I’ll see you Friday! Otto said I can come spend the night at your new house!

Haddie <3

TWENTY-THREE

OTTO

More than a weekhad passed since Raven had been staying here, and I was about to fuckin’ lose it.

The woman under my roof. Her laughter all around. That sweet, moonflower scent invading.

The woman was constantly underfoot, driving me halfway to unhinged. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to hurry to help her pack her things to get the hell out of there or beg her to stay forever.

The problem was, I fuckin’ liked it.

Liked walking in my door and finding her in the kitchen sipping from a glass of wine or stretched out on the couch watching TV or reading a book.

Liked her girly shit strewn all over my bathroom counter.

Liked her sleeping in my bed, even though I’d made sure to stay out of it considering what’d happened the last time I’d woken with her curled in my arms.

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