Page 100 of A Pretty Fixation

“Honey, this is Caleb and Jordyn.”

“It’s good to meet you both.” She shakes ourhands, a warm smile on her face. Her wavy brown hair and cinnamon-colored eyesremind me of Dove’s statement back then. That at least they shared something,so she could pretend it was her birth Mom.

“You as well. I know it’s a difficult time for youboth,” I remark.

She wrings her hands before her. “We’re happy tohave her friends visit, especially since you knew her at Mrs. Anders’ place.”

“Something to drink?” Mr. Michaelson offers.

“No, thank you.” I look at Jordyn.

Her hair sways with the shake of her head. “I’mall set. Thank you.”

Mrs. Michaelson motions to the sofa. “Please. Havea seat.”

They settle in the armchairs.

I’m about to sit when I glimpse family photos onthe wall and pause. Nervously, I walk over to look at them.

My heart flutters when I make out the girl I onceknew. Dove. She’s beautiful, wearing a bright, toothy smile in every picture.Her long hair cut to her shoulders, she appears more athletic, and as Iobserve, I see why. She played volleyball and lacrosse.

I trace my fingers over one of her pictures.

Feeling a surge of regret, I move away and sitbeside Jordyn. The emotions calm at the feel of her hand on my back.

I look at her and manage a half-smile.

Mrs. Michaelson clears her throat before speaking.“Dove said you were the nicest to her. You helped her feel comfortable.”

“I did my best. Um, did she try to contact me?”

They shake their heads.

“She wanted a fresh start,” Mr. Michaelsonexplains. “She said she was letting go of the past.”

That fucking hurts.

“So she had no desire to reach out?” I confirm.

Mrs. Michaelson frowns. “She said it was betterthat way for you both.”

I drop my head, feeling like an idiot for keepingmy promise and spending so much time searching for someone who had no interestin reconnecting. Now she’s gone forever.

“She said she knew you’d be fine,” Mr. Michaelsonadds as if hearing my thoughts.

Mrs. Michaelson nods. “Yes. But you, Jordyn. Sheoften wondered about you. She called you the girl who never smiled.”

I glance at Jordyn. There’s blatant disbelief inher eyes. “That’s surprising. She barely spoke to me.”

“Dove felt sorry towards you,” Mrs. Michaelsonsays. “She never told us why.”

“How did she die?” I ask, and they both take ashaky breath.

“She had a rare autoimmune disease.” Mrs.Michaelson chokes up a bit, and her husband holds her hand. “She went in hersleep. Doctors said she didn’t feel any pain. That it was peaceful.”

Jordyn squeezes my hand as a tear trickles down mycheek.

“Um, would it be all right to see her room?” Iask.

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