Page 129 of The Grand Rise

Locks on the doors would be really helpful on mornings like this.

I smile at the thought, reaching for my phone so that I can add it to my notes. But as I reach out my hand, it slaps back to my chest. I frown, lifting it.

The sun breaks the cliff’s edge as goose bumps pebble across my skin. I sit up, my eyes immovable from the ring on my left ring finger, the necklace still looped through its belly.

“I love you,” I whisper, testing the words as my stomach twists into knots. “I. Love. You.”

I slide it from my finger, letting it hang around my neck again. Then, with shaking hands, I reach for my phone.

I text Fran.

Scar: Can I see you when I’m home?

I pull up my Notes app and quickly addlocksto my ever-growing to-do list, then drop my phone to the sheets I’m tangled in and sigh, a tear sliding down my temple.

I’d give anything to be just a little bit normal.

After showering, I slide on my favourite pink bikini and pick out the dress I’ve been saving, not sparing myself a second glance in the mirror as I head toward the smell of food cooking in the kitchen.

I hear them before I see them. “It’s burning.”

“I’m almost done.”

“Dad…”

“I—” I hear a huff. “I don’t know which I did last.”

“Did you not keep the last strand in your pinkie? Remember that’s the key.”

Curious, I lean around the kitchen door, peeking into the room.

Ave is sat up on a stool, a YouTube video playing out in front of them which I can’t quite make out. Lance seems to step away from Ave’s back, hot-footing it to the sandwich toaster that’s smoking on the other side of the kitchen.

“Told you,” Ave deadpans. I can sense her smirk from here without even seeing her face. “Maybe we should try a ponytail today.”

“No. You asked for braids.”

“Turns out you’re terrible at them,” she sasses.

I smile as he sticks the spatula under the smoking sandwich and tosses it onto the counter. “It’s my first time.”

“Hmm. Ever made a cheese toastie before?”

“Waverley,” he warns.

Her shoulders shake as she watches him. “I’ll find a how to guide for dummies. They do a step-down version for beginners.”

Shaking my head, I step into the room. “You’re cruel, Ave.”

They both turn to look at me.

“Morning, Mummy,” Ave sings sweetly.

I tug on the messy, half-done braid that’s slowly unfurling as I pass her. “You can’t fool me, girly.” I make my way around the island, my eyes firmly, unashamedly on the man who can’t help but stare back at me. His eyes drop down my dress, and I know the second he notices.

“You told her?” he asks, looking around me at Ave.

I frown.

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