Chapter Twenty Two

Saturday;

I had spent most of the day working on the assignment Prof. Montgomery gave us, determined to get as much done as possible before next week. My focus had been unwavering, wanting to avoid that looming deadline hanging over my head.

Lea was supposed to pick me up soon. She'd insisted I dress comfortably, which was a relief—I knew that meant she wasn't going to drag me to a club. I trusted her, but the reassurance was nice. Comfortable clothes were more my style anyway.

This morning, when I mentioned to my Aunt that Lea would be coming over, it had set off a whirlwind of activity. My Aunt immediately started cleaning the house, even though it was already spotless. I'd offered to help, but she had quickly shooed me away, telling me to focus on my assignment. I think she just wanted everything to be perfect—an extra assurance that the place looked as welcoming as possible.

She had even driven over to the supermarket to pick up snacks and drinks for Lea and me, despite my insistence that it wasn't necessary since we were heading out. She'd brushed me off with a wave of her hand and bought them anyway. I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

Now, the living room gleamed, a small assortment of snacks and drinks neatly placed in the pantry. She had been overjoyed to hear about Lea—her eyes had practically lit up when I'd first told her about my new friend. I knew it was because she was relieved; relieved that I finally had someone who could coax me out of my shell a bit.

As I sat at my desk, the hum of my laptop still in front of me, I could hear my Aunt bustling around in the living room, adjusting things that were already in place. She was practically vibrating with excitement. I couldn't blame her—I had been on my own for quite a while, and I think, for her, Lea represented hope. A sign that maybe I was finally finding my place.

About an hour ago, I had taken a shower to freshen up, letting the warmth wash away the stiffness from sitting at my desk all day. I chose to wear something simple—faded jeans paired with a plain shirt—and pulled my hair into a casual ponytail. Comfort was key, especially if Lea's plan was anything like her usual adventures.

As I was focused on my assignment, my phone vibrated on the desk, breaking my concentration. I glanced at the screen—Lea had sent me a text saying she'd be here in about ten minutes. Well, that was my cue to wrap things up. I leaned back in my chair, stretching my arms above my head until I felt the satisfying crack of my back. Enough work for today.

Saving my progress, I powered down my laptop and began tidying up my desk, stacking the books neatly, and putting the papers into a pile. I liked leaving my workspace organised.

I made my way to the kitchen, where my Aunt was busy slicing up vegetables for a snack. The sound of her knife rhythmically hitting the cutting board filled the room. She glanced up as I entered, her face lighting up with a bright smile.

"Done for the day?" she asked, her eyes twinkling as she popped a slice of cucumber into her mouth.

"Yeah, I'm finished," I nodded. "Lea's almost here." I could feel a small flutter of excitement in my chest, anticipating the evening ahead.

As if on cue, the distinct growl of a motorcycle engine roared up the street, the sound echoing through the neighborhood. I turned towards the window, peering out. "Pretty sure that's her," I said, my voice laced with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

My Aunt quickly wiped her hands on a dishcloth, her enthusiasm barely contained. "Oh, wonderful!" she said, smoothing down her blouse as if preparing to meet royalty. It was endearing, really—how much effort she was putting into this, and how much she cared.

I made my way to the front door, the sound of the motorcycle growing louder until it settled with a deep rumble as Lea pulled into the driveway. I opened the door just as she cut off the engine, and she looked up, catching sight of me with a grin as she slipped off her helmet.

"Well, now, how did you know I was here?" she teased, her hair falling messily around her face.

"I could hear you from miles away," I replied with a knowing smile, my tone playfully exaggerated. Lea just laughed, shaking her head as she swung her leg off the bike and strode up to the door.

I stepped aside, letting her in, and we made our way to the kitchen, where Aunt Grace was busy cleaning up after herself. The kitchen was filled with the faint scent of freshly cut vegetables and the warmth of the afternoon sun streaming through the window.

"Aunt Grace, this is Lea," I said, gesturing towards my friend. "Lea, this is my Aunt."

Lea's eyes lit up, and without hesitation, she walked over and enveloped Aunt Grace in a big, enthusiastic hug. My aunt looked pleasantly surprised, but she returned the hug with warmth. Lea pulled back slightly and shot me a mischievous look.

"Dude, she's absolutely beautiful! Why didn't you tell me?" Lea said, her eyes wide with exaggerated drama. "If I'd known, I would've dressed way cooler, 'cause it's getting way too hot in here!"

Aunt Grace chuckled, clearly amused by Lea's lively nature. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Lea," she said, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Likewise, Mrs.—" Lea began, but Aunt Grace waved her off with a gentle laugh.

"Oh, I'm not married. Please, just call me Grace."

Lea grinned and leaned against the counter, "Got it, Grace," she said, giving a playful salute. The two exchanged smiles, and it was clear Aunt Grace already found Lea's charm endearing.

"Wait!" Lea suddenly exclaimed, her eyes going wide as she just processed what Aunt Grace had said. She turned her gaze down to Aunt Grace's hands, scanning her fingers for any sign of a ring. Finding none, she shook her head in disbelief.

"Grace," she began, her voice filled with mock-seriousness, "if I didn't already have a girlfriend, I would've dropped down on one knee right here and now."

My Aunt laughed, leaning in conspiratorially. "If I didn't have to take care of Val," she said, throwing a teasing wink in my direction, "I might have said yes."

"Oookay," I intervened, letting out an awkward chuckle as warmth rose to my cheeks. "Let's go," I added, gesturing towards the door and giving Lea a pointed look.

But Aunt Grace wasn't finished. She gestured towards the pantry, "Don't you two want to eat some snacks first?" she asked, her smile kind as she glanced at Lea.

I shook my head, trying to regain some semblance of control. "Nah, Lea wants to go out," I said, already inching towards the door.

But Lea wiggled a finger at me in protest, her face breaking into a wide grin. "Uh-uh, no way! Snacks first," she declared, as if it were the most important rule in the world. "Snacks are always first."

My aunt nodded, clearly enjoying the interaction. "She's got a point, Val," Aunt Grace said, her smile growing as she turned to open the pantry.

I sighed in mock defeat, raising my hands. "Fine, snacks first," I relented, stepping back into the kitchen. Lea shot me a triumphant look as she reached for a bag of chips, and I couldn't help but smile. It was impossible not to be infected by her good mood.

Aunt Grace handed us some treats, her eyes twinkling as she looked between the two of us. "Have fun, girls," she said, giving me a quick hug before walking out of the kitchen.

"Thanks, Grace!" Lea called back, waving the bag of chips.

We had originally planned to pick just one or two things, but somehow, we ended up with an armful of snacks each. Lea couldn't make up her mind, her eyes flitting indecisively from one shelf to the next, so I took it upon myself to grab a variety of treats and stuffed them into her already-full arms.

"Come on, we're too skinny for all of these," I teased, and Lea just laughed, nearly dropping a bag of chips in the process.

Once in the living room, we settled on the couch, piling our stash of snacks around us. Lea wasted no time, she tore into a packet of gummy bears with enthusiasm. I followed suit, opening a bag of Doritos and taking a generous handful.

"So," I said, crunching on a chip and glancing at her, "are you finally going to tell me where we're going?" My words were casual, but curiosity burned in my eyes. Lea was always up to something, and I had a feeling this wasn't just a simple outing.

Lea looked at me, her lips curling into a smile. "We're going to the park," she said innocently, but there was an unmistakable glint of mischief in her eyes.

I paused, mid-bite, narrowing my eyes as I studied her expression. "You look like you're up to something," I said slowly, trying to read her.

Lea shook her head, her smile widening as she popped a gummy bear into her mouth. "Definitely not," she said, the mock innocence in her voice doing little to convince me.

I leaned back into the couch, giving her a skeptical look. "You do realize you're not fooling me, right?"

She just shrugged, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Guess you'll just have to wait and see."

Just as Lea and I were getting comfortable on the couch, my aunt walked in, grabbed the open bag of Doritos from my lap, and plopped down on the other couch across from us. She casually munched on a chip, her eyes shifting towards Lea. "So, do you live with your parents or in the university dorms?" she asked, genuine curiosity in her voice.

Lea quickly swallowed the Oreo she had just stuffed into her mouth before answering. "I live with my parents," she said, her lips curving into a smile. "My dad said it would be cheaper for me to stay with them instead of living in the dorms or getting my own apartment, but honestly, I think he just doesn't want me out of the house." She chuckled, her eyes bright with warmth as she spoke.

My aunt nodded in understanding, her gaze softening. "So, I take it you're close with your dad?"

Lea leaned back against the cushion, her eyes drifting slightly, as if recalling a fond memory. "Yeah, I'm close to both my parents, but I'm definitely closer with my dad," she said, her voice carrying a gentle affection.

Hearing Lea talk about her family sent a small, unbidden wave of sadness washing over me. I felt a pang deep in my chest as I thought of my own parents.

I missed them—both of them. If my mom were still alive, things would have been different. My dad would've stayed, and he would have been here to take care of me. But now, he was lost in his own grief, choosing to drown himself in alcohol rather than face life without her. He had abandoned me, and even though I hadn't seen him in years, a part of me still loved him. Despite that, I knew I didn't want him coming back—not like he was. Not after he had walked away.

I forced myself to push those thoughts away, focusing instead on the lighthearted atmosphere of the room. Lea's laughter echoed softly, and my aunt was smiling at something she had said. I tried to join in, smiling along, not wanting the weight of my past to take away from this moment.

Lea and my aunt continued chatting animatedly, their conversation flowing effortlessly while I sat back, contentedly munching on the snacks Aunt Grace had bought for us. The two of them seemed to be getting along well, exchanging stories and laughter that filled the cozy living room.

After a while, Aunt Grace announced she'd be heading to her room and that we should call her if we needed anything. She smiled warmly at us before leaving, and I watched her go before turning back to Lea.

"I absolutely love your aunt," Lea said, her eyes still lingering on the spot where Aunt Grace had been. Her admiration was evident in her voice.

I smiled, my heart swelling with warmth. "She's the best," I agreed, feeling a familiar sense of gratitude for Aunt Grace's presence in my life.

Lea tilted her head slightly, her curiosity getting the best of her. "How come you live with her?" she asked, her voice gentle as her eyes flickered in my direction.

My smile faltered a little, and I felt my shoulders slump under the weight of the memories. "My mom got into a car accident," I said softly, my gaze dropping to the floor. "After she died, my dad... he couldn't handle it. He became an alcoholic." The words hung in the air, heavy and raw.

Lea's brows knitted together in sympathy, her expression softening. "I'm so sorry, Val," she said, her voice filled with a compassion that almost made me want to look away. "I can't imagine what you went through."

I gave her a small wave of dismissal, trying to lift the weight that had settled between us. "Don't worry about it," I said, attempting to brighten my tone. "Let's just go have some fun."

Lea's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before she offered a soft smile, her eyes twinkling. "Alright," she said, pushing herself up from the couch. "But first, let me clean up this mess. I can't have your aunt think I'm a slob."

I let out a small chuckle, watching as Lea gathered up the empty snack bags and crumpled wrappers.

After we cleaned up, Lea and I rode her motorcycle to the park. The sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures—the hues blending across the horizon always filled me with a sense of calm and wonder.

Lea parked her motorcycle in the small parking lot and turned off the ignition. We both took off our helmets, the cool evening air brushing against our faces as we dismounted. The world seemed softer at this hour, the fading light casting long shadows.

We walked side by side towards a bench near the pond, the crunch of gravel underfoot the only sound breaking the peaceful silence. Once we reached the bench, we both plopped down, the wood creaking slightly beneath our weight. The sky's colors reflected off the pond, creating a mirror of the sunset, and we watched it unfold in a comfortable quiet.

After a moment, Lea reached into her bag and pulled out a cigarette. She lit it with a practiced flick of her lighter, taking a long, deep drag, her gaze never leaving the horizon.

I turned my head, my eyes catching movement in the distance—a dog sprinting energetically alongside its owner. My heart leapt a little with recognition. It was Tuna!

A smile spread across my face as I watched the familiar dog tugging playfully at its leash. And then I spotted her—Prof. Montgomery. This time, she had come prepared, her grip firm on the leash, ensuring Tuna wouldn't make another wild dash into the park.

I nudged Lea gently, nodding towards the distant figures. "Look, it's Tuna," I said with a grin.

Lea followed my gaze, exhaling smoke as she squinted at the running pair. A slow smile spread across her face. "Well, looks like Montgrumpy learned her lesson," she chuckled, shaking her head.

Lea only knows that Tuna is Prof. Montgomery's dog because I told her. The one time she had seen Tuna was with the dog walker, never with the professor herself.

As soon as Tuna spotted us, his ears perked up and he bounded towards us with excitement. Prof. Montgomery, clearly caught off guard, lost her grip on the leash, and it slipped from her hand.

"Tuna!" she shouted, her voice filled with both exasperation and urgency as she broke into a sprint to catch up with him.

Oh no, I thought, my heart racing. The last thing I wanted was an awkward confrontation. "Hide me!" I squeaked, scrambling to shove my head between the backrest of the bench and Lea's back, as if that would somehow make me invisible.

"What the—?" Lea stammered, sounding bewildered before breaking into laughter. "You ain't no ostrich, get your head out of there," she chuckled, amused by my frantic attempt to hide.

Her laughter only made me want to burrow deeper, but I knew she was right. I reluctantly peeked out from behind her, my face burning with embarrassment.

Tuna skidded to a stop in front of us, his tail wagging furiously as if he had just reunited with an old friend. I sighed, leaning forward to give his head a gentle rub. "You're going to get me killed by your mother, you know that?" I murmured, feeling the soft warmth of his fur beneath my fingers. He responded by giving my hand a quick, affectionate lick.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Prof. Montgomery approaching, slowing her pace as she drew near. Her expression was a mixture of frustration and resignation. "This is unbelievable!" she huffed, throwing her hands in the air. She fixed her eyes on Tuna, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Tuna, come here," she ordered, her voice stern.

Tuna hesitated, glancing back at me as if reluctant to leave, before trotting back over to her. I watched as she took hold of the leash with a curt tug, her lips moving in what I could only assume was an exasperated mutter. Without sparing either of us a glance, she turned, leading Tuna away.

I released the breath I didn't realize I'd been holding, my shoulders sagging in relief. Well, that definitely went better than I expected. I had been fully prepared for her to snap at me, to tell me not to touch her dog, or worse, lecture me for being a distraction. But to my surprise, she hadn't even acknowledged us beyond the bare necessity.

Lea gave me a sidelong glance, an amused smile tugging at her lips. "See? Told you hiding wouldn't work," she said, nudging me with her elbow.

"Yeah, yeah," I mumbled, still watching as Prof. Montgomery and Tuna walked further away. At least, for now, I seemed to have avoided any real trouble.

The night had fully settled in, a blanket of stars scattered across the dark sky, and the moon bathed the park in a soft silver glow. The air had cooled, carrying the scent of pine and the distant, earthy aroma of the pond. Lea clapped her hands, her voice cutting through the tranquil stillness. "Alright, let's go!" she announced, rising from the bench with a grin.

I frowned slightly as I stood up, feeling a pang of confusion. Were we heading back already? Before I could ask, Lea began striding away from her motorcycle, moving in the opposite direction. I hesitated, glancing back at her parked bike. Okay, so we weren't heading home, but where were we going?

I quickened my steps to catch up, and we fell into an easy pace side by side, our footsteps muffled by the grass beneath. Lea looked up, admiring the stars, her eyes reflecting the twinkling light above. "Isn't it just peaceful during nighttime?" she asked, taking a deep breath and filling her lungs with the cool, crisp air.

"Yeah," I agreed softly, nodding as I looked around. There was something serene about the park at night—the way the world seemed to slow down, allowing us to take everything in without rush or distraction. After a few moments of walking in silence, curiosity got the best of me. "Where are we going anyway?"

Lea glanced at me, her eyes glimmering with that familiar hint of mischief. She simply shrugged, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Just going on a little walk," she said, her tone casual, but I could tell there was more to it. There always was with Lea.

We continued down a few quiet blocks, the night air wrapping around us like a comfortable cloak. The streets were empty, save for the occasional distant car passing by, its headlights casting brief shadows on the buildings. Suddenly, Lea came to an abrupt stop, causing me to nearly walk into her.

She swung her bag off her shoulder, dropping it at her feet with a soft thud. Crouching down, she unzipped it, a grin playing on her lips. "Okay, so," she began, her voice carrying a playful edge as she rummaged through her things, "we are about to do something I haven't done since I was a child."

I furrowed my brows, curiosity piqued as I watched her dig through her bag. "Okay?" I asked, leaning in slightly. "What do you have in mind?"

Lea finally pulled something out of her bag and stood up, holding it up for me to see. My eyes widened in disbelief. It was a carton of eggs.

"Is... is that what I think it is?" I stammered, my gaze shifting from the eggs to her face. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, a wide grin spreading across her face.

She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically, clearly enjoying my shock. "I know what you're thinking," she said, her voice full of excitement, "and the answer is yes."

I let out a surprised laugh, shaking my head. "Lea, you can't be serious. Are we really going to egg someone's house?"

Lea's smile only widened as she balanced the carton in her hands. "Not just any house," she said, her tone full of conspiracy. "We're going to egg my girlfriend's ex's house."

"Oh, no," I groaned, a mix of amusement and apprehension settling over me. "You've got to be kidding."

Lea gave me a playful wink before nodding toward a house down the street. We came to a stop across from it, the shadows of the darkened street keeping us hidden. Thankfully, there wasn't a streetlamp nearby to betray our position. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as Lea knelt down and pulled the egg carton from her bag, carefully handing me three eggs while taking three for herself.

She looked at me with a smirk, her eyes glinting in the darkness. "You ready?" she whispered, her voice full of excitement.

I stared at the eggs in my hands, the reality of what we were about to do sinking in. "I can't believe we're about to egg her ex's house," I muttered, shaking my head. My voice came out hesitant, and I looked at Lea nervously. "What if the she sees us?"

Lea put a reassuring hand on my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "She won't," she promised, her voice calm but determined. "Trust me."

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anxiety and adrenaline rush through me. Eggs in hand, we both readied ourselves. Lea gave me one last grin before cocking her arm back and launching the first egg. Without even thinking, I threw mine immediately after her.

The first egg made contact with a loud, satisfying splat against the front door, a thick yellow ooze splattering across the dark wood. My egg hit the window with a similar splatter, the yolk dripping down in a sticky mess. The two hits echoed in the otherwise silent night, and I felt a jolt of exhilaration. It was ridiculous, childish, and completely reckless—but in that moment, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.

Lea's laughter broke the silence, low and full of mischief. She threw another egg, this time aiming for the wall, and it exploded against the siding with a messy splash. I followed suit, throwing my second egg, which hit the porch railing, dripping onto the steps below. Each impact seemed louder than the last, and I could feel my pulse quickening with every throw.

Lea turned to me, her grin widening. "See? I told you," she said, her voice barely louder than a whisper. "This is going perfectly."

I couldn't help but smile, feeling my nerves ease as we threw our final eggs. One arched high, landing on the roof and rolling down before shattering on the gutter. Suddenly, the front door opened, and before either of us could react, Lea's last egg collided with the woman standing in the doorway, splattering across her face.

"Oh crap!" Lea's eyes widened in shock. She grabbed my wrist, her voice trembling with a mix of panic and laughter. "Dude, run!" she giggled, and without hesitation, we both took off sprinting down the street, our feet pounding against the pavement as adrenaline surged through us.

Behind us, I heard the furious shout of the woman as she stumbled out of her house. "Come back here!" she yelled, her voice echoing into the night, pushing us to run even faster. My heart hammered in my chest, and I could hear Lea's breathless laughter beside me, her face flushed with exhilaration.

"Oh my gosh," Lea wheezed between gasps, her voice strained as we turned the corner. "My lungs are too crumbled from the cigarettes... I can't keep at this much longer," she added, struggling to catch her breath while still managing a laugh.

We continued sprinting, weaving through darkened streets and zigzagging across lawns, our laughter echoing between the houses as we fled. The cool night air burned my lungs, but I didn't dare slow down. I glanced back over my shoulder, catching sight of the woman for a brief moment as she struggled to keep up, her shouts growing more distant. After a few more blocks, I turned to look again, my breath heavy and uneven. There was no sign of her.

The moment I turned my head to look ahead, I slammed straight into a metal pole. The loud clang echoed through the night as the pole wobbled from the impact, and I crumpled to the ground, my hands instinctively clutching my face. The pain was instant, sharp and blinding, radiating through my skull.

"Oh fuck!" Lea gasped, skidding to a stop. She rushed to my side, dropping to her knees beside me. "Are you okay?" Her voice was laced with panic, her eyes wide as she scanned my face.

I groaned, barely able to register her words as I tried to make sense of what had just happened. My entire face throbbed with pain, and I had never felt anything quite like it before—like my brain had just rattled inside my skull. Slowly, I pushed myself up, my hands trembling. I could feel something hot and wet trickling down my chin. Blood.

"Holy—!" Lea slapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes going even wider. "Dude, I think you broke your nose."

Despite the pain, I felt a bizarre wave of excitement rush over me. I scrambled to my feet, one hand still clutching my face. "Take a picture!" I blurted out, the absurdity of the situation somehow making it all the more thrilling.

Lea hesitated for a split second, clearly concerned, but then pulled her phone out of her pocket. The flash went off, briefly blinding me, and I could hear her mumble under her breath, "I can't believe this is your first instinct."

Still dizzy, I grabbed the phone from her hands, squinting at the photo through the lingering spots in my vision. The picture showed me with a bright red streak of blood running down from my nose, my eyes wide with shock. The look on my face was so ridiculous that, even through the throbbing pain, I couldn't help but laugh—a muffled, awkward sound that made Lea raise her eyebrows.

"Are you seriously laughing?" she asked, her voice a mix of amusement and exasperation. She shook her head, but I could see a smile starting to form at the corner of her lips.

I handed her the phone back, still laughing as I gingerly touched my nose, wincing. "It's just... look at that face! I look like I lost a fight with a telephone pole," I said, my words slightly muffled through my swollen nose.

Lea shook her head again, this time with a more genuine laugh, her shoulders relaxing as she helped me steady myself. "You did lose a fight with a telephone pole," she pointed out, her eyes sparkling with relief now that she knew I wasn't seriously injured. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up before you bleed out."

She slung her arm around my shoulders, carefully guiding me as we started walking again—this time at a slower, much more cautious pace. Despite the throbbing in my nose, I couldn't stop the smile on my face. As ridiculous and painful as it was, this was going to be a story we'd laugh about for years.

We made our way back to the motorcycle parked in the lot at the park, the cool night air brushing against our faces. Just as we approached, Lea suddenly burst into laughter. It started as a small chuckle, but it quickly grew louder until she had to stop walking entirely, doubling over, her hands on her knees.

She tried to speak, but her laughter kept interrupting her, and she gasped between labored breaths. "I thought... I was gonna die... from lack of oxygen. And you..." she pointed at me, barely able to finish her thought as she laughed harder, "You almost died from a telephone pole."

Despite the throbbing pain in my nose, I couldn't help but laugh along with her. The sheer absurdity of the situation—running from an angry woman, colliding with a pole, and now standing here, battered and bruised—was too much not to find some humor in.

Lea finally straightened up, wiping at her eyes as her laughter started to subside. She looked at me, an incredulous grin spreading across her face. "I can't believe we actually got away with that," she said, still catching her breath, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint.

I shook my head, grinning. "I can't believe you actually hit her in the face!" I replied, raising an eyebrow at her.

Lea groaned, slapping a hand over her eyes as if trying to hide her embarrassment. "I know! I did not mean for that to happen," she said, laughing again. "But hey, it just adds to the thrill, right?"

I couldn't help but laugh again, albeit wincing slightly at the pain that radiated through my face with every chuckle. "Remind me to never let you talk me into something like this again," I said, though the smile on my lips betrayed my words.

Lea turned to me, her grin widening, and she gave me a playful nudge. "Oh, please. You know you loved every second of it," she teased, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I sighed dramatically, rolling my eyes, but deep down, I knew she was right. There was a rush that came with it—a thrill that made me feel alive, even if it was at the expense of a broken nose and a few near heart attacks.

Lea slung her arm over my shoulder, guiding me to where her motorcycle waited. "Come on, hop on. Let's get you back home before you bleed out on me," she said, her voice warm despite her teasing.

I climbed onto the motorcycle behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist as she started the engine. The rumble of the bike beneath us drowned out the quiet night, and the cool wind whipped past us as we sped down the empty streets. The adrenaline was slowly starting to fade, replaced by an exhaustion that settled in my bones. But there was a lingering smile on my face—one that refused to leave, even as I thought about what Aunt Grace would say when she saw me like this.

I couldn't wait to see the look on her face when I told her everything. And, despite myself, I knew this was a night I wouldn't soon forget.