I stepped out of my room quietly, careful not to make a sound. I didn't know why I was doing this—why I felt the need to sneak—but I did it anyway. The night was still, heavy with silence, and I moved like a shadow through the darkness.
Downstairs, Reggie lay stretched out on the couch, one arm folded behind his head, his eyes fixed on the ceiling like he was trying to burn holes into it with his thoughts. He didn't like feeling helpless—never had—but the idea of me feeling alone? That unsettled him even more. Whatever this threat was, he'd burn it down to the ground if he had to. For me.
I stood at the edge of the stairs, watching him in the dim glow of the stool light. His long legs dangled off the edge of the sofa, and a strange, aching déjà vu swept over me. I remembered too clearly a similar moment months ago—him lying on the couch in his penthouse suite at Pineguard, arms tucked behind his head, shirtless, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts. The sunlight had poured in from the floor-to-ceiling windows, making his warm, glassy brown skin glisten like honey.
Pineguard.
No place had ever felt so alive—and so haunted. It had given us both our best memories and our darkest ones. Funny how the good things always fade too fast, but the bad ones? They linger like a wound that never quite heals.
A sudden brightness yanked me out of the memory. I hadn't even realized he'd turned the lights on—or called my name—until I saw him now, standing at the foot of the stairs with concern stitched across his face.
"You okay? Did something happen?" he asked, his voice low but urgent.
"Water," I murmured, brushing past him and heading to the kitchen.
He followed silently, his footsteps soft but close behind.
I filled a glass and took a long gulp, letting the cold liquid soothe the tightness in my throat before setting it back on the counter.
"Come sleep on the bed," I said after a pause. "We still have school tomorrow, you know."
He arched a brow. "Where will you sleep?"
I turned to look at him, and he hesitated before adding, "You know we're not kids anymore, right?"
I rolled my eyes. "Get over yourself."
Without waiting for a reply, I walked off toward my room. After a beat, he followed.
He entered quietly, shutting the door behind him. I threw myself onto the couch near the window, curling into the corner like I belonged there.
"I fit perfectly here," I said flatly, leaving no room for negotiation.
Reggie sighed but eventually climbed into bed, dragging his feet like a sulky child before finally dimming the lights.
"Vanya," he called softly.
"Shut up," I replied without turning.
He did. And sometime after, he fell asleep.
The night stretched endlessly. I lay awake, eyes wide open, mind running in circles, feeling like I'd aged ten years before dawn finally crept in.
---
When I opened my eyes, he was gone.
Probably left to get ready for school, I figured. I didn't even have the strength for morning coffee—not today. I moved mechanically through my routine, taking the shortest shower possible. I couldn't bring myself to linger in the bathroom—not after that photo from last night.
While fixing my hair, I heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway.
Of course. He was back. Probably for breakfast.
I tossed my phone into my bag, along with my notebook and lip balm, then headed downstairs.
As expected, Reggie was seated at the kitchen island, inhaling a bowl of mac and cheese like it was his final meal on earth.
"Good morning," I said, walking to my seat just as Mira approached with a plate of French toast and a tall glass of juice.
"Good morning, princess," she chirped, placing the food in front of me. "I have news!"
I blinked. "News?"
She beamed. "Your aunt called this morning—she said she'll be here by Friday. Took a little detour in Dubai, but she's coming."
"Oh. Great," I replied in my usual detached tone, slicing into my toast.
"And—Madam said you should go shopping before Saturday. You're attending a meet-and-greet."
I didn't miss the way Reggie slowed his chewing at the mention of my mother. He glanced at me, a knowing look, but I ignored it.
"Oh! Reggie, that includes you too," Mira added as she turned away, already halfway to her next task. "You'll both be attending together."
---
The drive to school was unusually silent.
Neither of us spoke.
Then my phone vibrated from inside my bag. I scrambled to check the screen just as Reggie pulled over to the side of the road.
"Keep driving," I said quickly. "It's Dad."
I dialed his number immediately. He'd sent me a message, asking me to call.
"Good morning, Dad," I greeted as he answered.
"Morning, princess. How are you doing?"
"All good," I said softly.
"And Reggie? Mira? School?"
"Everyone's fine," I replied.
"Did you hear about the meet-and-greet?"
"Yes. Mira told me this morning. Mom wants Reggie and me to attend."
"You don't have to go if you don't want to, honey."
"I'll go, Dad. It's not a big deal."
He paused. "Okay, if you say so. Anything else?"
I hesitated before blurting, "Dad... can I get my own car when you return?"
There was a beat of silence. Even Reggie turned slightly, his attention shifting from the road to me.
My father's tone dropped. "Why would you say that? If you don't want to ride with Reggie, you can say that."
"Dad, please. I already have a license. I don't see why I shouldn't be driving myself to school."
"You and I talked about this already," he said, his voice firmer than usual. "I won't change my mind. That's final. I have a meeting now—I'll call you again later."
Click.
The line went dead.
I sighed.
"Is this because of Tonya?" Reggie asked, his voice low.
I didn't answer right away.
"Who's Tonya?" I finally said, feigning disinterest.
"The girl from yesterday."
"No. Not just her. And not just yesterday."
"What others?" he asked, genuinely confused.
I turned toward him, my voice flat. "Reggie, I'm trying to stay away from trouble. And that starts with staying away from you."
A tense silence followed.
"Please drop me here."
We hadn't even reached the school gates.
He slammed the brakes harder than necessary, his jaw clenched tight. But I didn't care. I stepped out of the car and walked the rest of the way, ignoring the sting of guilt prickling the back of my throat.
Nia wasn't in class yet.
I slid into my seat and pulled out my earbuds, letting a cello rendition wash over me while I waited for the bell. My bag rested on my lap, and I was just about to rest my head on my desk when my phone buzzed again.
I froze.
Another message.
From them.
I swallowed, reaching into my bag.
One word.
Just one.
"Smile."