Chapter 12
Meanwhile, my heart is pounding as I walk toward the house, I can’t stop thinking about the day I spent with Valentine.
I shouldn’t have kissed him
Okay, it was just a quick peck on the cheek–innocent, really–but it still felt way too intimate. The warmth of his skin is still lingering on my lips. stirring up emotions I don’t quite understand.
“Scarlet
I freeze at the sound of my dad’s deep voice behind me. My heart skips a beat, and 1 slowly turn around, already feeling guilty.
“Yeah, Dad?” I say, my voice barely steady as I meet his intense gaze. He’s standing tall at the end of the driveway, looking as serious as ever.
His step expression sends a chill down my spine. He’s always overprotective, but right now, I can’t shake the feeling that he somehow knows what happened. His dark eyes are locked on mine, and suddenly, I feel like the little girl who used to sneak out of the house, only to get caught every time.
“Where were you?” he asks, his voice low but fall of authority.
to play this cool. “I just..” I stammer, struggling for words.
swallow hand, trying to think fast. I have to play
His eyebrows pull together. “Do you have any idea how worried I was?”
“I skipped school. I am so sorry!“I blurt out, hoping that’ll ease the tension.
“Skipped school?” he repeats, his tone sharp.
yes
I swear I’ll never do it again,” I say quickly, my voice trembling a little.
He stares at me for a long moment, and then he does something unexpected. He chuckles.
Iblink.completely thrown off. “Why are you laughing?”
He shakes his head, arms crossed over his chest. “I thought something bad happened to you, Scarlet. I was worried. But next time you skip school,
I stare at him, still processing his reaction “You’re not mad?”
He sighs, his expression turning serious again. “No, I’m not mad. What worries me more is what you’re not telling me“) narrowing “Who were you with?”
I look down, my stomach twisting with guilt. “A friend,”
He steps closer, his eyes
“A friend, huh? Well, Fuccept that for now, since we can’t stand here on the day Besides, Emma is worried about you.
I bite my lip, feeling even guilrier. “I didn’t mean to make you guys worry,” I mumble.
He places a hand on my shoulder, his voice softening. “I know, Scarlet. But just remember–we’re a family, and in our world, things can get dangerous fast. You can’t disappear like that without telling anyone. Next time, give us a heads–up, alright?”
I nod, feeling the weight of his words. “I will, Daddy. I promise.”
He gives me a brief smile, then gestures toward the house. “Good. Now go inside and talk to Emma She’ll feel better once she sees you’re okay”
As I walk toward the house, my mind is still racing with thoughts of Valentine and the strange fluttery feelings he stirs up in me. I wonder if he’s thinking about me too or if it’s all just a game to him.
When I step inside, my heart swells at the sight of Sky, my little sister. Her dark curls bounce with each unsteady step, and she squeals when she
“Searl! Up!” she giggles, reaching her chubby arms up for a hug
I scoop her up and press a kiss to her cheek. “Hey, liule darling,” I whisper, holding her close.
Sky wraps her small arms around my neck, giggling.
“She missed her big sister,” Emma says as she walks in, her eyes soft with affection.
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2:27 PM ·
Chapter 12
1 frown, guilt washing over me again. “I’m sorry for worrying you and Dad.”
Emma shakes her head. “Don’t look so guilty, Scarlet Every girl your age needs to skip school once in a while. Your father understands that, and so do l‘
I raise an eyebrow. “How did you find out so fast, anyway?”
“The school called and said you weren’t in class. But don’t worry, I covered for you with an excuse letter,” she whispers with a wink,
1 let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Emma.”
She steps closer and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, her gesture comforting. “You know we’re not here to control you. We just want to make sure you’re safe. But you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, sweetheart.”
Her words make me feel lighter, reminding me how lucky I am to have her in my life. She’s never tried to replace my mom, but she’s always been there when I needed her
Sky wiggles in my arms, giggling. “Scarli, down! Play!”
I set her down and watch as she toddles off toward her toys, then glance back at Emma. “It’s just everything feels like so much sometimes, you know! School, this life, and then there’s Valentine.”
Emma’s eyebrows raise slightly, but she doesn’t interrupt. She just leans against the doorway, waiting for me to continue. “He asked me to
prom, admit.
Well, technically he blackmailed me into going, but Emma doesn’t need to know that part
Her eyes light up. “The prom! Oh, Scarlet, that’s so exciting. We have to go dress shopping!”
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Yeah, it’s in a few weeks.”
“We’ll find the perfect dress for you,” she says, clearly already planning it all out. “This is such a big moment!”
I hesitate, the excitement fading. “I don’t know if I even want to go, I admit.
She pauses, her excitement turning to concem. “Why not? Is it because of Valentine? If you don’t want to go with him, you don’t have to
“I don’t know what I want. He’s just..” I trail off, unsure of how to explain it.
“He’s just what?” she prompts.
I sigh. “He’s frustrating, cocky, and he drives me crazy. But there’s something about him. When he looks at me, it’s like..I don’t know_
“Like you’re important to him” she offers with a knowing smile.
I nod. “Yeah, kind of. But he knows exactly how to push my buttons just to a reaction.”
Finma giggles. “Sounds like typical teenage boy behavior. They can be clueless, even when they think they’re being charming”
I roll my eyes but smile. “Exactly. One minute I’m laughing, and the next, I want to throw my textbook at him.”
ying to impress you?” she asks.
“Do you think maybe he’s trying to
my heart fluttering at the thought.
“I don’t know,” I admit, my
“Well, what do you want?” she asks gently. “Do you want to get to know him? Maybe set him straight?”
I grin. “Like you set Dad straight!”
the
Emma smirks. “Exactly. But remember, it’s important to be true to yourself. If you want to go to the prom with Valentine, then do it. If not, that’s okay too.”
I nod. “I think I will go with him. But if he tries anything funny, I’ll kick his ass.
Eroma bursts out laughing. “I don’t doubt that Scarlet. You’re your father’s daughter, after all. Now, when do you want to go dress shopping!”
“What’s this about prom?” comes my dad’s growl from the doorway.
Oh great
Chapter 12
I slowly turn around to face him.
He’s glaring at me. “First you skip school, and now you’re going to prom with some boy?”
“Uh, hey, Dad,” I say, trying to
to keep
my voice steady. “It’s just prom. Everyone goes”
His expression doesn’t soften. “Who is this boy!”
I feel my heart race as I meet his gaze. “His name’s Valentine. He’s in my English class.”
“And what exactly do you know about him?” Dad asks, crossing his arms. *
masteps i
Emma!
in, trying to calm him down. “River, she’s old enough to make her own decisions. We trust her.”
“Yeah, Dad. Valentine’s not the worst. He’s cocky, but he’s funny,” I say, hoping he’ll understand.
But he just says, “You’re not going anywhere until I meet him.”
My stomach drops. “Seriously?”
“Yes. You’re
my daughter, and I need to make sure you’re safe. Invite him over for dinner tomorrow. That’s an order.”
sigh. “Yes, Dad”
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