For

ever
&Al
way
s
PROLOGUE

AtTheHospi
tal

Ther
esaplacedhersmal
lhandonherfat
her
's
ashelookedatherwi
tht
earsinhi
seyes.

Heranhisknuckl
esonhercheekandwi
peda
l
onetearthatf
ell
downhercheek.
Theresal
etoutasadsmilewit
htheoxy
gen
tubeconnect
edtohernose.

Anur
sewal
kedi
nsi
det
her
oom wi
thhert
ray
.
Nur
se:
Mor
ningTessa.
Ther
esa:
Mor
ning.
Wit
hherusualpreppyvoiceandthekindnur
se
smil
ed.Theydi
dn'tknowhowl ongtheywere
goi
ngtokeepherher ei
nt hepedi
atr
icward.

RaTher
esa:
Sti
l
lnot
hing?
Nur
se:
Ther
eisstil
lnot
hing,f
ornowt
he
machi
neswil
lsust
ainher.
Hesighedandhel
dTessa'
shands,r
ubbi
ngiti
n
acalm moti
on,
soothi
ngherf
eel
ingsandhi
s
unawares.

Theresa'smot herwal kedinholdingthe

toddler'
shand.Atf i
rstt heydidtheIVFf ora
babyt obeamat chsot hatTessacanl i
v ebut
slowlytheygrewat t
achedt othebabyandt heu
couldtellTessaador edherl i
ttl
esistersothey
couldn'tj
ustkill
anotherchi l
dt osaveanot her,
thei
rmor alsalsowoul dn'
tall
owt hattohappen
Lit
tl
eTialetgoofhermother
'shandandhal
f
rantoTessa'
sbedside.
Ti
a:Tessa.
.
Tessagi
ggl
edasshet
ri
edt
osi
tupr
ight
.
Ther
esa:
HeyTi
a.Mom howi
sthedog?
MaTher
esa:
Itl
i
vesout
sidenow(
laughi
ng)
Tessapoutedwhi
leTi
atriedt
ocl
i
mbt
hebed
andsitnextt
ohersi
ster
.
MaTher
esa:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngt
oday
?
Ther
esa:
Mom I
'
mti
red.
MaTheresa:
Weall
are.Youareonthel
i
stand
hopef
ull
yIhopeamir
aclehappens.
Ther
esa:
Ihopesot
oo.
.

Thenursedidtheusual
rout
ine,
ital
ways
touchedherhear
ttoseehowsupporti
ve
Tessa'
sfamil
ywas.Theywer ealway sherefor
herandshewasj ustatenyearoldsufferi
ng
fr
om aheartdiseaseshehadnocont rolover
butshealwaysmanagedt osmileregardl
essof
howhopelesshersituat
ionwas.

Nurse:
I'
m done,
Ididn'
tmakey
ou
uncomfort
abler
ight?
Ther
esa:
Younevermakemeuncomf
ort
abl
e.I
di
dn'
tevenf
eelathi
ng!
RaTessachuckl
edasthenur
sesaidher
goodby
esandwalkedoutoft
heroom.
Theresa:
Somommywhatar
ewedoi
ngf
ormy
11thbirt
hday
?

Sheaskedinnocentl
ylooki
ngatbothofher
parent
s.Shewasn'tsureshewasgoingtohol
d
ti
l
lshewasel ev
enbuti twaswort
hat r
y.She
al
way sprayedbef
oresleepi
ngandinthe
morningsoshewassur eGodwillgr
antheran
extr
ay ear
.Thechil
dren'
sBibl
ealwayssai
dthat
Jesusloveschi
ldr
en..

Shegr
inned.
Ther
esa:
Moooom!
MaTher
esa:
Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.

Tessaf el
ttheunderl
yingf
earinhervoiceand
herfatherwassilent
.Shedidn'
twantthem to
worry.Tiajustt
ouchedTessa'scheeksand
Tessahel dherhands.
Ther
esa:
Bat
hongTi
a!

Andjustl
iket
hatt
heirnor
mal r
outi
nehad
st
art
ed.Inandoutofthehospi
tal
ever
yday.
Meanwhil
eDrReginahwasmaki
ngherr
ounds
andshecheckedt
hetime.
DrRegi
nah:
Fli
p!

Herpinksti
l
ettosclickedalongthehal
ltoher
offi
ceasshepi ckedherbagandcarkey s.She
didn'
thavetodot hi
sbutt heyli
vedi
nthesame
neighbor
hoodandshewassur ehebunked
school.

Sheshookherhead,suchaprobl
em chi
l
d.Even
hi
smot herwasatherwitsendandt
obeliev
e
shemov edi
n3mont hsago.

Somewher
eal
ongt
her
oad
Hay denreleasedt hesmokeintheai
rasJusti
n
Bieber'
sLonel yblastedi
nhisheadphones.He
checkedt het i
me, hewassurehewasgoi ngt
o
acet hatt
est .Ornot.

Hetookanotherdeeppuffandkeptonwalki
ng
l
etti
ngthemusichitpl
aceshenormall
ydidn'
t
acknowledgeexi
stedasthesmokeescaped
thr
oughhisnostr
il
s.

Whati
fyouhadi
tal
l
Butnobodyt
ocal
l
May
bet
heny
ou'
dknowme
CauseI
'
vehadev
ery
thi
ng
Butnobody
'sl
i
steni
ng
Butt
hat
'ssof
ucki
nlonel
y
I
'
m sol
onel
y

Withhi
sheaddownandhandsdeepi
nthe
pocket
shewalkednextt
other
oad.

Acarstoppedbyt her
oadandhelookedup,
pausi
nghismusi candtaki
ngtheheadphones
offl
ett
ingthem hangaroundhi
sneck.
Regi
nahr
oll
eddownherwi
ndows.
Regi
nah:
Geti
n.
Hay
den:
Pret
tydoct
or.
.

Hehadadeepv
oicef
oraboyhi
sage.
Regi
nah:
Aker
eyou'
reheadi
nghome?
Hechuckl
edandthr
ewthest
ubontheground
cr
ushi
ngitwi
ththesol
eofhi
sschool
shoe.
Reginahshookherhead.Shest
il
ldi
dn'
t
underst
andthi
skid.
Regi
nah:
Hopi
n..
.
Hay
den:
I'
m notgoi
nghome.
.
Regi
nah:
Whosai
dany
thi
ngaboutgoi
nghome?
Heshr uggedandmadehiswaytothecar
.The
strongsmellofweedhi
tRegi
nahri
ghtint
he
faceasHay dengoti
nsi
dethecar
.

Shejustcoul
dn'
tunderstandwhyhewas
dest
royinghi
sfuturel
ikethi
s.Hel
it
eral
l
yhad
ever
ythi
ngotherkidsdreamedofandhewas
wasti
ngi t
.
Hay
den:
Don'
task.
Sher
aisedherhandsi
nsur
render
.
Regi
nah:
Inev
ersai
dany
thi
ng.
.
Hay
den:
Justnothome.
.
Regi
nah:
Wai
tsewant
lwael
aHay
den.
.

Hel
eanedbackandbithi
slowerl
i
pand
r
emovedhi
shoodie.
Hay
den:
Youof
fer
edpr
ett
ydoct
or.
Regi
nah:
Ihav
eaname.
.
Hay
den:WhichIdon'
tli
keusi
ng.Don'
ttel
lmy
motherorel
seshe'
ll
beonmycase.
Regi
nah:
Shecar
es.

HetskedandReginahjoi
nedthemai
nroad.She
rol
l
eddownt hewindowst ol
ett
hefr
eshair
i
nsidethecar
,thesmellofweedwas
suff
ocati
ngher.
Regi
anh:
You'
ret
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lyour
sel
fwi
tht
his
muchweed?
Hay
den:
Wantmet
orol
lyouabl
untsugar
?
Regi
nahdidn'
twanttosmil
ebutshedi
dand
Haydenl
ookedoutthewindow.
Regi
nah:
Yousti
ll
haven'
tdeci
dedonwhaty
ou'
l
l
doaft
eryourI
GCSEexams?
Hay
den:
Ili
vei
nthenow.
.
Regi
nah:
You'
reoneofaki
nd.
.
Hay
den:
Iknowbut
ter
cup.

Hesmirkedasshet r
iedt
ohideherbl
ush.He
l
ikedhereventhoughshewasolder
,whenhave
ster
eoty
pesstoppedhim bef
ore?
Regi
nah:
Stopi
tHay
den.
.
Hayden:Stopwhat?Keepy
ourey
esontheroad,
don'
tkil
l usnott
hatIwoul
dn'
tmindgoi
ngt
o
hel
lwithy ou.
.
Regi
nah:
Me?Hel
l
?Nev
er.
Hay
den:
We'
real
lsi
nner
ssugar
,keept
ell
i
ng
y
our
sel
fthat
.
Regi
nah:
What
every
oubel
i
evei
nHay
den.
.

Shesil
ent
lydrovearound,sheadjust
edthe
mirr
orwhil
esteali
nglooksatHay denwhose
mindwasaloof.Helookedlikehewasfight
ing
i
nnerdemonsandmay bethatdrewhertohim.

Haydenli
ckedhi
sli
psandglancedt
ohi
ssi
de
cat
chingRegi
nahoffguar
d.
Regi
nah:
I'
mli
keasi
stert
oyou.
.
Hayden:
Doyouwantmetohi
tony
oupr
ett
y
doct
or?CauseI
'
m game.
.
Regi
nah:
What
?St
opi
t!

Hay
denguf
fawedi
ntur
nmaki
ngRegi
nahsmi
l
e.
Hay
den:
Ili
key
oual
ot.
Regi
nah:
Asasi
ster
.

Hay
denr
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ow.
Hay
den:
Youl
i
kemedon'
tyou?
Regi
nah:
Fot
shekHay
den.
..
Hay
den:
Cal
m downl
i
ttl
emi
ss.
.
Regi
nah:
I'
m ol
dert
hany
oukana.
.
Hay
den:
Whosai
dany
thi
ngaboutage?
(laughi
ng)

Regi
nahshookherheady etagai
nasshefinal
ly
st
oppedthecarandparkedatanisol
atedarea.
Hay densteppedoutoft
hecarl
eavingRegi
nah
i
nt hecar.Hestart
edrol
li
ngabluntbef
orehe
searchedhisgreysl
acksforal
i
ghter.

Regi
nahsi
lent
lywatchedhi
m smokeandshe
hadmorequesti
onsthananswer
s.Shedi
dn'
t
under
standwhoHay
denSmi
thwasbutshewas
yett
ofindout
.

SHARE,
COMMENTANDTAGEVERYONEYOU
KNOW.
Makesur
ethebusdoesn'
tl
eav
ewi
thouty
ou,
seey
ouonFriday
.

For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
01*

Att
hei
sol
atedl
ocat
ion

Hay
denpuffedonelastti
mebefor
ethr
woing
t
hebluntonthegr
avelroadandst
eppi
ngonit.
Heletoutanaughtysmi
lewhenhenot
icedthat
Regi
nahwasl ooki
ngathi
m.Sheli
kedhimtoo,
hecouldtel
l
.
Hay
den:
I'
m donesmoki
ng.
.
Regi
nah:
You'
l
ldi
eyoung.
.
Hay
den:
Ist
il
ldon'
thav
eapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
..
.
Reginahsighed.Hegavezerofucksabout
ever
y t
hingandstil
lshewonderedwhat
happenedf orhi
mt obethatway.

Shest eppedoutofthecarandmadeherwayt o
him.Hay denquiet
lyobservedher,lookingather
l
ongl egsinthatti
ghtpencilski
rtandt hosepink
heel
s.Shehadbeaut if
ullegsandi fhecouldhi t
i
tonlyonceort wicemay bethri
cehewoul dbe
sati
sfied.
Regi
nahbl
ushedunderhi
sscr
upul
ousgazeand
hechuckl
edtohi
msel
f.Shewasbeaut
if
ul,
he
hadtoadmitt
hat
.

Regi
nahst
oodnextt
ohim ashebal
anced
hi
mselfwi
tht
hecarbonnet
.
Regi
nah:
Cany
oudr
ive?
Hay
den:
Yespr
ett
ylady
.
Regi
nah:
Stopi
t.
.
Hay
den:
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngsugar
..
.

Reginaht uckedherhairbehindherear
exposingherdoubl eearpierci
ng.Hayden
noti
cedt hepierci
ngandf rownedbeforesmi
l
ing.
Hay
den:
Yougr
ewsomebal
l
s..
Shehi
thi
schest
.
Regi
nah:
Want
lwael
aHay
denwai
tse.
.
Hay
den:
What
'snext
?Ani
ppl
epi
erci
ng?Iwoul
d
l
ovet
oseet
hat
..
Regi
nah:
Mxm. .
youshoul
dbest
udy
ingf
ory
our
examsri
ghtnow.
Hay
den:
Arewest
il
ltal
ki
ngaboutme?
Regi
nah:
Whenar
eyouev
ergoi
ngt
obeser
ious?

Hechuckl
edandst
uff
edhi
shandsi
nhi
shoodi
e
pocket
s.
Hayden:ThedayIbel
iev
eJesusi
sgoi
ngt
o
comef orhi
speople.
Regi
nah:
Thatwi
l
lbet
heend.
.
Hayden:Can'
tbel
i
eveyoubeli
evei
nthatbutyet
agai
nwebel i
evehel
lexi
stssowhynotbeli
eve
i
nheav en?
Regi
nah:
True.
Hay
den:
Butwhati
f..
whatifsoul
sdon'
tact
ual
l
y
got
oeit
herbutwondert
heear t
h?
Reginah:
Neverl
ookedati
tthatwaybecausei
t'
s
ei
therheavenorhel
l.
.
Hay den:
Sti
l
lwaitingforonepersontoprove
thatneit
herexi
stsandy oucanl i
vehoweveryou
wantwi t
houtfeelinggui
lt
ythatthi
swil
ltakemy
soul t
othedevilorto"God"
Regi
nah:
Notv
eryr
eli
giousar
eyou?
Hay
den:
Nope.
Regi
nah:
Yourmot
herhasherhandsf
ull
..
Hay
den:
Doy
ouhav
efami
l
y?
Regi
nah:
Iwoul
dn'
texact
lysaythat
,Iwasr
aised
bymygrandmot
herwhoislat
e.
Hay
den:
Mycondol
ences.
Regi
nah:
It
'sf
ine,
I'
m okay
.
Hayden:
Icant
ell
from y
ourt
onet
haty
oul
oved
her
.
Regi
nah:
Don'
tyoul
ovey
ourmot
her
?
Hayden:Let
'snott
alkaboutme.We'
ret
alki
ng
aboutyouhere.
Reginah:
Whydoy
oual
way
shav
etoshi
ftt
he
focus?
Hay
den:
Whyar
eyoudeny
ingy
ourf
eel
i
ngsf
or
me?
Regi
nah:
Whatf
eel
i
ngs?
(innocent
ly)
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
West
il
lhav
eti
me.
.
Regi
nah:
Timef
orwhat
?
Hay den:
Idon'thav
etospel
li
toutf
ory
ou, as
youal wayssay"omotonamogonna"
(you'r
e
olderthanme)
Regi
nahr
oll
edherey
es.Hi
ssar
casm.
Hay
den:
Arey
our
oll
i
ngy
ourey
esatme?
Regi
nah:
Thi
schi
l
d..
.
Hay
denl
aughed.
Hayden:
Okay.Okay
.(Rai
singhi
shandsi
n
sur
render
)doyoupret
tyl
ady.

Reginahlookeddownforafewminutesbef or
e
l
ift
ingherheadt ofi
ndHaydenst
il
llookingat
her.Sheknewt hatl
ookandasmuchasshe
hadt r
iedtomakeboundari
eshedidn'tcare.
Regi
nah:
Ngng.
..
Hay
den.
..
Hay
den:
You'
rebeaut
if
uly
ouknowt
hat
.
Regi
nah:
Hay
den!
Hay
den:
Justsay
ing.
Regi
nah:I
'm supposedt
obelikeasist
ert
oyou.
Anoldersi
sterasamat t
eroffact
.
Hayden:Ar
ey outr
yingtoconvincemeor
your
selfbecauseI'
m defi
nit
elynotcov
inced.
Regi
nah:
thi
siswr
ongonsomanyl
evel
s.
Hay
den:
Ah.Yousee.
..
Regi
nah:
Whatar
eyoupl
ayi
ngat
?
Hay
den:
Not
hingpr
ett
ydoct
or.
..

Hesli
dhi
sphoneoutandcheckedthet
ime.He
sti
l
lhadmor
ethanfi
vehourstogo.Heputit
back.
Hay
den:
So?
Reginah:
Sonothi
ngHayden.Youshouldbeat
schoolst
udyi
ngforyourexams.You'
renotev
en
done..

Hay
denshruggedandl
ookedatRegi
nah
smi
rki
ng.
Hay
den:
Any
wayi
t'
syourchoi
ce.
Regi
nahsuckedi
nadeepbr
eat
handl
ookedat
hi
m.
Reginah:
Ithinkweshouldgo,
Ineedt
orest
beforemyl ateni
ghtshi
ft
.
Hay
den:
Sur
edoc.
..

Hemov
edawayf
rom t
hecarbuthepaused.
Hay
den:
Bor
rowmey
ourcarkey
s.
Regi
nah:
You'
renotdr
ivi
ngmycar
.
Hay
den:
TrustmeIwon'
tcauseanacci
dent
.

Sherel
uct
ant
lyt
ookouthercarkey
sandgav
e
them t
ohi
m.
Regi
nah:
Becar
eful
..
.i
t'
smyf
ir
stcar
.
Hay
den:
Goti
t.

Heunl
ockedt
hecarandopenedt
hedoorf
or
her
.
Hay
den:
Aft
ery
oubut
ter
cup.
.
Regi
nah:
Thanks.

Hewal kedtothedri
ver
'sseatandgoti
nside.
Hefixedtherearv
iewmirrorbef
orest
art
ingthe
car
..
.
Regi
nah:
Wai
t.
..

Het
urnedt
olookather
.
Regi
nah:
You'
rehi
gh,
youj
ustsmokedweed.
Hay
den:
I'
m nothi
ghatl
eastnoty
et.
..

Het
ookouthi
scel
l
phoneandconnect
edi
tto
t
hecarwi
fi
.
Reginahrol
ledhereyeswithasmile.Thi
swas
wrongonsomanyl evel
s,sheshuthereyes
tr
yingnottothi
nkaboutit.
Haydenj
ustpl
ayedPopSmoke'
sElementashe
buckl
edupandjoi
nedt
hemainroad.

AtTheHospi
tal

Thenur
sewalkedi
nsi
deTessa'
sroom.Tessa
l
ookedupasshecl
osedherNancyDrewnovel
.
Tessa:
Anot
hercheck?
Sheaskedwithasunnysmi
l
ethatmadet
he
nur
sesmile.
Nur
se:
Yes.
Tessa:
Okay
.

Sheopenedthebookandresumedherr
eadi
ng.
Shepausedandlookedatt
henurse.
Tessa:
CanIaskaquest
ion?
Nur
se:
Ofcour
se.
Tessa:
Howdoesi
tfeel
tohav
eanewhear
t?
Nur
se:
Iwasn'
texpect
ingt
hatquest
ion.
Tessaj
ustsmi
l
edpl
aci
ngherhandsonherl
ap.
Nur
se:
Ther
earenotalotofhear
ttr
anspl
ant
s
t
hatgoonbutsomepeoplesaydi
ff
erent
.
Tessa:
oh!I
sthel
i
stf
ort
hehear
ttr
anspl
ant
s
thatl
ong?
Nurse:
Youknowal
otoft
hingsf
oragi
rly
our
age.
Tessa:
Ijustobser
veandl
i
stenat
tent
ivel
ythat
'
s
al
l.
Nurse:
You'
reasmar
tyounggi
rl
.Whatdoy
ou
wanttobewhenyougr
owup?
Tessa:
Iwantt
obeawr
it
er.
.

Shepl
acedherf
ingeronherchi
n.
Tessa:
Ift
hatf
ailswhichI
'
m sureitwon'
tthough
Iwanttobea.
..uh..
whati
sitagai
n?Uhm I'
ll
thi
nkofsomething.
Nur
se:
I'
m sur
eyouwi
l
l(l
aughi
ng)
I'
m done.
Tessa:
Thanky
ou.
Nur
se:
Wel
ocme.Doy
ouwantf
ood?
Tessa:
Yespl
ease!

Ont
her
oad

Haydenst ol
eaglanceatReginahbefor
ehe
swervedthecar.Shehadherey escl
osed.He
hadal otofti
meonhi shandstoo.

Reginahopenedhereyeswhenshecoul
dfeel
thatthecarwasnolongermovi
ng.Hert
ongue
dartedouttomoist
enhersli
ght
lydr
yli
ps.
Shet
urnedt
olookatHay
den.

Regi
nah:
Wher
ear
ewe?
Hay
den:
Idon'
tknow.
.
Shecockedaney
ebr
ow.
Regi
nah:
Youknow.Bri
ngthekey
s,nnakegosi
a
gonehaotl
aipona.
(I
'mleav
ingyouher
e,y
ou'
ll
seewhatt
odo)
Hay
den:
You'
reangr
y?
Regi
nah:
Ineedt
orestIhav
eal
ateni
ghtshi
ft
mothokewena.
.
Hay
den:
AndIhav
eamat
hexam t
omor
row.
Regi
nahr
oll
edherey
ea.
Regi
nah:
Asi
fyoucar
eabouty
ouexams.

Hay
den:
Youar
eri
ghtt
hough,
Idon'
tcar
e.
Regi
nah:
Sost
artt
hecarorbr
ingt
hecarkey
s.
Haydenjustputt
hecarkey
sinhi
shoodi
e
pocket
s.

Regi
nahsi
ghed.
Regi
nah:
Whatar
etot
ryi
ngt
odomr
?
Haydenshr uggedasher emov
edhi
sseat
bel
t.
Reginahlookedathim andhewasso
nonchalant.

30minutesofsi
lencepassedandRegi
nah
si
ghed.Shetur
nedt ol
ookatHayden.
Reginah:
What
evergamey
ou'
repl
ayi
ngi
t'
snot
funny.
Hayden:I
'm nott
heonet
opl
aygames
but
tercup.
.
Sher
anherhandt
hroughherhai
randl
ookedat
Hayden.Shedi
dn'
tevenknowwher etheywere
becauseshedi
dn'
tknowFrancist
ownt hatwel
l
,
sheli
ter
all
ymovedherethr
eemont hsagoand
hasknownHaydenfortwosincetheywere
nei
ghbours.

Sheli
ckedherli
psagainandleanedback.She
openedherbagandt ookoutherl
ipglosstoat
l
eastaddmoi st
uretoherli
ps,t
helickingwas
j
ustdryi
ngthem outmor e.

Haydensi
l
ent
lywat
chedherandhowherl
i
ps
l
ookedmuchmoreful
l
er.
Hay
den:
Letmet
rysomet
hing.
Regi
nah:
What
?
Het
urnedt
oherandhel
dherchi
n.
Regi
nah:
Ngng.
..
Shesai
dlooki
ngi
ntohi
sey
es.Somehowshe
coul
dreadhi
m bef
oreheseal
edt
hatandshe
j
ustsawwhathewantedhert
osee.
Hebroughthi
smouthtoherandkissedher
sof
tl
ywithhisal
mostpi
nki
shlips.

Regi
nahtr
iedtobr
eakthekiss,
regardl
essof
howgooditwasbutheheusedhi sotherhand
tohol
dthebackofherneckdeepeni
ngt hekiss.
.
.
*
*
LI
KE,
SHAREANDCOMMENTPLEASE!
!
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
02*
Att
hei
sol
atedar
ea

Thekissgotmor eintenseasHaydenusedhis
otherhandt ounbutt
onherblouse.Thatwas
wheni tcli
ckedtoReginah.Shebroketheki
ss
andmov edawayfrom him.

Sheli
ckedherki
ssswoll
enli
pslooki
ngathim
ashelookedather
.Haydenwinkedandshe
smil
edandtouchedherl
ipwwithherfi
nger
s.
Regi
nah:
Weshoul
dn'
t.Thi
siswr
ong.
Hay
den:
Isi
t?
Regi
nah:
Iti
s.Onsomanyl
evel
s.
Hay
den:
Noit'
snot
.Youl
i
keme,
Ili
key
ouoram
Iwr
ongpret
tyl
ady
?
Reginah'
smout
hdr
opped.Hewassocasual
aboutit.
Regi
nah:
You'
reat
eenagerHay
den.
..
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
So?DocImaybealotoft
hingsbut
i
mmatur
eisnotoneoft
hem.
Reginah:
No.No.You'
renotconv
inci
ngmet
odo
thi
s..
Hay
den:Dowhatnow?(chuckli
ng)You'r
egoi
ng
t
obemi ser
abl
eifyoukeepdeny ingyour
f
eel
ings.Whosai
dwehav et olabelt
his?
Regi
nah:Uhngng.Thi
siswrong.I
'
m si
xyear
s
ol
derthanyou,
you'
rej
ust18..
.
Hay
denshr
ugged.
Hay
den:
Andwhatar
ethose?
Regi
nah:
Wh-
whatdoy
oumean?
Hayden:
Youj
ustgav
emenumber
s.Not
hingbut
numbers.
.
Regi
nah:
Theymat
ter
.
Hay
den:
Not
heydon'
t.
..
Reginahsi
ghedlooki
ngdownbef
orer
unni
ng
herhandsthr
oughherhai
r.
Hayden:
Soci
etal
expect
ati
onsar
est
il
lgoi
ngt
o
makealotofyoumiser
able.
Reginah:
Whatwil
lyourmom say
?Whatwi
l
lpe-
peoplesay?OhGod!
Hayden:
You'
rel
i
vingf
oryoursel
fandnott
he
peopl
e.Leav
emom outofthis.
.
Reginah:
Shewil
lbedi
sappoi
nted.ToherI
'
mli
ke
supposedtobeli
keasist
er.
..
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hayden:
You'
vebeenhi
dingt
hefeel
i
ngspr
ett
y
l
adybutIsawri
ghtthr
oughyou.

Hesl
i
dhi
sphoneoutandhandedi
ttoher
.
Hay
den:
Yourdi
git
s..
.
Regi
nah:
Wapekawai
tse?
Hay
den:
IknowwhatIwantandIwanty
ou.
..

Regi
nahpunchefinhernumberandgav ehim
backhisphone.Thi
sfeltwrongandright.She
wasperplexedaboutt
his.Hewasy oung, how
wasitgoingtowork?

Haydensawthewheel
stur
ningi
nherheadas
hesavedhernumber
.

Regi
nahsi
ghedagai
nandl
ookedatHay
den.
Regi
nah:
Whatwi
-
Hay
den:
Thi
nkabouti
t.
Regi
nah:
Ithoughty
ouwer
eaj
erk.
..
Hay
den:
Ist
il
lam.
Regi
nah:
Whatdoy
ouseei
nme?I
'
m ol
dert
han
y
ouandy
o-y
ou'
rej
u-
Hay
den:
Justat
een?Iwi
l
lsur
pri
sey
oudoc.
..
Regi
nah:
I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
.

Haydent
ookoutt
hecarkey
sandst
art
edt
he
car
.
Regi
nahsi
ghedandl
eanedback.

AtTheOf
fi
ce

MsSmi thl
ookedattherecei
verasthecall
from
theschool
ended.Sherubbedhertemplesina
cir
cul
armotion.

Thisboywasgoingtogi
vehergreyhair
sbefor
e
herti
meandshewasatherwi t
sendwi thhi
m.
Shedidn'
thonest
lydi
dnotknowwher eshe
wentwr
ong.

HerPAwal
kedi
nsi
det
heof
fi
ce.
PA:Afternoonmam,themeet
ingwi
l
lbe
beginninginanhour
.
MsSmi
th:
Reschedul
eit
.
PA:
Bu-
but
..
MsSmi
th:
Ineedt
ogo.

MsSmi thst
artedt
oputherfil
esbackinherbag,
shewill
wrapupathome.Shewasj ustso
str
essedabouthimthatshedoubt
edshewoul d
beabletoconcent
rat
e.

Whenshewasdoneshepi
ckedherhandbag
andt
heotherbag.
MsSmi
th:
Seey
out
omor
row.
Shesteppedoutofheroffi
ceandmadeherway
totheli
ft.MsSmit
himpatient
lyt
appedt
heti
p
ofherhighheel
onthefloor.
MsSmi
th:
Whyi
sn'
ti
tfastnow?
(impat
ient
ly)

Theliftfi
nallyopenedandtheoccupant
s
steppedoutwhi l
eshegotinsi
de.Shequickl
y
pressedt hebuttonsanditcl
osed.Shesucked
i
nadeepbr eathwonderi
nghowshewasgoi ng
toappr oacht hi
s.

Whent heliftopenedshehur ri
edl
ymadeher
waytot hepar ki
nglotwher eshegoti
nsi
deher
carandwi thoutlookingbackstar
tedi
tand
droveoffinahur ryev ent
houghsheknewshe
washur ry
ingf ornothing.
Meanwhi
l
eReginahst
eppedoutofthecart
ogo
opent
hegat
e.Haydendrovesl
olwyint
othe
yar
dandpar
kedhercarundert
heshade.

Thecarenginest
oppedandhegotoutoft
he
carhol
dingherbagandcoat
.

Hehandedthem t
oherandshecheckedf
orher
housekey
sinthebag.

Sheunlockedt
hedoorandHay
denf
oll
owedher
i
nside.Hewastoocl
ose.

Shecreat
edspacebet
weenthem andshe
pl
acedherstuf
fonthecouchbef
oretur
ning
andlooki
ngathim.
Regi
nah:
uhm t
hanky
ouf
ordi
ri
vi
ngmeher
e..
Haydenchuckl
edashemadehiswaytoher
andshemov edbackt
il
lshewasagai
nstawall
,
hishei
ghtal
soandmuscledi
dn'
tmakeiteasi
er
forhert
oescape.
Hayden:
Imeanyoucan'
tbescar
edofj
ustme
canyoupret
tyl
ady?
Herbreathcaughtinherthroatasshelooked
upathim.Het ippedherheadupwar dsand
plant
edaki ssonherli
ps.Itwassupposedt obe
asubtlebabykissbuthekissedheragaintil
li
t
becameaf ullblownki
ss.Hehel dherwri
sts
withonlyonehandassheki ssedhi
m backwith
thesameener gyhewaspr ojecti
nguntoher.

Haydenbroket
heki
ssandbreathedagai
nsher
l
ipsashisweedybr
eat
hhithernostr
il
s.
Hay
den:
Fuck!Iknewy
ouwant
edmet
oo.
.
Hekissedheragai
nandsher espondedand
moanedintotheki
ss.Hecl osedthedi st
ance
bet
weent hem ast
heirgarment stouchedand
hemadesur etomakeherf eelhishardon.
Regi
nahgaspedbuthi sl
ipswer ealreadyon
her
s.

Hebr
okeitagai
nandl
ookedatherasshe
br
eat
hedhard.
Hechuckledandki ssedhernecksoftl
y.The
agedi
fferencedidn'tbot
herhi
mt hatmuchand
hewasn'tint
imidatedbyherbeingolderthan
hi
m.
Hay
den:
Ineedt
ogi
vey
out
imet
othi
nkr
ight
?
Hesaidhuski
l
yagai
nstherearandherbr
eat
h
hi
tched.
Hekissedherl
ipsonelastt
imebefor
ehe
pl
acedsomedi st
ancebetweenthem and
l
ookedather.Heli
ckedhisli
psbefor
ehe
fl
ashedasmileherwayandReginahpaused.

Hi
ssmi
l
ewaswow!
Hay
den:
I'
l
lcal
l
...

Justli
kethathewal
kedoutl
eav
ingRegi
nahst
il
l
l
eaningagainstt
hewal
l.

ThemomentHay denopenedt hegate,hesaw

hismother
'scarbytheirgate.Hi
smot her
pausedtol
ookathi m befor
eshaki ngherhead
i
ndisappoi
ntmentanddr ivi
nginsidetheyard
themomentt hegateopenedaut omatical
l
y.

Hay
densi
l
ent
lyf
oll
owedt
hecari
nsi
det
hey
ard.
Whenhi
smot herpar
kedthecarhej
ustheaded
t
othehouseasthegateclosed.

Hemadehiswayt
ohisroom assoonashe
st
eppedf
ooti
nsi
dethehouse.

Hay denimmedi at
elygotri
dofhishoodieand
startedunbutt
oningthelongsleevedshi
rt
.He
threwi tont
hebedr eveal
ingthetatt
oosalong
hisar ms.

Hecount
edt
hesecondsbefor
ehismother
bur
sti
nsi
dehi
sroom wi
thoutknocki
ng.
MsSmi
th:
Why
?
Hetur
nedtofacehi
smot
her
,runni
nghi
shad
t
hroughi
sfadecut.
Hay
den:
Letmeguess,
theschool
cal
l
ed.
MsSmith:I
t'
sexam ti
me.Yourf
inal
examsand
yo-
you'
resti
-st
il
lpl
ayi
ng.
Hay
den:
Awi
sechoi
ceofwor
ds.
MsSmi t
h:Whenarey
ougoi
ngt
oleti
tgo,
it'
s
enoughHayden.

Haydenchuckl
ed.MsSmithcouldseehow
Haydenwashisfat
her
'ssonthr
oughand
t
hrough.Sur
elyhemovedpastital
l.
.
Hay
den:
l
etmegot
akeashower
..
.
Justl
iket
hatHay
denwalkedawayl
eav
inghi
s
motherst
andi
ngther
e.

Shebl
inkedtearsaway.Shehaddonewhatshe
haddonefortheirowngood,whycoul
dn'
the
j
ustmov epastit
?
Shepat
tedhercheeksandwal
kedoutofhi
s
room.

Meanwhil
eHaydenst
oodundertheshowerand
cl
osedhisey
es.Whenhewasn'
thighoreven
dr
unkthatwaswhenital
lhi
thi
m all
atonce.

Heshift
edhisthinki
ngtothepr et
tydoct
orand
hefoundhimselfsmili
ng.Ifhecouldget
bet
weent hoselegsofhers..
..

MsSmi thsatdownonthecouchandpi
cked
herphoneup.Shepaused.

May beshewasj umpi

ngintoconclusi
onsbut
sheknewHay denwasn'tgoingt
osayany thi
ng.
Shedi al
edhernumber.Maybewhatshewas
thi
nkingwasn'ti
tandshewast r
yingtoplaythe
r
oleofpr
otect
ivemot
herunnecessar
il
y.

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Sheremovedthebraasherphoner
ang.She
pl
acedthebradownandlookedatt
hecall
eri
d.
WhywasHay den'
smothercall
i
ng?
Sheanswer
edt
hephone.
Regi
nah:
Hel
l
o..
MsSmit
h:Hel
l
o.Canyoucomeov
er?Iwantt
o
asky
ousomethi
ng.
.
Regi
nahwasl
ostbutsheagr
eedany
way
.

Sheplacedthephoneonherl
apandsighed.
Shedidn'
tknowwhethert
oexplor
ethese
feel
i
ngsornot.
Hewasy oungerthanherandalt
houghpeopl
e
mightnotseethediff
erencet
oheritwasweir
d.
Shehadwor kmateswhower eappr
oximat
ely
herageandher eshewasdebati
ngwhethert
o
datean18y earol
d.
Regi
nah:
Urg!Hej
ustmessedupmyt
hinki
ng
andheisgoodki
sser
.
Shetouchedherl
i
psagai
nastoday
'ski
ssf
rom
ear
li
eronplayedi
nhermi
nd.

Shej
ustl
aidont
hebed.Shedi
dn'
tknownow.
.
.
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s
*
03*

AtMssmi
th'
spl
ace

Reginahstoodoutsi
dehernei
ghbor
'sgat
eand
pressedtheint
ercom.

Av
oicecamet
hrough.

MsSmi
th:
Whoi
sit
?
Regi
nah:
Regi
nah.
MsSmi
th:
Okay
.

Thegat esli
dopenandshest eppedinsidet
he
yardandshel ookedaround.Shedidn'
t
understandwhyHay denwassor ebell
i
ouswhen
theyl
iteral
l
yhadev ery
thing.
Hismot herprovi
dedwel l
forhim andshewas
al
way sconcernedabouthi m andwhathewas
doing.Hewasat t
endingaprivat
eschoolbuthe
seemeddi rect
ionless.
I
ftheydodat
e,whatwi
l
lshet
ell
peopl
e?

Sheaskedher
sel
fasshewalkedtothedoor
.
Sheknockedf
orafewsecondsbeforeMs
Smit
hopenedthedoor
.
MsSmi
th:
Hel
l
oRegi
e..
Shesmi
led.Shehadshor
tenedhernamesay
ing
i
t'
stool
ongf orher
.
MsSmi
th:
Stepi
nsi
de.
.

Shewal
kedi
nsi
deandl
ookedar
ound.
MsSmi
th:
Youcansi
tdown.
Reginahsatdownandplacedherhandsonher
thi
ghs.ShesmiledasMssmi t
hsatdown.She
wonderedifHaydenwashomeorout .

Hepret
tymuchdi
dany
thi
nghewant
ed.Rebel
much.

MsSmithsuckedi
nabr
eat
handl
ookedat
Regi
e.
MsSmi
th:
Thi
sisaboutHay
den.
..

Regi
nah'
shear
tski
ppedabeatandshejust
l
ookedatMsSmithwit
hablankface.
MsSmit
h:Ij
ustwantedt
oask..
.(
pausi
ng)Isaw
hi
mleav
ingyourhousewhenIcamehere.
Reginah:
Wel
laf
termyshi
ftIpassedhi
m byt
he
roadandIst
oppedtogi
vehim ari
de.
MsSmi t
hdidn'
twantitt
oshowt
hatshe
suspect
edother
wise.
MsSmi t
h:Okay
.Hei sj
ustateenagerwhois
goingthrougharebelst
age.Heclaimstoknow
alotofthingswheninactualf
acthedoesn'
t.
Regi
nahkeptqui
et.WasMssmi tht
ell
i
nghert
o
st
ayawayfrom Haydensubt
ly?

MsSmit
h:Imeanheneedst ounder
standand
gr
ow,
nowhei sjustnotf
ine.
Regi
nah:
Iunder
standt
hat
.
MsSmith:
Glady
oudo.Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ng
hi
m home.

Hay
denst oodbythepassageshaki
nghishead.
Hedidnotneedanybabyingandhewasgoing
t
ohav eReginahwhet
herhismotherl
ikedi
tor
not
.

Ver
ystr
ategi
cal
lyhewal
kedintot
hel
oungei
n
gr
eysweatpant
sandawhit
ev est
.
Reginah'smouthmadean' o'
shapeassoonas
shesetherey esonhim.Hedidn'
tlookan
ounceliketheteenageri
nuni
form att
he
moment .

Shetri
edtohideherevi
dentshockandl
ooked
atherhandsonherlap.Shecoul
dseeit
thr
oughthesweatpants.Wow!
Hay
den:
Hel
l
odoc.
.
Shel
ookedupnotsur
ehowt
orespondt
othat
.
Regi
nah:
H-hi
..
Hechuckl
edandheadedt
otheki
tchenf
ora
gl
assofwater
.
MsSmi t
hpretendedl
i
keshedi
dn'
tev
ennot
ice
whathappened.
Regi
nah:
Wel
lIhav
etogoandkeut
lul
e.Hav
ea
goodday
.

Shestoodupandmadeherwayt ot
hedoor.
Sheopeneditandst
eppedout
sidet
hehouse.

Sheleanedagai
nsti
tandbr
eat
hedi
nthef
resh
ai
r.Yahneh.

Shewasl
i
kethatf
oraf
ewsecondsbef
oreahe
fi
nal
l
ywal
kedaway.

Hay
den'
smot
hermadeherwayt
otheki
tchen.
MsSmi
th:
Hay
dencany
ouf
oroncef
ocuson
what
'si
mpor
tant
?
Hay
den:
Mot
hery
ou'
reaf
ineonet
otal
k.
MsSmi
th:
I'
myourmot
her
.
Hay
denchuckl
edpl
aci
ngt
hegl
assdown.
Hay
den:
Fat
her
?

MsSmi
thpausedandl
ookedathi
m.
MsSmi
th:
Idi
dwhatIhadt
odo.
Hayden:
Youaresel
fi
shandy
oudi
dwhatwas
bestf
oryou.

Hewalkedoutoftheki
tchenmakinghiswayt
o
t
helounge.Hepausedatthedoordecidi
ng
whet
herornottogotoReginah'
splace.

Thel
attert
houghtwonandhewalkedout.Ms
Smit
hjustsighed.Hewi
l
lfor
giv
eheraft
ersome
t
ime.

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Regi
nahwasnowinat oweli
nthebedr
oom.
Nowsheneededtoshowerandrel
axbeforeher
shi
ft
.Maybethemoredist
ancesheput
s
bet
weenherandHaydenwill
makehim stay
away.

Thatcoul
dwor
k.Shej
ustt
iedherhai
rand
madeherwayt
otheshower.

Shepausedwhi
lsti
ntheshowerbef
oreshe
coul
devenopenthewater
.
Thatsoundedli
keadoorknock.Regi
nah
walkedoutst
il
lwit
hthetowelwrappedar
ound
herbody.
Regi
nah:
Comi
ng!

Shemadeherwayt othemaindoorand
unl
ockedi
t.Beforeshecoul
dsayanythi
ng,
Haydensmashedhisli
psonhersandheldher
neckashekissedher.

Shemoanedi
ntot
heki
ssbef
orebr
eaki
ngi
t.
Regi
nah:
Youshoul
dn'
tbeher
e..
Hay
den:
Iwantt
obeher
e..
.shutup!

Hemov edhislipstohersandskil
l
ful
lyravished
hersoftmoi stli
ps,bi
ti
ngherlowerli
pi n
betweent hekiss.Heclosedthedoorwi t
hhis
footashepushedherbackwar dssti
llki
ssing
her.
Lostintheki
ss,Regi
nahwrappedherarms
aroundhisneckashedeepenedthekiss,
wit
h
hi
sskill
fult
onguetast
ingherl
ipsful
l
y.

Heheldthebackofherheadsi
nki
ngi
ntoher
sweetl
ips.
Regi
nahmoanedintotheki
ssnowwi
thhi
m
tr
appi
ngheragai
nstthewal
l.
Hebrokethekissandbitherl
owerli
plooki
ng
i
ntohereyes.Hereyel
idsfl
utt
eredandhebaby
ki
ssedherli
ps.Shelookedupathim ashe
l
if
tedherchinupandrubbedit.

Haydensl
owlypressedhi
mselfagai
nstherand
t
hatsnappedReginahoutofhert
emporary
r
everi
e.
Regi
nah:
B-buty
ou'
rej
u-j
ust
..
.
Hechuckl
edandki
ssedherl
i
psagai
n.
Hay
den:
Hey
,Isai
dmyagedoesn'
tmat
ter
..
.

Shebreathedsof
tl
yasherbr
eat
hhi
tthecor
ner
ofhi
slips.
Hay
den:
Youwer
eaboutt
otakeashower
?
Regi
nah:
huh?Uhm.
.y
es.
.
Hecouldn'
tgetenoughofherl
ips.Hekissed
herl
i
psagainandshest oodonhertoestotry
andreachhi
sheight.
.
Hay
den:
Iassumewe'
reani
tem?

Heasked.Shel
ookedathi
m conf
used.
Regi
nah:
I-
I.
..
Hay
den:
Great
..
Heki
ssedherl
i
psagai
nandr
ubbedherchi
n.
Hayden:
Got
akey
ourshower
(l
aughi
ng)
Iwon'
t
bi
te.
.
Reginahst
oodt
her
eabi
tconf
used.Whatj
ust
happened?
Hay
den:
Or.
..

Heheldhercheeksi
nhi
shandandbr
oughthi
s
l
ipst
ohers.
Shebr
oket
heki
ssandl
ookedi
ntohi
sey
es.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lbei
nthel
oungeokay
?

Shenoddedandhest
eppedbackawayf
rom
her
.
Henonchalant
lywalkedt
othecouchandshe
suckedinadeepbreathmaki
ngherwaytoher
bedroom.
Whenshegott heresheclosedthedoorand
l
eanedagainstit
.Shewasconf usedashellnow
butsheshouldprobabl
ytakeashower .Shesti
l
l
hasafewhour slef
tti
ll
hershiftbegansoshe
neededtobefresh.

Meanwhi l
eHay denlookedatthecei
l
ingasa
mill
i
ont hought
sr aninhismind.Hewishedhe
couldescapethet hought
sandweeddi dthat
temporari
ly.

Hesuckedinadeepbr
eath.Healway
sli
vedin
nowbecauseheknewthefutur
ewasnot
guar
anteed.Hel
ear
ntt
hatinthemostpai
nful
way.

Hal
fanhourl
aterRegi
nahwal
kedouti
ngown
andsatnextt
ohi
m.
Regi
nah:
I-
I.
..
Shel
ookedathim andwonder
edhowhecoul
d
besocal
m al
lthetime.
Reginah:
howisthi
s-us,
ifther
eisanus,howis
i
tgoingtowork?Kanay ourmom wasindir
ect
ly
tel
l
ingmet ostayawayfrom you.
Hay
den:
OhIknow.
.(
chuckl
i
ng)
Regi
nah:
Whatar
epeopl
egoi
ngt
osay
?Kanake
motonamogowena.
.
Hayden:AndIsai
dagedoesn'
tmat
tert
ome, I
'v
e
nev
erbeenaper sonwhohasti
meforpeopl
e'
s
opi
nions.
Regi
nah:
WenaMrRebel
..
Hesmi
rked.
Hay
den:
So?
Regi
nahsi ghedandl ookedintohisey es.This
wasriskyandv eryabnormal accordi
ngt o
soci
ety'
sst andar
ds.Shedi dn'
tevent hinkabout
i
tfortoolong.Hej ustcameher eandst arted
ki
ssi
nghert henboom awhol erelati
onshi p.
Regi
nah:
Okay
.
Hay
den:
Ist
hatay
es?
Regi
nah:
Yeah.
.
Hel
i
ftedherheadandsof
tl
yki
ssedherl
i
ps.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.
.
.
.
*
*
THREEMONTHSLATER
For
ever
&Al
way
s
*
05*

AtTheHospi
tal

Reginahandallt
heotherdoct
orsgather
ed
aroundTessa.Shehadreadthefi
lebri
eflyand
wassaddenedbyt hefactt
hatsheneededa
hearttr
anspl
antbutther
ewerenodonor s.

Oneoft hedoctorsfl
ashedal i
ghtonhereyel
ids.
Theyhadst abi
li
zedandt heyweresureshewas
breathi
ng,herheartwasstil
lbeati
ngalt
houghit
wasmal functi
oni
ng.Sheneededadonorsoon
orelseshewasn'tgoingtosurviv
e.

Theywai
tedf
orhal
fanhourst
il
ll
ooki
ngather
.
Regi
nahcheckedherwatch,
shewasexhausted
andneededtosl
eepbutshecan'tl
eavewit
hout
maki
ngsurethatt
helit
tl
egirlwasokay.

Tessaopenedherey
esslowlyandt
hey
breat
hedinasi
ghofrel
i
ef .
Regi
nah:
Heyangel
,howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Tessafel
theavyandlookedar
ound.Itseemed
asofther
ewer emoremachines.Shejust
l
ookedattheprett
ydoctorwhowasbyhersi de
befor
esheclosedhereyes.

Shecoughedandt heywaitedt
oseeifshewi
ll
coughupblood,shelookedatherhandandi
t
wasfine,
nobloodspot s.
Regi
nah:
Theresa,
yourf
ami
l
yisont
hewayokay
?
Hangint
hereangel.
Shesai
dasshepushedTessa'
shairback.
Tessanoddedast
hedoct
or'
sdispersed.
Reginahl
ookedatTessaonel
astt
ime,
she
neededtorest
.
Regi
nah:
rest
.I'
l
lpassbyt
omor
row.
.
Tessanoddedast
hepr
ett
ydoct
orst
eppedout
ofherr
oom.

Reginahsighedandmadeherwayt oheroffi
ce.
Shet ookherstuf
fandcheckedherphonef or
messagesonherwayt ot
hecar .Shesawt he
missedcallfrom Hay
den'
smot her.St
range.

Shefrownedwhenshescr ol
ledthr
ough
Facebookasther
ewer ealotofpostsaboutt
he
resul
tsbei
ngout.Forpri
vateschoolki
ds
anyway.
ShedialedHayden'
snumber.Itt
ookhert
o
voicemail
.Sheshookherheadandsheopened
thecar,pl
aci
ngherstuf
finsi
de.

Shestar
tedthecarandr
ever
sedoutoft
he
hospi
tal
parkingl
ot.

AtMsSmi
th'
shouse

Haydenwalkedoutoftheshowerwithatowel
wrappedaroundhiswaist
.Hewentt hr
oughthe
cl
othesinhiscl
osetandpickedoutsomeblack
j
eansandawhi tehoodi
e.

Aft
ergett
ingdressedthatwaswhenhef i
nal
l
y
checkedhisphone.Hefoundhismother'
s
missedcallandRegi
nah'smissedcal
ls.
Hecheckedhimselfoutinthemir
rorbef
orehe
wal
kedoutwithhiswallet,
carkey
sandphone
i
nhanddiali
ngReginah.

Sheanswer
edont
het
hir
dri
ng.
Hay
den:
Sugar
..
.
Regi
nah:Hey
,whywer
eyounotanswer
ingy
our
phone?
Hay
den:
Arewei
nsecur
enowbabe?
Regi
nah:
N-no.
..
Hay
den:
Good,
I'
ll
cal
li
nanhourorsookay
?
Regi
nah:
okay
(si
ghi
ng)
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyou.
.
Regi
nah:
Ilov
eyout
ooH.
.
Hechuckl
edbef
orehangi
ngup.
Haydenjustt
ookascreenshotofhisresul
ts
andsentthem t
ohismom bef or
eheopened
thedoorandsteppedoutofthehouse.

Att
hemal
l

Haydenst eppedi
ntoGameStoresandpickeda
tr
oll
ey.Hepushedt het
rol
l
eyheadingtothe
winesection.Hewasnoti
ntowinebutthenhe
wasn'tdoingthi
sforhi
m.Okay,maybehehad
hi
smot ivesbutwhatev
eri
ttooktogetwhathe
wanted.

InthesamestoreLetsost
eppedinandlooked
attheli
stherf
atherhadsenther
.Itwasn'
t
muchandshewi llbedoneinmostprobabl
ya
fewmi nut
es.
Shegrabbedabasketandwentt
hrought
he
ai
slessearchi
ngf
orwhatshewassenttobuy
.

Shepausedassher
ecogni
zedtheguyfr
om
ear
li
eron,t
heonewit
hthetat
toosandabs.

Hewast aki
ngsomethi
ngfrom t
heshel
fand
shepausedlooki
ngathi
m.Hepushedhis
tr
oll
eyforwar
dandshelookeddown.

Today
'searl
ieri
nci
dentwassoembarrassi
ng
shewouldn'
twanthimtorecogni
zeher.

Shewalkedpasthi
mi nahastecatchi
ngawhif
f
ofhisstr
ongcol
ogne.Shefr
owned.She
thoughyhewaspoorandthecolognesmel
led
expensi
ve.
Shelookeddownathi sfeetandnot icedhewas
weari
ngJor dans.Maybeshej udgedhi mtoo
earl
yormay behewasoneoft hosethat
cl
aimedt ol
iveexpensiv
elivesy ett
heycan't
aff
ordthem.Sheknewsuchki dsf r
om school
andshewoul dalwaysroll
herey esassheknew
howmostoft hei
rpar
entsstruggledt omake
endsmeet .

Shemovedtoanotheraisl
eandcheckedherl
ist
bef
oret
aki
ngaf ewthingsfrom t
heshel
ves.

Meanwhi l
eHay denl
ookedathi str
oll
eymaking
surehegotwhathet houghtheneeded.Was
thi
swhatwomendi dwhent heyweregrocer
y
shopping?Itwasexhausti
ngy ethewasn'
teven
doinganygr ocer
yshoppi
ng.

Hesl
i
dhi
sphoneoutandcheckedt
het
ime.He
sti
l
lhadti
me,
heguessedashej
oinedt
het
il
l
queue.

Let
sostoodbehindhim asshet ooki
nhis
hei
ghtandint
oxicat
ingcologne.Shesuckedin
abreat
h.Shejusthopedhewon' tnot
iceherat
al
l.

Thel
inemovedforwardandshej
ustl
ooked
downhol
dingherbasket
.

Hay
denmov
edf
orwar
dandpai
dforhi
sthi
ngs.
Thecashierav
oidedeyecont
actwi
thhi
m as
shescannedhisgoods.
Cashi
er:
Plast
ic?
Hay
den:
Yes.
Yep!Thatwastheexactsamevoi
cefr
om
earl
i
eron.Hehandedthecashi
erhi
scardand
sheswipedit
.

Af
tethewasdone,hepi
ckedthepl
ast
icsand
wal
kedoutwhi
leLetsopai
d.

OnceLetsowasdone,shewalkedoutand
pausedwhenshesawt heguyf r
om the
constr
ucti
onsi
teplaci
nghisplasti
csinthecar
befor
ehejoggedtothedri
ver'
sseat.

Let
so:
Ooh!

Shecer
tai
nlymi
sjudgedhi
m.

AtRegi
nah'
shouse
Reginahworeoneofofhist-shi
rt
sthathejust
l
efthereoneofthosedays.Shesat
crossl
eggedonthecouchassheconnect edher
phonetothesoundsystem.

Shelai
ddownont hecouchandclosedhereyes,
rel
axi
ng.Shewill
checkont heli
ttl
egirl
tomorr
owduringherafternoonshif
t,shewi
l
l
tal
ktoHaydenlater.

Thir
tyminuteslat
erHay denparkedhi scar
i
nsidetheyard.Hecheckedt hebaskett omake
sureift
heydidputthest uf
fnicel
y .Heleftt
he
basketi
nthecarandst eppedouthol dinghis
phoneandthekey sthathadRegi e'shousekeys.

Hewal
kedt
othedoorandheal
mostknocked
whenhehear
dthemusic.Hedecidedonusi
ng
hi
skeyandhesl
owlyunlockedt
hedoor.

Heopenedi tslowl
yandst eppedinside.He
smiledseeingheri
nhist-shir
tont hecouch.He
bi
thi sl
owerlipasthesongpl ay
edi nthe
background.

Hemadehiswayt
othecouchandbenthi
s
headov
erher
s.
Hesoft
lykissedherli
psandshest
ir
redwi
thout
r
espondingtothekiss.

Herhandsmov edtohi
sfaceat
tempti
ngto
pushhim awaybuthehel
dherhandski
ssi
ng
hersomemor e.

Shet
urnedherheadbef
oreopeni
ngherey
es.
Hay
den:
Heyy
ou.
.
Shecl
osedhereyesandopenedthem agai
n.
Regi
nahsatupr
ightandHaydenstoodupri
ght
.
Shey awnedandstret
chedherbodyasthet-
shir
tsli
dupr ev
eali
ngherthongandHayden
l
ickedhisli
psbeforeshepull
eddownthet-
shir
t.

Regi
nah:
Hii
..
(yawni
ng)
whendi
dyoucomeback?
Hay
den:
Wantt
osl
eep?

Shey
awned.
Regi
nah:
No,
I'
m good.
Hay
den:
Andher
eIwast
ryi
ngt
ober
omant
ic.
.
Regi
nahsmi
l
ed.
Regi
nah:
Whatwer
eyoupl
anni
ng?
Hayden:
Itwassupposedt
obeasur
pri
seand
I
'm nott
ell
ingy
ou.
Hesatdownnextt
oherandhel
dherwai
st
pul
l
inghert
ohim.
Regi
nah:
Yousmel
lgood.
.
Hay
den:
Iknow.
.
Regi
nahr
oll
edherey
es.
Regi
nah:
Jer
k..
.
Hay
den:
Andy
oul
ovet
hisj
erk,
comeher
e..

Hepull
edhertohi
m andkissedherl
ips.He
want
edmor ebuthebrokeitandl
ookedather
r
ubbi
ngherlowerli
p.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Regi
nah:
Hmm.
.
Hay
den:
Nev
ermi
nd.
.si
ther
e..
Sheslowl
ysatonhisl
apandheheldherwaist
asthet-
shi
rtsl
i
dupagain.Shet
ri
edtopull
it
downbutheheldherhands.
Hay
den:
Ilov
ethev
iewbabe,
leti
tbe.
.
Shepl
acedherhandsonhi
schest
.
Regi
nah:
So?
Hay
den:
Woman,
don'
tst
ressaboutt
hat
..
.
Regi
nahshr
ugged.
Regi
nah:
Ihav
etoaskHay
den.
Hay
den:
Lel
api
sagor
e..
(you'
ret
ir
ing)
Regi
nah:
Nnal
emang?
Hay
den:
Youandmymot
her
..
.
Regi
nah:
Wej
ustwantt
oknow.
.

Hegaveherhisphonewit
hablankstar
e.She
pl
acedherfi
ngerpr
intont
hephonetounlocki
t
si
ncehealsosavedherfi
nger
pri
ntashis
passwor
d.

Regi
nah:
Bua.
.candi
dat
enumberandt
hecent
re
number.
Hehel
dhert
highspushi
ngt
owar
dshi
m.
Regi
nah:
Hay
den!
!(
laughi
ng)
Buakwa.
.
Hegavehert
henumber sasshet y
pedthem on
hi
sphone.Hejustki
ssedherneckslowl
y
sl
i
dinghi
shandsunderthet-shi
rt
.
Shemoaned.
Regi
nah:
NgngH.Iwan-
wantt
ose-
see(
moaning)

Hesqueezedherbr
eastandshet
hrewherhead
back.

Regi
nah:
Hay
-aah.
.ngngt
lher
rawena.
.
Haydenjustignor
edherashesuckedonher
neckkeepingbothhi
shandsonherbreast
s.

Shelookedatthephonescr
eenf
oraf
ew
secondsbefor
ehemadehermoanagain.
Regi
nah:
Aah.
.Af
ewmi
nut
esH.
Hay
den:
Icandoal
oti
naf
ewmi
nut
essugar
..
Regi
nah:
Iwantt
oseeee.
..

Heignor
edt
hatandr
emov
edhi
st-
shi
rtf
rom
herbody
.

Af
terhegotr
idoft
het
-shi
rthewhi
stl
ed.
Hay
den:
Fuckt
her
omant
icsur
pri
se.
.

Regi
nahmov edherheadawayt
olookatt
he
phonescr
een.
Regi
nah:
Emapel
e..
Hay
den:
Ompol
aisanopakana.
.
Shelaughedl
ookingatthephonethenhersmi
l
e
fadedashereyeswidenedinshock.
Reginahcheckedthenameagai
nandlookedat
thegrades.Shel
ookedatt
hephonescreen
thenathim.
Hay
den:
Happy
?
Reginahhithi
schestwit
hthephone.Whenshe
tr
iedtohithim agai
nhehel
dherwrist
sinhi
s
hand.
Hayden:Wait
enayaanong?
(you'
remaki
ng
your
selfangr
y?)
Regi
nah:
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme?
Hay
den:
Tel
lyouwhat
?
Regi
nah:
Mxm!
Hay
denj
ustl
ookedather
.
Regi
nah:
Youmademebel
i
eve.
.mxm!
Heshookhi
shead.
Hayden:ntl
eketswelel
eosaleompol ai
sit
se
nopaor e90dayruleshitandstuf
f(l
etme
cont
inue,I'
vebeenthir
stybutyouhadrest
ri
cted
mewi t
ht he90dayruleshit
)
Regi
nah:Ng,wait
.Whydidyoumakemebel ieve
youaredir
ecti
onlesswhenyouknowyou'r
e
smartandyouknowwhatt hehel
lyou'
redoing?
Hay
den:
Youbel
i
evedt
hatony
ourown.
..
Regi
nah:
Mxm gotswahoootswaka45poi
nts
nxl
a!(
Andtheny
ouget45poi
ntsnxl
a!)
Hayden:
Soyou'
reangr
yIpassed?Whatdoy
ou
wantkant
e?
Regi
nah:
Youmademebel
i
eveal
i
e..
Hay
den:
Arey
ouPMS'
ng?
Regi
nah:
NoI
'
m not
,I-
urgdon'
tchanget
het
opi
c.
Hay
den:
Soy
ou'
reangr
y?
Regi
nah:
Koor
e..
mxm!Wat
ena!
(You'
reannoy
ing)
Hay
den:
Regi
nah?

Shepaused.Hehasnev
ercal
l
edherbyherf
ull
namebefore.
Regi
nah:
hmm?
Hay
den:
Regi
nah?
Regi
nah:
Rra.
..
Hayden:
Kanat
aagaont
ena.
.(
You'
reaboutt
o
makemeangry)

Shehasnev erhear
dthef ullef
fectofhisvoi
ce
butsheknewhehadt hatnaturaldominance
thatcamewi t
hhim,ev enthoughshewasol der
thanhim butsometi
meswhenhet al
kedt oher
,
shejusthadtoobey.Itwasst r
anget oher
somehow.

Hay
den:
Sowhat
'st
hepr
obl
em?
Regi
nah:
Not
hing.
Hay
den:
Ithoughtso.
Regi
nah:
You'
rest
il
laj
erk.
Hay
den:
Don'
tpushi
tsugar
.Justdon'
t.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
06*
AtRegi
nah'
sHouse

Shelookedathi
m andhesighedandl
aidhi
s
headbetweenherboobs.Shesi
ghed.
Regi
nah:
Whatnow?St
opi
t.
.

Hechuckl
edashekissedherbet
weenher
boobsandshesi
ghedcontent
edl
y.
Hay
den:
We'
l
lsee.
.
Regi
nah:
UhHay
den.
.
Hislar
gehandshel
dhercl
oseandshet
hrew
herheadbackl
ooki
ngathi
m.
Reginah:
Idon'
tknowwhyy
oumakemef
eel
li
ke
thi
s.
Hay
den:
Likewhat
?
Regi
nah:
All
giddyandst
uff
..
Hepeckedherl
i
pssof
tl
yandj
usthel
dher
.She
respondedtotheki
sswrappingherhands
aroundhisneck.Hedeepenedtheki
ssplaci
ng
bothofhishandsonhercheeks..

Regi
nahfel
thi
shardonfrom under
neathher
andshemovedawaybutheheldhersteadi
lyas
hemovedhisl
ipsagai
nsther
s.

Theycont
inuedshari
ngthatheat
edkisst
il
lhe
deci
dedtobreakit
.Herubbedherlowerl
i
p.
Hay
den:
Getdr
essedbabe.
..
Regi
nah:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Hay
den:
Justgetdr
essedhmm.
.

Hepeckedherl
i
psagai
n.
Regi
nah:
Okay
.
Hepassedhert
het
-shi
rtandshewor
eitbef
ore
shegotof
fhim.
Hay
den:
Makei
tfast
.
Regi
nah:
Yessi
r.

AtTheHospi
tal

Tessaletoutaf
adesmil
easshel
ookedather
parent
swhower ewor
ri
edtot
hebone.
MaTessa:
Arey
ousur
eyou'
reokaybaby
?
Shenodded.
Tessa:
Wher
eisTi
a?
RaTessa:
Athome.
.t
hisi
s..
.

Herfat
herjustt
ouchedhercheekgent
lyl
ooki
ng
atherwit
hglossyeyes.
Tessa:
I-
I'
l
lbef
inedad.Ipr
omi
se.

Shecoul
dseet hattheyhadlostal
lhopebut
shedi
dn'twanttolosehope.Shewantedtobe
awri
terandshedidn'twanttogiveup.
Hermot herjustwalkedoutoft heroom with
tearsinhereyes.Shecoul dn'tbearseei
ngher
babyf i
ghtforherlif
ey ettherewasnohope, no
signfrom Godorev enasi ngledonorforher .
Thel i
stwasn'tlongbutt hepastfewmont hs
shehadn'tfoundamat chandsheknewt hatno
onewoul dwi l
l
inglygiv
et heirheartaway.
MaTessa:
Godwhyher
?

Shesai
dasshepl
acedherheadonherl
ap.

Meanwhil
einthehospi
tal
room Tessal
ookedat
herf
ather
.Theyhadaddedmoremachinesbut
thei
mport
antthingwasthatshewasst
il
lal
i
ve.
Thatwasal
lthatmatt
ered.
Tessa:
DaddyI
'
m st
il
lgoi
ngt
obeawr
it
er.
Herfat
hertr
iedtosmil
ebutithur
tknowi
ngthat
youarepowerl
esstosaveyourowndaught
er.

Thebr
ight11y
earol
dhasnev
erhur
tany
oneso
whyher?

AtMsSmi
th'
shouse

ShelookedatHay den'sresul
tsoncemoreand
shewaspr oudevent houghhewasahandf ul
.
Shesighedthoughtfull
yassheswi t
chedof
fthe
l
ight
s.

Sheknewhewoul
dmostpr
obabl
yhat
eherf
or
t
herestofhi
sli
feforwhathappenedtohis
f
atherandl
ooki
ngatit,
shewassel f
ishbuti
t
wasforagoodreason.

Heneverhadamal ef
igur
eshowhimtheway
andshefel
tthathebl
amedherfort
hattoo.She
tookhi
sfatherawayf
rom hi
m.Li
ter
all
y.

Somethi
ngsmighttaketi
me.May be,j
ust
maybehemightf
orgiveher
.Itdi
dn'thur
tto
hav
ehope.
.
.
*
*
Hal
floafi
sbett
erthannot
hingfamil
y,l
etl
a
nki
neladi
atl
ametsing Rest!Rest
!Rest
baf
ethu!
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
07*

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Regi
nahwalkedoutofherr
oom i
namaxi dress
wit
hherhai
rtiedi
nacuteponyt
ail
.Suefound
Haydenonherphoneandshej
ustwalkedto
hi
m.
Regi
nah:
Done.
.
Hay
den:
Tur
nar
ound.
.
Regi
nah:
No.
.
Hay
den:
Tur
nar
ound.
.

Sher
eluct
ant
lyt
urnedar
oundandhel
aughed.
Hay
den:
Let
'sgo.

Hestoodupandhel
dbotht
hei
rphonesi
nhi
s
hand,al
ongwi
tht
hecarkey
s.

Hehel
dherwai
stl
eadi
nghert
othedoor
.
Regi
nah:
Whatar
eyoupl
anni
ng?
Hay
den:
Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
..
let
'sgopr
ett
y
l
ady.
Regi
nah:Let
'snotf
orgetIhav
etor
est
,Ihav
e
worktomorrow.
Hayden:
Whodoesn'
t?Yout
alkt
oo
much(smir
king)
Regi
nah:
Idon'
ttr
usty
ourpl
ans.
Hay
den:
Okay
.Let
'sj
ustgobabe.

Hel
ockedt
hehousedoorandsl
i
dthekey
sin
t
hebackpocketofhi
sjeans.

Hay
denunl
ockedt
hecarandopenedt
hedoor
f
orher
.
Regi
nah:
Nowy
ou'
reopeni
ngdoor
sforme.
Hay
den:
Alway
ssuspi
ciousofev
ery
thi
ng.

Shegoti
nsi
deandhecl
osedt
hedoorbef
orehe
j
oggedtohi
ssi
de.

Hegoti nsi
deandst art
edt hecar.Reginah
buckledupandsatst il
l watchi
nghim ashe
rever
sedoutofherpl ace.Hehadonehandon
thesteeri
ngwheel andheal waysmadeaf ace
whenhewasdr i
ving.Itwasst il
lsexy
,theway
hisveinswerevi
sibleonhi shandandsheknew
whatwasunder neatht hathoodie.
Shelookeddown, shecouldn'
tbel
i
eveshefel
l
forateenagerandinsomesensehewas
matureandnotmat ure.Shewasn'
tsur
ethat
madesenset hough.

Haydenlookedatherwiththecornerofhisey
e.
Thatwasthething,
hewasser iousaboutand
mostpeoplewouldthinkitwaseccentri
cfora
guyhisagetoloveawomanwhenhi s
agematesli
ter
all
ythrewthemselvesathim.

Reginahsmiledashedr
ovethr
ought
hetr
aff
ic
l
ightsint
hedar k,
bei
nggui
dedbyonl
ythe
headli
ghts.
Regi
nah:
wher
ear
ewegoi
ngmme?
Hay
den:
Pat
iencesugar
.

I
nlesst
han30mi
nut
est
heyhadar
ri
vedand
Regi
nahl
ookedar
oundi
nthedar
kness.
Regi
nah:
Ist
il
ldon'
tknowsomepar
tsoft
heci
ty.
Hay
den:
All
owmet
oteachy
ou.

Withnowarni
ngheki
ssedherandshe
r
esponded.Hebr
oketheki
ssandrubbedher
l
ips.
Hay
den:
Tempt
ingsugar
..
Shejustl
ookedathi
m,hesteppedoutoft
he
car
,walkedtohersi
deandopenedthedoorf
or
her
.
Regi
nah:
Suchagent
leman.
Hay
den:
Notf
orl
ong.

Het ookherhandandhelpedherstepoutoft
he
car.Shewashitbythecoldbreezeandshe
rubbedherarmsabit.Thefreshbreeze
surroundedtheareaandshecoul
dfeelt
he
grassfrom under
neaththesol
eofhesandal
s.

Haydenjustmovedhi
shandtoherhairand
rel
easeditf
rom t
heti
ghtbunl
ett
ingspil
lfr
ee
anditcover
edhercl
avi
cle.
Hay
den:
Beaut
if
ul.
(underhi
sbr
eat
h)

Thebreezeblewherhairbackmaki ngitl
ook
l
ikeshewasi naprofessional
photoshootwit
h
thewindblowingherhairli
kethemodelsin
adver
tsalwayslook.

Hay
densmil
edandhecoul
dn'
thel
phimsel
fbut
t
opull
hercl
osert
ohi
m wit
hherhai
r.
Hay
den:
You'
ref
ucki
ngbeaut
if
ul.
Regi
nah:
Thanky
ou.
Hayden:Idi
dn'tmeanitasacompl iment
.Your
beautyiseff
ortl
essanditstunsmeev er
yti
me.
Everyfucki
ngt i
mehowy ounev erevent
ryand
youstil
lappeali
ngtome...

Sheblushedlookingdownandhel i
ft
edherface
upasherey esrelfect
edtheful
lmoon,maki
ng
them spar
kleinthenightundert
he
constel
lat
ion.

Hay
den:
Fuck!
Hereyel
idsfl
utter
edandhehel dhercheekas
sheopenedherey esandthei
rgazeslockedfor
whatseemedl i
kehoursastimestoodstil
land
herhai
rbrushedhercheeks.
Hayden:
Sayi
ngIl
ovey
ouwoul
dbean
under
stat
ement.
Herubbedherchi
nbef
oresof
tl
ypecki
ngher
l
ips.

Hesmi l
edandkissedherf oreheadbefor
ehe
steppedawayf rom herandwentt othebootof
thecart otakeoutt
hegoodi eshebought.It
tookRegi nahafeemi nut
est ogetbacktoear th
andbyt het i
meshewast urningHaydenwas
alreadyplaci
ngthebasketont opoftheblanket.
Shegr
inned.

Regi
nah:
Api
cni
c..
Hay
den:
Alat
eni
ghtone.
.
Regi
nah:
Thi
sissosweet
.Thanky
ou.

Hej
ustwal
kedt
oherandhel
dherwai
st.
Regi
nah:
It
'ssopeacef
ul.
Hay
den:
Youar
epeacef
ul.
Regi
nahr
oll
edherey
esl
aughi
ng.
Regi
nah:
Mxm!
Heledhertotheblanketandtheysatdown
wit
hhersit
ti
nginbet weenhislegswit
hher
shoesof
f.Wellthebothofthem hadthei
r
shoesof
f.

Reginahlookedathissize8Jordansbefor
e
l
ookingathersizethreefeet
.Haydenopened
thebasketandtookoutt hef
ingerfoodandtwo
wineglasses.

Shet
urnedt
olookathi
m.
Regi
nah:
Youdr
inkwi
ne?
Her
aisedaney
ebr
ow.
Hay
den:
Youknowt
hatIam noti
ntowi
ne,
ifi
t
wasnotf
ory
ouIwoul
dn'
thav
eboughtwi
ne.
Regi
nah:
Youknowi
tmakesmedr
unkkana.
.
Hayden:
Threegl
asses.
..
leweak.Weakweak
babe.Ver
yweak.
Regi
nah:
Tsamael
akoo.
..
Hay den:Weak.ButIwouldn'
tmindseei
nga
drunky ou,Imeanthewayy ougri
ndedonme
thelasttimeyouwer edrunkwassucha
fuckingturnon.Doitagain.

Shepunchedhi schestandhel aughed.Hewas

agentl
emani nmor eway sthanheadmi tt
ed.He
di
dn'tt
akeadv antageofherandi nst
eadlether
sl
eepitoffandmadef unofherthewhol eweek
aboutherdrunkstate.

Haydenpouredthewinei
ntot
hegl
assesand
handedheraglass.
Regi
nah:
Atoastt
o..
.uhm t
hef
utur
e..
thef
utur
e.

Theycli
nkedthei
rgl
assesandhet
ookasi
p
befor
eplaci
ngitdown.
Regi
nah:
You'
renotdri
nki
ngany
thi
ngst
rong
besi
desyou'
redr
ivi
ng.
Hay
den:
Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
otakeany
thi
ngst
rong.
..

Shesippedonherwi neastheyt
alkedabouta
l
otoftopics.Theyneverr
anoutofthingst
otalk
aboutreal
ly.

Hehandedhertheplat
eassheni bbl
edonwhat
wasontheplat
elist
eningtohim,wellnot
exact
lyl
i
steni
ngbutlookingattheshapeofhi
s
l
ipsashespoke.
Haydenpausednoti
cingt
hatshewasn't
l
ist
eningt
ohim butwasinst
eadlooki
ngathi
s
l
i
ps.
Hay
den:
But
ter
cup?Babe?

Hesnappedhi
sfingersbefor
eshemov edher
f
acebackbli
nki
ngacoupl eofti
mesandt r
ying
t
orememberwhatt heyweretal
kingabout
.
Regi
nah:
Youwer
esay
ing.
.uh.
.
Hay
den:
Youwer
en'
tev
enl
i
steni
ng.
Sheshookherhead.
Regi
nah:
Thewi
ne.
Hay
den:
Lies.
.

Haydenef
for
tl
essl
ypi
ckedherupandplaced
heronhi
slapasshel
ookedatthesky
.
Regi
nah:
Doy
out
hinkwe'
l
llast
?
Hay
den:
Ihav
enoi
dea.Whatdoy
out
hink?
Regi
nah:Thef
utur
eisnev
erknown,
any
thi
ng
canhappen.
Hayden:Ev
enifwedonotl
ast
,weoncemade
eachotherhappy
.
Regi
nah:
You'
rehappy
?
Hay
den:
Cont
entwi
thy
ou.
Regi
nah:
Heynow!

Hechuckl
edandst ar
tedkissi
ngherneck,
l
eavi
ngbutter
flyki
ssestheret
hatmadeher
t
ummysomer saul
t.
Shehel
dhisj
awwi t
hhishandsangl
ingher
neckt
ogiv
ehim bett
eraccesst
oit.

Haydenjustsl
i
dhishandunder
neat
hherdr
ess
andheldtheel
ast
icofhert
honganddr
aggedi
t
downherlegs.
Hisl
ipsmov edtoher sasherbr
eathinggot
heavi
er,shecouldfeelhi
scoldfi
ngersalongher
pel
vi
s.St r
ategi
call
ytryi
ngtonottouchherand
hei
ghteningtheanti
cipati
on.
Sheputherhandst ogooduseandhel pedhim
getridofthehoodie,t
hemi nut
ethewarm piece
ofclothi
ngwasof fhisbodyhewasalready
l
ift
ingherdressoff.Sherai
sedherhandsand
hethrewittotheothersideofthebl
anketand
satonhaunches.
Hay
den:
Fuck!

Shelookedangel
icontheblanket
,nakedand
hai
rallovert
heplacewit
hthwmoonl ight
spi
ll
ingoverherf
eatur
es,enhanci
ngheralready
beauti
fulf
orm.
Haydengotontopofherandki
ssedherl
ips
wit
hexpertdel
i
cacychangi
ngthepaceatwhich
t
hisstar
tedon.

Shefol
lowedsui tandpl
acedherhandsi
nhi
s
hai
rasheki ssedherasifshewasthemost
i
mpor t
antthingintheworl
d.

Thekisswentonf orawhil
easherhear t
explodedi
ntoami ll
i
onpieces.Shefel
tever
y
emot i
onint
hatkiss,emoti
onssheknewhe
wouldneverspeakofonanygi vendayandshe
welcomedthem.

Hayden'sli
psmov edfr
om herlipsashebi ther
earl
obewi thanaught
ysmi l
ewhi l
ehi shand
cir
cledhernavel
.Shemoanedsof t
lynadhe
chuckled.Thi
swassof uckingbeautiful
.He
l
ickedherneckasshel aughedmov ingaway
andhesuckedoni
t,notl
ett
ingherescapehi
s
grasp.

Regi
nahcl
osedherey
esashe#EXPLI
CIT
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
08*

Att
hepl
ace

Hay
denpul
l
edherhai
rbackwar
dsast
ear
s
f
loweddownhercheeks.
Haydenchuckledasheheldherbodyi
nhis
arms.Shewassmal li
nhisarmsandhe
wouldn'
tchangewhathappened.Notasi
ngle
thi
ng.
Hay
den:
Ser
iouswal
l
a?(
You'
reser
iousl
ycr
ying?
)

Reginahusedhershakeyhandst
owipeher
tear
sashepl acedherheadonhi
sbuffchest
.
Haydenki
ssedthet
opofherheadandst ar
ed
upatthest
ars,
hersof
tbreathi
ngt
ickl
inghis
heart
.Woul
dhechangeforthebet
terbecause
ofthi
swoman?

Reginahcl
osedhereyes.Shehadn'
tbeen
expecti
ngthi
s,notatal
l.
Hay
den:
Good?
Shenodded,
shedi
dn'
tev
ent
rustherv
oiceat
t
hispoi
nti
nti
me.
Haydenwentqui
etandshelif
tedherheadto
l
ookatthe19yearol
dwhoj ustrockedher
wholeworl
dandshewasn'tsureifshehad
knownwhatshehadbeenmi ssi
ngi nherl
i
fe
butsomehowhecompletedthatunknown
missi
ngpart
.

Hayden:what
'sgoi
ngoni
nthatbeaut
if
ulhead
ofy
our s?
Regi
nah:
Thi
swassobeaut
if
ul.
.
Hay
den:
Oksugar
..
(smi
l
ing)

Theyst
argazedcompl
etel
ynakedonthe
bl
anket
,wit
hhisarmsar
oundherwaist
.
Regi
nah:
Whywer
eyousuchapr
obl
em chi
l
d?
Hay
den:
Youdon'
tl
ikepeacedoy
ou?
Regi
nah:
Ijustwantt
oknow.
.
Hay
den:
Igr
ewupwi
thoutaf
ather
.

Sheshr
ugged.
Regi
nah:
Idi
dn'
thav
ebot
hpar
ent
s.
Hay den:
That
'st hethi
ng,
yoursdi
edatay
oung
age.Thatmot heryoukeepinaski
ngmeto
respecti
sther eason.
Regi
nah:
whatdi
dshedo?
(fr
owni
ng)

Haydensighedast heflashbackscameback.
Heclosedhiseyesf oraf ewsecondsbef
ore
openi
nghisandl ookingather.
Regi
nah:
Saf
epl
ace?
Hay
den:
Notal
otofpeopl
eknowt
his.
..

Hercur
iosi
tywaspi
qued.Whatwasi
tnow?
Hayden:
Ther
ewasonceanot
ori
ousdr
ugdeal
er
andgangst
er.
.
Regi
nah:
Ist
hisast
ory
?
Hay
den:
Justl
i
sten.

Hesai
dashi
sfingercir
cledhernav
elsendi
ng
shi
ver
sdownherspine.
Hayden:
Uhm doest
henameKennedySmi
th
r
ingabell
?

Reginaht r
iedt
ojuggl
ehermemor ybeforehe
eyeswi denedandshelookedatHayden.She
tr
iedtoputt woandtwot oget
herwhi
lelooki
ng
atHay den.
Regi
nah:
Hewasy
ourf
ather
?
Hay
den:
Sti
l
lis.
.
Regi
nah:
H-how?
Hay
densi
ghed.
Hayden:Mymot hersol
dhim outtomaDI Sand
wel
l heri
denti
tywaskeptsecretevenmine,hi
s
namei snotevenonmydocument s.The
companyshei srunni
ng?From thedrug
money .
..
Regi
nah:
That
'swhyy
ouhat
eyourmot
her
?
Hayden:Shewassel f
ish,soself
ishnot
ever
y t
hingwasaboutherandguesswhat ?My
fat
herwasaknowncr i
minalandafterthree
year
si njai
lthestat
ekill
edhim.Ofcour sethey
maskedi tassomethingcausedbyani l
lness
buttheykil
ledhim.Ihateherforsell
inghim out
,
hewoul dbehere.Hewasnotasai ntbutagood
fat
herhewas.

Somethi
nggotstuckinhist
hroatasthe
emoti
oncloudedhiseyesandheclosedhi
s
ey
es.Regi
nahr
ubbedhi
schesti
ssl
owcal
ming
moti
ons.
Hayden:
AndIwasnotev enal
l
owedtovi
sithi
m
buthehadconnect
ionsandIsawhi
m aweek
befor
ehewasmur dered.

Hi
svoi
cecr
acked.
Hay den:
I'
vehadev ery
thi
ngbutnoonecoul d
fuckingseeIlostapiecethatcompletedme.
Lif
ebecameusel essandsof ucki
nglonel
y.
Regi
nah:
Youwer
eheadi
ngt
owar
dssel
f
dest
ruct
ion.
Hayden:Ihateherf
ort
aki
ngmyher o.I
t'
sher
f
aultthattheygott
ohim.Il
ostsomeonea
youngermeneeded.
Regi
nah:
It
'sokay
.

Shedi
dn'
tknowi
fitwas.Shehadhear
diti
nthe
newsev enhiscour tcasewassopubl i
cized
thatitwasdiffi
cultnottoknowhim.Theyknew
hewasf uckingrichandi twasanachievement
thatthestatehadmanagedt ocatchKennedy.
Notknowi ngthatont heothersi
de,ayoung
chil
d'sheartwasbr okenbyt hef
actthathelost
afather,someonehehadbankedonbei ng
therefor
ev er
.

Shedidn'
tknowhowshemissedt
hesimil
ar
featur
esorwasitt
hef
actt
hatshehadn'
teven
thoughtt
hatfar
.

Haydenclosedhisey es.Hedidn'
twanttot hi
nk
aboutital
l,somethingstohim were
unforgi
vabl
eandhi smot herexpect
edhimt o
smileasifevery
thi
ngwasokaywheni twasher
faul
t.Herdamnf aul
t.Sell
ingoutthemanshe
clai
medt olove,
suchbet ray
al,di
shonestyand
disl
oyal
tyf
rom someonewhoyouthoughthad
yourbackatal
lcost
sonlyt
oturnaroundandbe
yourdownfal
l.
Regi
nah:
Arey
ouagangst
er?
Hay
den:
Let
'ssayIdodgedt
hel
awonceort
wice.
Regi
nah:
You'
rebei
ngv
aguenow.
.
Hay
denchcukl
edbef
orel
ooki
ngather
.
Reginah:
Iwi
shewecanst
ayher
elonger
,it
's
peaceful
.
Hay
den:
Real
l
ypeacef
ulbutweshoul
dgetgoi
ng.
Regi
nah:
afewmi
nut
est
hen.
.
Hay
den:
Letmemaket
het
imegof
ast
er.
.

Hehel dt
hebackofherheadki
ssi
ngher
,she
felthi
sdi
ckagai
nstherthi
ghandshebr
okethe
kiss.
Regi
nah:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dgo.
.
Hay
den:
Afewmi
nut
es.
..

Heheldherhandsaboveherheadashe
suppor
tedhi
sownwei ghtnotcrushi
ngher
.

Hiali
pscover
edher
sandsheki
ssedhi
m back
befor
ebreaki
ngi
t.
Regi
nah:
I'
m st
il
lsor
e..
.
Hayden:Iknow.Shutup!er ectcockfoundher
sl
itandhemoi steneditwit
hherjuices,
the
fr
ict
ionelici
tedsof tmoansfrom herli
psandhe
si
lencedherwi thkisses.

Hisheadf
oundi
t'
swayi nsi
det
henar
rowsl
it
andshear
chedherbackmoani
ngashesl
idit
al
lin.
Hay
den:
Fuck!
Hest art
edpumpi nginandoutofherasshe
moanedhi sname.Shewr appedherhands
aroundhisneckst i
l
lmoani nghi
sname, her
breastsslappi
ngagainsthischest
.Hay den
groanedandsuckedonherneckbef orehe
pushedf orwardswit
hsomuchf or
cethat
shockedher .
Regi
nah:
Aaaah.
..
uh.
..
(moani
ng)

I
naf ewmi nut
esshecamear oundhisdick,he
pussyspasmingarounditandti
ght
eningit'
s
holdar
oundhisdick.Haydencameshortlyaft
er
fi
l
li
ngherwi t
hhiswarm semen.

Hebreathedheavi
l
yagai
nstherneckashi
s
handrubbedherboobamdshemoaned.
AtLet
so'
shouse

Letsosatinf
rontofthest
udydeskwi tht
he
l
amponandshel ookedathernotes.Themol
e
conceptwasnothingsoshejustclosedt
he
chemistr
ynotebookandsighed.

Hermi ndwanderedt ot
heguyf r
om the
constr
uct i
onsi
te.Shecouldn'
thelpbutwonder
abouthowhegott hecarandhowhesmel l
ed
expensive.

Shewasobvi
ousl
ynotal
l
owedt
odat
ebutshe
coul
dfant
asi
ze.

Shelookedatherphoneandshookherhead.
Masawaspr obabl
ygoingtot
hinksheli
kesthat
guy.
Themomentwasembarassingbuthewas
goodl
ooki
ng.Sogoodl
ooking.

Thedooropenedsl
ightl
yandshet
urnedher
headt
of acehermother
.
MaLet
so:
Hel
l
o,doy
ouneedany
thi
ng?
Let
so:I
'
m donest
udy
ingf
ory
hedaymama.
Thankyou.
MaLet
so:
Alr
ight
.Goodni
ght
.
Let
so:
Night
.

Hermot
hercl
osedthedoorandLet
sostoodup
andr
emovedhersl
i
ppersheadi
ngtothebed.

Shetur
nedthebl
anketsandsl
i
dinsi
decuddli
ng
herf
avour
it
eteddybearandcl
osi
nghereyes.
AtRegi
nah'
spl
ace

Hay denpar
kedthecarout
sidrherhouseand
steppedoutoft
hecartogounl ockt
hedoor
fi
rst.

Shesati
nthepassengerseatwear
inghi
s
hoodi
eandwait
edf orhi
mt ocomebacktot
he
car
.

Afewmi nut
eslat
er,Hay
denpickedherupand
shewrappedherhandsaroundhi
sneck
yawni
ng.

Hay
den:
Youl
ookt
ir
ed,
sleep.
Sheplacedherheadonhisshoulderandhe
cl
osedthedoorwithfootheadi
ngt othe
bedr
oom.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
09*

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

AtRegi
nah'
shouse
Withherheadont hepi
l
lowandassuphe
dri
ll
edherfrom behi
ndwihtherhandshel
d
ti
ghtl
y.
Hay
den:
Fuuuck!
(gr
oani
ng)

Shet
ri
edt
omov
eawaybuthehel
dheri
npl
ace.
Regi
nah:
Hay
..
..
uh.
..
uhm(
moani
ng)
Hepul
l
edherbyherhai
rki
ssi
ngherneck.
Hay
den:
What
?
Regi
nah:
Uh.
..
aaah.
.

Hekeptondr
il
li
ngherf
astandhar
dasshe
scr
eamed.
Hay
den:
Ma?
Regi
nah:
Emi
s-aaah.
..
uh!
Hay
den:
Ican'
theary
oul
ove.
..
Hesai dashekissedherneckandgi
vi
ngher
onef i
nalstr
okebeforesheor
gasmedandhe
fi
nisheditoffbyspi
ll
i
nghissemendeepi
nsi
de
ofher.

Hekissedherneckagainst
il
l pl
uggedi
nsideof
herandshehel dont
othepil
lowswanti
ngt o
escapehisgrasp.Hesl
idoutofherandturned
hertokissherli
ps.
Hay
den:
Goodmor
ning.

Shejustl
ookedathim andcl
osedhereyeaf
ora
fewsecondsbefor
eopeningthem agai
n.
Hay
den:
Andy
oul
ookf
lushed.
Hesai
dblowingt
hehai
rawayf
rom herey
es
whi
lechuckl
i
ng.

Hel
aidont
hebedandpul
l
edhernowsweat
y
bodytohim,
heranhisfi
ngeral
ongherround
arseandmoveditupal
ongherspi
ne,sendi
ng
shiv
ersdownherspi
ne.
Shet
urnedt ol
ookathim ast
hesunray
sspi
l
led
i
ntotheroom,il
lumi
nati
ngitwi
thi
t'
s
magnif
icentor
angeglow.

Shepar
tedherpi
nkli
psandhej
ustpl
acedhi
s
thumbi
nbetweenherli
ps.
Hay
den:
Don'
tl
ooksocut
eandi
nnocent
,itt
urns
meon.

Sil
encefi
l
ledtheroom ti
ll
shecoul
dbeabl
eto
for
m coherentsent
ences.
Regi
nah:
Mo-
mor
ning.
.
Hay
den:
Howar
eyou?
Regi
nah:
Idon'
tknow.
Shesaidslowly
.Theatmospher ewassocalm
anditsentherhear
traci
ng.Ital
l seemedtoo
goodandsheknewt hatnothinglastedf
orever
.

ShelookedatHaydenagai
n,hewassotal
l
,
handsomeashellandsheknewhewasabad
onebuthediditsowell
,woul
dshebetoo
pessi
misti
cifshesai
dshecouldseet
heend
al
ready?

Hay
dencoul
dseet
hatshewasi
ndeept
hought
.
Hay
den:
What
'swr
ong?
Regi
nah:
Whati
fitends?
Hayden:Thenthememor ieswillbewhatwe
have.Don'tover
anal
yzeev eryt
hingorel
se
you'
regoingtobestressedoutdoc, youofal
l
peopleshouldknowthatst r
essisbadforyou.
Shebr
eat
hedsof
tl
yagai
nsthi
schest
.
Regi
nah:
Iguessy
ou'
rer
ight
.
Hay
den:
I'
m al
way
sri
ght
.
Regi
nah:
Jer
k!
Hay
den:
Sayt
hatonemor
eti
me.
.

Shekeptqui
etandheki
ssedherf
orehead.
Hay
den:
Ihav
ewor
kint
wohour
s.
Regi
nah:byt
hetimey
ouknockof
fI'
l
lpr
obabl
y
beatthehospi
tal
.
Hay
den:
CanIpi
cky
ouupaf
terwor
k?
Regi
nah:
Youwantt
o?
Hay
den:
I'
m of
fer
ingar
en'
tI?
Regi
nah:
I'
l
lsendamessage.
Hay
den:
Cool
..
Hegotoutofbedst
arknakedandheadedt
o
t
hebathr
oom.Hepeekedandlookedather
.
Hay
den:
Wantt
ojoi
nme?

Sheshookherheadasf
astshecoul
dandhe
chuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
Okay
.Sui
tyour
sel
f.

AtMsSmi
th'
shouse

MsSmi t
hlookedatthewat
chandsighedas
shesatdownwaiti
ngforHaydenbef
oregoi
ng
towork.

Shehadmadebreakf
astf
ort
wobutshewas
sur
ehemight
'v
ewentoutwit
hherbutshe
couldn'tconfronthim abouti t
.Het oldhert o
specifi
callystayoutofhi srelati
onshipsand
thatshewasnotaf i
neexampl eofr elat
ionships.
Shecoul dn'teventhreatent otakeawayt he
moneybecausehi sfatherhadhi snameunder
eachandev erythi
ngmucht oherdi smay ,only
thi
shousewasi nhername, therestofhi s
accumal atedweal t
hwasunderhi sson'sname
maki ngthingscompl icated.Shecoul donl y
managei taslongasHay denper mitted.

ThedooropenedasHay
denwalkedi
nsmell
ing
fr
esh.Shesuckedi
nabreat
handswal
lowed
herpri
de.
MsSmi
th:
You'
ref
rom Regi
nah'
spl
ace?

Hay
denpaused.Hehadwantedt
ogiv
eareal
l
y
r
udeanswerbuthecomposedhi
msel
f.
Hay
den:
Yes.Doy
ouwantmet
opassona
message?

Herhear
tst
opped.Hersuspi
cionshadbeenon
poi
nt.
MsSmit
h:Hay
denshe'
sol
dert
hany
ou,
it'
snot
l
ikey
ouneedasugarmommy.
.
Haydenquir
kedaneyebr
owandi nt
hati
nst
ance
helookedmorel
ikehi
sfatheri
nmoreways
thanone.
Hayden:
Whosai
danythi
ngaboutmoney
?Not
ever
ythi
ngr
evol
vesar
oundmoney..

Wit
hthathewal
kedawaywi
thhi
shandsi
nhi
s
j
eanpocket
s.
MsSmi t
h:Congr
-at
ulat
ionsony
ourr
esul
ts(
low
voi
ce)
Hewi l
lnev
erfor
giveher.Shesi
ghedandpi
cked
hercarkeyswal
kingoutofthehousei
na
sl
owerpaceandabur denedheart
.

Inthebedroom Haydengotri
dofhi
steeand
threwitonthebedmaki nghi
swaytothe
war dr
obeforcleancl
othesandamuchmore
cleanerover
all
.

Hesl
i
dhi
sphoneoutanddi
aledhi
sboss.
Boss:
Youngman.
Hayden:
Morning,
I'
llberunni
nglate.Most
probabl
ytwoorthreehoursl
ate.Ihaveafew
thi
ngstogetdone.
Boss:
Okay
.Makesur
eyouar
eatwor
kbef
ore
noon.
Hay
den:
Okay
.Thanks.
Hehungupandf i
nishedchangingcl
othes.He
di
dn'tbothersprayi
nghi scol
ogne.Oncehewas
i
nhisov eral
lsandv esthetookhiscarkeysand
phonebef or
ewal ki
ngoutoft hehouse.

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Haydenwalkedinsi
dethebedr oom andhe
foundhersl
eepingpeacefull
ywitht
hesheet
coveri
nghebreastsbutreveali
nghergorgeous
l
egs.Hesmi l
ed.
Hay
den:
Babe?

Sheturnedandf
acedtheotherway
.He
checkedhiswat
ch.Hesti
l
lhadtimeheguessed.

Hej
ustkissedherf
oreheadandwal
kedoutof
t
hebedroom.
Anhourlat
erReginahturnedtofacetheother
waythentheothersideagai
nbef or
eshe
openedhereyes.Shewassoredownt her
e.She
l
aidonherbackclosinghereyes.Shebadly
wantedtocal
linsickbutshecouldn'
t.

Shegotoutofbedandsl owlymadeherwayt o
thebathr
oom.Shest ar
edatt hemi rr
orand
angledherheadfi
ndinghickeysalongherneck
andchest.Whatthehellwasshesupposedt o
coverupherneckwithnow?Wi t
ht headded
heatitwasgoingtobeimpossible.

Shesi
ghedandbentdownt obrushhert
eet
h
andwashherface.Thepeei
ngprocesswasnot
ni
ceatal
lforher.Whatt
hehell
?
Sheclosedhereyesasthebur
ningl
iqui
d
escaped.FuckHayden!Hei
snottouchi
ngher
atall
.Fuckhim!

Wit
hsl
owcaut i
onshepr
oceededtotheshower
f
orashower
.Shewassuregoingtobelate
t
odayf
orherroundst
hat
'sforsur
e.

Meanwhi
l
einthel
oungeHaydencheckedhi
s
wat
ch.Wasshest
il
lsl
eepi
ng?

Hestoodupandheadedtothebedroom wher
e
heopenedt
hesli
ghtl
ycloseddoor
.

Hefoundherget
ti
ngdr
essedandheshookhi
s
head.
Hay
den:
Whendi
dyouwakeup?
Regi
nah:
Almost30mi
nut
esago.
Hay
den:
You'
regoi
ngt
obel
ate.
Regi
nah:
Isi
tmyf
aul
t?
Hay
den:
Onal
ekgang?
Reginah:Whoa,
I'
m notpi
cki
ngupafi
ght
.I'
l
lget
readyjustgi
vemeaf ewminut
es.
.
Hay
den:
Okay
.Foodi
sint
hemi
crowav
e.
Regi
nah:
Youcooked?
Hay
den:
Justgetdr
essed.
Regi
nah:
Yessi
r.
.

AtLet
so'
sschool

Let
sosatnextt
oMasaastheywai
tedf
ort
hei
r
Mathst
eachert
oar
ri
veincl
ass.
Masa:
Pit
ywedi
dn'
tgett
hatguy
'sname.
.
Let
so:
Isawhi
myest
erday
.

Shebl
urt
esoutandMasal
aughed.
Masa:
ofcour
sedummy
.Iwaswi
thy
ouwhen
wesawhim.
Let
so:
Imeanaf
tert
hatembar
rassi
ngencount
er,
kemmonekoGame.
Masa:
Heebanna!
Let
so:
Mmh.
..
hel
ookedal
lexpensi
ve.
Masa:
Theseguy
st endtol
i
vebey
ondt
hei
r
meansdon'
tbefooled.
.
Let
so:
Hehadacart
oo.
.
Masa:
okay.Buthei
shot
,nnaIneedasi
ngl
w
ni
ghtwit
hhim.
Let
so:
Yousawhedi
dn'
tent
ert
ainus.
Masa:
Let
'spassbyt
heconst
ruct
ionsi
teagai
n
t
oday.
Let
so:
Uni
for
m.
Masawav
edherof
f.
Masa:
Uhm wear
eknocki
ngof
fear
lyt
oday
?
Let
so:
Ithi
nkso.
.
Masa:
Wecangochange..
mostpr
obabl
yguyga
abatl
eadef
il
ementcaseasyouwer
esayi
ng.
Letsothoughtabouti
t.Shehadn'
tstopped
thi
nkingabouthimthewholenight
.Therewas
somet hi
ng.Justsomethi
ngabouthim.
.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s
*
10*

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

I
nherr
oyalbl
uescr
ubsshemadet hewayt
o
Hay
den'
scarandgoti
nthef
rontseat.
Hay
den:
You'
ref
ull
?
Shenoddedashef ixedther earvi
ewmi rr
orand
shetookouthersmal lmirr
orf r
om thwbag
l
ookingatherneck.Itwasi mpossibletohide
thosehickey
s,shecan'texactlyputconcealer
onitbecauseitwil
lstai
nhercoat .

Haydennoti
cedherl
ookingatt
hehi
ckey
skn
herneckandchuckl
ed.
Regi
nah:
Howl
ongdot
heyl
ast
?Lookathow
t
heyl
ook.
Hay
den:
Itdepends.
.

Hesai
dasher
ever
sedoutofhery
ard.
Hay
den:
Thehousei
slocked?
Regi
nah:
Mhm.Thanky
ouf
orbr
eakf
astandt
he
ri
deyoudi
dn'
thav
eto.
Hay
den:
You'
rest
il
ltoot
ir
edt
odr
ive.
Regi
nah:
AndIwonderwhy

Hejustdr
ovewit
houtgivingherthereact
ion
shewantedfr
om him.Intwentyminuteshe
par
kedinthepar
kinglotandli
ftedherchi
nup.
Hay
den:
Whatt
imeshoul
dIpi
cky
ouup?
Regi
nah:
I'
mti
red,
Imi
ghtknockof
fear
li
ert
oday
.
Hay
den:
Timedoc.
Regi
nah:
Mostpr
obabl
ybef
ore4pm.
Hay
den:
Okay
.

Heki
ssedherl
i
pssof
tl
y.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyou.
Regi
nah:
Ilov
eyoumor
eandby
e.

Shegotherbagt hathadhestuf
fandstepped
outofthecar.Haydenwatchedhermakeher
wayinsidet
hehospi t
albef
oredri
vi
ngoff.

Reginahgreet
edt herecept
ionistwi
thherhead
downt otr
yandmakesur ethatshedoesn't
noti
cethehickeys.Shequicklymadeherwayt o
heroffi
cewhereshewor ehercoatandthere
wasst i
l
lnotdif
ference.
Aknocksoundedont hedoorandshesighedas
shebroughtherhai
rdowntoatleastcoverher
neck.
Regi
nah:
Comei
n.

Thedooropenedandi
nwal
kedoneofher
cowor
kers.
Hi
m:Mor
ningdoc.
Regi
nah:
Mor
ning.

Shejustsati
nfr
ontofherdeskashesatona
chai
r.
Hi
m:Woul
dyoul
i
ket
ogooutf
orl
unchwi
thme?
Regi
nah:
Unf
ort
unat
elyIcan'
tdot
hat
.
Hi
m:I
t'
sjustl
unch.
Regi
nah:
Isi
t?
Hel
aughed.
Him:I
tisn'
t,
Ili
key
ouandwoul
dli
ket
oknowy
ou
bett
er.

Regi
nah:
Thatsoundsl
i
keani
ceof
ferbutI
'
m
st
il
lgoi
ngtosayno.

Sheuncosciousl
ytuckedherhai
rbehi
ndherear
l
ikeshealwaysdoesandt hecol
l
eaguesawa
hickeyonherneck.
Hi
m:Iunder
stand.

Shesmi
l
ed.
Reginah:
Great.Ihopet
hisdoesn'
taf
fectour
workingrel
ati
onshipScot
t.
Scot
t:
Notatal
l
.
Regi
nah:
Awesome.Hav
eani
ceday
.
Shesaidbefor
esheopenedthefil
eonherdesk.
Helookedatherthensi
ghedstandi
ngupand
walki
ngtothedoor.Hepausedasshepaged
thr
oughthefil
eandwalkedout.

Hemadehi swaytohisoff
iceandsatdown.
Scottdi
aledhi
sbr
other'
snumberanditwent
thr
ough.
Scot
t:
Hel
l
oandshesai
dno.
.
Hi
m:Thenewdoct
ory
ouwer
etel
l
ingmeabout
?
Scot
t:
Yah,
thatone.
Hi
m:Kel
i
fe.
Scott
:May
beIwastoosl
owman, I
'
vehadmy
eyesonherev
ersi
nceshest
art
edworki
ng
here.
..
Hi
m:May
bey
ouwoul
d'
vegott
hesamer
epl
y.
Scot
t:
May
bebuthai
sh.
..
Him:
Ther
ewi
l
lbeothergir
lsbr
o,shei
snott
he
onl
ywomani
nthi
swor l
d.
Scot
t:
Iguessy
ouar
eri
ght
.

Hehungupandswungar
oundi
nhi
sof
fi
ce
chai
r.

Meanwhil
eReginahclosedt
hefi
leandchecked
t
hetime.Shedidsayshewantedtocheckon
t
hatyounggir
l.Ther
esa.

Shestoodup,
placi
ngherst
ethoscopear
ound
herneckandmadeherwaytothedoor

I
nTessa'
sroom

Ti
asatnextt
oTessaasTessa'
spar
ent
atal
ked
t
oher
.
Tessa:
Whataboutapacemaker
?
Herfat
her'
sey eswidened.Theyhadonce
consi
deredthatbutthedoctorssai
ditwon'
t
work.
RaTessa:
Thedoct
orssai
dyouneedanew
hear
tbaby.
MaTessa:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?
Tessa:
Chi
ckenmama.
.
Ti
a:Bur
-bur
ger
..
.
Tessasmil
edlooki
ngatherli
tt
lesi
stert
henshe
gri
nnedl
ookingathermother
.
MaTessa:
Alr
ight
.I'
m goi
ngt
obuyt
hat
.
Shesqueezedherhusband'
sshoul
derbef
ore
wal
kingoutoftheroom.

MaTessapassedRegi
nahwhogr
eet
edherwi
th
asmi
l
eandwal
kedi
nsi
deTessa'
sroom.
Regi
nah:
Goodmor
ning.
RaTessa:
Hel
l
odoct
or.
Reginah:
Hi,y
oumustbeherf
ather
,Ir
ecent
ly
readhercasefi
l
e.
RaTessa:
Ofcour
sedoc.
Tessagr
innedl
ooki
ngatt
hepr
ett
ydoct
or.
Regi
nah:
HiTher
esa.
.
Tessagri
nnedsomemor e.Thewayshesaidher
ful
lnamewithanaccentwaslovel
yplusshe
waslovel
ytoo.
Tessa:
Hii
i
...
Regi
nahsmil
ed.Shehadt
hiscal
m ener
gyand
aur
aaroundheri
twashar
dt obesad.
Regi
nah:
Howar
eyout
oday
?
Tessa:
Good.
Regi
nahst
art
edchecki
ngt
hemachi
nes.
Regi
nah:
I'
m notmaki
ngy
ouuncomf
ort
abl
eam I
?
Sheshookherheadsl
owl
y.
Regi
nah:
Itwon'
ttakemuchofy
ourt
ime.
Tessa:
Okay
.

AtTheConst
ruct
ionSi
te

Hay
dendrankt
hewaterbef
oresquashi
ngthe
wat
erbot
tl
eandsucki
nginadeepbreath.

Heti
edhisover
all
tigherandresumedwi
th
l
ayi
ngthebri
cksdown.Hepausedandchecked
hi
swatch.I
twaswaypastl unchti
meandsi
nce
hewaslat
ehedidn'tgoforlunch.

Hi
sphonev
ibr
atedi
nhi
spocketandhewi
ped
hi
shandsont
heov
eral
l
s.

Thesungl
immeredonhisshi
nywetchestashe
ty
pedinhi
spasswordt
ocheckthemessage.
Sweetst
uff
:Icutmyshif
tshortcauseI'
mti
red,
warewhereistheConstr
uct
ionsite?
Hay
den:
You'
recomi
ngher
e?

Hesentthemessageandsawhert
ypi
ng.He
wai
tedforherr
esponse.
Sweetst
uff
: Ee.
Hay
den:
Bri
ngl
unch.
Regi
nah:Yessi
r.Thedi
rect
ionspl
ease,
kebat
la
gopalamataxi
..

Hequickl
ysenthert
hedi
rect
ionsandputhi
s
phonebackinhi
spocket
.
Att
heHospi
tal

Reginahst
eppedoutofthehospit
alpremises
andstoodbytheroadwait
ingforataxi.Scot
t'
s
carpassedbyandhestopped.
Scot
t:
Arey
ouheadi
nghome?
Regi
nah:
No.
.
Scot
t:
Icant
akey
ouwher
eyou'
reheadi
ng.
Sheshookherhead.
Reginah:
No,
it'
sfi
ne.I
'
llcat
chat
axi
.Thanksf
or
theoffer
.

Shestoppedt
het
axi
thatwasheadi
ngherway
behi
ndhiscar
.
Regi
nah:
Thanky
ouf
ort
heof
fert
hough.
Scottsi
ghedandhedr
oveof
fasRegi
nahgot
i
nsidethetaxi
.

AtTheConst
ruct
ionSi
te

Masapul l
edherhighwasit
edj
eansupsothat
herfigur
ecouldbereveal
edasLet
sojust
walkedclosel
ybehindheri
nashortsummer
dress.

Masa:
Let
'sl
ookar
oundf
orhi
m.
Thei
rey
esscannedt
hear
ea.
Masa:You'
rewear
inggl
assesLet
so.Cany
ou
spothim?

Let
sol
ookedar
oundcar
eful
l
y.
Let
so:
Ithi
nkIcan,
hei
stopl
essagai
n.
Masa:
Bat
hong!
(f
anni
ngher
sel
f)
kanaohot
o
gor
e.
Let
so:
Don'
tweal
lknowt
hat
.
Masa:
Let
'sgosayhi
agai
n.

Masawasaboutt
ogowhenLet
sohel
dher
hand.
Let
so:
Wai
t.
..
Masalookedi
nherdi
rect
ionastheysawal
ady
i
nscrubsmakeherwaytowardshim.
Let
so:
Issheadoct
or?
Masashr
uggedandwat
chedt
hei
nter
act
ion.

Hay
densmiledasRegi
nahmadeherway
t
owardshi
m.
Hebi
thi
slowerl
i
p.
Hay
den:
Lunchekae?
Regi
nah:
I'
l
lbuyi
t.Hi
i
i.
..
Hej
ustpul
l
edhert
owar
dshi
ssweat
ybody
.
Regi
nah:
You'
real
lsweat
yandst
uff
..
Hay
den:
Andy
ou'
renotsupposedt
ocar
e..
.

Her ubbedherchi
nandkissedherl
ips.She
respondedandwrappedherarmsaroundhis
neckaspeoplepausedtowatchthem.
Hebroket
heki
ssandki
ssedt
hecor
nerofher
l
ips.
Regi
nah:
Whyar
eyouhal
fnaked?
Hay
den:
Jeal
oussugar
?
Regi
nah:
What
?No!
!Icannev
erbej
eal
ous.
Hayden:
Don'
twor
ry,
I'
m onl
yfucki
ngy
oupr
ett
y
doct
or.
Regi
nah:
Notsol
oud.
.
Hay
den:
Ifucky
ouonl
ysugar
..
Regi
nah:
CanIhav
ethecarkey
ssoIcanbuy
l
unch?

Hesear
chedhi
sbackpocketandgav
eitt
oher
.
Regi
nah:
Giv
emet
hir
tymi
nut
es.

Sheki
ssedhi
scheekbef
oreshewi
pedherl
i
ps.
Regi
nah:
Sweat
y..
hai
sh.
.

Hel
etgoofherwaistasshewalkedawayand
Hay
denwatchedherwalkaway.Hesmirked.

Letsoj
ustl
ookedatMasa.Hewaswithawhol
e
doctor
,noonecoul
dmissthatPDA.
Let
so:
Let
'sgo.
Masa:Wearest
il
lgoi
ngtogr
eethi
m,t
he
gi
rl
fr
iendi
sgonemoss..
Let
so:
Masa!
!
Masa:
stayt
hen.
..

MasamadeherwaytoHay
denandLet
so
r
eluct
ant
lyf
oll
owedher
.
Theyst
oodi
nfr
ontofHay
denandhef
rowned.
Masa:
Hiagai
n.Wepassedbyy
est
erday
.
Hay
den:
Okay
.
Masa:
Canwehav
eyournamepl
ease?

Hechuckl
ed.Suchov
erambi
ti
ousy
oungst
ers.
Hayden:Di
dn'
tyourpar
ent
swar
nyout
ost
ay
awayfrom boy
s?
Masapret
endedt
obet
hinki
ngt
henshookher
head.
Let
so:
Sir
,it
'sokayev
eni
fyoudon'
tgi
veusy
our
name.
Masa:
Don'
tencour
agehi
m.
Letso:
Weshoul
dbegoi
ng,
sor
ryf
orwast
ing
yourti
me.

Letsopul
l
edMasaawayandt
henMasapul
l
ed
herhandaway
.
Masa:
Hewon'tt
ell
ushi
sname,let
'saskhi
sco-
wor
kersr
elesegonnasl
ow.
..
let
'sgo.
Let
so:
Masa.
..
Masa:
NnammaIwanthim.Hecansl
eepwi
th
meeveni
fI'
m nothi
sgi
rl
..
..

Let
sosi
ghedamdf
oll
owedMasa.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
11*

AtTheConst
ruct
ionSi
te

Af
terMasahadaskedf
ort
hatguy
'snamet
hey
wal
kedaway.

Masat ookoutherphoneandsear
chedhi
m on
Facebook.
Masa:
Ifoundhi
m.Theysai
dHay
denSmi
thr
ight
?
Let
so:
Yeah.
..
Masa:
key
oo.
..
Sheshowedhert
hephoneandi
twashi
m
al
ri
ght.
Masa:
I'
m sendi
ngaf
ri
endr
equest
.
Let
so:
Bat
hongMasa!
Masa:
IknowwhatIwantmoss.
..

Theywal
kedawayf
rom t
hesi
te.

Meanwhi
leReginahsati nhiscarandbuckl
ed
upbef
orestart
ingit.Sher ev
ersedf
rom where
hehadparkeditandjoinedthemainroad.She
wasgoi
ngt ogetlunchf orbothoft
hem.

AtTheMal
l

Regi
nahj
oinedt
hequeuesot
hatshecanpl
ace
heror
der
.
Whilstshewasinl
ineHayden'
smotherwalked
i
nsideandshefacedtheotherwaysothatshe
couldn'
tseeher
.

MsSmithspott
edReginahinli
neandshesat
downononeofthetablesandwait
edpati
ent
ly.
Shewantedt
oaskheraf ewquesti
ons.

OnceRegi
ehadplacedheror
dershef
oundan
emptyt
abl
ethensatdownpressi
ngherphone.

MsSmithmadeherwayt
ohert
abl
etomake
sur
eshewon'
tdodgeher
.

Shepul
ledachai
randsatdown,st
art
li
ng
Regi
nahwholookedupfr
om herphone.
Regi
nanfl
ashedanuneasysmil
easMssmi
th
l
ookedatherwit
haseri
ousface.

Regi
nah:
Hi,
wonder
ful
dayi
sn'
ti
t?
MsSmit
h:af
terIwar
nedy
out
ost
ayawayf
rom
myson.
Reginahsuckedi
nabr eat
handlookeddown.
Shelookedathershor
tnail
sforafewseconds
beforesheli
ft
edherhead.
Regi
nah:
Wit
hal
lduerespect
,Idi
dn'
tchooset
o
havet
hesef
eel
i
ngsforyourson.
MsSmi t
h:Heisayoungboygoingt
hrougha
phaseanddiscov
eri
nghimsel
f.
Regi
nahkeptqui
et.
MsSmith:
Therear
emeny ourage,
obat
laeng
momgwaneng?Out lwet
seengkaene?(what
doyouwantfr
om thechi
ld?Whathaveyou
hear
dabouthi
m? )
Regi
nahj
ustl
ookedather
.
MsSmit
h:Heisjustaboyandhedoesn'
thav
e
moneyi
fthat
'swhatyou'
reaf
ter
.

Regi
nahdidn'
twanttooffendherbysay
ing
anyt
hingbutnotev
eryt
hingwasaboutmoney.
MsSmith:
Wanti
dimal
elel
a?(
Youar
egoi
ngt
ogo
qui
etonme?)
Regi
nah:
Idon'
twantt
osounddi
srespect
ful
.
MsSmi t
h:Endthatdisgust
ingrelat
ionshi
pyou
hav
ewi t
hmysonoakany ejaakamot hoyo
motona.
(andthinkl
ikeanadul t
)

WiththatMsSmi tht
ookherbagandwal ked
outofthefoodplacewhileRegi
nahr emained
seatedandthoughtf
ull
ylookedaroundbef or
e
cl
osinghereyesforafewseconds.
Alonetearfelldownhercheekandshequi ckly
wipedi
taway .Shedi dn'
thav etoberudeto
makeherpoi ntacrossandi fMssmi t
hfeel
sso
str
ongl
yaboutt hi
srelat
ionshipwhatwil
lother
peopl
esay ?

Heror
dernumberwascal
ledandshest
oodup
andwentt
othecount
ertogetheror
der
.

Reginahwal kedoutoft
her est
aur
antwithher
headdownandmadeherwayt ot
hecarwher e
shepl acedthefoodonthepassengerseatand
placedherheadont hesteeri
ngwheelasshe
burstedintotear
s.

Att
heconst
ruct
ionsi
te

Hay
denpour
edwat
eronhi
sheadt
ocool
himsel
fdownbefor
eheusedhi
svestt
owi
pe
thel
iqui
daway.

Hisphonebeepedandi
twasamessagef
rom
Regi
nah.
Sweetst
uff
:Yourf
oodi
sint
hecar
.
Hay
den:
I'
m comi
ng.
..

Helookedaroundbefor
ehemadehiswayt
o
wheretheynormal
lyparkedt
hei
rcar
s.

Hegott
ohiscarandopenedthedoor.Hesati
n
t
hepassengerseatasshel
ookedoutthe
wi
ndow.
Hay
den:
Heywhat
'
swr
ong?
Regi
nah:
Not
hing.Eaty
ourf
ood.
(l
owv
oice)
Hay
densi
ghedandl
eanedback.
Hay
den:
Sugar
?
Shekeptqui
et.
Hayden:
Regi
nahkebual
ewena.
(Regi
nahI
'
m
t
alki
ngtoyou)
Regi
nah:
Hmm.
..
Hesi
ghed.
Hay
den:
What
'swr
ong?Lebakwano.
.

Shesighedandsti
ll
star
edoutthewindow.
Haydenjustpl
acedhisl
argehandonherjaw
andforcedhert
olookathim.
Hay
den:
What
'swr
ong?Youwer
ecr
ying.
Regi
nah:
I'
mfi
ne.Justsomet
hinggoti
nmyey
e.
Hay
den:
Comeupwi
thabet
terexcuse.
Regi
nahf
orcedasmi
l
e.
Regi
nah:
I'
m okay
.
Hayden:
DoIhav
ethewor
dfool
plast
eredonmy
f
orehead?
Regi
nah:
No.
.
Hayden:
Thental
k.Youwer
efi
neanhourago
andnowy ourey
esarer
ed.
.
Regi
nahsi
ghed.
Regi
nah:
Let
'sbr
eakup.

Haydenlaughedandlookedather
.Shewas
ser
iousbuthelaughedsomemor e.
Hay
den:
Sugar
,youdon'
tbr
eakupwi
thme.
.
Regi
nah:
Idon'
tse-
Hayden:
Ssh.
.we'
l
ltal
kaboutt
hiswhenIknock
of
f.

Shesi
ghedandnodded.Her
emov
edhi
sphone
andgavei
ttoher
.
Hay
den:
Twohour
smax.

Hegotoutoft
hecarandshel
eanedback.
Shejustputherf
inger
pri
ntonhi
sphoneandi
t
unl
ocked.

Shewentt
ohisFacebookandsear
chedher
fav
our
it
eFacebookdiar
yTheDevil
'
sAngel.

Shereadthelat
estepisode.Sher oll
edherey es
assheread.Leone'
smot herannoyedt hehel
l
outofherandshewi shedt hatifAnnawast o
meetheragain,sheshouldj ustsl
apthatbitt
er
ol
dwi t
ch.Annadidnot hi
ngt oherandshe
hatesherj
ustbecausei t
'snotMar cel
la.

Hayden'
smessengerbeepedandsheopenedi
t.
Shereadthename.Masa?
I
twasjustahiaccompaniedbyheartemoj
is.
Shedi
dn'tknowwhethert
or epl
ytohisdmsor
not
.

Shej
ustignoreditandsearchedyetanot
her
oneofherdiari
es.Anothermessagebeeped
andshecheckedi t
.Itwassti
llt
hesameMasa.
Masa:
Hi.Agai
n I
'
mthatgi
rlf
rom eal
ri
er.

Reginahpausedasthegi
rlt
ypedandshewent
toherprof
il
e.Itwasst
il
lwri
tt
edconfi
rmfr
iend
request
.
Shewentbackt
othemessage.
Masa:
Theonewhosai dyouarehott
heday
bef
oreandIpassedbytodaywit
hmyf r
iend.
Regi
nahpausedandreadthemessageagai
n.
Shehadnothi
ngbet
tertodoatt
hemoment .
Sher
epl
i
ed.
Hay
den:
Ithi
nkIr
emember
.
Themessagerequestwasaccept
edandatthe
otherendoft
heli
neMasajumpedf orj
oy.
Obv i
ousl
yhewasgoingtor
eplyher.
Masa:
That
'sgr
eat
Hay
den:
Yeah.

Masasatonherbedandandwentt hr
oughher
nudepict
uresandpaused.May
beitwil
lbetoo
earl
ybutthensheknewwhatshewanted.

Shet
ypedamessage.
Masa:
App?

Regi
nahpaused.No.Sher
epl
i
edasHay
den
Hay
den:
Unf
ort
unat
elyIki
ndofdel
etedi
t.
Masa:Li
es Youhav
eagi
rl
fr
iendandy
pu
don'
twanthert
oknow.
Hay
den:
Ido.
Masa:
It
'sokay
.Idon'
tmi
nd.
Hay
den:
Whatar
ewet
alki
ngaboutagai
n?
Masalaughedalone.I
twaseasytotal
ktohi
m
andshecouldi
magi nehi
m say
ingthatwi
tht
hat
deepvoi
ceofhis.
Masa:
Ithi
nky
ouknow.Il
i
key
ou.
.
Hay
den:
Youdo?
Masa:
Yeah.Letmesendsomet
hing.
Hay
den: okay
.

Shepickedoutt
hreeofherbestphot
os.She
madesur et
heylookedgoodandshesentthem
tohi
m.
Reginah'
seyeswidenedasshesawt henude
pict
ures.ShewenttoMasa'
sprofi
leagainand
shesawapi ctur
eofherinaschooluni
form.
Whatt hehel
l?

Shejustcl
osedhi
smessengerandpl
acedhi
s
phonedown.

Masaf r
ownedwhenhewentof f
li
neaft
ershe
sentthepi
ctures.Maybeheisbusy,
most
probabl
ywil
l l
ookatthem cl
earl
ywhenheisat
home.Yeah.

Hour
slat
er

Haydenmadehiswaytot
hecarandf
oundher
sl
eepingwi
thhi
sphoneonherl
ap.Hej
ustt
ook
hi
sphoneandwentthr
oughhi
smessagesmd
soci
als.

Hefrownedwhenhesawt heFacebook
conversat
iont hatendedwithagirlsendi
ng
nudes.Hej ustblockedthepersonandplaced
hi
sphonebackonherl ap.
Hay
den:
Sugar
?
Shesti
rr
edandhecal
l
edhernameagai
n.She
tur
nedherhead.
Hay
den:
Babe?

Shefi
nal
lyopenedherey
esabi tdi
sor
ient
ed
andhekissedherl
i
pswhilstshewasthat
conf
used.
Hay
den:
Wakeup.

Shey
awnedandst
ret
chedbef
oreshey
awned
agai
n.
Regi
nah:
Hii
..
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
opr
ett
ydoct
or.
.
Shesmi
l
edandhehel
dhercheek.

Hayden:
Whatnonsensewer
eyouspur
ti
ng
ear
li
eron?
Regi
nah:
Not
hing.
.
Hay
den:
Bua.

Hi
stonehadanunder
lyi
ngt
hreatandshe
si
ghed.
Regi
nah:Yourmom j
ustsai
dIshoul
dst
ayaway
fr
om you.
Hay
denchuckl
edshaki
nghi
shead.
Hay
den:
Andt
hat
'swhyy
ouwer
ecr
ying?
Regi
nah:
Shewasrudeabouti
tbutshe
menti
onedmoney
, whyi
sshesofocusedon
money?
Hay
den:
Shei
ssel
fi
shl
i
ket
hat
.
Regi
nah:
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dfor
giv
eher
..
Hay
den:
Shemadeyoucr
yandshehasrobbed
meofafat
herandy
ousayImustf
orgi
veher?
Regi
nahsi
ghed.
Regi
nah:
Atthemomentshei
syouronlyfamil
y
andyoushoul
dal
sotr
ytoaskherwhyshedi d
whatshedi
d.Maybei
twasnoti
ntent
ional.
Hay
den:
You'
ret
oogoodf
orme.
Regi
nah:
Am I
?
Hay
den:
Mhmm.
..
I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.Comeher
e..

Hehel
dthebackofherneckpul
l
ingheri
nfora
ki
ss.
Regi
nahindul
gedhi
m bef
oreshebr
okei
tand
hel
dhischeek.
Hay
den:
Andbyt
hewaywe'
renotbr
eaki
ngup.
Regi
nah:
Okay
.
Hay
den:
we'
recl
earont
hat
?

Shenodded.
Hay
den:
Good.

Lat
ert
hatev
eni
ng

Hay
denwalkedinsi
dehi
smot
her
'shouseand
f
oundheronthecouch.

Het
houghtaboutwhatRegi
nahsai
dbutt
hen
shedi
dn'
tknowhalfofthest
uffheknewsoshe
woul
dn'
texact
lyunder
stand.
Hay
den:
Iwoul
dli
keust
otal
k.

Hesaidashesl
ippedhishandsi
ntohi
sover
all
pocket
s.Hi
smot hersi
ghedandf
oll
owedhim
asheheadedt
ot hedini
ngroom.

Shesatdownandhesatdownopposi
teher
.
Hay
den:
Iknowwhaty
oudi
d.
MsSmi
th:
Id-
Herai
sedaney
ebr
ow.Hehadnoideahow
muchofhi
sfat
her
'ssonhewas.
Hay
den:
Stayoutofmyr
elat
ionshi
ps.
MsSmi
th:
Youcan'
texpe-
Hay
den:AndIhav
en'tfor
gotwhaty
oudi
dtodad,
r
obbingmeofmyf ather
.
MsSmi
th:
Ihadt
o.
Hay
den:
Hadt
o?
MsSmith:
Itwasei
therIhandhi
m overort
he
st
atewasgoingt
ot akeal
lofustopri
son.
Hay
den:
Thatwasnotenoughr
eason.
MsSmi
th:
Andt
heypl
acey
ouunderf
ost
ercar
e.

Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay den:Youknowaswel lasIdothatthestate
didn'thaveenoughev idencetoputhi
m behind
bars, soyoucan'tsaytheytri
ckedyouinto
handi nghim overbecausethentheywould'
v e
takenev enhisweal t
handpossessionsbut
surprisi
nglytheydidn'
teventhoughtheyarein
myname.

Hi
smot
herkeptqui
et.
Hayden:
Whatwasi t
?Somerevengeplot
agai
nsthi
m?Leav i
ngmei nt
hecrossfir
e?He
tol
dmeev ery
thi
ngbefor
ehewaski l
led.Mot
her
youcan'
tfoolme..
.
MsSmi
th:
Yourf
atherwasbadnews.
Hayden:
Whymar ryhi
mi fhewasbadnews?He
wasmyf ather
,badornotandIwastoldt
o
f
orgiv
ey oubecauseyou'
remymotherbutI'
m
f
ail
ingtodoso.Iam real
lyf
ail
i
ngtoletgoof
t
hat.
MsSmi
thf
rowned.Hewast
oldt
ofor
giv
eher
?
Hay den:Butyou'
resti
ll
ly i
ngtomyf ace
regardlessofthefactthatIknowt hetrut
hjust
goest oshowt hatIwil
l nevertr
usty ounor
forgiveyou.I'
m notasai ntt
oobutsomet hi
ngs
aren'tasforgi
vableasy outhinktheyare.

Hest
oodupbutpausedwhi
l
eatt
hedoor
.
Hay
den:Andmakemygir
lf
ri
endcryonemor e
t
imeyou'l
lknowwhyI
'
m KennedySmit
h'sson.

Hisvoicesentcol
dshiver
sdownhi smother
's
spi
neandsheswal lowedashewal kedaway.
Shecouldn'
tbeli
evethatherteenageson
detest
edhertosuchanext entandcouldeven
thr
eatenher.
.
.
*
*
SI
XMONTHSLATER

NB.Thi
sisnotabonusinsert
,justtheinser
tI
wasowingyouguys.Keeponf oll
owingthe
pr
ofi
let
ogetyourbonusinsertlat
er.
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
12*

AtTheHospi
tal

Reginahf
ixedherblousemakingsureitwas
l
ooseenoughbef or
eshel ef
theroffi
cepicki
ng
upthecoatandplacingthestet
hoscopearound
herneck.

Shebumpedi
ntoScot
twhocar
eful
l
ylookedat
her
.
Scot
t:
Hidoc.
Regi
nah:
Hii
..
.
Shesai
dinpassi
ngheadingtoTessa'
sroom.
Scot
tst
oppedtolookather.Ther
ewas
somet
hingdi
ff
erentaboutherbuthecoul
dn'
t
pi
npoi
ntwhat
.Hesi ghedandmadehiswayto
hi
soff
ice.

Reginahlight
lyknockedonTessa'sdoorbef
ore
openingthedoor .Shehadgrownfondofthe
l
itt
legirlt
hesepastmont hsandshewas
ref
reshingtobear oundplusshewantedtoget
usedt obeingaroundkids.

Tessa'
sfaceli
tupwhent hedoctorst
epped
i
nsidetheroom.Shewasbyf arhermost
fav
orit
eandshelikedtal
kingt
oherandjust
l
ookingathowprettyshewas.

Tessa:
Hii
i
...
Regi
nah:
HeyTessa.Howar
eyoumyl
ove?
Tessa:
I'
mfeel
i
ngbet
tert
oday
.
ShesatdownnexttoherbedasTessawenton
tot
ellheraboutt
hei
deasshehad.
Regi
nah:
Sobasi
cal
l
ythi
sbooki
sabouty
ou?
Tessa:
Yes.Notever
yli
tt
legir
lhasahear
t
di
seasethatneedsaheartt
ranspl
ant
.
Regi
nah:
True.

Tessat
urnedt
ohersi
de.
Tessa:
Ihadscr
ibbl
edaf
ewi
deas.CanIal
so
putyouint
hebook?
Regi
nah:
Doy
ouwantt
o?
Shenodded.
Regi
nah:
Thendowhatmakesy
ouhappyangel
.
Nowletmeseethebooky
ouaret
alki
ngabout
.

Regi
nahst
oodupandpi
ckedupherl
i
ttl
e
not
ebookandsmil
edreadi
ngt
hel
i
ttl
escr
ibbl
es
i
npencil
andcray
on.
Tessa:
Imi
ssschool
..
Regi
nah:Iknowyoudohoney
,homeschool
i
ng
wil
lworkfornow.
Tessa:
That
'swhatmommyanddaddysai
d.
Reginah:
Theyarer
ighthoney
.Whatshoul
dIask
thenursetobr
ingforyou?
Tessa:
Any
thi
ngi
sokay
.Isi
tsaf
etosayIl
ove
you?
Regi
nahl
aughedandhel
dhersmal
lhand.
Regi
nah:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Tessa:
WhenIgetoutoft
hehospi
tal
Ist
il
lwant
total
ktoy
ou.
Regi
nah:
I'
l
ltal
ktoy
ourpar
ent
saboutt
hat
sweet
heart
.
Tessa:
Theywi
l
lagr
ee.
Regi
nah:
Okayangel
.Letmegot
alkt
othenur
se
fory
ou.

Sheyawnedandst
retchedherbodyandthe
bl
ousemovedupreveali
nghertummy .
Tessa'seyeswi
denedandshechuckl
edpul
l
ing
herblousedown.

Regi
nah:
It
'sasecr
etf
ornowl
ove.
Tessa:
Wow.
.
Regi
nah:
I'
l
lbebackokay
?
ShenoddedasRegi
nahwal
kedoutofherr
oom.

AtBotswanaUni
ver
sit
yofSci
enceand
Technol
ogy

Hay
denpar
kedhi
scarwher
ethest
udent
s
par
kedthei
rcar
sandhest
eppedoutoft
hecar
,
makingsur
etolocki
t.

Hismi ndwasnotreall
yinschoolt
oday.Hehad
doneal otofthi
nki
ngthepastfewmont hsand
hewassur eheknewwhathewant edt
odobut
thentherewasacertai
nMi sswhowasgoi ngt
o
givehim aprobl
em.

Hemadehiswaytocl
ass,
maki
ngsur
enott
o
bumpi
ntoanyone.

Hehadahect
icdayaheadandhehat
edthathe
wasgoi
ngtoatt
endeachandever
ycl
ass.

Lat
ert
hatday
Haydensatdownbyt
hechai
rsandt
ookouthi
s
phone.
Voi
ce:
Hel
l
o.
Hay
den:
Smi
thher
e..
Voi
ce:
MrSmi
th.
.
Hay
den:
Iwant
edt
oseehowf
arwi
thev
ery
thi
ng?
Voci
e:Ev
ery
thi
ngi
scomi
ngal
ongsi
r.
Hay
dencheckedhi
swat
ch.
Hay
den:I
'
llbether
eovertheweekendsot
hay
t
hepaperworkcanbeprocessed.
Voi
ce:
Yessi
r.
Hay
den:
Good.Seey
out
hen.

Hehungupandpl acedhi
sphonedown.Ki ndof
funnyhowReginahsl owl
ymadehi m mini
mize
hissmoki
ng.Shekeptonsay ingitwasnot
goodforhert
ot akeinhissecondarysmoke
andthatbr
edthehabitofsmoki
ngsometimes,
mostlywhenheisst
ressedandneverar
ound
her
.

Hesatt
heret
hought
full
ylooki
ngar
ound.Agi
rl
madeherwaytowherehewasandsatdown.
Her
:Hi
.

Hej
usti
gnor
edherandt
ookhi
sst
uff
.
Her
:MrIwast
alki
ngt
oyou.
.
Hay
den:
DidIsayIwantt
oheary
out
alk?
Her
:f
uck!
(mut
ter
ing)

Hisv
oicehadabi tofdangerthatcamewithit
andthatr
enderedherspeechlessashewalked
away.Haydenknewt hosetypeofgir
lsandhe
wasnotinthemoodt oent
ertai
nanyofthose.I
t
f
eltgoodknowi
ngwhathewantedtodoi
nli
fe,
i
nawayhehadcontrolandpower.

Hesmi
l
ed.Hehadev
ery
thi
ngcomi
ngt
oget
her
.

Hedi
aledRegi
nah'
snumber
.Sheanswer
ed
i
mmediatel
y.
Reginah:
Hey.Howisschool
?Ihopeyouar
enot
bunkingl
essonskanaBIUSTgotsewaFDl
e
gone
Hechuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
Youdon'
ttr
ustme.
Shesi
ghed.
Reginah:
Ido.Ido.Ij
usywanty
out
odowel
l
,
that
'sall
.
Hay
den:
Iunder
stand.Howar
eyou?
Regi
nah:
I'
m good.Li
femov
eson.
Hay
den:
Sur
eyou'
regood?
Regi
nah:
Yes.Pl
easest
udyt
lher
ra.
Hay
den:
Ofcour
seDrSmi
th.
Regi
nah:
WaswabaHay
den.
Hayden:
Itdoesn'
thurttodream
babe(
chuckli
ng)Sur
ey ou'
regoodbabygi
rl
?
Regi
nah:
Yes.St
opwor
ryi
ngt
lher
rawena.
Hayden:Ican'
tstopwor
ryi
ngabouty
oul
ove.I
'
ll
cal
llat
ermyl ove.
Regi
nah:
Okay
.Il
ovey
ou.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouDrSmi
th.
Regi
nah:
Bye.

Hehungandsmil
ed.Shehadnoi
deahow
happyshemadehi
m.Shehadnofucki
ngi
dea
how.
.
.
*
*
Thet argetwasnotr eachedbutI'
m agood
personasev eryoneknows.Thisiswherethe
j
our neybeginsandget sbumpy ,
fast
enyour
seatbeltsandshare, l
i
ke,commentandt ag
otherstojointhejourney.
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
13*

Att
hehospi
tal

Regi
nahrushedt
othebathr
oom ast
hef
ood
shej
ustatecameback.
Shebentbesi
dest
het
oil
etbowl
asshev
omi
ted
t
hef
oodshej
ustat
e.

Tear
sescapedhereyesasshethr
ewup.She
hel
dontotheedgeofthebowlasshest
oodup
andusedthebackofherhandtowi
peher
mouth.

Shef l
ushedthetoi
letandstoodsti
llf
oraf ew
minut est
ostopthewor l
dfrom spi
nningaround
her.Shemadeherwayt othesinkwhereshe
gurgledthewatert
oel i
minatet
hefoul smellof
vomit.Thiswaswhatshehat edthemost .

Shewashedherhandsbef oresplashingwater
onherfaceandt yingherweav eback.She
si
ghedandlookedatherr ef
lecti
onint hemir
ror
.
Shewasokay .Shebr eat
hedi nbeforesteppi
ng
outofthebat
hr oom.Oneofhercol l
eagues
gaveherawei r
dl ookandshei gnoreditasshe
madeherwayt
otheof
fi
ce.

Sheent er
edtheoff
iceandlockedt hedoor.
Reginahsatdownonherchai randpl acedher
headont hecol
ddesk.Sheslowl yclosedher
eyesfeeli
nghersel
frel
axnanddriftofftoa
peacefulsl
eep.

AtMsSmi
th'
shouse

MsSmi thwentov erthedocuments.Well

copiesofthedocument sherhusbandhadleft
andletherkeep.Apparentl
yshewasn't
supposedtohav etheorigi
naldocuments
accordi
ngt ot
helawy er
.Therightf
ulhei
rwhich
wasHay denwasal lowedthat
.

Sher
eadt
hroughmostoft
hem f
ort
he
hundr edthtimeinyearsandhehadn'tl
efthera
singlecentexceptforthehouseofcourse.
Ev er
ythingwasi nHayden'
snameandknowi ng
thathersonwasat icki
ngti
mebombhecan
chooset ohaveherremovedfrom t
heboar d
andt hent herewasmoneyshecouldn'ttouch.
Shesi
ghedf
rust
rat
ed.
MsSmi
th:
Damny
ouSmi
th!Damny
ou!

Shesaidpushingthedocumentati
onbackand
ranherhandsthroughherhai
r.Shedecidedto
dial
herlawyer
'snumber.Herlawyeranswered
i
mmedi atel
y.
Her
:Hel
l
o..
.
MsSmith:
Hi.Iwentt
hrought
hedocument
s
agai
nandtherei
snowayIcanaccessany
thi
ng?
Her:
(si
ghi
ng)Let
ti
eIthoughtwetalkedabout
t
his.Thedocumentshavenoloopholes.Your
husbandmadesure,
whydi
dn'
tyout
hinkoft
hat
wheny oubet
ray
edhim?
Shesi
ghedpi
nchi
nghernosebr
idge.
MsSmi
th:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nk.
Her:
Thent
hereisnothingthatcanbedone.He
l
efthi
ssonawhol elegacyworthalotofmoney
t
hatyoucannottouch.
MsSmi t
h:Iknow(
frust
rat
ed)
I'
ll
tal
ktoy
oul
ater
,I
t
hinkIneedawalk.
Her
:Okay
.

Shehungupandcov
eredherf
acewi
thher
hands.

AtRegi
nah'
spl
ace

Regi
nahst
eppedoutoft
hecart
ogoopent
he
gat
e.Sheyawnedandrubbedherey
esj
ustas
MsSmi t
hgotoutofheryar
d.

MsSmi t
hlookedatRegi
nahoncethenfaced
theot
herway.Shetur
nedandlookedatheryet
agai
n.
Itcouldn'tbe?Couldit?Shejustl
ookedather
whileshewal kedt othecarlooki
ngallti
redand
sleepy.Shewassur ehereyesweren'tdeceiv
ing
heratal l
.Reginahwast ootiredt
onot i
cethat
someonewasl ookingatherasshedr oveint
o
they ard.Sheparkedhercarandst oppedthe
engineoft hecar.

Shegotherbagandgotoutoft
hecarheadi
ng
toherhouset
ounlockt
hedoor.

Shej
ustneededsl
eep.Not
hingbutsl
eep.
OnceRegi
nahwasinthehouseshethrewthe
bagonthecouchandshest
art
edremov ingher
bl
ousewhil
emakingherwaytothebedroom.

Shegotridofthepantsandthr
ewher sel
fon
thebedwi t
honlyherbraandpant
ies.She
closedhereyesfal
l
ingint
oyetanotherboutof
peacefulsl
eep.

AtLet
so'
shouse

Let
soclosedherbooksandsighed.Herexams
wereonl
y2mont hsawayandshehaddone
whatwasnecessarytot
rytoswerveawayf r
om
di
str
acti
ons.
Thathadi
ncludedherkindofcut
ti
ngMasa
fr
om herl
i
fe.Thatonitsownhadbecomean
i
ssueonit
sownasMasawasnotusedt
obei
ng
cutof
f.

Shel eanedbackagainstt hechairand

envisionedhersel
fast headv ocateshehad
alway sdreamedofbecomi ng.Shejustneeded
towor kextrahardandmay beshewi ll
geta
scholarshiptogostudyatHar vardUni
versit
y.
Well shehadopt i
ons.Shecoul dgotoUBt oo
butther ewasstil
lnothingwrongwi thdreaming
ofgoi ngtoStell
enboschorev enOxfor
dev en
Cambr i
dgeUniversi
ty.Shejusthadt ofocusand
atthispointshehadal readygotr i
dof
dist
ractions.

Hermotherpeekedandshesmi l
ed.Shealways
wantedhergi
rlt
obet hebestandalt
houghshe
hadnevervoi
ceditoutl
oudshewasqui te
happysheendedherfri
endshi
pwiththatvi
le
Masagirl
.Shewasabadi nf
luenceonherchil
d,
shej
ustwantedherchi
l
dt opassandgopur sue
medi
cine.Shewoul
dbet hefir
stdoct
orinthe
fami
l
yifshewouldbeabletodot hat
.

Shewal
kedaway
.Let
soswi
tchedof
fthest
udy
l
amp.
Let
so:
Let
sonoboys!Justfocus,
wear
ejust
al
mostneart
hef
ini
shline.

Shesaidtohersel
fov erandov erasshemade
herwaytoherbed.Shegotunder cov ersand
l
aidonherback.Ifshewor kedhar d, extr
ahar d
shewouldgetaschol arshi
pabr oadandmay be
gettomeetawhi tehusband.Nott hatHay den
thatMasawasaf ter.Shewouldf i
ndmuchmor e
handsomemenandshewi llgetmar ried.Liv
e
happil
yeveraf
ter?May bebutasl ongasshe
hadherdream careershewasgoi ngt obef i
ne
att
hispoi
nt.I
tal
lrequi
redf
ocus.

AtMasa'
sHouse

Masahadl ockedher sel

fint hebathroom asher
parent
sarguedbackandf orthabouther.Tear
s
bli
ndedhereyesasshel ookeddownather
thi
ghs.Shehadgot teny etanotherbeatingand
hermotherwast r
yingt ost andupf orhereven
thoughsheknewt hatMasawast heonei nthe
wrong.

Whatwasshegoingtodonow?Shedi dn'teven
knowwhogotherpregnantandthetestkit
showedt
hatshewasj ustt
womont hspr egnant.
Wasanabort
ionpossiblei
nthi
sinstance?

Shej
adherf
inal
examsi
ntwomont
hsandshe
coul
dn'
taffor
dtofai
l.Shewasatr
oubl
echi
l
d
butf
ail
ingwouldaddtoherpar
ent
s'
di
sappoint
mentinher.

Moretear
sstreameddownhercheeksasshe
cov
eredherfacewit
hherhandscry
ingi
nthe
l
ockedbathr
oom.
.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
14*
AtMasa'
shouse

Whent hear guingfi

nal
lysimmereddownshe
wipedhert earsandstoodupfrom thetoi
let
seat.Shespl ashedwateronherfacethen
unlockedthedoor .

Shequietl
ymadeherwayt oherbedroom and
satonthebed.Mor etear
sfil
ledhereyesand
shebitherlowerl
i
pt ostophersel
ffrom
sobbi
ng.

Herbedroom dooropenedandhermot her

walkedin.Shelookedupandshedidn'tneeda
microscopi
clenstoseethedi
sappointmenton
herface.I
twast hewayhereyeslookedather
andsheknewshehadr eal
l
yblunderedand
messedup.
Masa'
smot hersatonthebedandlookedat
Masa.Shedidn'tknowwhetet
heywet nwrong
andasmuchasshel ov
edherdaughtershe
knewshehadr eall
ymessedup.Notjustali
tt
le
butal
ot.

MaMasa:
Ithi
nkyoudon'
tneedt
ohearmesay
t
hatI
'
m di
sappoi
nted.

Masalookeddownatherhands,
shepl
ayed
wi
thherfinger
ssi
l
entl
y.
MaMasa: Idon'
tknowwherewewentwr ong
withyou.MaybeIwasthewrongonefor
defendi
ngyousayingyourf
atheri
stooharsht
o
you,mpolel
elengwanakawheredi
dwego
wrong?
Masaj
ustl
ookedatherhandswi
tht
ear
sinher
ey
es.Thetearsdr
oppedt
ohert
highsandher
mothersi
ghed.
MaMasa:
Nowt
her
eisnousecr
yingov
erspi
l
t
mi
lk.

Masanoddedwi
tht
ear
srunni
ngdowny
our
cheeks.
MaMasa: Set
sebagor obet
seyaanongo
i
thwele(t
heyal
readysleptwithy
ounowy ouar
e
pregnant
)Whoisthefather?

Masa'
shear
tbeater
rat
ical
l
yinherchest
.
MaMasa:
Kemang?
(whoi
sit
?)
Masa'
slowerl
ipst
rembl
edasshewondered
howshewasgoingtot
ell
hermothert
hatshe
di
dn'
tevenknowwhogotherpr
egnant
.
MaMasa:
Masa?
Masa:
M-mma?
MaMasa:
kemangmongwampay
e?(
who
i
mpr
egnat
edyou?
)
Masa:
I-
Idon-
don'
tknow.
MaMasa' sj
awdroppedassheshookherhead
yetdi
sappoi
nted.
MaMasa:
You'
l
ltel
lyourf
athersuch.

Andhermot
herj
ustst
oodupl
eavi
ngMasa
al
oneint
hebedr
oom.Shebur
sti
ntot
ear
syet
agai
n.

AtRegi
nah'
spl
ace

Thedoorknockwokeherf r
om herpeaceful
sl
umber.Reginahst
ret
chedherhalfnakedbody
andshecir
cledherf
ingeraroundhernavelwit
h
asmal
lsmi
l
ebef
oreget
ti
ngoutofbed.

Theknockingper
sistedandshej
ustwore
anyt
hingshecoul
dgetherhandson.Byt he
ti
meshewasdone, shewasinHayden'
ssweat
s
andt-
shir
t.

Shemadeherwayt
othel
oungewher
eshe
openedt
hedoor
.

Themomentsheopenedthedoorshewasmet
wit
hasl
apthatr
esonatedinherl
eftear
.

Shehel
dhercheekinast
onishmentandshe
l
ookedatHayden'
smother.
Reginahr
ubbedherbur
ningcheekwi
tht
ear
sin
hereyes.
MsSmit
h:Iwar
nedy
out
ost
ayawayf
rom
Hay
den.
.

Reginahj
ustl
ookedather
.Shecl
osedhereyes
forafewsecondswhi
lstr
ubbi
nghercheek.
Regi
nah:
Comei
npl
ease.

MsSmi t
hwal kedi
nsi
deherhouseandsat
downont hecouchasRegi
nahstoodbythe
doorusi
ngherhandstowipehertear
sbefor
e
headi
ngtothecouch.

Shesatopposi
teHayden'
smot
herandpl
aced
herhandsonhert
highs.
Regi
nah:Wi
thal
lduer
espectMsSmi
thwhatdi
d
Idotoyou?
MsSmith:
Ican'
tbeli
eveawomanasol
dasy
ou
i
sst
il
lrunni
ngafterateenager
.
Regi
nahsuckedi
nabr
eat
h.
Regi
nah:
Thehear
twant
swhati
twant
s.
MsSmi t
h:Youarenothi
ngbutanoppor
tuni
sti
c.
Whatisagrownwomanwant i
ngfr
om a
t
eenagerthatshecan'
tgetf
rom amanherage?
Abooi t
isel
etsaoimangwanawangwana.

Regi
nahlookeduphol
dingbacktear
s.No
wonderhehatedhi
smot herwi
thpassi
on.
Regi
nah:Gaelegoreotl
il
egonkgobakadi
puo
kekopaontswelekantl
o.(
Ify
ou'
reher
eto
i
nsultme,pl
easeleav
emyhouse)

Shestart
edtowonderwhysheev enlether
i
nside.Maybeshewasstupi dforexpectinga
peaceful
tal
kwithherbutthenshedi sapproved
herrel
ati
onshi
pwithhersonbutshedi dn't
knowshewaspushi ngHay denaway .
Shewasnotevenat
hreatt
othewoman.Orshe
thoughtso.

MsSmith:
Mxm!Gakenagoamogel aserat
hana
sagagokerekengwanangwanake.Ot seel
a
gor
eobotlhal
eakere.
(Iwil
lnev
eracceptyour
chi
l
dasmygr andchil
d.Youthi
nkyou'
resmart)
Regi
nah:Gont
segagonabot
hat
a.(
It
'sst
il
l
okay
)[humbl
y]

MsSmi thhadexpect edReginahtoactoutand

star
tfi
ghti
ngbutshel ookedatherwithmosit
eyesexpect
inghert owal koutofherhouse.
Shedidn'
tevenfightbackwhenshesl appedher
andshedidn'ti
nsultherback.

Butnev
ert
hel
essshedi
dn'
tappr
oveoft
he
rel
ati
onshipanditwasdi
sgustingthatshewas
pregnantwit
hherson'
schild.Haydenisonl
ya
chil
dhimselfandshehadlethersel
ffal
l
pregnant.
Awhol egr
ownwoman.Iti
nfur
iatedherpl
us
whatifshewasaft
ert
hemoney .Obvi
ousl
y .
Haydenisachi
ldsoobvi
ousl
yshewasaf ter
money .

MsSmithstoodupandwal
kedoutofthehouse.
Regi
nahfol
l
owedsil
entl
ybehi
ndandlockedthe
door
.

Sheleanedagainsti
tandsl
iddownagai
nstt
he
doorwithtear
sinhereyes.

Shecoveredhermouthwit
honehandasshe
bur
stint
ot ear
s.Shef
eltt
heemoti
onstent
imes
morebecauseoft
hehor
monesandi
twasnota
goodfeel
i
ng.

AtPal
apy
e

Haydenlai
donhi sbed.Hedidn'twanttoli
veon
campuswhenhi sfatherhadsecuredpropert
y
al
loverthecountr
y.Besidesli
vi
ngoncampus
wasgoingt obeabigdisadvantageespeci
all
yif
hewasgoi ngtohaveReginahov er
.

Speaki
ngofher
..
..

Hetookhisphonefrom t
hestandanddi
aled
hernumber.I
trangunanswer
edf i
vet
imes.He
fr
owned.Shewasn'tatworkwasshe?
Hecal
l
edagai
nandt
hist
imesheanswer
ed.
Shecl
earedherthr
oatandf
orcedasmi
l
eas
shet
alkedtothephone.
Regi
nah:
Hey
..
Hay
den:
Arey
ouokay
?
Regi
nah:
ofcour
seI
'
mfi
ne.
.whywoul
dn'
tIbe?

Hay
densi
ghed.Shesoundeddi
ff
erent
.
Hay
den:
Kedi
rav
ideocal
l
..
Regi
nah:
Ther
eisnoneed.I
'
mjustaboutt
o
sl
eep.
Hay
den:
Iwasn'
tev
enaski
ngy
ou.Kadr
opacal
l
.

Hei
mmedi
atel
yhungupandcal
l
edagai
n.

Meanwhi
l
eRegi
nahpat
tedhercheeksand
r
ubbedhereyesasthephoner
ang.She
wat
cheditr
ingthenheendedt
hecall
.

Haydencal
ledagai
nandshestil
lignor
edit
.He
hungupandaf ewsecondsl
atershesenta
message.
SweetSt
uff
:Goodni
ght Il
ovey
ou.
Hay
den:
Arabaphone
Sweetst
uff
:Kar
obal
a,Ihav
easl
i
ghtheadache.
Tal
ktomorr
ow
Hay
den:
Fine!Goodni
ght
. ‍♂Il
ovey
out
oo.

Reginahreadthemessageandsighed.She
pl
acedt hephoneonthestandandgot
undercover
s.

Meanwhi
l
eHay
densatupr
ightandcheckedhi
s
schedul
eonhi
sphone.

Hedi dn'
tevenhaveanylessonsonFri
dayand
fr
om PalapyetoFrancist
ownwast wohoursso
i
fhecanst arthi
sjourneynow,hewil
lbether
e
around1am.

Hequickl
ygotoutofbedandwor
ehi
sjeans,
pi
cki
ngouthistee.
Hepickedhiscarkey
s,phoneandwal
l
etand
l
eftt
her oom.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s
*
15*

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Haydenopenedt
hegat
ebef
orej
oggi
ngt
ohi
s
car
.
Hedrovei nsi
detheyar
dandparkedhiscar.I
t
wasal i
ttl
ebitaf
ter1am,atl
easthedidn'
t
encounteranyprobl
emsontheway .

Hesteppedoutofthecarandlockedthedoor.
Hemadehi swaytothedoorandunl ockedthe
housewithhi
ssparekey.Hesilentl
ystepped
i
nsidethehouseandlockedthedoor,taki
ng
cauti
onnottomakeanynoi sethatmightwake
herup.
Haydenwal kedthroughthedarktothe
bedroom andev entherehedidn'
tswit
chonthe
l
ight
s.Hegotr idofhisclothesandgot
undercov
ers.Hej ustspoonedher,r
esti
nghi
s
handonherst omach.

Hefrownedatt
hefeelofwhatseemedl
ikea
bumpbuthedidn'
thav
et heener
gytowakeher
upandaskher.

Shejustcuddl
edintohim andhesighedrunni
ng
hi
shandal ongherarm.Heki ssedherneckand
smil
ed.May beheshouldtell
herabouthis
pl
ansbef or
eheev engoestot hatmeeti
ng.

Sheusuallydishesoutsoundadv i
cebuthewil
l
seeallofthatwhenshewakesupi nthe
morning.Haydent ookinherscent
,hemissed
thi
s.Holdi
ngherj ustfort
hefunofit.
Hecl
osedhi
sey
esandl
etsl
eepev
adehi
m.

I
nTheMor
ning

Regi
nahwokeupf eel
inghandsaroundher.She
sl
owlytur
nedonlytobemetbyHay denwho
wasfastasl
eep.Shegaspedsoft
ly.Whenand
how?

Shelookedathim onceagainandlookeddown
wherehishandswer earoundhertummy .He
shi
ft
edst i
l
lkeepi
nghi shandsaroundher.She
si
ghedandpat t
edherey eli
ds.

Theyfel
tsoheavy,shej
ustsl
owl
yremovedhis
handsandandmadeherwayt ot
hebathroom
torel
i
evehersel
f.
Whil
einthebat
hroom, shesplashedherface
wi
thwaterandfacedthemi r
ror.Shesti
ll
had
ey
ebagsanditwasgoingt obeoddwear ing
makeuptoworksincesherarelyworeitreal
l
y.

Shesighedandmadeherwayt othebedr
oom
st
il
lhalfnakedasshedebatedt
ohersel
f
whetherornottogotowork.

Whenshetur
nedaf
tercl
osi
ngthebat
hroom
door
,shef
oundHaydenawake.
Shet
uckedhermessyhai
rbehi
ndherear
.
Regi
nah:
M-Mor
ning.
Hay
den:
Hey
,comesi
ther
e.

Shewal
kedt
othebedandsatbyt
heedgeof
thebedlooki
ngathim.Shewantedtoaskwhen
hearri
vedandwhetherhebunkedschoolt
obe
here.

Hay denassessedher.I
twassoobv i
ousbut
thenwhywasshesi lent?Herey
eswer ethatof
aper sonwhohadbeencr yi
ngalmostthewhole
night.Herubbedhi
schintil
ti
nghishead
upwar ds.

Hayden:Gankakekagobet
sa,
kar
eha.
(Iwon'
t
beatyou,Isai
dhere)

Shesi
ghedandcl
i
mbedt
hebed,
sit
ti
ngnextt
o
hi
m.
Hejustpul
l
edhert
ohi
mti
l
lshewasbet
ween
hi
slegs.
Hay
den:
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngy
ouf
eel
Ishoul
dknow?
Herhear
tski
ppedabeat.Sheknewi
twas
obvi
ousbutt
hewordsfail
edtocomeoutofher
mouth.
Hay
den:
Sugar
?
Shel
ookedupathi
m.
Hay
den:
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou.

Shesi
ghedandl
ookedatherbar
ethi
ghs.
Hayden:
Kanagakeomaneaut
we?
(ki
ssi
ngher
neck)
Shekeptqui
etandhej
ustkeptki
ssi
ngherneck.
Hay
den:
Babe?Kanakebual
ewenat
lhemma.
Regi
nah:
Rra?
Hayden:
Ist
her
esomet
hingy
ouf
eel
Ishoul
d
know?
Regi
nah:
uhm.
.y
es.
..
no.
..
Hay
den:
Whi
chi
swhi
ch?
Regi
nah:
Yes.
Haydenst
oppedki
ssi
ngherneckandpl
aced
hi
sarmsonhershoul
der
s.
Hay
den:
Tal
k.
Regi
nah:
Don'
tfr
eakout
..
Hechuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
Att
hispoi
ntnot
hingf
reaksmeout
..
Regi
nah:Ihonest
lyt
houghtt
hepi
l
lwaswor
king
well
,kaobolel
la.

Shesai
dcr
ossi
ngherf
inger
s.
Reginah:
Outoft
hebl
uewei
ghtgai
nandf
eel
i
ng
nauseous.
Haydenthoughtbacktothatt
imebeforehelef
t
whenhecomment edonherweightgai
nand
shesai
dcont r
acepti
veshavedif
fer
entside
eff
ects,
shewentonwithhermedi
cal
ter
minologi
esconv
inci
nghim.
Hay
den:
Negosat
wekepr
event
ion?
Regi
nah:
Thoughtsoatfi
rstbutaf
tery
oul
eftI
j
ustdeci
dedtocheck.
Hay
den:
And?
Shesuckedi
nadeepbr
eat
h.
Regi
nah:
Ikindofendedupwi
thababy
..
wel
lnot
ababyexactl
y.
.
Hay
denchuckl
edbef
orehef
rowned.
Hay
den:
Wast
hatsohar
dtosay
?
Regi
nah:Ithoughty
ou'l
l sayi
t'
stooearl
yforki
ds.
Youjuststart
edschool,youneedtoestabl
i
sh
your
selfunli
keme.I'm alr
ead-
Hayden:
Wait.Wai
t.Whatdoy
oumeannota
babyexact
ly.
Regi
nah:
Myt
ummyi
svi
sibl
eisn'
ti
t?
Hay
den:
Pret
tyobv
ious.
Regi
nah:Ithinkit'
salmost3andahalf
months...
uhm. .
.soli
ke.
..
Ihadasonogr
am andit
ki
ndofr evealed..
..
well
youknowI'
m adoctor
andtheset hi
ngsar eobvi
ous.
..
Hayden:Yoh!Nott
hemedical
ter
minol
ogyagai
n.
Putiti
nlayman'st
erms.
Regi
nah:
Thescanr
eveal
edt
hatI
'
m ki
ndof
car
ryi
ngtwi
ns.

Hepausedandlookedather
.Shelookedathi
m
expect
ingananswer.Thi
swastoomuchf or
him.Sheknewthat
.
Hay
den:
Wow!
(shocked)
Regi
nah:
Yeah.
..

Hismindt
ri
edt
ofat
hom i
tal
lbuthej
ustl
ooked
ather
.
Hayden:
Okay.Pausef
oramoment
.Wear
e
hav
ingtwins?

Hereyesmoi
stenedwit
htear
s.Hesai
dwe?He
l
it
eral
l
ysaid'
we'inst
eadof'
you'
?

Hayden:
Nowy ou'
recry
ing.
.waitspeaki
ngof
cr
ying,l
et'
stal
kaboutl
astnight.
Regi
nah:
Whatabouti
t?
Hay
den:
Whywer
eyoucr
ying?
Regi
nahusedherhandt
opatherey
es.
Regi
nah:
Iwasn'
tcry
ing,
Ihadasl
i
ghtheadache
andahecti
cday.
Hay
den:
Thatl
eav
esy
ourey
espuf
fy?Isee.
.
Regi
nah:
I'
m notl
yi
ng.
Hayden:Hmm..
YoudoknowthatIknowy ou.
Youreyessayi
tal
l,
soIneedthetr
uth.Let'
s
st
artagai
nshal
lwe?

Hesmil
edandshewasn'
tev
ensmi l
i
ngnow,
shehat
edi
twhenhespokel
iket
his.
Regi
nah:
Yourmot
her
.
Hay
den:
Whatdi
dshesay
?

Shenar r
atedthewholescenetohim ashe
cl
enchedhi sjawli
steni
ngtoher.Whenshewas
doneshef inal
lyl
ookedathim ashi
snose
fl
ared,hisfi
stsbal
ledandthefuryt
hatswi
rled
i
nhi sorbs.
Reginah:
Don'
tdoany
thi
nghast
e.Shei
sst
il
l
yourmother.
Hayden:Whom It
oldt
ost
ayt
hef
uckawayf
rom
you.
(angry
)
Regi
nah:
Cal
m downH.Br
eat
h.
Hay
den:
Don'
tgi
vemet
hatbul
l
.
Regi
nah:
Oomany
annay
aanong?

Hesi
ghedandki
ssedhercheek.
Hayden:
I'
m sor
ryokay
.Ishoul
dn'
tev
enst
ress
you,I
'
m sorr
y.
Regi
nah:
Cool
downandt
hink.
Hay
den:
Okay
.
Her
ubbedherar
ms.
Hay
den:
Shoul
dn'
tyoubeget
ti
ngr
eadyf
orwor
k?
Regi
nah:
Iwast
hinki
ngofcal
l
ingi
nsi
ck.
.
Hay
den:
Youl
ookf
ine.
Reginah:
idon'
twanttogetweir
dstar
es,l
ookat
myey esplust
hesedaysIcan'
tact
ual
lykeep
fooddown.
Hay
den:
Howmanypeopl
eknow?
Regi
nah:
Icoul
dn'tl
etpeopl
eknowwheny ou
di
dn'
tknow,Iguessyourmothernot
iced.I
di
dn'
ttel
lher
.
Hay
den:
Okay.
..
weshoul
dgetup,
you'
regoi
ngt
o
wor
ksugar
.I'
l
ldropy
ouoff
.
Regi
nah:Iwantedt
oloungeandsl
eepal
l
day(
whining)
Hay
den:Wel
li
fyouar
en'
tgoi
ngt
owor
k,t
hen
t
agalongt
hen.
Regi
nah:
Wher
e?
Hay
den:
You'
l
lsee.Let
'sgetup.
Regi
nah:
Letmemakeaphonecal
lthen.
..

Shegotherphonefrom thest
andandcall
ed
thesuper
visor
,expl
aini
ngthagshei
sn'
tfeeli
ng
well
.
Oncethephonecal
lendedshelookedathim
andhehelpedherupleadi
nghertothe
bat
hroom.Hehadhi sarmswrappedaroundher
waist
.
Hay
den:
Howi
sit
?
Regi
nah:
Howi
swhat
?
Hay
den:
Thepr
egnancy
..
.
Reginah:
ki
ndofwei
rdt
hatI
'
m car
ryi
ngt
wo
foet
uses.
Hay
den:
Thedoct
ori
nyouhadt
osayt
hat
..
Sheshr
ugged.

Heclosedthebat hr
oom doorassheheadedt o
theshower.Reginahopenedthetaplet
ti
ngthe
waterspr
inkl
eall ov
er.Shefel
tthetemperat
ure
ofthewater,adj
usti
ngitaccor
dingl
ytoher
l
iki
ng.
Sheti
edherhai
rupthoughitwasabitmessy .
Shegotri
dofherpant
iesandsteppedinsi
deas
fogf
il
ledt
hespace.Sheclosedhereyesasthe
warm wat
erhi
therski
n,taki
ngawayheraches.

Haydensteppedi
nsideandwr appedhisstrong
armsaroundherwaist.Shefelthi
shardonand
tr
iednottothi
nkaboutit.Haydenjustki
ssed
herbackandshesmi l
ed.
Hay
den:
SoImadet
woki
ds.
Regi
nah:
gasepoko(
laughi
ng)
Hay
den:
Sti
l
l.
..
two.
..
Regi
nah:Youdon'
tseem wor
ri
edabout
prov
idi
ngnotthatyouhavet
o.
Hay
den:
Ihav
epl
ans.Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.
Regi
nah:
Iwor
ry.
Hayden:
Thendon'
t(
kissi
ngandsucki
ngonher
neck)
Kanaonalegolebalagor
ekanaomonat
e.
Regi
nah:
Want
hogakana.
Hayden:
Oet senyaeng?Sukir
i?Causei
t'
ssweet
asfuckbabe.Somot her
fucki
ngsweetno
wondermypul loutgamewassoweak.

Hishuskyvoi
cesentshiver
sal
loverherbody
ashishandgentl
ymov eddownfeel
ingthecoi
ls
cover
ingherapex.
Hayden:
Ishoul
dtakemyt
imewi
thy
out
his
weekend.
Regi
nah:
Huh.
..
Hay
den:
Nev
ermi
nd.

Hel
etgoandj
usthel
dherhands.
Regi
nah:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Haydenj
ustpl
acedherhandsonthewal
l.She
l
etgoofthewall
andturnedt
olookathi
m.She
knewwhathewast hi
nkingofandshedi
dn'
t
havetheener
gyfori
t.Shebli
nkedher
eyel
ashesathi
m.
Hejustwhi
sper
edi
nherearwhi
l
ehol
dingher
hands.
Hayden:
Don'
tbest
ubborn,I
'
mj ustwar
mingup
andyouknowyoucan'
trun.
..
Regi
nah:
Smi
th!
Hay
den:
Ma?
Hesaidchuckl
ingashehel
dherhands
i
nter
twini
ngthem wi
thhi
s.
Hay
den:
Iwon'
tbel
ong.
..

Hepinnedheragai
nstt
hemi
rr
orwal
land
#EXPLICI
T
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
17*

Att
hemal
l

Haydenheldherhandastheywal
keddownt
he
ai
sle,wit
hhisot
herhandholdi
ngt
hefood
basket.
Hay
den:
Whatel
se?
Regi
nah:
Let
'skeepmov
ing,
I'
ll
showy
ou.
Hay
den:
Okay
..
.
Theywalkeddownthechocol
ateandsweet
s
ai
sleandheturned.
Hayden:
That
'st
oomuchsugarbabe.Aet
lar
e
bowe.
Regi
nah:
YouaskedmewhatIwant
ed.
Hay
den:
That
'st
oomuchsugar
..
.
Reginah:
Please,
pret
typl
ease.
.Mrj
ustaf
ew
chocolat
eskana.
Hay
den:
Youcanhav
efood.Pr
operf
ood.
Reginah:
Ket
lodi
kgwaaker
e..
(Iwi
l
lvomi
titout
though)
Hay
den:
Sti
l
l,
hai
sh.
..
Regi
nah:
Tlogel
a.Iwi
l
lpayf
ori
tmy
sel
f.
..
Hayden:Regardless.Toomuchsugari
sn'
tgood
foryou.I
'dunder st
andify
ouwantedburger
s
andshitbutthisamountofsugar?Youknow
bett
er..
.
Herey
esgott
ear
yasshel
ookedathi
m.
Hay
den:
I'
m sur
ethet
earswon'
tworkonme.
Wearej
ustget
ti
ngasingl
esl
abofchocol
ate.
Regi
nah:
It
'snotenough(
lowv
oice)
Hay
den:
You'
l
lhav
etodeal
wit
hit
..
.

Shesi
ghedashej
ustt
ookone.Tr
uet
ohi
swor
d.
Hay
den:
Any
thi
ngel
se?
Regi
nah:
Wagana.Sur
eMr
.

Helaughedandhel
dherwai
st,
headi
ngt
othe
count
er.
Hay
den:
You'
l
lbef
ine.

AtMsSmi
th'
sof
fi
ce
Sherecei
vedacal
lfrom herl
awy
erandshe
answeredi
mmediately
.
MsSmi
th:
Hel
l
o.
Her
:Let
tysomet
hinghappenedt
oday
..
.
MsSmi
th:
What
?
Her:
Ihear
dfrom t
hegr
apev
inet
haty
ourson
si
gnedthepaper
s.
MsSmi
th'
shear
tski
ppedabeat
.
MsSmi
th:
Whatpaper
s?
Her:Hetookcontr
oloverevery
thi
nghisf
ather
l
efthim, f
rom t
hemoneyt othehousest
othe
di
fferentcompani
es.Eventhatone.
MsSmi
th:
Whogav
ehi
mthepaper
s?
Her:
(l
aughi
ng)youshouldknowthatheissmar
t
ashell
bynow.Seemsl i
kehehasbeenkeeping
communicat
ionwit
hhisfather
'sl
awyer.
MsSmi t
h:Hei
sjustachi
l
d.Howwi
l
lhemanage
al
lthat
?
Her:
Areyousayi
ngt
hatt
ost
ayi
ncont
rol
ory
ou
act
uall
ybel
ievet
hat
?
MsSmi
thwentqui
et.
Her:
Idon'
tknowwhat'
sgoingdowniny
our
son'
sheadbutIhav
eaf eel
ingsomemassi
ve
stuf
fisgoi
ngtogodown.
MsSmi
th:
I'
l
ltal
ktohi
m.
Her
:Okay
.

Herl
awy erhungupandshebi
therl
owerl
ip.
Herphoneranganditwasanunsav
ednumber.
MsSmi
th:
Hel
l
o.
Voi
ce:
Checkmat
e!
MsSmi
th:
Whoam It
alki
ngt
o?
Voi
ce:
Yout
houghtSmi
thhadt
akent
hisl
yi
ng
down?
MsSmi
th:
Whoar
eyou?
Voi
ce:
Wel
lyou'
l
lfi
ndoutsoon.Enj
oyi
twhi
l
eit
l
ast
s..

Theper
soncutthecal
lasherhear
traced.Sh
pl
acedherhandonherchestbr
eat
hinghard.

AtSchool

Let
sobumpedint
oMasawhokeptherhead
down.Masadi
dn'
tev
enli
ftherey
esupandkept
onwalki
ng.
Let
so:
Masa.
..
.

Masaqui
ckenedherpace.Shedidn'
twantt
o
t
alkt
opeople.Maybetheyseer
ightthr
oughher
becauseshesawr
ightt
hroughher
sel
f.

Let
sor
ant
oher
.
Let
so:
Masa!
!
MasalookedatherandLet
sonot
icedt
heey
e
bagsaroundhereyes.
Let
so:
Arey
ouokay
?
Masa:
I'
mfi
ne.By
e.

Masawal kedawayandLet sosi

ghed.May be
shewasst i
llangr
ythatshecutheroff
.Itwas
necessar
y ,
Masawasabadi nfl
uence.

Masaj ustkeptonwal ki
ngti
llshegotinsi
dethe
gi
rl
s'toil
ets.Shelockedherselfi
nsideandburst
i
ntotears.Everyt
hingwasamess.Somessy
andshedi dn'
tknowwher et
ost ar
tfixi
ngherl
ife
atthi
spoi
nt.Shecoveredherf
acewi
thher
handsandbursti
ntotears.

Lat
ert
hatday

Haydenclosedthebedroom dooronceReginah
hadfal
ledasleep.Hesl
ippedhisphoneoutas
hewalkedaway ,maki
ngsureshewon' thear
hi
mt al
kingtothephone.

Hay
den:Hi
..
Iwast
hinki
ngofst
art
ingi
na
month'
sti
me.
Voi
ce:
Sur
eyou'
ret
aki
ngonev
ery
thi
ng?
Hay
den:
I'
m sur
e.
Voi
ce:
You'
reat
eenager
.
Hay
den:
(chuckled)Therei
salotIcando.Atthe
momentI'
l
ljusttakeitonf
rom t
hesidel
inessti
l
l
makingthemaj
ordeci
sions.St
il
lont
hatIal
so
wantdocument
ati
ondrawnup.
Voi
ce:
Inr
egar
dst
o?
Hay
den:
wel
l
...

Hewal kedoutofthehousewithhishandi nhis

pocketasheexplainedever
ything,
goinginto
detai
l.Themanont heot
hersideoftheli
ne
paused.
Voi
ce:
Wow!
Hayden:Ineedi
tdr
awninaweekorso, al
lthe
l
egalprocessesby
passedi
fnecessar
y.
Voi
ce:
I'
l
lst
artwor
kingoni
t.AndSmi
th?
Hay
den:
Yeah?
Voi
ce:
Congr
atul
ati
ons.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.
Hehungupamdsl i
ppedhi
sphoneinhispocket
.
Het hought
ful
lyl
ookedaroundbef
oreheclosed
thedoorandwal kedoutoft
hegate.Hehadto
sortafewthingsout.

AtMsSmi
th'
sHouse

Heusedhissparekey
st ounlockt
hegateand
cl
oseditbef
orehewalkedinsidet
hehouse
st
art
li
ngMsSmi th.
MsSmith:
Hayden!Youscaredme.Whendi
s
youcomeback?Howi sschool
?

Shesai
dbuthedi
dn'
tseem t
obei
nter
est
edi
n
anychi
tchat
.

Hesatont
hecouchandt
sked.
Hayden:
HowcanIputt
his?St
ayawayf
rom
Regi
nah.
MsSmith:
Sheisnothi
ngbutagol
ddigging
whor
e,whatdoesshewantfr
om ateenager?

Hay
dencockedaney
ebr
ow.
Hay
den:
Arewet
alki
ngabouty
ou?
Shepausedandl
ookedatHay
den.
MsSmi
th:
Wh-
whatdoy
oumean?
Hayden:
Sinceweareont
hesubj
ectofgol
d
di
ggersIwasaski
ngifwear
eref
erri
ngtoyou
becausei
fwearethenwear
ea100%accur at
e.
MsSmi
thhel
dherchest
.
MsSmit
h:Howdar
eyoucal
lmet
hat
.Your
mot
hert
hat.
..
Hay
den:Thenhowdareyoucal
lthemot
herof
mychi
ldrenagol
ddiggi
ngwhore?
MsSmi
th:
Youcan'
ttal
ktomel i
kethay
,I'
myour
mot
her
.Youshoul
drespectandl
ist
entome.
Hay
den:
Ithi
nkt
hatboatl
ongsai
l
ed.
MsSmi th:
Thatwomanisnogoodf
oryou.What
doesshewantf r
om achi
l
d?Wholi
vesunder
hi
smot her'
sroof
.

Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hayden:
IfIwant
edt
o,Iwoul
d'
vel
ongmov
ed
out
.
MsSmit
h:Youarest
il
ldependentonme.I
pr
ovi
deforyou.
Hayden:Idon'
tthi
nkfortool
onganyway.Iwas
t
oldtobecal minapproachi
ngthi
smatterbut
I
'm sayi
ngt hi
sonelastt
ime.St
aythehellaway
f
rom Reginah.
MsSmi
th:
Inev
erev
ent
alkt
othesl
ut.
.
Haydengaveherashar
plookassheswal
l
owed
herwords.
Hayden:
Reall
y?I'
m nobody'
sfoolandsecondi
f
al
lyou'
rely
ingthr
oughy ourt
eeth.
MsSmith:
Soyouwouldrat
herbel
iev
esomeone
youhav
en'
tknownforl
ongoveryourmot
her
?
Hayden:
Bel
iev
ewho?Whosaidany
thi
ngabout
any
onetell
i
ngmeanyt
hing?

Shereal
isedhowsheoust
edher
sel
fint
hat
i
nstant
.
Hayden:
Stayawayf
rom her
.Idon'
ttr
usty
ou
andIneverwil
l
.

Hest
oodupandwalkedtothedoor
.Het
urned
andl
ookedathi
smotheronemoreti
me.
Hayden:
Andt
hecl
ocki
sti
cki
ng.Enj
oyi
twhi
l
e
otl
asts.
Withthathecl
osedthedoorandwalkedout
l
eavinghismotherconf
usedashel
l.Shedidn'
t
knowwhathemeantbyt hat
.
.
.
*
*
*
3Mont
hsl
ater
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
18*

AtRegi
nah'
shouse
Regi
nahawkwar dl
ywal kedtot
hekitchenwit
ha
heavyst
omachasSbahl e'
sEmlanj
enisoft
ly
pl
ayedinthebackground.

Sheopenedthefr
idgeandtookoutfood.She
hadtomakesomet hi
ngtoeatbutshedidn't
knowwhatandshewast ootir
edtobest andi
ng
i
nf r
ontoft
hestoveformorethantenminutes.

Shepl acedthev eggi

esbackint hef
ridgeand
walkedbackt othecouchwher eshesatonthe
couchandpl acedherfeetonthetable,cl
osi
ng
hereyesl i
steningtothesoftbeatofthecurr
ent
songpl ayi
ng.Shewashonest l
yexcit
edabout
herpregnancy .Shecouldn'
twaittomeether
chi
ldren.

Sher
ubbedhert
ummyaff
ect
ionat
elywi
tha
smal
lsmil
eonherl
i
ps.
Regi
nah:Ial
readylov
ey outwo.
..
(chuckl
ing)
Be
goodformet i
lly
ouar r
iveandI
'l
ltakecareof
youguys.

Herphoner
angandshefr
ownedseei
ngScot
t'
s
name.Shej
ustanswer
ed.
Regi
nah:
Hel
l
o..
.
Scot
t:
Hel
l
o,howar
eyou?
Regi
nah:
Fineandy
ou?
Scot
t:Okay.Iwasj
ustchecki
ngonyou,aski
f
you'
refeel
i
ngf i
neoryouneedanyt
hing.
Regi
nahwasconf
used.
Regi
nah:
I'
mfi
ne,
thanky
ouf
ort
heconcer
n.By
e.

Shehungupandclosedherey
eswi
thasmal
l
smil
esingi
ngal
ong.
 Sot
hol
anaeml
anj
eni
As'
di
baneeml
anj
eni
As'
hl
anganeeml
anj
eni
myl
ove
As'
hl
anganeeml
anj
eni
myl
ove

Haui
sokal
ami
li
ngi
thumel
euml
ayezo
As'
hl
anganeeml
anj
eni
myl
ove
Sot
hol
aneeml
anj
eni
myl
ove
As'
di
baneeml
anj
eni
myl
ove
Haui
sokal
ami
li
ngi
thumel
euml
ayezo
As'
hl
anganeeml
anj
eni
myl
ove
Uchocol
atehaui
zi
nt'
ezi
mnandi
Unemenay
'di
ohs'
t
hamel
umt
hunzi
wel
anga
Ut
handol
wet
huol
wamzukwana
I
mpi
l
oyami
ngekei
bel
uthophandl
ekwakho
Ngi
cel
aungi
bambemyl
ovengi
bambe
S'
vel
esambemyl
oveasambe
I
nhl
izi
yoyamiey
akhout
handol
wami
l
ungangol
wandl
ee

Meanwhil
eHay den'
scarparkedi
nsi
dethey ar
d.
Hewalkedtothedoorandpausedli
steningto
t
hesoftmusicshewaspl ay
ing.Hesmiled.

Heunlockedthedoorwit
hhiskeyandopened
thedoor.Regi
nahopenedoneeyethenshe
smil
edwi del
yseei
ngitwashim.
Regi
nah:
Hey
..
Hay
den:
Babymama.
..

Hewal
kedt ot
hecouchandki ssedhersof
tli
ps.
Hebi
therlowerl
ipandplacedhishandsonher
t
ummy .Shesmil
edlooki
ngintohiseyes.
Hay
den:
Hav
eyoueat
en?
Regi
nah:
Noty
et.Iwasl
azyt
ocook.
Hay
den:
Theymakey
ousot
ir
ed.
Regi
nah:
Ican'
twai
ttogi
vebi
rt
hhonest
ly.

Hesmil
edandki
ssedhercheek.Hehel
pedher
st
and.
Regi
nah:
What
?
Hayden:
Let
'sgomakesomet
hingt
oeatf
ir
st
sugar
..

Hel
edhert
otheki
tchenhol
dingherwai
st.
Regi
nah:
Semest
erbr
eakehel
aleng?
Hay
den:
Inaweek.Iwantt
ospendt
imewi
thmy
woman,
skampotsakasekol
o..
Regi
nah:
Okay
..
.
Hepi
ckedherupandpl
acedheront
hecount
er.
Hay
den:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeatDrSmi
th?
Regi
nah:
Uhm.
..
any
thi
ng.
.
Hayden:You'
repi
cky
,youwon'
teatany
thi
ng.I
knowy ou.
..
Regi
nah:
Thosechi
ckenwi
ngsy
ouusual
l
ymake,
goeasyonthespi
cesmme.
Hay
den:
Oni
tmam.
.

Heplacedhi
shandsagai
nsthersi
desand
ki
ssedheragai
n,mor
edeeplythi
sti
me.He
br
okeit.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Shenodded
Regi
nah:Il
ovey
oumor
e.Cany
ougetmemy
phone?
Hay
den:
Sur
e..
.

Hewentt
othel
oungeandpi
ckedupherphone.
Oncehewasbacki
ntheki
tchenhehandedi
t
backt
oher.
Regi
nah:
Thanky
ou.
.

Shemovedherlegsupanddown,pressi
ngher
phonessHaydengotbusywi
thtaki
ngoutthe
meatandthemarinat
e.
Hay
den:
Chi
ckenwi
ngsand?
Shel
ookedupandpaused.
Regi
nah:
Uhm.
..
spaghet
tiandasal
ad.
Hay
den:
Sur
e?
Regi
nah:
Grateloadsofcheesei
ntothesalad.
Uhm ur
gle.
..ohyeahicecr
eam.Icangetstart
ed
onthei
cecream now,whil
ewait
ingforyou.
Shefl
ashedherpr
ett
yeyesathi
m asheopened
thef
reezert
aki
ngoutthet
ub.
Regi
nah:
Thewhol
etubi
sfi
ne.
Hay
den:
Asi
fI'
l
llety
ou.
.

Hetookoutthebowlandscoopingspoon.He
accur
atel
yputint
hreeful
lscoopsandReginah
wasn'
tsmili
ng.
Regi
nah:
Atl
eastf
iveee.
..
Hay
den:
Arey
out
aki
ngi
torl
eav
ingi
t?

Shepout
ed.
Regi
nah:
Fine.
Hepl
acedat
easpooni
nsi
deandhandedher
t
hebowl.
Regi
nah:
Thanks.
Shegotstar
tedoneat
ingherdesser
twhi
l
e
Haydendefr
ostedt
hewings.

AtMsSmi
th'
shouse

Shetri
edaccessingthecompanyaccountsbut
shecouldn'
t.Shehasbeent r
yingt
ogetaccess
tothem si
ncey est
erdayandshehadbeen
fai
l
ingdismally
.

Shedial
edthefi
nanci
almanager
'snumberand
heansweredimmediat
ely
.
Hi
m:MsSmi
thhowcanIbeofassi
stance?
MsSmi t
h:Hi
,I
'vebeentry
ingtogetaccessto
thecompanyaccountsbuti
tkeepinsayingI
don'
thavepermissi
ontodoso.
Themansi
ghed.
Him:Youhav
ebeenbl
ockedf
rom accessi
ngt
he
account
s.
MsSmi
th:
What
?Why
?
Him:
Thatwasarequestf
rom t
heownerofthe
companyandt
hereisnot
hingIcando.Hav
ea
goodday.
MsSmi
th:
Wh-

Thephonelinewentdeadandshef r
ustt
atedl
y
stooduprunningherhandsthr
oughherhair
.
Whatthehellwashappening?Shewastheone
runni
ngthecompany ,shedi
dn'
tunderst
and.

Thatwastheonl
yplacewher
eshecoul dt
ake
moneyfreel
ysi
nceKennedydecidedt
oleave
ever
ythi
nginHayden'
sname.Stupidi
fyouask
her
.Heknewnot hi
ngandshewassur eshe
di
dn'tknowhi
sfatherl
eftthi
ngsinhi
sname
andshehopeditwouldstaythatway
.

Therewasnousecall
i
ngherlawyer
.Onlythis
housewasinhername,not
hingmorenothing
l
essandshehatedKennedyfort
hat
.Sher eal
ly
di
d.

Shepacedupanddownbi t
inghernai
l
s
wonderinghowthehel
lshewassupposedt
o
getaccesstothemoneynow?

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Reginahsi
ppedonjui
cewhilescr
oll
i
ngthr
ough
facebookwhenshepaused.Shel
ookedatthe
pict
urehepostedandhehadhischi
nonher
hai
rhidi
nghereyeswit
hasexysmileonhisl
i
ps.
Shereact
edonthepict
ureaf
terr
eadingt
he
capt
ion," Sugar"

Shesmi l
edandsharedt hepi
ctur
eonher
Facebookwallandplacedthephonedownas
hedishedupforthebothofthem.

Hay
denf
inal
l
ylookeduponcehewasdone.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ouf
ory
ourpat
ience.

Hehelpedherof
fthecount
erandl
edhert
othe
l
ounge.
Hay
den:
Sitdown.I
'
llbebackwi
tht
hef
ood.
Regi
nah:
Okay
.

Hecamebackmi
nut
esl
aterhol
dingt
wopl
ates.
Hay
den:
Onef
ory
ou.
.
Shel
ookedatt
hepl
atet
henathi
m.
Hay
den:
What
?
Regi
nah:
Mor
emeat
,atl
eastt
hreemor
epi
eces.
Hay
den:
Wal
api
sa.
Regi
nah:
Ist
hemeatf
ini
shed?
Hay
den:
I.
..
knowwhat
,takemymeat
.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Regi
nah:
Thanky
ou.

Shestar
tedwit
hhi
smeatli
ter
all
ytaki
ngal
lthe
pi
ecesbefor
eshef
ocusedonherplat
eoffood.

Haydenwantedtobeangrybuthefounditcut
e.
Real
lycutebesi
desshehadtofeedhersel
fand
twomor epeopl
e.
Heplacedhi
splatedownandwatchedher.
Maybenowmi ghtbetheper
fectt
imetotel
lher
?

Reginahinnocent
lyl
ookedupwi
thsauceson
herli
ps,sheusedherthumbtot
ryandwipe
them off
.
Regi
nah:I
sther
esomet
hingwr
ong?Gakej
e
sent
le?
Hay
den:
No,
eat
..
Regi
nah:
Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?
Hay
den:
Likewhat
?
Regi
nah:
Idon'
tknow.I
sitbecausekegoj
etse
nama?
Hel
aughed.
Hay
den:
No.
..
Regi
nah:
Okay
..
.
Shecontinuedeat
inghermealwithasmil
eon
herfacetil
lshewasdone.Sheli
ckedherl
ips,
tast
ingthesaucesfr
om thewingsthensmil
ed
l
ookingathim.
Regi
nah:
All
done.
Hay
den:
Letmeputthesei
nthesinkandwai
t
f
ormeinthebedr
oom.Iwanttodosomethi
ng.
Regi
nah:
Somet
hingl
i
ke?
Hay
den:
Justgo.
.

Hehel pedherstandonherfeetandwatched
herdisappeartothebedroom whi
lehewentto
puttheplatesi
nt hesi
nk.Heleanedagai
nstthe
counterandsighed.

Heropi
nionmat
ter
edawhol
elotandhedi
dn'
t
knowhowshewasgoi
ngtotakei
t.Hej
ust
hopedshewasn'tgoi
ngtobl
owafuseor
somethi
ng,heal
readyhadal
ottodealwi
thi
n
regar
dstoever
ythi
nghehasbeendoingt
he
past3months.

Haydenmadehiswayt othebedroom and

headedtothebat
hroom wher ehegotasmal l
washingbasi
nthenfil
leditwit
hwat er
,atowel
andopenedthecabinettogettherazor.

Regi
nahl
ookedupf
rom herphone.
Regi
nah:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Hay
den:
Liedown.
..

Sher
aisedherey
ebr
owst
olookathi
m.
Hay
den:
Iwon'
tbel
ong.
.
Hesai
dashepl
acedt
hest
uffont
hebedand
shej
ustl
ookedathi
m.
Hay
den:
Cany
out
ouchy
ourt
oes?
Reginah:
Unfor
tunat
elyno,
wil
lbeabl
etodot
hat
thr
eemont hsl
ater.
.
Hay
den:
Thenl
i
edownDrSmi
th.Pl
ease.

Sher
eluct
ant
lyl
aiddownandl
i
ftedherheadt
o
l
ookathim.

Hej
ustgotbet
weenherl
egsandshef
rowned.
Regi
nah:
Kant
emmeodi
rang?
Hay
den:
You'
l
lsee.
.

Heopenedherlegsandremovedherpanti
es.
Hedippedt
heshav i
ngrazori
nthewaterbefor
e
wi
pingitwi
ththetowel
.
Hay
den:
Sitst
il
l,
Idon'
twantt
ocuty
ou.
Regi
nah:
Youdon'
thav
etodot
hat
..
Hay
den:
Whogoty
oupr
egnant
?

Shesi
ghed.
Regi
nah:
Youdi
d.
Hay
den:
Exact
ly.Si
tst
il
l,
Iwon'
ttakel
ong.

Hestart
edshavingof fherpubi
chair
,being
gentl
easheposi sblycanwitht
herazor.Once
hewasdoneherdi ppedtoweli
nthewat erand
wipedhercl
ean.Hegothar dl
ooki
ngather
cl
eanshavenpussyandhehadt oholdback.

Hewasgoi
ngt
oti
reherout
.
Hay
den:
I'
m donesugar
.
Regi
nah:
Thanky
ou.
.
Hejustplacedhi
shandsbet
weenhert
highs
andlookedupather.
Hay
den:
Ther
eissomet
hingIneedt
otel
lyou.
..
.
.
.
*
*
*
To21Kpagel
i
kesandf
oll
ower
s
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
20*

AtRegi
nah'
sHouse
Regi
nahgotoutoftheshowerandwr
appedher
bodywi
thatowel.
Shesi
ghed.Maybesheover
react
edanddi
dn'
t
qui
tehearwhathewant
edtosaytoher
.

Shewalkedt
othebedroom andsatonthebed.
Herphonewasn'
tevenhereint
hebedroom
maybesheshouldcal
lhi
m.Hedi dsayheis
goi
ngouthewill
backsoshewi l
lwait
.

Shecheckedt
het
ime.Whatcanshedoi
nthe
meanti
me?

Shesatdownthinking,shedi
dn'
twantt
othi
nk
deepl
yaboutHay denandwhathesaid,
shewil
l
waitf
orhimtoexpl ai
nfurt
hersi
ncei
tseemsas
i
fhehadal ott
osay .
Regi
nah:
Tessa.
Checki
ngonTessawouldbeagoodidea.She
won'tt
akel
ong,shewi
l
lbebackbeforeHayden
comesback.

AtDol
l
'spl
ace

Haydenpar
kedhiscarandmadehiswayt ot
he
door,
passi
ngthepuppiest
hathadal
readygot
usedtohi
spresence.

Heknockedont
hedoortwotimesbef or
eshe
openedt
hedoor
.Hermarblebrowney esthat
werecover
edwi
thsof
tlongeyelashesli
tup
whenshesawhi
m.
Her
:Youwer
eser
ious?
Hay
den:
Iwas,
canIcomei
n?
Her
:Ofcour
se.
..

Hewalkedi
nsi
deandt
heyshar
edahugbef
ore
hel
ethergo.
Her
:Youseem t
ogr
owev
ery
day
..
.
Hayden:
Unli
kesomepeopl
e,I
'
m notst
ucki
nthe
sameplace.
Her:
WhateverHay
den.Imadef
ood,
doy
ou
wanttoeat
?
Hay
den:
Iat
eal
ready
..
.

Theyheadedtot
heloungeareawher
eshehad
paper
sspreadoutonthefl
oor.
Hay
den:
Someonehasbeenbusypl
anni
ng.
Her:
Andyoumi ghtbl
owi
tidi
ot.
..
whatdi
dyou
saytoherkant
e?
Hay
den:
Justt
hel
eav
ingschool
par
t.
..
Her
:Shemustber
eal
l
ysensi
ti
ve.
..
Hay
densmi
l
ed.
Hay
den:
You'
l
lmeetherBl
air
.
Blai
r:
Final
lyhecal
l
smebyname..mxm..l
ookat
thesepict
ures,
whichonei
sther
ightv
enue?

Helookedatal
loft
hepi
ctur
es,
picki
ngt
hef
ir
st
one.
Hay
den:
What
'st
henameoft
hispl
ace?
Bl
air
:Pi
ckHay
den.

Helookedatall
thepi
ctur
esonceagain.Tr
ying
t
omakesur eitwassomethi
ngReginahwould
l
ove.
Hay
den:
Thi
sone.
..

Hepi
ckedupt
hephot
ogr
apht
hathadagar
den
ofr
oses.
Bl
air
:Per
fect
,uhm.
..t
heme..ur
gsi
ncei
t'
sroses
makeherwearapinkdress..
.
Hay
den:
Okay
.
Blai
r:
Andbeforethatmakesureyoui
ntr
oduce
us..
you'
rekeepi
ngherinthedark.
Hayden:
Youdon'tknowher
,opelwanathat
a
andsomethi
ngsy ouneedtoapproacht
hem
wit
hcauti
onaroundher.
Bl
air
:Nowongadi
sit
sengwet
siy
arona.
.mxm.
Hay
den:
Shewi
l
lbef
ine.

Thedooropenedandamanwhol ookedlike
Hayden'sfat
hersteppedin.Blair
esmi led.
Fi
nall
yherbrotherreuni
tedt hem withtheir
nephew.TheyknewLet tywasev i
lbutt okeep
aninnocentboyfrom hi
sf ather'
sfamilywas
al
sot oolowforherbutitdidn'tmatternowat
t
hispoi
nt.
Hay
den:
Cane.
..
Cane:
Heyson.
.whatar
eyouguy
sdoi
ng?
Bl
air
:I
joo,
letmeexcusemy
sel
f.Hi
andby
ebr
o..
.

Shewalkedaway .Haydencoul dn'tbel

iev
ethat
hi
m meet i
nghisf at
her'
slawyert hreemonths
agoledhimt oreconnecti
ngwi thhisuncleand
auntonceagain.Thedayhi sfatherwenttojai
l
i
twasl i
ketheydisappearedtooandhehad
neverseenthem eversince.

Toknowt hathisauntwasalmosthis
girl
fri
end'
sagewascr azyonit
'sownbuthe
knewt heywi l
lgetonwell,
thehardpartwas
tell
i
ngher .Canesatdownandl ookedat
Hay den.Haydenwast hetruer
epli
caofhis
olderbrotherandhewoul ddoallt
hatwaswell
i
nhispowertogui
dehi
m andbet
her
eforhi
s
br
other
'sson.

Cane:Kanayoudi
dn'
tsayexact
lywhatwas
happening?
Hay
denl
aughed.
Hay
den:
Wel
lshedoesn'
thav
efami
l
y..
Cane:
Youshoul
d'
vei
ntr
oducedusamont
h
ago.
..
Hay
denr
ubbedhi
shead.
Hay
den:
Sooni
naweekorso.
Cane:
Andf
rom whatyou'
vet
oldme,
keepher
awayfr
om y
ourmother.
.
Hayden:Tr
ustme.I'
m doi
ngmybesttokeepher
awayfrom her
.Idon'
ttr
ustherar
oundRegi
nah.
.
Cane:
Youar
eyourf
ather
'ssont
hroughand
thr
ough.
Hay
denchuckl
edandcheckedhi
swat
ch.
Hayden:
IthinkIneedt
ogo.Tel
lBlai
rthatIsai
d
byeandI'
llcall
youguyswhenIcomeher ewit
h
her.
Cane:
Alr
ight
.Dr
ivesaf
ely
.

Haydenst oodupandwal kedoutwhileCane

smiled.Hisfatherwouldbepr oud.Hemi ghtbe
youngbuthehadt hatdeterminati
onand
ambi t
ioninhiseyes.ThatConst r
ucti
on
companywasgoi ngtobeasuccessandhe
l
ovedt hathewant edtobui l
dhisownl egacy
i
nsteadofl i
vingoffhi
sf ather'
s.

Speaki
ngofhisfather
'sl
egacy,
hesti
l
lhadto
sortt
hatvi
l
ewomanLet t
yout.I
twasanadded
advant
agethatherownsondetest
edherand
hehadgi
venhimfull
contr
olofhi
sfather'
s
company
.OfcourseHaydenwassti
ll
t hemaj
or
shar
ehol
derandhecoul
ddot hat
.

ItwasenoughtoshowLet t
yt hatshehad
play
eddirt
yandt heycanal
sopl aydir
ty.Justt
o
avengeKennedy.Itwasherfaultt
hathewas
gone.

Bl
airwal
kedoutandsatont
hecouch.
Bl
air
:Seei
ngHay
denmakesmemi
ssKen.
Cane:
Met
oo.Hehasnoi
deahei
shi
sfat
her
's
son.
Bl
air
:Thedomi
nanceheexudesi
sdef
ini
tel
y
Ken'
s.Retl
agomotsegaaker
e?
Cane:Mhmm. .
.asy
oungashei
shei
sev
en
expecti
ng.
..
(l
aughi
ng)
Bl
air
:Youwoul
dswearhei
snot19.Hei
sso
mat
ureabouti
t.
Cane:
Ihav
eafeel
ingweshoul
dthankhi
s
gi
rl
fri
endf
ort
hat.
Bl
air
:(
laughi
ng)
Yep.She'
sadoct
oraker
e?
Cane:
Yes.Gaasel
esel
ehel
a..
Bl
air
:I
ja.
..
Isearchedheruponf
acebookebi
l
e,o
montl
egor e.
.
Cane:
Heal
way
ssay
sthat
..
.
Bl
air
:Thei
rki
dswil
lbebeaut
if
ulandIwi
l
lbea.
.a
gr
eatauntri
ght
?
Henodded.Bl
airwasnotgoi
ngt
ost
opt
alki
ng.

Att
heHospi
tal

Regi
nahrubbedhert
ummyasshemadeher
waytoTessa'
shospi
tal
room.
Herhear
tbrokeint
oti
nypiecesatt
hesightof
thel
it
tl
egir
l.Shehadgot
tensoweakov erthe
pastt
womont hsandwit
hnodonor spoppi
ng
up,i
twashardtokeepherstabl
eatti
mes.

Shesatnextt
oherbedandhel
dherhand.
Regi
nah:
HeyTess.
..
Tessa'
seyel
idsf
lut
ter
edweakl
yasasmal
l
smil
ecreptuponherti
nyf
ace.
Tessa:
H-hi
..
Regi
nahr
ubbedherhand.
Regi
nah:
Don'
tspeakangel
,Icamet
ocheckup
onyou.

TessagaveReginahagratefull
ook.Tear
sfi
l
led
Reginah'
seyes,
shecouldn'tevenbegi
nto
i
magi nehowherparent
sar efeel
ing.
Regi
nah:
Angel
justhol
donokay
?
Tessanoddedweakl
y.
Reginah:
Hispl
ansarenotourplans.Hehas
keptyouthi
sfarangel
,keepfi
ghting.
Somet hi
ngwil
lcomeupsoon.Ipr omiseokay
?

Tessanoddedbef
oresheclosedherey
es.A
tearr
oll
eddownReginah'
scheekasshelooked
atTessa'
sfr
ail
body.

Shequi
cklywipedi
tawaywi
thhert
humband
ki
ssedherfor
ehead.
Regi
nah:
I'
l
lcomebyt
omor
rowangel
..
.

Shel
etgoofTessa'
shandandl
ookedather
.
Shewal
kedoutandTessaj
ustl
aidont
hebed.
Gratef
ulfort
hevisi
tfr
om thepret
tydoct
or.She
didn'
tevenaskaboutthebabi
esbutshewas
suretheyweref
ine.

Tessa'sparent
swal kedinshortl
y.Hermot her
hel
dbackt ears.Thiswasnol ongertheir
Theresa.Shehadl ostal
lfai
thanditwasget t
ing
hardeachandev erydaytoseet heirdaughter
l
ikethis.
RaTessaj
usthel
dhi
swi
fe'
shandwi
thout
say
ingaword.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s
*
21*

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Regi
nahpar
kedhercarasherhear
tski
ppeda
beat
.

Shesuckedi
nadeepbreathandgotoutoft
he
car
,makingsur
etol
ockit.
Trepidat
ionseti
nasshewalkedt ot
hedoor,
wellawarethathewasbackandshewasn' t
real
lysupposedtodri
veher
selfanywher
e
becausehewant edhert
obesaf eatal
lti
mes.

Sheopenedthedoorandf
oundHay
densi
tt
ing
onthecouch.
Hay
den:
Hey
,you'
recal
m now?

Shenodded.
Hay
den:
Comesi
ther
e..
.

Shesatdownont hecarpetbet
weenhislegsas
heheundidherti
ghtbun,runni
nghishands
thr
oughherhai
r.Sheclosedhereyesrel
axing.
Heki
ssedt
het
opofherhead.

Hayden:
Let
'scont
inueourear
li
erconv
ersat
ion
okaysugar
?
Shenoddedy
etagai
n.

Hayden:Iknowyouv al
ueeducati
onbutt
ercup
andI'
m notdisputi
ngit
'si
mpor t
ancebutIwas
j
ustgoingt hr
oughschool
.Idon'thav
ethe
passi
onf
ori
t.
..
Regi
nah:
Iheary
ou,
howdi
dyougett
hef
undi
ng?

Hesi
ghed.
Hayden:
Remembert
hatdayIaskedy
out
o
accompanyme?
Regi
nah:
Youl
eftmei
nthecar
..
Hayden:
Iwasmeeti
ngwithmyfather'
slawyer
,I
si
gnedthepaper
saccept
ingal
lthathelef
tme.

Shecr
anedherheadatanangl
etol
ookathi
m.
Regi
nah:
Wai
twhat
?
Hayden:
I'
mthesolehei
rofever
ythi
ngmyf
ather
onceowned.I
ncludi
ngthecompanymymother
i
stryi
ngtoruntothegr
ound.
Regi
nah:
Bal
ancemeher
e,y
ou'
rer
ich?
Hay
den:
Seemsl
i
kei
t.
.
Regi
nah:
Soy
oul
eftschool
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Hay
den:
Noty
etbutI
'
m pl
anni
ngt
o..
Regi
nah:
Howwi
l
lthi
swor
k?

Hetookhisti
metol
ayouthisbusi
nesspl
anto
herandhesawapartofheragr
eei
ngbutshe
di
dn'twantt
oshowi
t.
Regi
nahsuckedi
nadeepbr
eat
h.
Regi
nah:
Butsi
ncey
ou'
rei
ntoconst
ruct
iony
our
cour
seisfi
ne.
.
Hay
den:
Civ
ilengi
neer
ing?
Reginah:
Ee..
.si
nceyou'r
emrsmar t
ypantayou
canalsotakeapartti
mebusi nesscourseoran
onl
ineone..
.combinethoseskil
ls.Kanakoyadi
hol
idaysandstuffyoucanov er
seeeverythi
ng
atthecompanyandt aketri
ps..
.Howisthat?
Hay
den:
I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
.
Reginah:
Youreal
lydon'thavetol eaveschool,I
meani tal
soincr
easesy ourcredibil
it
yinterms
ofyouknowingwhaty ou'r
edoi ng.Hav i
ng
workedinaconstructi
oncompany ,beingaci v
il
engi
neerandknowi ngwhatt hehell i
ssupposed
tobedone.Beingabletogot hrought he
companybooksbecausey oust udi
edbusi ness
managementandf inance..
.I
t'
sawi nwin..
.
Hay
den:
You'
resmar
tyouknowt
hat
?
Regi
nah:
Ihopet
hesebabi
eawi
l
lbesmar
ter
.
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
Ther
eismor
e..

Regi
nah:
o-k(
unsur
e)
Hayden:
Ial
sor
econnect
edwi
thmyuncl
eand
aunt
.

Herf
acel
i
tup.
Regi
nah:
That
'sni
ce.I
'
m happyf
ory
ou.
.

Ther
ewasal
soanunder
lyi
ngsadt
onei
nher
voi
ce.
Hay
den:Youtookitbett
erthanIexpect
ed.I
t
houghtyou'
l
lfli
psayingIkepti
tfrom y
ou.
Reginah:
May beyouneededti
met obesure
aboutthem,famil
yisimport
antandI'
m gl
ad
youreconnectedwit
hthem andhavepeopl
ein
yourcorner
.
Hayden:
Ial
sohaveyou.
.Youandt
hoset
wins
ar
emyf amil
ytoo.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Regi
nah:
Seemsl
i
ket
heonl
yfami
l
yI'
l
lev
erhav
e.
Hay
den:
You'
l
leverneed.Don'
tbesad.I
'm her
e
t
ostaymami
,don'tdoubtmylov
eforyou.
.
Regi
nah:
I'
m not
..
Heki
ssedherneck.
Hay
den:
Iwantt
oint
roducey
ouguy
s.
Regi
nah:Whatwil
ltheysaywhent
heyknowI
'
m
ol
derthanyou?
Hay
den:
Theyar
enotbot
her
edbyt
hat
,rel
ax.
..
Regi
nah:
Okay
.
Hayden:Andwetal
kedabouty
oudr
ivi
ng
your
selfangel
..
.
Regi
nah:I
twasforagoodcause,
your
emember
thel
i
ttl
egirl
Itol
dyouabout
?
Hay
den:
Yes?
Reginah:Herheal
thi
sdet er
iorati
ngsor apidl
y
andshei ssuchabrightchi
ld(withtear
si nher
eyes)Therearenodonors,i
t'sjustsad.
Hayden:
Trynott
owor
ryabouti
tmyl
ove,
she
wil
lbeokay.
Regi
nah:
It
'sbeenay
earofhopi
ngand.
..
Hayden:
Don'
tst
ressy
our
sel
f,y
ou'
l
lst
resst
he
babi
estoo.
.

Hemassagedhershoul
der
str
yingt
ocal
m her
down.

AtMasa'
shome

Masalookedatherpr
egnanttummy .Shewas
f
ivemonthsalongandeverydayatschool
she
woul
dheartheharshwhispers.

EvenLetsohadjoi
nedi nonthegossi pandat
somepoi ntshef
eltl
ikethewallswereclosi
ng
i
nonher .Herfamil
yhadaccept editandthe
factt
hathermotherhadblatantlyref
usedfor
herroabortwasalsoanotherissue.
Shesaidshecoul
d'v
ethoughtaboutpr
egnancy
themomentsheopenedherlegsformenso
ther
ewasnochi l
dofher
swhowasdoi ngan
abort
ion.

Shelookedathertabl
etsandshookherhead.
Atleastshewi
llgi
vebirt
hbefor
etheUniver
sity
opensright
?Thatwayshecanbemor eserious
wit
hl i
feanddowhatneedstobedone.

Thequesti
onwaswhowasherbabydaddy ?
Shewenttothecalendarandcheckedt
heday
ofpossi
bleconcepti
on.

Shewentthr
oughhercont
actl
i
standpaused
onthename.Maybeshewaswrong.Hewasa
danger
ousmanand..
.
Shebitherl
owerli
pandplacedherphoneaway.
Sheopenedherbiol
ogynotebookandstudi
ed
fort
hefoll
owingday'
spaper3biol
ogyexam.

RaMasast oodbyt hedoorandhewatchedher

studyi
ng.Hewasdi sappoi
ntedbuthehoped
shelearnyherl
essonandthatshewill
dowelli
n
herexams.

Heopenedt hedoorwi derandandMasat ook

offherr
eadinggl asses.Theonesshenev er
woreoutsidetheconf i
nement softheirhouse
becauseshedi dn'twantpeopletothinkshe
wasaner d.Tot hem shewant edtobe' t
hatgir
l'

RaMasa:
Comesi
ther
e.
Shest
oodupandsatnextt
oherdad.
Hehuggedherandt
het
ear
sfl
owed.
Masa:
Isweardad,
Iwi
l
lnev
err
epeatt
hesame
mi
stake.
RaMasa:Justst
udyokay ?
(si
ghi
ng)Iwon'
tsay
youmadeami stakebecausewhatyoudi
dwas
aconsci
ousdecisionbutyoul
earnfr
om your
wrongsr
ight?

Shenodded.
RaMasa:Don'
tst
ressandst
udy,
youarel
eft
wit
honl
yaf ewweekstobedonewit
hyour
BGCSE.
Hehel
dheri
nthequi
etnessoft
her
oom.

AtLet
so'
sHouse
Let
sowentthroughhersoci
alsandpaused
whenshesawHay den'
spict
urewithalady.She
wasweari
ngscrubsandhehadhi dhereyes
wit
hhishands.

Shehatedt
oadmitthathewasgoodlooki
ng
butnowshewasfocusedonstudy
inglawand
fi
ndi
ngawhitemanabr oad.

Theyseemedl
i
ket
heywoul
dn'
tst
resshert
oo
much.
Outofcuri
osit
ysinceshewasdonest udyi
ng
shewentthroughMasa'spr
ofi
l
ewi t
hherf ake
account
.Shehadn'tpost
edanyt
hinginawhi l
e.
Every
oneinschoolknewshewaspr egnantand
theycal
l
edherawhor e.

Shesmi
l
ed.Rel
i
evedt
hatshehaddi
sconnect
ed
her
sel
ffr
om suchnegat
iveener
gy.I
magine
bei
ngassoci
atedwi
thsuchatacruci
alt
ime.

Sheusedt obel ostshem.Shet ri

edt of i
ndthe
pict
uresMasausedt opostofthem together
butther
ewer enone.I twasjustherpr ofi
le
pict
ureandcov erphot o.Shewasr eal
lybeing
scarcebutthatdidn'tchangethefactt hatshe
wasawhor e..

Sheshookherhead.Shewasn'
tevensur
eifshe
wasgoingtopassherexams.Pr
egnancyand
schoolwer
eneveragoodcombinati
oninmost
cases.
.
.
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
22*

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Reginahlaughedhol
dingont
oHay
den'
s
shoulder
s.
Regi
nah:
You'
ret
oot
all
..
Hay
den:
Steponmyf
eet
.
Regi
nah:
Becar
eful
..

Haydenheldherphonei nonehandchangi ng
thecurr
entsongplayingassheheldont ohis
tor
soforbalance.Heplacedhischinont opof
herheadsti
llscr
oll
ingthroughtheplay
li
st
l
ookingforabettersong.Hepausedand
cl
i
ckedont
hesong.
.

Itst
artedplay
ingt
hrought
hespeaker
sandshe
smiledblushi
ng
Regi
nah:
Wow!
Hay
den:
You'
renott
ir
edar
eyou?
(sof
tl
y)
Regi
nah:
Nope.
.

Hewrappedhi
sarmsaroundherbul
gingwai
st
asTr
esor'
sSondel
apl
ayed.
Hel
i
ftedherheadl
ooki
ngi
ntoherey
es.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Hekissedhersof
tli
psbr
ief
lyashemov
ed
hol
dingher.

Theydancedwi
thsmall
int
imat
esmi lesi
n
brt
weenandsweetki
sses,
maintai
ningeye
contact
.Whowould'
vethoughtt
hisy
oungman
herewouldmakeherhappy.
Hayden: Ij
ustwant
edy
out
oknowmysmi
l
e
bel
ongstoyou
Sondel
akumi

Hesangal
ongasshesmi
l
ed.
..

Theyj
ustconnect
edwit
hnowordsut
ter
red.
ThesongendedandSoaMat
ri
x'
sUthando
pl
ayednext
.

Sheheldhi
mti
ght
lyandhesmi
l
edki
ssi
ngher
head.
Hay
den:
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
onamet
hem?
Regi
nah:
Ifwe'
rehav
ingagir
l andaboy.
..
uhm
you'
l
lnametheboy.
.Thegi
rlIwouldgowith
Av
eryCer
siseSmi
th.
Hay
den:
Cer
ise?I
sn'
tthatacol
our
?
Regi
nah:
Iti
sthi
sni
ceshadeofpi
nky
eah.
.
Hay
den:
Wei
rd.
.butwhati
sshehat
espi
nk?
Regi
nah:
Shewoul
dhav
etol
ovet
hecol
our
..
Hayden:
otl
ont
shwenyet
sabanawena(
You'
re
goi
ngtogiv
emykidsahardt
ime)
Shel
aughedpl
aci
ngherheadonhi
schest
.
Regi
nah:
Ift
heot
hert
wini
saboywhatar
eyou
nami
nghim?
Hay
den:
Smi
thHay
denJr
..
Regi
nah:
Emapel
e..
.hei
sgoi
ngt
ousey
ourf
ir
st
nameashisl
ast
?
Hay
den:
Bot
hoft
hem.
.
Regi
nah:
Letmeseei fi
t'
snice.Aver
yCer
ise
Hayden.
.(
shepaused)Aver
yCer i
seSmit
h..
.
Shel
ookedathi
m.
Regi
nah:
Nope..
.useSmi
th.
..
UseSmith.
..
your
nameispret
tybutasal
astnameitdoesn'
tcut
i
t.
Hay
den:
We'
l
lseewhowi
nsi
ntheend.
Regi
nah:
I'
mtheonecar
ryi
ngthesetwoforni
ne
monthssoyouMrSmit
hbett
erlist
entome.
Hayden:
Whateversugar
.Di
dIt
ell
youmyaunt
anduncl
e'snames?
Regi
nah:
Youact
ual
l
ydi
dn'
t.
Hay
den:
CaneandBl
airSmi
th.
Regi
nah:
Blai
r?I
tsoundsf
ami
l
iar
.
Hay
den:
Doesi
t?
Regi
nah:
Yeah.
.

Thenextmor
ning
Reginahmoanedsoftl
yasHaydenmadeslow
l
ov etoherpr
egnantbody.Hewassogent
le
withherandmadesuresheenjoy
edeachand
everystr
okehegaveher.
Regi
nah:
I-aaah.
..
mh.
..
Hefrenchkissedherasshebecameundone
underhim.Hef ol
l
owedshortl
ybefor
epul
li
ng
out.
Hebi
therl
owerl
i
p.
Hay
den:
Mor
ningangel
.
Shebl
ushedunderhi
sint
esnegaze.
Regi
nah:
M-mor
ning.
.
Herol
ledtot
hesidebef or
epul
li
nghert ohi
m.
Hewasn'twi
ll
i
ngtol oseherov
erany t
hingand
asoddasitmayseem, hegenuinel
ylovedher
.
Heck,
hewasev enreadytosett
ledownwi t
hher.

AtSchool
Masapul l
eddownherj er
seyasshesatdown
onthedesk.Sheopenedherbiologynotebook,
spi
ll
ingtherevi
sionpapersi
nthemiddleonto
thwcoldfloor
.

Fl
uster
ed,shebentdownt opickthepapersand
pl
acedthem backont hedesk.Shelooked
ar
oundandsawLet sowithherstudybuddi
es
l
ookingatherandlaughingoutloud.

Tearblur
redhervi
sionandshelookeddownat
thepapersanddustedthem.Sheopenedthe
fi
rstpageasthewhispersgotl
ouder.
Gir
l1:
Shedoesn'
tknowherbabydaddydoes
she?
Let
so:
Nope.Jangt
ota?I
jool
et'
sreadguy
s,bi
o
gaebonol
o.
Gi
rl2:
Must
..

Theywentbackt otheirwhisper
ingasat earfel
l
onMasa'spaper.Sheusedherhandst oquickly
wipehert
ear sawayandsuckedi nadeep
breat
h.Si
lentl
yprayingthepaperwon'tbehar d
andshewi l
lbeablet oscoregoodmar ks.AB
wouldsuf
ficeatthi
spoi nt.

MeanwhileLetsostol
eaglanceatMasawhose
eyesweregluedontoherbook.Sheroll
edher
eyesasshediscussedsomepr act
icequest
ions
withherst
udymat es,cr
acki
ngjokeshereand
there.

Lat
ert
hatday

Masawal
kedal
onef
rom t
heschool
tuckshop
wit
hherheaddownwhenshebumpedi
nto
Let
soandherpief
ell
down.
Masa:
Ohsor
ry.
..
Let
so:
Wat
chwher
eyou'
regoi
ng.
.
Masa:
Ermma.

Shewalkedawayandpausedl ookingatthepie
ontheground.Itwasuselessnow, shesighed.
Sheneverknewaper soncoul dchangethis
much.TheLet sosheknewwasdownt oear t
h
butthi
sonewast oopridefulandshedidn't
havetheenergytoaddressit
, t
heywereno
l
ongerthatcl
ose.Letsohadmadesur eoft hat.

Gi
rl
:Sor
ry.
.excuseme.
.(
runni
ngt
owar
dsMasa)
Masapausedandlookedatthegi
rl
,si
l
ent
ly
pr
ayi
ngshewasn'toneofthosepeopl
ewho
wasgoi
ngtohumili
ateher.I
twasbadshe
disappoi
ntedherpar
ent
sbutnowev
ery
onewas
talki
ngabouther.
Gi
rl
:Hi
,Ti
l
ly.
..
Masa:
H-hi
..
Idon'
tthi
nkIknowy
ou.
.
Til
l
y:Youdon'
tbutful
lnamei
sMat
il
daany
howI
sawwhatshedid..
Masa:
Whatwhodi
d?
Ti
l
ly:
Let
so.
.

Wellevery
oneknewLetso,
shewasalwaysi
n
thetoptenandwasthebestst
udenti
nEngl
ish
Lit
erat
ure.
Masa:
Probabl
yex
am st
ress.
.
Ti
l
lyr
oll
edherey
es.
Ti
l
ly:
Pie.
.l
et'
sgobuyt
hatpi
ehmm.
..
Masa:
It
'sokay
,I'
m nott
hathungr
y.
Ti
l
ly:
From nowonwear
efr
iendshmm?
Masa:
i
joo(
laughi
ng)
Youdon'
tev
enknowmy
name.
Ti
l
ly:
Otl
ampol
ell
aaker
e..
Masa:
Masa.
Ti
ll
y:Okay
,let
'sgomma.Tlagaoreswelaosa
j
a..
(Youmightdieonusi
fyoudon'
teat
)
Masal aughedf
oll
owingherbackt ot
he
tuckshop,wher
eMat i
ldapurchasedt
wopi
es
andt wojui
cecans.ShegaveMasaoneofeach
andlookedaroundforshade.
Ti
ll
y:
Ther
ear
echai
rst
hatsi
de,
Bioekwal
waka
2aker
e?
Masa:
Ee.
..

Theyheadedi
nthatdi
rect
ionandsatdown.
Ti
l
ly:
IfIcoul
dmakei
tpastt
heseexamshel
a..
Masa:
Str
essi
ntopofst
ress.
..
Ti
l
ly:
Whatcour
sewher
eyout
hinki
ngof
?
Masasighedandleanedback,shewasf eel
ing
hotbutshewouldneverremovethejer
sey .
Ever
yonewasgoingtol ookatherbumpandi t
wassurpri
singt
hatTil
lydidn'
tmenti
onit.
Masa:Bachel
orofSci
encei
nFi
nanci
al
Engi
neeri
ng..
Til
ly
:Yoh.Fancycourse.Owainnayoo,Iwas
thi
nkingofnursi
ng(l
aughing)
Ilov
ehospital
s
andI'm nott
hatbri
ghttostudyPharmacyor
evenMedi ci
nesoyah..
Masa:
Ial
sothoughtI
'
m notbri
ghtbuty
oucan
sur
pri
seyour
sel
fyouknow..
.
Ti
l
lyshr
ugged.
Ti
l
ly:
Pur
esci
encesar
etor
tur
eyoh.
Masa:
Twoweeksl
eft
..
Ti
l
ly:
Ili
key
ou.
Masa:
I'
m abadi
nfl
uence.
.
Ti
l
ly:
I'
m abadi
nfl
uencet
oo(
laughi
ng)
eatup
mma...
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Ti
l
ly:
Ever
yonedeser
vesal
i
ttl
ebi
tofki
ndness.
..
Masashookherheadwi
thasmi
l
e.
.
.
Af
ewday
slat
er
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
23*

AtSchool

Ti
ll
ytookMasa'
sbagfrom herandwal
kedout
oft
heschoolwi
thher
.
Ti
l
ly:
Yourdadi
scomi
ngt
opi
cky
ouup?
Masa:Mmhmm.
.l
et'
swai
tbyt
hegat
eandt
hank
you.
Ti
l
ly:
It
'snot
hing.Mat
hswashar
d.
Masa:
Notr
eal
l
y.
Ti
l
ly:
smar
typant
s.
Masa:
What
ever
..

Acarst
oppedandMasa'
sdadr
oll
eddownt
he
wi
ndow.
Masa:
Byeandseey
out
omor
row.
Ti
l
ly:
Byy
eee!

Masatookherbagandwal kedt
othecar
,
openi
ngthepassengerdoor.
Masa:
Dumel
ang!
RaMasa:
Hel
l
o,howwasy
ourday
?
Masa:
GoodIguess.
..
RaMass:
Mat
hs?
Masa:I
twasokay
.May
beket
lat
swaka
sengwe.
.
RaMasa:
Okay
..

Hehandedherchi
psandchi
ckenandshe
smi
led.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Henoddedanddr
oveof
f.

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Haydent
iedherhai
rthenhel
eti
tfal
ldown
agai
n.
Regi
nah:
Stopi
t,l
etmedoi
t.
.

Shepickedaribbonandtiedherhai
rint
oapuff
,
ashercateyelikeeyesbecamemor eappar
ent
.
Shewor eherearri
ngsandsmiled.
Regi
nah:
Done.
..
I'
m ner
vous.
Hayden:Don'tbe...
Therei
ssti
llmoref
amily
from myfather'ssidebutj
ustgett
oknowmy
auntanduncl e.Ast i
megoesonwewi ll
meet
theotherrel
atives.
Regi
nah:BathoIhopet
heydon'
tj
udgemeand
sayI
'm aft
eryourmoney.
Hayden:
Theyarenotmymother.Babey
ou'
rea
wholedoct
or,
y ouworkf
oryourownmoney.
St
andupandt urnar
ound.
.

Hehel
pedherst
andonherf
eetandt
urnedher
ar
ound.
Hayden:
Ihav
eahotbabymama.DamnI
'
m
l
ucky.
Regi
nah:
Stopi
t.
.
Hehel
dherwai
standki
ssedherl
i
ps.
Hay
den:
Aqui
ckone.
Regi
nah:
Let
'sgo,
wemi
ghtbel
ate.
..

Haydensi
ghedandhel
dherwai
stl
eadi
ngher
outoft
hebedroom.

Att
heof
fi
ce

Lett
ylookedatt hecomput erscreeandsighed.
Itwasuselessbeingherewhenshecoul dn'
t
accessthefinances.Atthi
spoi ntsheknew
Haydenwasangr yatherforwhatshedi dto
Reginahbutshest i
llst
oodhergr ound.She
di
dn'
twantt
hatwomanf
orherson,
Hay
den
woul
dcomearound.

Noonecanbeangr yatthei
rparentsfort
his
l
ong,i
twasjustastage.Hewasev ent
ual
ly
goi
ngtofor
giveheronceher eal
izedthetr
uth
hi
mself
.

Theof
fi
cedooropenedandhersecr
etar
y
wal
kedin.
MsSmi
th:
Whati
tis?
Her:
Tomorr
owmor ni
ngt
her
eisanemer
gency
shar
ehol
dermeet
ing.
MsSmi t
h:What
?Whyam Iknowingabouti
t
now?Andwhocall
edthmeetingwit
houtmy
per
missi
on?
Her:
Ijustgotthememo,
appar
ent
lyt
he
shaer
eholders..
.
MsSmi t
hranherhandsthr
oughherhai
rin
worr
y.Shedi
dn'tknowwhythemeeti
ngwas
cal
l
edandshewasunpr epar
edtoo.
MsSmi
th:
Thanky
ou.
..

Hersecr
etar
ywal
kedoutandshel
eanedback.

AtCane'
shouse

Hay
denpar
kedhi
scarandhel
dRegi
nah'
shand.
Hay
den:
Ready
?Cal
m?
Regi
nah:
Yes.
..

Hegotoutofthecarfi
rstandwal
kedtoher
sideopeningt
hedoorforher
.Hewasleav
ingi
n
threedayssohehadtomakesureshehother
sur
pri
set
oo.
Theyheldhandsandhelockedt
hedoor.The
twowalkedtothedoorandHaydenknocked.

Bl
airopenedt
hedoorwi
thahugeasssmi
l
e.
Bl
air
:Hi
i
ii
..
(i
nasqueakyv
oice)
Regi
nah:
Hel
l
o..
Hay
den:
Aren'
tyougoi
ngt
oletusi
nDol
l
?
Bl
airr
oll
edherey
es.
Bl
air
:Wehav
eaguest
.Don'
tmi
ndhi
m(t
o
Regi
nah)
Shej
ustsmi
l
ed.
Regi
nah:
Alr
eadyusedt
ohi
m.
Theybothwal
kedi
nsi
deandsatdownnextt
o
eachother
.
Bl
air
:uhm Canewi
l
lbehereinaf
ewhour
s,hei
s
st
il
lsort
ingafewt
hingsout
.
Hay
den:
Goti
t.Babet
hisi
sBl
air
,Bl
airt
hisi
s..
..
Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.
Hay
den:
Myl
i
fel
i
ne.
..
Bl
airsmi
l
edandRegi
nahbl
ushed.
Regi
nah:
You'
rebei
ngcheesy
..
Bl
air
:Ni
cet
omeety
oul
i
fel
i
ne.
..
Regi
nah:Mxm,
thenamei
sRegi
nah.
.(
shel
ooked
atHayden)
Bl
air
:You'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Regi
nah:
Thanky
ou.
Bl
air
:Ser
ious.You'
renotev
ent
ryi
ng.
.
Hayden:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?(whi
sper
ingi
n
herear
)
Regi
nah:
Any
thi
ngIguess.
..

Bl
airwat
chedt
hem f
oraf
ewseconds.Ther
e
wasnothingforcedandofy oudidn'
tknowt hei
r
agesyouwoul dswearHay denistheolderone
betweenthetwo.Itwassoopenand
tr
ansparent
.Shecouldn'twaitwit
hthesur pr
ise
hehadaskedhert oplan.

Hay
denwal
kedoutl
eav
ingt
het
wol
adi
esi
nthe
r
oom.
Bl
air
:So.
..
I'
vehear
dyou'
readoct
or.
Regi
nahwantedtotuckherhai
rbehi
ndherear
whenshereal
isedi
twasinapuffandshe
pl
acedherhanfsdownonherlap.
Regi
nah:
Iact
ual
l
lyam.
.
Bl
air
:Andhowdi
dyouendupwi
thhi
m?
Hay
denst
uckhi
sheadoutf
eom t
heki
tchen.
Hayden:
Don'
ttel
lherbabe,
dikgangt
sabat
ho
Bl
air
..
Regi
nah:
Let
'ssayi
t'
scompl
i
cat
ed.I
nagood
wayt
hough.
Blai
r:
NowIwon'tgett
hej
uicyi
nfor
mat
ion
becausehesai
dso..
Hayden:
You'r
enotsqueezunginfor
mat i
onout
ofmygirl
fr
iendwhenI'
m here(
laughing)
Bl
air
:Tsamael
akoo.Ar
eyouexpect
kngagi
rlor
aboy?
Regi
nah:
Wewantedt
hegendert
obeasur
pri
se,
sogarei
tset
ota.

ThedooropenedandCanesteppedin.He
paused,
taki
nginthenewpr
ettyface.Wow.She
wasbeauti
fuli
nperson.

Bl
airl
ookedatherbrotherashesuckedi
na
br
eathlooki
ngatReginah.
Cane:
Hel
l
o..
.(
sof
tl
y)
Regi
nah:
Hi.
..

Haydenwalkedoutoft
heki
tchenj
usthol
dinga
bowlofi
cecream f
orher
.
Regi
anhsmil
edtaki
ngthebowl
from hi
m
l
ooki
ngint
ohiseyes.
Shel
ookeddownandmov
edt
hespooni
nthe
bowl
.
Hayden:
Hell
o..
.babet
hisi
smyuncl
eCaneand
Canethi
sisReginah.
Cane:
Nicet
omeety
ou.
Regi
nah:
Likewi
se.
..

AtLet
so'
shouse

Let
so'
sfingerhoveredoverMasa'
snumberand
sheunbl
ockedit.Shedecidedt
otakear
iskand
shecal
l
edher
.

Thephoner
angf
oraf
ewmi
nut
esbef
oreshe
answer
ed.
Masa:
Hel
l
o?
Let
so:
Hi.
..
Masa:
Kebual
emang?
(whoam It
alki
ngt
o?)
Let
sosighed.Shedel
etedhernumberorwas
shepl
ayingdumb?
Let
so:
KeLet
so.
Masa:Hi Letso.Idon'tthinkyoushouldbe
tal
ki
ngt ome, I
'm abadi nfl
uenceov eryourlif
e
andIwoul dn'twantt otaintyourbri
ghtfuture.
Justkeepmynumberbl ockedlikeyouhav e
doneov erthepastf ewmont hs.Nohar d
feel
ingsright?Enjoyy ourli
feandall t
hebesti n
yourexams.
Befor
eshecouldr
espond,
Masahadalr
eady
hungup.Shet
ri
edherphonebuti
tdi
dn'
tgo
thr
oughthi
sti
me.
.
.
*
*
*
Myapol
ogi
es.If
ell
asl
eep.Restbaf
ethu!Rest
!
Rest
!

For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
24*
AtCane'
shouse

Reginahlaughedastheyret
oldst
ori
esfrom
whenHay denwasyoungerwit
hhisfat
hersti
l
l
present
.

Shepi
nchedhi
scheekandheswat
tedherhand
off
.
Regi
nah:
Bat
hongoset
out
ogor
e..
.
Bl
air
e:Lookathi
m now.
.
Regi
nahsmi l
ed.Theywerecool
.Real
l
ycool.
Shenoti
cedthatMsSmi t
hwasn'tmenti
oned
andshedidn'
twanttoenquir
eaboutt
hatand
spoi
lthemoment .

Shepl
acedbot
hherhandsont
hecouchand
st
oodup.
Regi
nah:
Wher
eist
hebat
hroom?
Bl
air
equi
ckl
yst
oodup.
Bl
air
e:Letmegoshowy
ou.
.
Regi
nah:
Thanks.

Thetwol
eftandlef
tthemeninther
oom and
Haydenl
eanedbacklooki
ngathi
suncl
e.
Cane:
Shei
sbeaut
if
ul.
.
Hay
den:
Sher
eal
l
yis,
Iwoul
dki
l
lforher
.

CanelookedatHaydenagainwhowasn'
t
smil
ingwhenhesaidthat.Hedi
dn'
thaveany
doubtaboutt
hat.
Cane:
A-asy
oushoul
d.
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
Yep.Soaboutt
omor
row'
smeet
ing.
..
Justlikethatthet womenst ar
tedtalki
ngabout
businessandf inance.Heexpl ai
nedt ohisuncle
thathei snotaboutt ofreezehissponsor ship
anyti
mesoonev ent houggt hecompanywi llbe
running.HisConst ructionCompanywasn' t
knownbuthewasgi vingitapproximatelyfive
yearst obagindeal swor t
hov erhalfami l
li
on.
Heknewwhathewasdoi ngandt hemer ef act
thathehadsecur edof ficespace,start
edt o
reconstructthatofficespacet ofithisli
king.

AtMasa'
spl
ace

Sheclosedheraccount
ingexerci
sebookand
wenttoFacebook.SheblockedLetsofr
om
vi
ewingherprofi
l
esoshewasn' tgoingtosee
anyt
hing.
Whenaper sonshowsyoutheirt
ruecolours,
youshoul
dbestbeli
evethem andrunifthey
aren'
thecolour
ayouexpect
.

Shepausedandwentt othesear
chbar
searchingupherpoasibl
ebabydaddi
es.The
factthatshewasn'tev
ensurewhoimpregnat
ed
herwasf rust
rat
ing.

Shetri
edtojoghermemory.Threedif
fer
ent
meni naspanofaweek.Af
t ert
hissheis
st
ayingawayfrom men,
shewasst upidand
urg.
..
.

Shepi
ckedupthescanandstar
tedcount
ing
daysl
ooki
ngathercal
endar
.

Shest
oppedatapar
ti
cul
ardat
e,pausedt
hen
st
ooduptogol
ookf
orherdi
aryi
nthe
wardr
obe.

Shepickedthedi
aryandwentt othedateonher
diar
y.Ther
ewasapossi bi
l
ityofitnotbei
ng
accurat
ebutshemustj usttrusthergutfeel
i
ng.
Shereadtheentr
yont hatexactdate.

'
DearMasa'
sDi
ary
Todaywasonewi l
dday .Iwasoutwit
hthi
sguy ,
apparent
lyhei
sdangerousandallbuthel
iked
me.Her esembl
edmyt hencrushandwell
I
thoughtmyeyesweredeceivi
ngme..'

Shestoppedreadi
ngandsuckedinadeep
breat
h.Thepastthr
eemonthshav ebeen
peaceful
butshehopedtheywon'tfl
i
pthist
ime.
Shecrossedherfi
nger
sandclosedherbooks.
Shewal
kedoutoftheroom andwentt
othe
l
oungewhereherpar
entsweresi
tt
ed.Shesat
downandhermotherl
ookedather.
MaMasa:
You'
redonest
udy
ing?Youwantf
ood?

Sheshookherhead.
MaMasa:
Tal
ttoust
henory
oual
sowantt
o
wat
cht
v?

Shesmi l
edabit.Theyhavebeennothingbut
supporti
veandshedidn'
twanttohav eto
disappoi
ntthem t
hesecondtimearound.

Masa:
Ithi
nkIknowwhoi
mpr
egnat
edme.

Herf
athersqui
ntedhi
sey
esl
ooki
ngatheras
hermot
herr
aisedaper
fectey
ebr
ow.

AtCane'
spl
ace

Hayden:
Thankyouguy
sforhav
ingus,
Ithi
nkwe
shoul
dgetgoing.
Bl
air
:Pl
easedocomeagai
n.
Regi
nah:
I'
l
ltr
y.
Cane:
Hav
easaf
ejour
ney
.
Hay
den:
Sur
ewi
l
l,by
e.

Hef
istbumpedwi
thhi
suncl
eandhuggedBl
air
.
Bl
airhuggedRegi
nah.
Bl
air
:I
'm comi
ngov
erf
orl
unch(
whi
sper
ing)
Regi
nahchuckl
edwi
thal
i
ttl
esmi
l
eonherf
ace.
Regi
nah:
Ofcour
se,
I'
ll
sendt
he
addr
ess(
whi
sper
ingback)

Haydenl
ookedatt
het
wol
adi
eswhi
sper
ing
backandfor
th.
Hay
den:
Yoh,
Blai
r.
..
Bl
air
:Possessi
vemuch.
.
Bl
airl
etgoofRegi
nahandsmi
l
ed.
Cane:Don'tf
orgetanddon'
tl
ethi
m be
l
ate(
lookingatReginah)
Shebl
i
nkedi
nconf
usi
onbutnodded.
Regi
nah:
Okay
.Gosi
amebat
hong.

Hay
denheldherwai
standtheyst
eppedoutof
t
hehouseheadi
ngtothecar.

Regi
nah:
Yourf
ami
l
yisni
cegor
e.
Hayden:Yout
hreedeser
vef
ami
l
yhmm.
.(
kissi
ng
hercheek)
Regi
nah:
Thanky
ou.
Hayden:
Ineedapr
operthanky
ou(hol
dingher
handandplaci
ngi
toverhi
sboner
)

Shequi
ckl
yremov
edherhandgi
ggl
i
ng.
Regi
nah:
Mxm.I
ja!
Hayden:
Soprett
yladyy
ou'r
egonnahavet
odo
muchbettert
hanasimplethanky
ou.
Regi
nah:
You'
real
way
shor
ny.
.
Hayden:
Whowouldn'
tbe?Imeanl
ookat
you(
soft
lyki
ssi
ngherl
ips)
Regi
nah:
Mxm.Il
ovey
ouokay
?(pl
aci
ngherhand
onhi
scheek)

Hay
densmi
rked.
Hay
den:
Orat
wakenna.Myv
eryownDrSmi
th.
.
Shej
ustshookherhead.
Reginah:
Let
'sgo,Iwantt
oli
edownbutbef
ore
thatIwantaful
lbodymassage.
Hayden:
Youli
kedemandi
ngf
orst
uffmmeo
ganakadit
same.
.
Regi
nah:
Akoonneoi
tshwar
a.
Hay
den:
Let
'sgoDrSmi
th.
.

Hehel
dherwai
stl
eadi
nghert
othecar
.

AtMasa'
shome

Herparentssil
ent
lyli
stenedtoMasaasshe
tol
dthem whatshesuspect ed.Theywereway
pastthebeingangrystageandatt hi
spoi
nt
theyweren'
tshook.
Masast oppedtalkingandl ookedatherparent
s
whower esil
entlylookingbackather.Her
fat
herhadabl ankexpr essi
onandhermot her'
s
eyesshoweddi sappoi ntmentbutshehad
rel
entedandbyt hel ooksoft hi
ngsshewasn't
sureaboutthei
rr esponse.

RaMasa:
Osur
e?

Shenoddedwi
thapoundi
nghear
t.Herf
ather
si
ghed.
RaMasa:
Ineedast
if
fdr
ink.

Hermot herqui
cklyst
oodupandheadedt othe
ki
tchenwher esheopenedthecabi
netandthe
fr
eezer.Shetookoutaglass,whi
skeyandice.
Sheprepar
edhisdri
nkandwentbackt
othe
l
ounge,handi
ngitt
ohim.

Hedrankthewhol
eglassi
nsecondsand
pl
aceditonthet
abl
e.
RaMasa:
We'
l
lsendal
ett
ert
hen.
..
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
25*

AtTheHospi
tal
Tessalai
donherbackasshegaspedforbreat
h.
Atthatexactt
hatmomentshesawherli
fe
fl
ashingbefor
ehereyes.Ther
ewasnoonein
thedarkhospi
talr
oom andsheswor
eshewas
abouttotakeherl
astbreat
h.

Shegur gledonbl oodasi tleakedf r

om her
mout h.Sheknewherhear thadhol esandbl ood
couldn'tcir
culatewell.Atthispointshewas
aboutt ocloseherey eswhent hedooropened
abruptly.Shetriedtokeephert ear
yey esopen
andt henur serushedt othebedast he
machi nesbeepedl oudly.Shet ookherl ast
breath,sayingasi l
entprayeroft hanks.

"
Tessa!Tessa!
"
Sheopenedhereyesasherpar
ent
sshookher.
I
twasalljustadr
eam.Allj
ustadr
eam.She
bl
inkedandhermotherwi
pedhertear
saway.
MaTessa:
Howar
eyoubaby
?(pani
cked)

Tessabreathedheavi
lythr
oughthemachines
l
ookingathermot her
.Thatdream wasscar
y
andthethoughtofdyinghurther
.Shecoughed
ashermot herhel
pedhersitupri
ght.
RaTessaatt
hispoi
ntdi
dn'tknowhowt
oreact
.
Theyt
ookeachdayasitcame.

Tessaheldthesheetst
ightl
y ,
sti
ll
start
ledby
herveryt
erri
bleni
ghtmare.Itseemedasof
deathwasloomingintheshadows.I twasn'
tas
bri
ghtasitusedtobe,herfait
hwassl owly
runni
ngoutiffai
thcoul
dr unout.
Moretearsrandownhercheeksassheweakl y
pl
acedherhandov erhermal f
uncti
oninghear
t.
MaTessa'slipsquiveredasshesawt he
hopel
essnessi nTessa'sbigeyes.Theywereno
l
ongerthatbrightandshecoul dn'
tbeartosee
herdaughterinthatcondit
ion.

Howcant heybestrong?Shewast i
redofbeing
str
ong.Shecouldn'
tbestrong.Shesil
entl
y
walkedoutwit
hherhandov erhermout handas
soonasshewal kedoutofthehospit
alroom,
shebrokedowni nt
otears.

RaTessaj ustheldhisolderdaught
er'
shand
withoutsayi
ngat hing.Theyhadrunoutof
reassuri
ngwor dstosayandi twasjustgoi
ngto
l
ookdecei t
fuloftheysaidallwil
lbewellwhen
clearl
ytheoddswer eagainstthem.
Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

AtLet
so'
shouse

Letsogr
abbedanappleasshewal kedoutof
thwhousewithherbackpack.Shewasgoingt
o
catchataxi
toschoolandstudy.

Theyhadanear
lygroupstudysessionandshe
wassureshewasgoingtoacethatt est.She
madeherwaytothetaxist
opandwai ted.More
thant
enminut
espassedwi thnotaxi i
nsight.

MeanwhileMasasatnexttoherdadinthecar
.
Hehasbeensi l
entev
ersinceshetoldhi
mlast
ni
ght.Shehadexpectedhimtocallhera
di
sappointment
,asoli
dreacti
onbutshegot
not
hing.
TheypassedbythestopandshesawLet
so.
Herfat
herlookedather
.
RaMasa:
Ist
hatLet
so?
Masa:
Yes(
lowv
oice)

Her
ever
sedhi
scar
.
RaMasa:
She'
syourf
ri
endr
ight
?
Masa:
Notany
mor
e..
.

Hel
ookedather
.
Masa:I
t'
sal ongstor
y.Youcanpi
ckherup,
mostprobablygagonaditaxi
andshemightbe
l
ate.Wouldn'twantt
hebri
ghtchi
l
dtofail
her
examswoul dwe?

Herf
athercoul
dheart
hesar
casm andhe
parkedbythesi
deoftheroad.Herol
l
eddown
thewindowandlookedatLetso.
Let
so:
Dumel
ang(
respect
ful
l
y)
RaMasa:
Hel
l
omychi
l
d,geti
n..
Let
so:
Thanky
ou.
.

Let
sogoti
nsi
deandsatnextt
oMasawho
movedtot
hewindowandstar
edout
side.
Let
so:
Hi.

Masai gnor
edherasherfathersi
lent
lydrove
them toschool
.Oncetheyarri
vedLetso
thankedMasa'sdadonceagainasshest epped
out.
Masa:
Byedadandhav
eani
ceday
.

Masaf
inal
l
ysai
dasshest
eppedouthol
ding
herbag.Itwasabitheavybutshewasa
studentfi
rstbef
oreshegothersel
fint
his
predicament.

Let
sowai
tedf
orMasa.
Let
so:
Wecanwal
ktoget
hert
ocl
ass.
..
Masasi
ghed.
Masa:
Wearenol
ongerf
ri
endsLet
so.St
ayaway
f
rom me.
..

Andjustl
ikethatMasawal kedaway,
dragging
herswoll
enfeettotheschoolgatewherethei
r
bagsweresearchedbeforetheycoul
dheadt o
thei
rcl
asses.

Somehowitfel
tweir
dwhenMasagav eherthe
col
dshoul
der.Let
soshrugged.Besi
desit'
snot
l
ikeshei
sthatsmart.Mostprobabl
ybecause
shecutherof
ffi
rstandnowshewant
stoseem
bet
tert
hanher.

Masaarr
ivedi
nclassandimmedi
atel
yTi
l
ly
dr
aggedherchai
rtoherdesk.
Ti
l
ly:
Hel
l
oyou.
.
Masa:
Hey
..
Howwasy
ourni
ght
?
Ti
l
ly:
Ngi
mest
ress(
hol
dingherheadi
nherhand)
Masa:
Youandmebot
h..
Ti
ll
y:
Str
essisnotgoodforthebaby.
..
(r
aisi
ngan
ey
ebrow)canIf
eelthebabykick?

Masal
aughedcov
eri
nghermout
h.
Masa:
Sheki
ckssomet
imes.
.
Til
l
y:I
t'
sashe( clappingher
hands)Congratulati
onssis.
..
SoI
'm goi
ngt
obea
godmot her
..
Uh..justli
kemakgoagotwemy
godsonmygoddaught
er.
.
Masa:
wapekawai
tse.
.
Ti
l
ly:
Didy
oueat
?
Masa:
Mhmm...
mom somet i
mesf
orcesf
ood
downmythr
oatkana.
.Any
howlet
'sst
udy.
..

Theugotbusybef oreLetsoandherst udy

buddieswalkedinclass.Letsostoleaglanceat
Masawhowast appi
ngt hepencilonthepaper
withasmileasTi l
lysai
dsomet hing.She
repl
acedherlikethat?Whataf r
iendshewas. .
.

AtRegi
nah'
spl
ace

Reginahstret
chedherbodyasshey awned.Her
muscl eswerelesstenseandshewas
rev
itali
zed.Hayden'
shandsdidthei
rjobandhe
hadt osexher.Hejusthadto.
Haydenwal kedoutoft
hebathroom wit
ha
towelwrappedaroundhist
orso.Shelookedat
hist
attoos.
Regi
nah:
Whyt
att
oos?
Hay
den:
Mor
ningsugar
..
Regi
nah:
Mor
ning(
sof
tl
y)
Hay
den:
Howwasyoursl
eep?Ihopet
hey
wer
en'
ttr
oubl
i
ngy
ousweetness.
..
Regi
nah:
Notatal
l
.Thanky
ou.
.

Hemadehiswaytothebedandfrenchki
ssed
herl
i
ps,
til
ti
ngherheadf
orward.

Hesli
ghtl
ybenoverthebedki
ssi
nghermuch
moredeeply
.Hebroketheki
ssandl
ookedint
o
herey
eswi t
hasmallsmil
e.
Hay
den:
Hav
eIt
oldy
out
hatIl
ovey
ou?

Shenoddedandhepeckedherl
i
ps,
st
rai
ghteni
ngup.

Hewatchedherwalkawaytothewardr
obe
wher
ehewentt hr
oughtheclot
hesther
e.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Regi
nahpl
acedherhandsov
erhert
ummy
.
Regi
nah:
Hmm?
Hay
den:
Areal
lthecl
othesher
eir
oned?
Regi
nah:
Yes..
Areyoul
ooki
ngf
orany
thi
ng?Ican
hel
pyoulookfori
t.
.

Helookedatherwi
thasmi
le.Shewasli
teral
l
y
ev
erythi
ngandmore.Whowould'
veguessed.
..
Regi
nah:
Wakae?
Hay
den:
Acer
tai
nmeet
ingmyl
ove.
.
Regi
nah:
Youcoul
d'v
etol
dmeandIwoul
d'
ve
madebreakf
astf
oryou.
.
Hay
den:
Youdon'
thav
eto.Justr
est
,I'
l
lbeback
i
ntwohour
s..
Regi
nah:
All
thebestMrSmi
th.
.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ouDrSmi
th.
.

Shewat chedhim getdr

essedashecasuall
y
wor et
hosebl ackpant
sandawhiteshi
ry.He
tuckediti
nlightl
yandhedidn'
tev
enbuttonit
up.
Regi
nah:
Youl
ookhot
..
Hechuckl
ed.
Hayden:
Ifmyladysay
sI'
m hott
henImustbe
hel
l
af i
ne..
(smi
rki
ng)
Hecombedhi shai
randspr
ayedhi
scologne
spari
ngl
ylet
ti
ngthestr
ongmascul
inescent
l
ingeri
ntheair
.

Hemadehiswayt
othebedwher
eshewasst
il
l
l
ayi
ngdown.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouguy
sokay
?
Herubbedhert
ummyandki
ssedherneck,
she
i
nhaledhi
sscent
.

Hayden:
WhenIcomeback,
youshoul
dbeoutof
bedandyoushoul
d'
vet
akenabathbabe.I
'
m
notdebat
ing.
.
Regi
nah:
I'
mti
red.
..
Hayden:
It
'snotheal
thyt
obei nbedthewhol
e
daysugar
...
(ki
ssi
nghercheek)ok?
Regi
nah:
Hay
denn!
Hay
den:
Iwasn'
tdi
scussi
ngi
tsweet
ness.
.
Regi
nah:
Smi
th!
!
Hayden:
Don'
tSmit
hmeDrSmith.Youshoul
d'
ve
t
akenabathbytheti
meIcomeback..
Regi
nah:
Fine.
.
Hay
den:
Youl
i
kebei
ngabi
gbaby
..
Ilov
eyou.
Regi
nah:
Ilov
eyou.
..
Hefr
enchki
ssedherl
i
psonemoret
imebefor
e
hest
rai
ght
enedupandmadehi
swaytothe
door
.

Theminut
ehewalkedoutReginahcl
osedher
eyesandf
ell
int
oanotherboutofsl
eep.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
27*

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Shewalkedoutofthebat
hroom andf
ounda
dressonthebed.
Regi
nah:
Oh.
.

I
twaski
ndofcut
ebutwhatwast
heoccasi
on?

Hay
denst
eppedi
nther
oom andsmi
l
ed.
Hay
den:
Getdr
essed.I
'
llbei
nthel
ounge.
Justli
ket
hathewal
kedoutl
eav
ingheri
nthe
bedroom.

Shesatdownandst
art
edappl
yi
ngl
oti
ont
oher
nudebody.

Meanwhi
l
etherewasadoorknockandHay
den
wentt
oopenthwdoor
.
Bl
air
:Mov
eSmi
th,
wedon'
thav
eti
me.
.
Shewalkedi
nfoll
owedbythreemoreladies.
Theladi
esgr
eetedHaydenandBlai
rroll
edher
eyes.

Blai
r:
Gir
lswedon'
thaveti
me.ThegoodDr
needstobedol
ledup.Smit
hwhichr
oom i
sit
?
Hegav
eherdi
rect
ions.
Bl
air
:Goknockonthatdoorandsheshoul
dn'
t
l
eavethatr
oom t
il
lsheisbeauti
ful
.
Hay
den:
Shebet
terbe.
..
Bl
air
:Tr
usty
ourauntl
i
ttl
eone.
.

Shesaidholdi
nghi sshoulderandhechuckl ed.
Themakeupl adiestookonel astglanceat
Hayden.Hewasl ikethosemenwhogr aced
magazinecoversandf orsuretheladyislucky
tohavesuch.
Theymadetheirwayt
oReginah'sbedr
oom
whil
eBl
airsatdownwithHayden.

Bl
air
:Doessheknowhowl
uckyshei
s?
Hay
den:
I'
mthel
uckyonei
nthi
scase.
..
.
Bl
air
:Ncoaah.
..
Hay
den:
Shutup!
Bl
air
:Ican'
twai
ttobeanaunt
..
.
Hayden:
Whowould'
vet
houghtIwoul
dbeher
e
l
ikeayearl
ater
?
Blai
r:
Shedoesn'tknowi
t'
smor
ethanj
usta
photoshootr
ight?
Hayden:Shedoesn'
tev
enknowt
her
eisa
photoshoot
.
Bl
air
:You'
ref
ull
ofsur
pri
sesHay
den.
Hay
den:
Dol
l
,youshoul
dknowmebet
tert
han
t
hat.

Bl
airl
aughedast
heycont
inuedt
alki
ng.

Reginahwenttoopenthedoorassheti
edher
robeloosel
yoverherbump.Shefr
ownedwhen
threel
adieswal
kedinsidet
heroom.
Regi
nah:
I-
I.
..
Lady1:
Hel
l
omam,
wecamet
odoy
ourmakeup.
.
Regi
nah:
Makeup?
Lady2:
Andhai
r.
..

Regi
nahwalkedt
othedr
essi
ngt
abl
eanddi
aled
Hayden'
snumber
.
Regi
nah:
Babe.
..

Sher
ubbedhert
ummyasshet
alkedt
ohi
m.
Hay
den:
Arey
oudone?
Regi
nah:
Whoar
ethesepeopl
e?
Hay
den:Theycametodolly
ouupsugar
..
.Hand
t
heladythephonesweet
heart
..
Shedi
dso.
Hayden:
Makesureshewal
ksoutoft
hatr
oom
l
ookingl
ikeapr
incess.
.
Lady1:
Yessi
r.
Hay
den:
Handhert
hephone.
Regi
nah:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Hayden:
Lett
hem dot
hei
rjobangel
okay
?Il
ove
you.
.

Hehungupandshesi
ghedsi
tt
ingdown.

Thethir
dladyl
ookedatherdr
essandatt
he
other
s.
Lady3:
Shoul
dshegetdr
essedf
ir
st?
Lady1:
Ithi
nkso..
.Let
'shel
phergeti
ntot
he
dresst
henstar
tonherhairandmakeup.
Reginahsatdownont hebedasoneofthe
l
adiestookthedressandinspect
edi
tthr
oughl
y
toseeifi
twasf i
ne.
Lady1:
Let
'sgetst
art
edmam.
..

Att
heof
fi
ce

Canewalkedinsi
detheof
fi
cethatwashi
s.He
foundLet
tyrel
axedonthechai
randhe
chuckl
ed.
Cane:
Sist
eri
nlawwemeetagai
n..
MsSmi
th:
Youbast
ard.
.
Cane:
Iknow.Iknow.
..
MsSmi th:
Youpoisonedmysonagainstme.He
wil
lchangehisdecisi
onandhowthehell
does
heknowhei sthemajorshar
ehol
der?
Canelaughed.Theki
ndofev
ill
aught
hatgave
someonegoosebumpsandnotthegoodki
ndof
goosebumps.
Cane:
Youunderesti
mat ey
ourson.Hei
smuch
moresmartert
hany outhi
nk.Heknewal
lal
ong,
Idi
dn'
teventel
lhim...
MsSmi t
h:You'
relyi
ng.
..
let
swagomol
owa
aker
elonaBabirwa?

Canel
aughedandhel
dhi
schesti
nmockpai
n.
Cane:
Bit
ter
nessmakesy
oul
ookugl
ysi
s..
.
MsSmi
th:
I'
m noty
oursi
ster
..
Cane:Wel
l y
ouar eri
ghtaboutthat
.Famil
y
doesn'
tstabeachot her
'sbacksandIdon'
tkeep
suchasfami l
y.
.ShouldIcal
lsecur
it
ytoescort
youout?
MsSmi t
h:Haydenwoul
dneverdothi
stome.I
am hi
smot heri
t'
sal
lyourf
aul
t.I
t'
sthatwi
tch'
s
f
aul
t(
scr
eami
ng)
Cane:
Now,
nowdon'
tcauseascene.
.
MsSmith:Iwi
l
lgetyouf
ort
his.I
tisnotov
er.
Notbyalongshot
..
.

Shegrabbedherbagandl
eftther
oom.Cane
si
ghedandwal kedtot
hedesk.Hesl
ippedhi
s
handsinhispocket
sandl
ookedattheview.

Hewasst epsawayf r
om makingtheSmith
l
egacygreatagain.Well
notenti
rel
yhim.The
brai
nsofeverythi
ngwassti
llbusybuthewas
comingalongjustfi
ne.

Cane:
TheSmi t
hdy
nast
ywi
l
lri
sef
rom t
he
ashesagai
n..
.
Hegaveanevi
lsmil
east hebr
ightsunshone
t
owardsthegl
asswindow.

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Haydentappedhi
sshoeimpati
entl
yasBl
air
wentthr
oughpostsonFacebook.
Bl
air
:Shewi
l
lbedone.Tr
ustmet
lhe.
..
Hay
den:
Ido.
.

Minut
eslat
ert
hemakeupl
adi
esmadet
hei
r
waytothel
ounge.
Lady1:
We'
redone.
.
Bl
air
:Okay
..
Ithi
nkwe'
l
ltakei
tfr
om her
e.
Hayden:
Wai
t.
..
Ineedt
oseet
hatt
heydi
dthei
r
j
obs.
Bl
air
:Bemyguest
..
.
Haydenst
oodupandmadehiswayt
othe
bedr
oom.Hestoppedbyt
hedoor
.
Hay
den:
Babeshoul
dIcomei
n?
Regi
nah:
Yessi
r.
..

Heopenedthedoorandsteppedri
ghtinsi
de.
Hepausedandlookedatheronce,
twiceand
t
hethi
rdti
me.

Heputhi sfistinhismout hindisbel

ief
.Reginah
l
ookedathi mt henatherselfinthemir
rorand
sheflutt
eredherey elashes.Shehadnev erhad
art
if
icialeyelashesbeforebecausesher el
ied
onhernat uralbeautyandi fshedidmakeupi t
wasjustmascar a.

Hay
denl
ookedatheroncemor
eandsuckedi
n
abr
eat
h.Damn!

Regi
nah:
You'
reoutofwor
ds?
Heknewshewasast unnerbutt
hemakeup
andhowt heystyl
edherhairmadeherlookli
ke
apri
ncess.Lit
eral
ly.Thedressdi
dn'
tmakei t
anybett
er.Wellshewast heQueenofhiscastl
e
butdamnher .

Hewal
kedt
oherandhel
pedherst
andonher
f
eet
.
Hayden:
Myr eall
i
fepri
ncess.
.(
sof
tl
y)Fuck!
You'
regorgeousmylove.
Regi
nah:
Thanky
ou.
.

Hemaint
ainedeyecontactwi
thherandshe
bl
ushedandlookedaway.
Hayden:
Ilov
eyou.
.NowIf
eel
under
dr
essed.
..
lookaty
ou..

Hehel
dheratarm'slengt
handt
wir
ledher
ar
oundasshelaughed.
Regi
nah:
Stooop!
(gi
ggl
i
ng)
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyoudi
dyouknowt
hat
?
Regi
nah:
Yess.
..
Hepul
l
edhert
ohi
m andhel
dhercl
ose.
Hay
den:
Ipr
omi
sey
out
hatIwon'
thur
tyou.
.
Reginah:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
oucoul
dmakemeso
happy..
.
Hayden:Youchangedme(chuckli
ng)
Isti
l
l
r
emembery ousayi
ngthatIshoul
dlookaty
ou
l
ikeasister
..
Regi
nahl
aughed.
Hay
den:
Imeanpr
incess,
Ili
kedy
ouandIal
way
s
getwhatIwant
..
.
Regi
nah:
Mxm.
.
Hayden:
Don'
tfor
gett
hatIwi
l
llov
eyout
o
et
erni
ty.
Regi
nah:
Don'
tmakepr
omi
sesy
oucan'
tkeep.
..
Hayden:
Imeani
t.
.You'
remyf
orev
erandal
way
s
Regi
e..
.

Sheplacedherheadonhi
schestandhel
ooked
ather
.
Regi
nah:
Rel
ax.I
t'
swat
erpr
oof
..
Ilov
eyouMr
Smit
h..

Heindul
gedint
hemomentandhel
dhercl
ose,
ki
ssingt
hetopofherhead.
.
.
*
*

Forabonusinser
ttodaypl
easegi
vethi
spost
2kli
kes,
100sharesanda100comment s.I
thi
nkyouneedthi
sbonusbutthenagai
nit'
sup
toyou ‍♀
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
28*

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Hebroket
hehugandkissedherl
i
pssoft
ly
bef
oreherubbedhi
sli
pstowipet
hel
ipst
ickof
f.

Hay
den:
Weshoul
dgetgoi
ngsugar
..
Regi
nah:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Hay
den:
It
'sasur
pri
seokaymyl
ove.
..
Regi
nah:
Todayi
sful
lofsur
pri
ses.Gakal
ebal
a..
Hay
dencockedaney
ebr
ow.
Regi
nah:
Mychocol
atesduh.
.
Hay
den:
Hei
sh.
.
Regi
nah:
Iwantt
hem mest
ah.
.
Hay
den:
Eemma.
.

HaydenandReginahwalkedint
otheloungeand
Bl
airwasgone.Sosheleft.Hi
sphonev i
brat
ed
i
nhispocket
.
Doll
:Thedriverwil
l betherei
nfiv
e.Ilef
ttogo
checkont hefinaltouches.I
'
mt hebest
photogr
aphersoduh, I'
llt
akethe
photos.
.uhm. .
.whatelse?Yeahthefoodiscool
.
Yoursurpriseisalsogoingtobedocumented
sowe'
resetmyguy
..

Hesl
i
ppedt
hephonebacki
nhi
spocket
s.
Hay
den:Letmegogett
hechocol
atef
ory
ou
hmm..
Regi
nah:
Ther
eischocol
atei
nthehouse?
Hay
den:
Yeah.I
t'
soutofr
eachf
ory
ou.
Regi
nah:
Bol
oiH.
Haydenlaughedmaki nghi
swayt ot
hekit
chen
whereheopenedt hecupbaordandtookasl
ab
ofchocolat
efrom thetopshel
f.

Regi
nahstayedputr
ubbi
nghert
ummywhi l
e
shemov edherl
egsupanddownlooki
ngather
nocesandal
s.

Hay
den:
Tshwar
a..
(handi
nghert
hechocol
ate)
Regi
nah:
Eone?
Hay
den:
Arey
out
aki
ngi
torl
eav
ingi
t?
Regi
nah:
I'
l
ltakei
t.
..

Shetooki
tfr
om hi
m andopenedthefoi
l.She
gri
nnedasshet
ookabitef
rom thechocolat
e.
Hay
den:
Ejesent
le.
.(
eati
tpr
oper
ly)
Regi
nah:
Tswamogonna(
leav
emeal
one)
Hay
de:What
evert
hatf
loat
syourboatpr
ett
y
l
ady.

Whil
esheatet hechocol
ateHaydenbl
ocked
Regi
nahfrom seei
nghispostsonFacebook
andhestart
edpostingli
tt
lehi
ntsonhis
ti
meli
ne.

Hepl
acedhi
sphonedownwhent
her
ewasa
doorknock.

Hewentt
ogett
hedoorandt
hechauf
feur
gr
eet
edhim.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Shest
oppedbi
ti
ngandl
ookedathi
m.
Regi
nah:
Yes?
Hay
den:
Wehav
etogo.
.
Regi
nah:
Okay
.

Shegotupbef
orel
ooki
ngathi
m.
Reginah:
Letmegogetmyphone.DoIneeda
purse?
Hay
den:
Nope.
.
Shemadeherwaytot hebedr
oom andcame
backminut
eslat
erpressi
ngherphone.She
tookhi
sphoneastheywalkedoutofthehouse.
Regi
nah:
Ohmyf l
i
ppi
ngosh!Youh-
hir
edacar
.
Mydream car
?
Hay
den:
Iki
ndofdi
d..
.

Thechauf
feuropenedthedoorforbothofthem
andHaydenhelpedReginahgeti
nsidethecar
bef
orehesatnexttoher.
Hay denfi
xedherseat
bel
tandhisbef
ore
placinghi
shandonherthighandpr
essedhis
phone.Hewentt hr
oughthecommentsand
chuckledlooki
ngatRegi
ewhohadnoi dea
aboutwhatwashappening.

Hereadhi
searl
ierFacebookpostwher
ehehad
post
edhersmil
i
ngi npinkscr
ubsbefor
eshe
gotpr
egnant
.
"
DrSmi
th "
Her
eadt
hecomment
sont
hepostandl
aughed.
Comment1:Heearey
ousur
eyou'
re19?Or
you'
repl
ayi
ngwit
hus?
Comment2:
Shi
i
d! Nny
aammekeene
bat
hong.
.
Comment3: Lebasel
ahakae?
Comment4: What
'shernamebat
hong?
Comment5:
Shawt
yhi
sli
lboot
hing.
.shei
scut
e
aah.
. Mygee

HelookedatRegi
ebefor
eheuploadedanot
her
Facebookst
atusofbot
hthei
rhandsonher
tummy .
" ‍♀Not
hingbutst
ressher
e "

Hepl
acedhi
sphonedownandl
ookedather
.
Regi
nah:
Ont
ibi
l
eeng?
(whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngat
me?
)
Hay
den:
Just
..
Regi
nah:
Ij
ah.
Hekissedhercheekasshepushedhi
m away
l
aughing.
Hay
den:
Gat
wengneh.
..
Regi
nah:
Tswamogonna.
.
Hef
acepal
medl
aughi
ng.

AtMsSmi
th'
shouse

Sheparkedhercarandj
ustplacedherheadon
thest
eeringwheel
.Ever
ythi
ngjustcr
umbled.
Justl
ikethat
.

I
t'
slikeherl
if
eisremotecontrol
l
edandone
minuteshehadital
lthenextshelosti
tal
l
.How?
Shehadev ery
thi
ngf
iguredout.Themoney
,the
ri
ches,hersonwasmisbehavi
ngbuthesti
ll
consi
deredherashi
smot herbutnowhewasa
str
angertoher.

Shedidn'twronghi
m.Sowhy ?Sheclosedher
eyesbeforesheopenedthem agai
n.I
tmustbe
Reginah.Eversi
nceshestar
tedtodateher
youngsonev ery
thi
ngwentsouthfrom
ther
e...
nowondershehatedher.

Evenherbei ngpregnantdi
dn'
tevenmov eher.
Notatall.Shewi l
lfi
ndawayt ogetitall
andbe
atthetopagai n.Thi
swasn'tt
helastofherand
Canebet ternotthi
nkhewon.Shewi llavenge
hersel
f.Soon.
Att
hev
enue

Thecarpar
kedandt hechauf
feuropenedt
he
doorf
orthelov
elycoupl
e.

Haydenst
eppedoutf
ir
standhel
pedt
hel
ovel
y
l
adytogetoutoft
hecar.
Regi
nah:
Wher
ear
ewe?
Hay
den:
Somewher
e..
.come.
.

Hehel
dherhandleadi
ngherthrought
hesmal
l
gat
eofthemyst
eriousvenue.

Hay
den:
Closey
ourey
essugar
.
Regi
nah:
Okay
.
Hejustwal
kedbehi
ndherandplacedhishands
ov
erhereyes.Shei
nhal
edhiscologne.
Regi
nah:
Yousmel
lgood.
Hay
den:
Iknowbabe.
Regi
nah:
Mxm.
.
Hay
den:
Keepwal
ki
ng.
..

Heslowlygui
dedherandhewassur pr
ised
himsel
fwhenhelookedatthewholesetup.
Blai
rhadreal
l
ygoneallout
.Itwassomet hi
ng
fort
hebooks.
Hest
oppedst
il
lkeepi
nghi
shandsov
erher
ey
es.
Regi
nah:
CanIopenmyey
es?
Hayden:
Inami
nut
e.Youknowt
hatIl
ovey
ou
r
ight?
Regi
nah:
Yes.
.
Hay
den:
Andy
ou'
rei
mpor
tanti
nmyl
i
fer
ight
?
Regi
nah:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
(wor
ri
ed)
Hay
den:
Youknowt
hatr
ight
?
Regi
nah:
Yesbabe.
..

Heremov edhishandsandsheopenedherey
es.
Theynearlypoppedoutofthei
rsocket
sas
tear
sblurr
edherey esandshelookedupt
onot
l
etthetearsfal
l.
Regi
nah:
OhmyGod!
Hay
den:
Babe.
.

Shelookedar oundnoti
cingthewaytheymade
naturelooksobeauti
fulwiththepi
ckaesthet
ic
accentuatedbythepinkrosesandtheygother
dressedinpink.
Thechai
rsthathadit
tybi
tsoff
lower
sandt
he
gor
geoustableset
ti
ng..
.

Shepausedandlookedatthegr eengrass.
Therewerepetal
sont hegroundtooandt hey
seemedtospelloutsomething.Shewalked
towardst
hepinkpetalsasHay densl
ippedhis
handsinhi
spockets.

Regi
nah:
Wil
lyoum-
ohmyGod!
(wi
thashaky
voi
ce)
Hay
den:
Readi
tal
l
...
Regi
nahfannedherfaceasherhear
tbeat
er
rat
ical
l
yinherchest.
Regi
nah:
Wi-
wil
lyoum-
mar
ryme?

Shet
urnedaroundandfoundthe19y earol
d
whol
iter
all
yhadhishandsinhishandsonhis
kneeshol
dingar
ing.

Shesobadl
ywant
edt
osob.Thi
swast
oomuch.
Hay
den:
Wil
lyou?

Shecover
edhermouthcr
ying,
unawareofBl
air
whohadbeentaki
ngphot
osev ersi
ncet
hey
st
eppedinthear
ea.
.

Haydenl
ookedatherasmoretear
sstr
eamed
downhercheeks.Shedi
dn'
tknowwhattosay
.

Shesuckedi
nadeepbreat
handext
endedher
handnoddi
ngherhead.
Hay
den:
Yes(
punchi
ngt
heai
r)

Hesl
i
ppedt
her
ingonherf
ingerbef
ore
st
andi
ngupandhol
dinghercl
ose.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.
..
Regi
nah:Y-
youdi
dn'
thav
et-t
odoall
the-
se(
cryi
ng)Any
thi
ngsi
mplewoul
d'
vebeenokay
..
.
Hay
den:
Wal
l
a?
Regi
nah:
I-Ij
-j
ust
..
.
Hay
den:
Comeher
e..
.

Shecr i
edsoft
lyagainsthi
schestasherubbed
herback.Hefellf
ort hemostsi
mplestwomen
ofallandspoil
i
ngherwasahuget hi
ngfor
her.
.Hekissedthetopofherhead.
Hay
den:
Heybaby
..
youdeser
vei
fokay
?
Shenodded.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ouDrSmi
th.
.

Shesmi
l
edt
ear
ful
l
ylooki
ngupathi
m.
Regi
nah:
Your
e-r
eal
l
ypl
annedt
hisf
orme?
Hay
den:
Yes.
.andy
oul
ookl
i
keapr
incesst
oday
..
.

Blai
rcameoutofhi
dingwi
thahugesmi
l
eon
herface.
.
Bl
air
:Nowt
hat
'sou-
Regi
nahl
ookedatherandshel
aughed.
Blai
r:
Congratssisandwelcomet othe
fam..
.nowsisIknowy ou'
rehappyand
emotionalbecausethi
sonedeci dedtobethe
mostr omanti
cmanoft hey earbutIneedyou
tosmilebabyforthecamera..ourshootbegi
ns.
.

Haydenr
oll
edhi seyeslaughi
ngandRegi
nah
l
aughedsoft
ly.ThatwasBl ai
randshewas
goi
ngtohavet ogetusedtoherloud
per
sonal
it
y.
Bl
air
:Don'
tfor
gett
ofl
auntt
hatr
ockt
oo.
..

AtMasa'
shome

Masawalkedi
nsi
dethehouseandimmedi
atel
y
madeherwaytothebedr
oom.Shesatont
he
bedandwentt
hroughhergal
l
ery.

Shesighed.Shewasnotproudofthegir
lshe
oncewas.Shewaswor ki
ngonit.Recti
fyi
ngher
mistakesandmakingsur
eshestartsonaclean
sl
ate.

Herphonebeepedandshesmi
l
ed.
Masa:
whatt
ime?
Ti
l
ly:
Int
hreehour
s.Seey
ou.
Sheplacedthephonedownandt houghtful
ly
pull
edherbagt owardsherbef oreshetookout
anotebooksot hatshecanr eadwhi l
ewai t
ing
forherdaughter'
sgodmot her.Shelaughedat
howeasilyTil
l
ygav eherselfthatspot.

Att
hev
enue

Blai
r:
Beauti
ful
.Lookaty
ouguy
ssoi
nlov
e
bathong.
..

Blai
rsai
dasshegotphot
osofHay
denki
ssi
ng
hertummy.I
twassoperf
ect
.

Blai
r:
Ineedthelastset
.Uhm Idon'
tknow,
let
yourimagi
nati
onsr unwil
d..
Hay
den:
Wil
d?
Regi
nah:
Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?
Hauden:
Justt
his.
..

Hepul l
edherbodyt ohisandkissedherl
ips
soft
ly.Blairj
usttookphotosandtheyl
ooked
beautif
ul andspontaneous.

Haydenbrokethekissl
ooki
ngint
ohereyes
befor
ebit
ingherlowerl
ipandshecl
osedher
eyes.
Hay
den:
Til
ldeat
hdousapar
t.
..
.

Hewhisper
edbef
orefr
enchki
sisngherl
i
ps
r
egar
dlessoft
hesnappi
ngcamer a.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
29*

Att
hev
enue

Hay
densmi
l
edl
ooki
ngather
.
Hay
den:
DrSmi
thwel
lIcan'
twai
tfort
heset
wo
t
ocome.
Regi
nah:
Soon.Youdi
dthi
sforme?

Hecouldheart
hedi
sbel
i
efi
nherv
oiceandhe
nodded.
Regi
nah:
I-
I.
..
Hayden:
Don'tst
artcr
yingagai
nmyl
ove.
.l
et'
s
enj
oytherestoftheday.
Shesni
ff
edandnodded.
Regi
nah:
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Haydenchuckl
edkissi
ngherfor
ehead.Hel
oved
hermorethanshecouldknow.
Heledhertothechaisandshelookedar
ound.
Shesti
llcoul
dn'
tbel
ieveheplannedal
lofthi
s
forher
.Itwasbeaut
iful
,heevengotmaterni
ty
shotst
oo.

Att
hehospi
tal

Tessasaidasi
lentpr
ayerbef
orecl
osi
ngher
eyes.Al
lsheeverdi
dthesedayswasprayf
ora
newdayev ent
houghitcamewithpai
n.
Atsomepointshef
oundherselfquesti
oni
ng
God.Whyher?Whatdidshedo?Butt he
quest
ionsr
angunansweredeveryday.

Meanwhi l
eScottsatinoff
icescrol
l
ingt
hrough
Facebook.Hepausedwhenhesawapi ctureof
Reginahtrendi
ngonFacebook.Shewasl ooki
ng
al
lcuteinpinkscrubs.Shesawtheguywho
posteditandwenttohistimel
ine.

Heswal
lowedabi
twhenher
eali
zedhisage.A
guyy
oungert
hanhi
m?Hegotthegir
l?Wow!

Heremovedhiscoatanddr ankwater
.Heev en
madeherpregnant.Al
thoughReginahhad
nev
ershownint er
esti
nhim, shewentforaguy
wayyoungerthanher.
Hehatedtoadmiti
tthatshel
ookedhappy
.So
happywit
hthaty
oungboy .

AtMasa'
spl
ace

Ti
l
lyknockedont
hedoorsev
eral
timesbef
ore
MaMasacamet oopent
hedoor.
Ti
l
ly:
Dumel
ang.
MaMasa:
Hel
l
oMat
ail
da,
howar
eyou?
Shesmi
l
ed.
Ti
l
ly:
Good.Mamaar
eledumel
e.
MaMasa:
Okay
.Masai
sint
hebedr
oom.

Shenoddedandsteppedi
nsi
demaki
ngherway
toMasa'
sbedroom.
Shef
oundMasaont
hematpr
essi
ngherphone.
Ti
l
ly:
Godmot
heri
sher
e.

Masal
ookedupandr
oll
edherey
es.
Masa:
Tswahakwa.
.
Til
l
yplacedherschool
bagont
hebedandsat
nextt
oMasa.
Masasi
ghed.
Masa:I
fithappenswest
opbeingf
riendsplease
don'
tbadmout hmeorusewhatIt
oldy ou
agai
nstme.
Ti
l
ly:
Let
soi
sn'
ti
t.
.
Masa:We'v
ebeenfr
iendssi
nceforeverand
suddenl
yshesaysI
'm abadinf
luenceand
speaksaboutmebehindmyback.
Ti
l
ly:
That
'swhyy
oudon'
tl
iket
alki
ngt
oomuch
abouty
our
sel
f.
..
Masa:
Idon'
tknowwher eshegott
henervet
o
t
henwanttotal
ktomeasi fshemissedal
lthat
wehad.
..
Justbecauseshi
tdoesn'
tgoherway.
Til
ly:
Calm down.Sheisthepast.Another
chapterinthebook.Oneofthepeoplewho
switchedup,don'
tpaintev
eryonewiththesame
brush..
Masa:
Iguessy
ou'
rer
ight
(si
ghi
ng)
Ti
l
ly:
Nowdon'
tupsetmygoddaught
erwena.
.

Masachuckl
ed.
Masa:
Kar
eoser
ious.Let
'sdoEngl
i
sh.
Ti
l
ly:
Icanwr
it
ethatexam wi
thmyey
escl
osed.
Masa:
Wel
lIcan'
tsol
et'
sst
udymma.
..

Masast
oodupandwal
kedt
oherdeskget
ti
ng
herbooks.

Att
hev
enue

Regi
nah'
seyesspar
kledwit
hunshedtear
sin
themoonl
ightandt
hestar
ryli
ghtset
ti
ng.

Hesmil
edastheydancedsl
owl
ytot
hesof
t
soj
ndofthemusi
cplayi
ng.
Hayden:
Andonedaywe'
l
ltel
lourki
dsabout
t
his.
Regi
nah:
Howmanydoy
ouwant
?
Hay
den:
Fiv
e..

Sheshookherhead.
Regi
nah:
Nny
aamr
..
Theset
woar
egood.
Hay
den:Thr
eethen.
.Imeanf
oury
ear
slat
erabo
r
ediral
astbor
n..
Regi
nah:
Wow!Focused.
.
Hayden:
Trustmet
heseki
dswi
l
lbehappywi
th
usasparents.
Regi
nah:
Itr
usty
ou.
Hay
den:
Iwantaboyel
elastbor
n.
Regi
nah:
Whati
fthet
hir
dchi
l
disagi
rl
?
Hayden:
(l
aughing)
Rennaser
iousr
edi
ra
ngwanawar engneh.
..
Regi
nah:
Obat
lagont
api
saaker
e?
Hayden:
Iwon'
t,
Imeanit
'saprett
yniceexerci
se
makingki
ds.Hmm..
.meoveryou,hear
ingthose
sweetmoansandwhimper
s..oeteobonegor e
oit
lhel
aoletur
nonyang?
Regi
nah:
Mxm.
.
Hay
den:
Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndhav
ingahousef
ull
of
ki
ds.
Regi
nah:
Wenar
ichguy
..
Hayden:
Butf
irstl
etmebui
ldalegacyf
orall
t
hreeofyouthenwewil
lbebacktothebaby
t
opicDrSmit
h.
Reginah:
We'reget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?Idon'
tthi
nkI
bel
ievethi
s..
Hay
den:I
t'
srealsugar.Iwanty
ouf
orwor
seor
f
orbet
terpret
tylady.
..
Shepl
acedherheadonhi
sshoul
der
.
Regi
nah:
Ienj
oyedt
oday
.Thanky
ou.
Hay
den:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
ousugar
.

TheFol
l
owi
ngmor
ning

AtRegi
nah'
shouse
Sheopenedherey esf eel
ingabi
tsoredown
there.Shedidn'
tknowhowhewasgoi ngt
o
keephi shi
ghsexdr i
veincheckaft
erthef
ir
st
threemonthsofherchi l
dren'
sbi
rt
h.

Shestret
chedherarmsandy
awnedbef
ore
rubbi
nghertummy .
Haydenwalkedinhisboxer
shol di
ngat rayof
f
ood.Atthatexactmomentt hebabiesdecided
t
okickanditwasabi tpai
nful.Haydennoticed
t
hef r
ownonherf aceandquicklyplacedthe
t
raydown.

Hesatnexttoherandtouchedherbel
l
y.Hef
elt
t
hekicksandhegentlyrubbedhert
ummyas
t
hekickssubsi
dized.
Heki
ssedhercheekoncet
hebabi
esst
opped
ki
cki
ng.
Regi
nah:
Theyar
eal
readyt
rai
tor
s.
Hay
den:
Tswamobanakemma.
.y
ougood?
Shenodded.
Regi
nah:
Thanky
ouf
orbr
eakf
ast
.
Hayden:
Weai
mtopl
easeorwhat
everengl
i
sh
say
s..

Shegrabbedherphonef
rom t
heni
ght
standand
fi
nal
l
yswi t
chediton.

Minut
esl
atershegotalotofnoti
fi
cat
ionsand
mostoft
hem werecongrat
ulat
orymessages.
Sheimmediat
elywentt
oFacebook.

Haydenlookedather
.Heunbl
ockedheri
nthe
morningsomostprobabl
yhi
spostswil
lpopup
onhertimeli
ne.
Regi
nahwentt
hrought
hepost
sandl
ookedat
hi
m.
Sher
eadt
hel
atestpost
.

"
DrSmi
thsai
dyes "

Shereadallt
hecomment sandtheywere
posi
ti
ve.Sheplacedthephonedownand
l
ookedatherfiancé.I
tfel
tgoodthi
nki
ngabout
i
tli
kethat.

Shemouthedathankyouandmadeahear
t
shapewi
thherf
ingerswi
thahugesmi
leonher
face.

AtMsSmi
th'
shouse
Sheheldaglassofwineasshedr ankitreading
thenews.I
twaswei r
dnotgoi ngtotheoffice
anditwasalr
eadystressingher
.Shepasseda
postofHaydenproposing.Sherol
ledherey es.

Thatgol
ddiggerhadherclawsr ighti
nto
Hayden'
sbackandhecalleditlov e?Hewastoo
st
upidtoseethatshewasnot hingbutabit
ch
aft
ermoney.
Shesaidit
,sheknewhehadmoney.Maybeshe
wasinitwit
hCane.Youcannev
erputanyt
hing
pastCane.

Shegotangr ythinkingaboutit
.Shehated
Reginahwithev eryfibr
eofherbeing.She
hopedshedi esgi vi
ngbirthwit
hheruseless
chi
ldren.Maybet hechi l
drenwerenoteven
Hayden's.
Shethr
ewhergl
assatthedooranditbr
oke,
sendi
ngshar
dsofgl
assesfl
yingar
ound.

Att
heof
fi
ce

Canewentt hroughthepi
cturesandhehadt o
admiti
tt hatHaydenhadabeaut i
ful
lady
.He
wassur pri
sedthathewastakenbyherandshe
hadsuchasof tper
sonal
i
ty.Heplacedhis
phonedownashi snewsecretar
ywalkedinsi
de
theoff
ice.

Her
:Mor
ningsi
r,t
hisar
ri
vedj
ustf
ory
ou.

Shepl
acedt
hel
ett
eront
het
abl
e.
Hef
rownedanddi
smi
ssedherasheopened
t
hel
ett
er.

Hegotmor econf
usedreadingthecontent
stil
l
i
tmadesenseonceher eadt hename.Fuck!He
wasn'
tthi
nkingst
rai
ghtthatdaybut.
..

Hepausedandwentthroughhi
scont actli
st
cl
icki
ngonhername.Thephoner angandr ang
withnoanswer
.Hesighedandplacedt helet
ter
down.
.
.
*
*
AWEEKLATER
For
ever
&Al
way
s
*
30*

AtCane'
shouse

Bl
airshookherhead.
Blai
r:
Kanabouncl ehavetoknow.Wellwit
h
Regiei
t'
snott hatmassivebutami norbr
o?
You'
remyol derbr ot
herbutyoh(
placi
ngher
handsoverherf ace)
Cane:
Iknow.Imethersometimet
hisweek.A
reohetsagokwal
akaFr i
day
.
Bl
air:
Somostpr
obabl
yherf
ami
l
yiswai
ti
ngf
or
arepl
y.
Cane:
Iknow.
Bl
air
:Whati
sdoneisdoner
ightnowwehav
eto
dodamagecontr
ol.
Cane:
Isentt
hel
ett
erf
orwar
d.
Blai
r:
Thef amilyneedst oknow.Att hi
spointwe
areplanningonmaki ngt heSmi t
hDy nast
ygreat
againandwecan' taff
ordt otai
ntourreput
ati
on
yetagain.Lett
ydi denoughhar mt oourname
andIwonderwhyshekeptt hesurname.The
onlySmi t
hwer ecogni
zei sHaydenandRegi e
andtheki ds.
..
.
Cane:
We'
l
lsor
titout
.
Bl
air
:Nowt
hati
soutoft
heway
,isshepr
ett
y?

Canel
aughed.
Cane:
Gakesel
esel
eBl
air
..
Blai
r:
WellI
'
m goingt
obeanauntto3kids.You
guysaregoingt
opaymeforbaby
sit
ti
ng.
Cane:
Noonei
saski
ngy
out
o.
Blai
r:
You'
l
lwantmyser
vicesoneday
..
.what
's
hernameagai
n?
Cane:
Masa.
.
Bl
air
:Pr
ett
yname.
..
howf
aral
ongi
sshe?
Cane:
Shewi
l
lbesi
xpr
ett
ysoon.
.
Blai
r:
okay
...
Wel
loper
ati
onmeetMasawi
l
lbe
underway
..
Cane:
Blai
rbat
hong!
Blai
r:
ImeanIshoul
dknowt
henewmember
sof
thi
sfamil
y.
..

Canecheckedhi
swat
ch.
Cane:
Uhm,
Ihav
etogosomewher
e.
Bl
air
:Okay
..
.

AtSchool

Masacheckedt
het
ime.
Ti
l
ly:
Arey
ousur
ethi
sisagoodi
dea?
Masa:
Idon'
tknowt
oo.
.
Ti
l
ly:
Urg.
..
Mmawar
eragokopanakaegape?
Masa:
Taxi
rank.
.Rank.
.Ij
ustneedt
enmi
nut
es.
Ti
l
ly:
Okay
..
.I
'
llwai
tfory
ou.
MasahuggedMat
il
da.
Masa:
Thanky
oubaby
..
Ti
l
ly:
I'
m noty
ourbabyeuw.
.
Masa:
Fosek!
Ti
l
ly:
Lewena.
..
(l
aughi
ng)

Thecarst
oppedbyt
hesideandMasagot
i
nsidet
hecarint
hefr
ontseat
.
Shecl
osedt
hedoorandl
ookedathi
m.
Masa:
Hi.
.

Canel
ookedatheronceagai
n.Shewas
di
ffer
entfr
om t
hel
ivel
ygir
lhehadmetmonths
ago.Hefel
tsogui
l
tyforget
ti
ngherpr
egnant
.

Masasi
ghedandl
eanedback.
Masa:
Ithappened.Wemov
e.
Cane:
Youmakei
tseem easy
,I'
m sof
ucked
Masa.
.
Masa:
Iwaswor
sekana.
..
Igotabeat
ingf
ir
st.
Cane:
Ali
ter
albeat
ing?
Masa:
Mydad.
.y
oh!
Cane:
Nowonderosaut
lwe.
.
Masa:
Mxm. .
Ilear
ntmyl esson.Aft
erthi
ska
mme,I'
m nothavingsex(crossi
ngherfi
nger
s)
Cane:
owai
!
Masa:
Iswear
..
Ijustwantt
ofocus.
.
Hest
art
edt
hecarandj
oinedt
her
oad.
Cane:Uhm..
Idi
dn'
tknowwhattogety
ou.Igot
wings,abur
ger,
milkshakel
emogongwemoo..
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
.

Hetookthepaperbagf
rom t
hebackand
handedi
ttoher.
Cane:It
hinkt
herewi
l
lbeameetingi
ntwo
weeksorso,IknowI
'm goi
ngt
ogetcal
ledout
fort
his.
Masa:
Wemov
ehey
.
Cane:
Kegodr
opehakae?
Masa:Taxi
rank.
..
theudon'tknowwemetup,
I
don'
twanttogetintroubl
e.
Cane:
Finewi
thme.

Canegl
ancedatherasshesi
ppedont
he
mil
kshake.Nowlooki
ngather
,hecoul
dseet
he
i
nnocenceinher
.

Hedr
oppedherbyt
het
axi
rank.
Cane:
Takecar
e.
Masa:
Thanky
ouandby
e.

Shehel
dherschoolbagandt
hepaperbagas
Canedrov
eoff.
.shel
ookedar
oundtr
yingt
o
spotTi
l
lyandsawher.

Sheslowlymadeherwayt
oherandhandedher
thepaperbag.
Ti
l
ly:
Food.
.oshar
po?
Masa:
I'
l
ltaket
hewi
ngshel
a..
Ti
l
ly:
Lar
ati
wat
lhe.
..
somuchf
ood.
Masa:
Ij
a..
Arey
oueat
ingf
ir
storweshoul
dlook
f
orat
axi
?
Ti
l
ly:
Let
'ssi
tdownbyt
hechai
rsf
ir
st.
Masa:
Alr
ight
.Yoh.

Thatev
eni
ng

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Shel
aidonherbackasshet
alkedt
oHay
den.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Regi
nah:
Yes?
Hay
den:
Domeaf
avour
..
.

Shef
rowned.
Regi
nah:
Okay
..
.
Heshookhi
shead.
Hayden:
Forgeti
tlov
e..
howar
ethet
wins
t
reati
ngyou?
Regi
nah:
I'
m goodt
heseday
s.Ir
est
.Awhol
elot
.
Hayden:
Asyoushoul
d.I
'
llbecomi
ngov
erka
weekendokay
?
Regi
nah:
Okay
.Il
ovey
ou.
.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyoumor
eDrSmi
th,
bye.

Hehungupandshethoughtful
l
ylai
dont hebed
bef
oreshegotupandgrabbedhercarkeys.

Shehadbeenput t
ingthi
sonholdbutshejust
hadto.Pl
usitwasnotev endar
k.6pm wassti
ll
earl
yeventhoughtheywereexper
ienci
ngl
ight
showersi
nFr anci
stown.
Shesli
ppedherfeeti
ntot
hesandal
sand
walkedoutoft
hebedroom.

Shemadeherwayout sideandsmiledasthe
smelloftherai
nwet ti
ngthesoi
lhithernostr
il
s.
Itwasday sl
iketheseonewouldli
teral
lycrave
eati
ngsoilbutnope.Shewasn'tdoingthatto
herbabies.

Sheunl
ockedthecar,
goti
nsi
deandrol
led
downthewindowslet
ti
ngt
hefreshsmell
fil
lher
car
.

Att
hebar

Let
tydownedwhatseemedtobehersi
xth
al
cohol
icbev
erageandpl
acedthegl
assdown.
MsSmi
th:
Anot
herone.
.
Bart
ender:
Mam y
ou'
vehadenough.It
hinky
ou
shoul
dleave.
.
MsSmith:
I'
mtheonepay
ing.
..
don'
tt-
tel
lme
whatt
odowi t
hmymoney.

Shewasslur r
ingandthebartendershookhis
head.Shehadbeenher ethewhol eaft
ernoon.
Whateverthatwaseatingherupmustbeso
deepforhertodrinkl
i
keawhal e.

Bar
tender
:Wecanar
rangeacabf
ory
oumam.
MsSmith:
Mxm!Tsamael
akoo,
I'
ll
gosome
pl
aceel
se.
..

Likethatshegotupandhel dontothecounter
forbalancebefor
eshewal kedout.Shelooked
tooinebri
atedatthi
spointbutshekepton
walkingtothecarastheraindri
zzledonthat
par
ti
cul
arl
ycl
oudyday
.

Shegoti
nsi
deandst
art
edt
hei
gni
ti
on.
MsSmi
th:
I'
m notdr
unk.
..
Icanseemyf
inger
s..

Shepl
acedherfi
nger
sinf
ronti
fherfaceand
shepl
acedt
hem backonthest
eeri
ngwheel.
Shecoul
dsti
ll
dri
ve.

Shelookedaroundt
hecar,howcomeshedidn'
t
haveabottl
einthecar
,itcoul
dhel
pri
ghtnow.

Shehaphazar
dlyr
eversedoutoft
hepar
king
spotanddrov
etil
lshejoi
nedthemai
nroad.

Sti
ll
ontheroadRegi
esmi
led.Shewashopi
ng
Tessawil
lbefi
neandmay
beseeingherwil
l
maket
hel
i
ttl
egi
rlsmi
l
e.

Sheincreasedthev olumeassheplay
ed
Sbahle'
sEml anj
eni.Itwasherf
avouri
tesong
anditsomehowr emindedherofhowherlove
l
ifeseemedper fect.

Hedideveryt
hingri
ght.Shet
ookau- t
urnasthe
l
ightshowersstar
tednotbei
ngsolight
anymore.Shecouldseeanditwasn'
tthatbad.

MsSmi thstruggl
edtoseet hr
oughtherainasit
poured.Shecouldn'
tevenseeifsheli
ther
headli
ghts.Shesawanoncomi ngcar
.Shitshe
wasi nthewronglane.Shetri
edtoswervebutit
seemedasi fshewasgoi ngtocrashint
ot he
oncomingcar .
Reginahsawt heoncomi ngcarandt het
raff
ic
proveditdif
ficultf
orhert oswitchlanes.The
l
adywasont hewr onglane.Shej ustsai
da
si
lentprayerascar shoot edandl i
ghtsfl
ashed
beforetherewasaheadoncol lisi
on.She
screamedpl acingherhandsov erherbell
y
beforehercarst art
edt oroll
ont heroadand
shehitherheadagai nstthewindscreenand
passedouti nt hecrashedcar.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
31*

Att
heacci
dentscene
Sirensrangast hepoli
ceandambul ancemade
theirwayt ot hescene.Someby st
anderstook
phot osast hepar amedicsmov edpeoplefrom
thescene.Al lt
heysawwasbl oodfrom thecar
thatjustrolledont heroad.Somehel dthei
r
hear t
sast hei mageofsuchhappeni ngtothei
r
l
ov edonest err
ifi
edthem.

Somegotbusyastheyupdatedthei
rFacebook
st
atusesaboutt
henewlyhappenedacci
dent.

Thef emaleparamedicgotbusywithtryi
ngto
opent hecartogetthepersonout.Themales
helpedast heyhadstandbydoct
ors.Meanwhile
othersgotLettyoutofthecarasherheadbled.
Shedi dn'
thavemassiveinj
uri
es.May beshe
brokeaf ewbonesbutshewasal ive.
Aft
eral
mostanhourtheyf
inal
lygotapregnant
Regi
nahoutandshewasbleedi
ngprofusel
y.
Femaleparamedi
c:Bl
oodnow, t
ell
them att
he
hospi
tal
.Female,
pregnant
..
.God!

Themaleparamedi csquicklyrushedwit
hthe
st
ret
cherandoxy genpipes, wherethequi
ckl
y
l
aidherunconsciousbodyt hereandtri
edto
st
opthebleeding.
Femal
epar
amedi
c:Weneedt
ogo.Now!
!!

AtPal
apy
e

Haydenwentt hr
oughhi ssoci
almediaashe
l
aidonhi sbed.Hefrownedwhenher ead
people'
supdatesaboutanaccident
.Her ead
moreandt hemor epictur
ehesawthemor ehi
s
heartpoundeduponr ecogni
ti
onofthecar.
Hewat
chedtheshor
tvi
deooft
hepar
amedi
cs
t
aki
ngout
..
Hay
den:
Fuck!

Hejumpedoutofbedandsl
ippedhi
sdef
ined
l
egsint
othejeansandwor
eat -
shi
rt
.

Hegr
abbedhi
scarkey
sdi
ali
ngCane.
Cane:
He-
Hayden:
Uhm,Ijustsawpeopl
epost
ingon
soci
almedi
a..

Canecoul
dhearthef eari
nhi
svoi
ceashe
st
oodbythehall
way .Hecameher
eassoonas
Bl
airhadt
oldhim whatshesawonFacebook.
Thwfamil
ydidn'
tevenknowandtheyhadto
f
indoutt
hroughFacebook.I
maginewhat
Haydeni
sgoingthr
oughatthisexactmoment
.
Hay
den:
Fuck,
I'
m onmyway
..

Withoutwai
ti
ngf orareplyhehungupand
walkedoutofthehousemaki ngsuretolockit
beforej
oggi
ngt ohiscar.Hecouldbetherein
twohoursandpr obabl
yanhourandahal fgi
ven
thatj
edoesn'
tgetaspeedi ngti
cketbutwhatis
aspeedingti
cketcompar edtohi
sfiancee'sl
i
fe.

Hedr
oveof
f

Att
hehospi
tal

Blai
rplacedherhandsoverherf
ace.The
pi
cturesshesswonFacebookwher enotpr
ett
y
andshewassoscar ed.
Shebli
nkedtry
ingtonotl
ett
het
ear
sfal
lthen
shebursti
ntotear
s.

Canesatnextt
oherandhel
dhercl
ose.
Bl
air
:I
'm scar
ed.Shehasnoonebutusand
Haydenisn-ohGod!

Canerubbedherbackasshesobbedonhi
s
chest
,evengaspi
ngforbr
eath.Thi
swasscar
y
ashell
.

Lett
ywokeupdi sor
ient
edont hehospi
talbed
andlookedaround,
feel
ingthebandage
wrappedarpundherfor
ehead.Shedidn'
tknow
whathappened.Thedooropenedandi nwalked
thedoctor
,anurseandapol i
ceoff
icer
.

Thedoct
orl
ookedatLet
ty.Hehadt
oldt
he
pol
oceoffi
cert
hattheygoundhi
ghlev
elsof
al
coholi
nhersyst
em andwelldri
vi
ngundert
he
i
nfl
uenceonit'
sownwasacr ime.

Bythewayby st
andersandot herdr
iver
s
descr
ibedtheacci
dent,t
hisladywasont he
wronglanemakingithar
df ortheothercart
o
swerve.

Pol
iceof
fi
cer:
Hell
omam. .
arey
ouintheri
ght
st
ateofmindtoanswermyquest
ions?

Shel
ookedathim andi
tdidn'
tseem asi
fshe
hadachoi
ce.Shequiet
lynoddedherhead.

Thepoli
ceoffi
cersatdownandst
artedaski
ng
herquest
ionswhichshefai
l
edtoanswer.
MsSmi
th:
IswearIdi
dn'
tmeant
ocausean
acci
dent
.Whodi
ditaf
fect
?
Poli
ceOffi
cer:Apr
egnantwomani
sfi
ght
ingf
or
herl
ifebecauseofyou.

Shecov
eredhermout
h.
MsSmi
th:
Iswear
..
I-
..
Poli
ceOffi
cer:
Youwi l
lhavetogothr
oughatri
al,
ther
eisconcreteev
idenceofyourdr
unkstat
e
andeyewitnessesthatsawtheacci
dent
happen.Haveagoodni ght
.

Hestoodupandwal kedout.Suedidn'twantjai
l
ti
meandshedi dn'
tevebhaveenoughmoneyt o
payherlawyer
.MaybeHay denwil
lhelp.He
wouldn'
tlethi
sownmot hergotojailnomat t
er
howangr yhewaswithher.

Sheswal
l
owedaheav
ylump.Maubei
fshe
tal
kstoRegi
nahtotal
ktohi
m onherbehal
f.
Shecan'
tgotojai
l
.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
32*

AtTheHospi
tal

3hour
slat
er,
Haydenarri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
.He
washopi
ngtoheargoodnews.
HefoundCaneandBl ai
r.Blairl
ookedli
kean
absol
utemessandhej ustneededt obest r
ong.
Hehadt ol
dhert oneverdri
v ehersel
fbutthere
wasnousepoi nt
ingfi
ngersatthisexact
moment .All
threeofthem hadt osurvi
ve.He
hel
dbackt earsasheplacedhi shandsov erhi
s
mouthashesatdown, hiskneesf ai
l
inghim.He
hel
dthebencht i
ghtl
y.

Canejustqui
etl
ylookedathi
m.Hewashur
ti
ng
anditwasnormal.

Hay denkeptqui
etf
orafewminut
estr
yingt
o
regainhi
scomposure.Hecl
ear
edhist
hroat
beforespeaki
ng.
Hay
den:
Anyupdat
es?

Caneshookhi
sheadsadl
yandHay
denl
eaned
backclosi
nghisey
es.Hehadt
okeepi
tal
l
toget
herforhi
sminif
amil
y.
Hay
den:
Whodi
dthi
s?

Heaskedwi
thav
oicet
hatscar
edBl
airal
i
ttl
e.
Cane:
Uhm.
.

Haydensl
owl
yopenedhi
sey
esandl
ookedat
Cane.
Bl
airwasal
socur
ioust
oknow.
Hay
den:
Whodi
dthi
s?
Cane:
Cal
m downHay
den.
Hay
den:
Iam cal
m..
.

Hestoodupandhookedhisthumbsinhi
sj eans
st
il
lgl
ari
ngatCanelooki
ngforananswer.
Obvi
ousl
ytheyhav
ebeenher eforl
onger
,they
hadt
oknowwhodi
dthi
s..

Cane:
Yourmot
her
.
Hay
denkeptast
rai
ghtf
ace.
Hay
den:
Idon'
thav
eamot
her
.Whodi
dthi
s?
Cane:
Let
ty.
Haydenchuckledindisbel
ief
.Soshej
ust
cr
ashedintohisfiancee'
scar.
Unfucki
ngbel
ievable!

Herubbedhischi
nasthedoct
ormadehi sway
t
othem.Thedoctorl
ookednervousashe
l
ookedatthemenstandi
ngupont hei
rfeet
.
Doct
or:
I'
m assumi
ngt
hewhol
efami
l
yisher
e.
Hay
den:
Yes.
Doct
or:
Shewr
otehernextofki
nasMrHay
den
Smit
h..
Hay
dennodded.
Doctor:
Weneedy ourpermissi
ontoperfor
m an
emergencyc-sectiononher.Thebabies'
heart
beatsareweakandshehadl ostalotof
bl
ood,butthankfullyourbl
oodbankhad
enoughtostabil
izeher .
Hay denl
ist
enedatt
enti
velyandhedidn'thear
thedoctormenti
oninghersurv
ival
ratesatthi
s
pointini
slongspeech.
Hay
den:
Wil
lshewakeup?

Thedoct orl
ookedatHay den.Notsurehowt o
answerhi m becauset heyhadbeeni nthere
try
ingtoseei ftherewasawaypasti tal
lbut
unfort
unatelytherewasnot .Hehadwant edto
keepthatpar t
icul
ardet ai
l ofhersurv
ival
outtil
l
theywer esuretheyhaddel i
v er
edthebabies
beforetheydiedint heirmot her'
swomb.
Doctor
:We'
ll
discusst
hataf
tert
hesur
ger
y.Can
Igi
veyoutheforms?
Heranhi
shandst
hroughhi
sshor
thai
rbef
ore
noddi
nghi
shead.

Hesawhowev asi
vet
hedoctorwasaboutt
his
andt
hisdoubl
ehisst
ressl
evel
s.

Scottwipedalonetearashesatonhi schai
r.
Shewasher e,notasadoct orbutapat i
ent
hangingbythethreasf i
ght
ingforherli
fe.Li
fe
hadaf unnywayoft urni
ngthingsaround.He
j
usthopedshesur vivedthi
s.

Meanwhi l
ethedoctorhandedHay denthe
consentformsashesi gnedforthesurger
y.He
hadaf eel
inghewassigningherl i
feaway.The
doctorhadexpl
ainedthatthelongertheywait
,
t
hehigherthepossi
bil
i
tyoft
hebabi
esdy
ingi
n
t
hei
rmot her'
swomb.

Haydenhandedthedoctorthepapersbefor
e
si
tt
ingdown.Hehadt obet hereforhi
sfamil
y.
Hewi l
ldealwi
thLett
ylat
er.Itwasobv i
ousshe
wantedtokil
lRegi
nahandatt hisexact
momenthi shat
eforherescalated.

Canesawt heunderlyi
ngragei
nHayden'
seyes
andhest oodupplacinghi
shandonhis
shoul der
.Smithmenhadaqui ckt
emperandhe
didn'twantHaydent odosomethi
nghewill
regret.

Cane:
We'
l
ldeal
wit
hit
.
Hay
den:
I'
l
ldeal
wit
hit
..
Cane:
Don'
t.
..
Hay
den:
Iwon'
t.
.

Canesuckedinabr
eath.Bl
airwasfastasl
eep
asherheadachedf
rom all
thecryi
ng.Shewas
j
usthopingf
orgoodnews,nothi
ngelseatthi
s
poi
nt.

Meanwhil
eLettyl
aidonthebednotknowing
whattodo.Sheneveraskedf
orthenameoft he
l
adyshecrashedint
o.Herfamil
ymustbe
devast
edandtheymustknowi twasnev
erher
i
nteti
on.

Shepr
essedtheemergencybut
tonandt
he
nur
sewalkedinsi
de.
MsSmi t
h:Iknowmostprobabl
yguestsar
enot
al
lowed,canIseethef
amilyoft
heladywhose
carIcr
ashedinto?
Nur
se:
Letmeseei
ftheyar
est
il
lher
e.

Thenursewalkedoutandcamebackmi nutes
l
aterwit
hawheel chai
randhelpedLet
tyget
si
ttedonitwi
ththedripat
tachedtoherar
m.
MsSmi
th:
Aret
heygoodpeopl
e..
Nurse:
Theylookdangerousi
fyouaskme...
it
's
t
hef amouscouple.
.uhm..
yeneetrenderl
ast
week.Ifor
gotthei
rnamesmme. .
let'
sgo.

SheledLett
ytothewai ti
ngroom andoncethey
arr
ivedshesawal adysleepi
ngont hebench.
Shelookedfami
li
ar .Herhear
tski
ppedabeatas
thement ur
nedaround.

Thenursesawthewayt
hemenwerelooki
ngat
Let
ty.Shedeci
dedt
oexcuseher
sel
fatt
hatver
y
moment .
WhenLet
tyt
urnedthenur
sewasal
readygone.
Wasshesur
ethiswasthefami
l
yofthe
woman.
..

Shecov
eredhermout
h.

Haydenchuckl
edashest
uff
edhi
shandsi
nhi
s
pocket
s.
Cane:
Hay
dencont
rol
your
sel
f.
..

Haydenlookedatt
hewomanhesupposedl y
cal
ledamot her
.Andhereshewas.Ali
ve.Whil
e
Reginahandhiski
dsfoughtf
orthei
rli
ves.He
wantedtofucki
ngmurderherforwhatshedi
d.
MsSmith:
Haydenho,Ididn'
tknowyouwere
her
e.Soyouhear
dI-Igotint
oanaccident
.
Haydenshookhi
shead.Thelongerhelookedat
herthemorehewantedtoki
l
l hersohewalked
awaybefor
ehetotal
l
ylosti
t.

Caneshookhi
shead.
Cane:I
fthiswassomesickt
wistedrevengeof
yoursthenyouarei
ndeepshit
.Sheisf i
ght
ing
forherli
feint
heInt
ensi
veCareUnitandlookat
you..

Herhear tpoundedinherchest.Shehadhit
Reginah'scar?Sotheyall
beli
ev edi
twas
i
ntentional.Wel
litwoul
d'vebeenniceofit
wasn'therandshewoul d'
vebeenr ej
oici
ngin
thecomf ortofherhomenowt heysaidshedid
i
ntentionall
y.
MsSmi
th:
Itwasnoti
ntent
ional
..
Cane:Whot hef uckbeli
evesthatwhenyou
hatedhergut s?May beyoufoll
owedherjustt
o
ki
llher.Youar egoingtoregr
etthiswomanand
tr
ustmeIwon' tbet heonedoingthe
punishing.
.y
ourv eryownsoni sgoingt
oend
you..
.

Sheswal
l
owedahugel
ump.
MsSmi t
h:Youhav
etobel
i
eveme,
Ican'
tgot
o
pr
ison.
..

Canelaughedbi t
terl
y.Thiswomanwas
unbel
i
ev able.Haydenwasat i
cki
ngti
mebomb
andhel ef
tbeforehecoul dlosei
tandher
eshe
wasalreadypleadinginnocence.
Cane:
Howquickl
ythetableshavetur
ned.Enj
oy
hel
lbecauset
hat
'scer
tainlywher
eHay deni
s
taki
ngyou.Youunder
esti
matehim.Hehas
Smithbl
oodrunni
ngthroughhi
sveins.
.

Let
t ycov
eredherfacewithherhands.She
hatedReginahandwishedherdeathbutshe
gotherwish.Sheli
ter
all
ydidthat
.
MsSmi
th:
Howi
sshe?
Cane:Asifyoucarebutknowt hi
sifsheloses
thebatt
le,youaregoingtofucki
ngregretyour
enti
reexist
ence.Wel ety
ougowheny ou
handedKennedyt otheauthori
ti
esbutnotthis
ti
me..

Wit
hherheadlowandahear tpoundingloudl
y
sheswor
eCanecoul dhearit
,shewheeled
her
sel
ftoherhospit
alr
oom.Thi swasmessy .
Howwasshegoi ngtoescapethisone.
Thatl
ateni
ght

Lett
yopenedhereyesandshesawashadowi n
herhospi
talr
oom.Herheartpoundedandshe
sworeitwasnolongeri
nherchest.

Sheplacedherhandov
eri
tst
il
lseei
ngt
he
shadow.
MsSmi
th:
Wh-
whoi
sit
?

Thedeepr umblecomi ngfrontheshadow's

chestterr
if
iedherevenmor ebef or
eitbecame
afull
yfledgedlaughthatsentchill
sdownher
spi
neandnoti nt heni
cestway s.Tearsbl
urr
ed
hereyes.
MsSmi
th:
I'
m notsee-
sei
ngghost
s(shakyv
oice)
Hemov edfr
om theshadowsandstoodbyher
bedwherethecurt
ainswhereopenandt
he
moonl
ightshoneonhisface.
Shepul
ledt
hesheet
sclosert
oherchestasa
hugel
umpchokedher.
MsSmi
th:
H-hi
..
.

Helookedsomuchlikehisf
atherandthecol
d
l
ookhegav eherwasthesameoneKennedy
usedtohavewhenhekill
edwithnoregret
s.
Hay
den:
Deat
hwoul
dbeaneasyescape.
.
Hishazelbr
owneyesnol
ongerseemedhazel
butther
eweredar
k,asi
fitwasanot
herper
son
tal
ki
ng.Anegoassotosay.

Hay
den:
You'
regoi
ngt
oruet
hedayy
oubor
e
me.
..
Hisvoi
celefthersocol
dandsheblinked
sever
alti
mest ofi
ndhimlooki
ngherdeadint
he
eyewithnoemot i
onondispl
ay.Whatwashe
becoming?ThiswasnotHayden.

MsSmith:
Tha-
that
'snoty
-youHay
den.You'
re
notaki
l
ler
.
Hay densmi l
ed.Ithur tthathisfi
anceewasi n
therebecauseofher .Itwasherf aultandshe
mustbehappyshegotwhatshewant ed.She
wasgoi ngtor egretev eryt
hing.Evenherent i
re
existence.

Hayden:
Ther
eareot
herwaystoki
ll
don'
tyou
t
hink?Sl
eepwit
honeeyeopen.
..

Wit
hthathewalkedoutl
eav
ingherst
upef
iedon
t
hehospit
albed.
.
.
*
*
*
For
ever
&Al
way
s

*
33*

Att
hehospi
tal

Theyspentthewholeni ghtatthehospit
alwith
Canecomi nginandout .HesatnexttoHay den
whowasl ostinhisthoughts.Hetookthe
pl
asti
ccupf rom Caneandpl aceditoverhi
s
nost
ri
ls.
Cane:
Youneedsomet
hingst
rong.
Het hankedhim sil
entl
ydowningt healcohol
ic
beverageinthecupbef oreherubbedhi seyes.
Hej ustcoul
dn'tseehimselfwi
t houther.As
unreali
sti
cast hatsoundedthet houghtofnot
seeinghersmi l
eagainorhearingherv oicej
ust
ki
ll
edhi minside.

Heplacedhi sheadbet weenhi slegsashislast

conversati
onwi thherplay
edi nhismi nd.He
didn'
twantt othinkthatwast helastt
imehe
spoket oher.Thesunwasst arti
ngtor i
seand
theysti
llhadn'thear
dany t
hingaboutRegi eor
thetwins.

Helookedaroundtheroom asBl
airslept
peacef
ull
yandhewi shedhecoul
dal sosleep
buthecouldn'
tsl
eep.Sleepwast
hel astthi
ng
onhismindhonestly
.
Herubbedhisfaceasthedoct
orfi
nal
lymade
hi
swayt othem.Hehadasombr eexpressi
on
onandthatwasabi twor
ryi
ngonhispart.

Hay
denst
oodonhi
sfeet
.
Doctor
:Wehav
emanagedt
osav
ethebabi
es.
Theyarepr
ematur
e..
.

Asi
ghofr
eli
eff
ell
overhi
m.
Doct
or:
i
sMrSmi
tht
hef
ather
?

Hay
dennodded.
Doct
or:
Cany
ouf
oll
owme,
thi
swi
l
ltakeawhi
l
e.

Haydenqui
etl
yfol
lowedthedoct
orandhet
ook
hi
mt othepedi
atr
iccar
eunit
..
Helookedatthemanybabi
esther
eandthe
doct
orledhimtothei
ncubat
orsandhesaw
thwi
rsmallbodi
es.
Doct
or:
Weneedy
out
ogetchangedi
ntoscr
ubs.
.

Hef
rowned.
Doctor
:ForKangar
ooMot herCar
e,t
hebody
hearfr
om youisessent
ialt
othem..
Hay
den:
Okay
..

Anur sel
edhim outandthedoct
orcal
l
ed
anothernur
seast heyl
edthebabi
esoutoft
he
room toanot
herhospit
alroom.

Minutesl
aterHaydenlai
dont hebedasthe
nursegav
ehi mthefi
rstbaby.Itwasal
itt
leboy
andapartofhim wasscaredthathemight
dropthet
inybody.
Doct
or:Pl
acehi
m agai
nstyourchestsot
hathe
canabsorbt
hebodyheat.
.
Hedi dsoandtheythengentl
ypl
acedthelit
tl
e
gir
lonhisothersi
deast hetwot
inyhumans
absorbedthei
rfat
her'
sbodyheat.Thedoctor
explai
nedreasonsforsuchandHaydenlooked
athistwobabies.

Thedoct
orhadsaidnot
hingabouthi
sfi
ancee
andhewasgett
ingworr
ied.Hetri
ednott
o
str
esssi
ncehewasholdingthel
it
tl
eonesbut
howwashegoingtocope?

Threehourspassedbefor
ethenursest
ookthe
babies,
sati
sfi
edthatt
heygotthebodyheat
theyneededto.
Thenurselef
tther
oom withthebabi
esaft
er
tel
l
ingHaydentogetchangedandgotothe
pediat
ri
ccareuni
t.

Inlesst han30mi nuteshewast hereast hw

nur seheldhercli
pboar d.Shet
ookaf ew
mi nutestocheckhi m out,i
twasn'tasifshe
didn'tseehismuscl edchestandthet att
oos
ador ni
nghi supperbody .Hewasr eal
lyalooker
andshehadt oadmi tthatReginahhadt hebest
,
j
ustl ookingathim.

Haydenclear
edhisthroatandthenurse
pr
etendedtobelookingatthecli
pboard.
Nurse:
Uhm..
.MrSmit
h,t
hebi
rt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
es
needtobeprepar
ed.
Hay
den:
Whowasbor
nfi
rstbet
weent
het
wo?
Thenur
sel
ookedatt
hecl
i
pboar
d.
Nur
se:
Theboy
..

Hay
dennodded.
Hay
den:
CanIseet
het
imes?

Shehandedhimthecl
ipboardandhet
ooknot
e
oft
hetimes,commit
ti
ngt hem t
omemory
.
Hay
densi
ghed.
Hayden:
HaydenSmi
thJrSmi
thandAv
ery
Cer
iseSmit
h...

Hewai
tedf
ort
henur
set
otaket
henamesdown.
Nur
se:
Sur
e?
Hay
den:
Yes.
..

Heendedl
ett
ingt
hem usehi
slastname
i
nst eadofhi
sf i
rstnameasthei
rsurname.He
remember edthetimeRegi
ewast esti
ngi
tout
usingAvery'
sname.
Hay
den:
CanIseet
hem f
oraf
ewmi
nut
es?
Nurse:ofcourse.Well
theyareunderwei
ghtbut
theywillsurv
ive.
.mostprobabl
ybecausethey
arepremat ur
e.

Henoddedashel ookedathistwobabies.
Dressedupinblueandpi nk.Hesmiledashe
heldthecl
earplasti
clookingatthem.They
weref i
nal
l
yhere.
Hay
den:
Can'
twai
tforyouguy
stomeet
mommy(whi
sper
ing)

Thenursestoodbythedoorandl
ookedathi
m
wit
hhiskidsbefor
ewalki
ngout.
I
nsi
deMsSmi
th'
sroom

Shestaredatthewhi
teceil
i
ng.Hewasn'tr
eal
l
y
goingtosendhertopri
sonright
?Regi
nahwas
fi
neright?Theywer
ejustki
dding.

Shecan'
tgotojail
.Alotoft
hought
srani
nher
mindandshejusthel
dherheadtostopt
he
thi
nki
ng.

Thedooropenedandt
henur
sewheel
edi
na
tr
ayoffood.
Nur
se:
Goodmor
ning.
..
MsSmi
th:
Mor
ning.
..
CanIasksomet
hing?
Nur
se:
Ofcour
semam.
..
MsSmi t
h:Howi
sthepr
egnantl
adyf
rom t
he
acci
dentdoi
ng?
Thenur
se'
sfacechangedandshet
ooknot
eof
that
.
Nur
se:
I'
m notsupposedt
otel
lyoumam.
..

Andt henur
sewal kedout
.Shewasasking
abouthercoll
eaguewhom shehitwithacar
.
Thetearsburnedinthebackofhereyesasshe
walkedawayt oregai
nhercomposure.

Haydenjoi
nedhisuncl
eandBlai
rinthewaiti
ng
room.Blai
rhel
dacupofhotcoffeeandlooked
atHaydenwithasmallsadsmil
e.
Bl
air
:Anynews?
Hay
den:
Thebabi
esar
eokay
.
Bl
airhel
dherchest
.
Bl
air
:ThankGod.
.
Cane:
Goodt
oknow.
Hay
den:
It
'saboyandagi
rl
..
Bl
air
:Congr
atul
ati
ons.
..

Shepausedandsi
l
encef
il
ledt
hespace.
Bl
air
:WhataboutRegi
e(l
owv
oice)

Hay den'
sheartsunkmor e.Theyhadn' tupdated
him aboutherandhowshewas, hewasscar ed
tobehonest .Scar
edoflosingher .Scaredofhis
kidsgrowingupnotknowi ngtheirmot her.
Scaredhewasgoi ngt obreakifhel osther.
Scaredthathissanit
ywillbegonei fshel eav
es.

Canenot
icedtheswi
rlofemoti
onsinhi
sey es
bef
oreHaydenmaskedthem wit
hindi
ff
erence.
Hay
den:
Ihonest
lyhav
enoi
dea.
.t
heyhav
en'
t
sai
dawor
dabouther
..
heckIhav
en'
tev
enseen
her
..
Cane:
Theywi
l
ltel
lussomet
hing,
I'
m hopi
ng
ver
ysoon.
Hay
den:
Yeah.
..

Heslippedhishandsinhispocket
sandwalked
tothenearestwindowstari
ngoutsi
deasothe
people'
sdailyl
iveswentonwhilehi
sworl
d
stoppedjustli
kethat
.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
34*

Att
hehospi
tal

Haydenj
ustmadehiswaytothepedi
atri
ccar
e
uni
tagai
nandcheckedonthebabi
esonce
agai
n.Hesmil
edlooki
ngatthetwoofthem.

Theyweresotinyandhecouldn'
twai
tti
ll
they
gotnor
mal bodyweightbutf
ornowaslongas
theyar
eoutofdanger,hewashappy.

Hel
ookedar
oundandsawot
herbabi
esi
nther
e.

Hewal
kedoutandsatnextt
oCane.
Hay
den:
Any
thi
ngaboutRegi
nah?
Canesadl
yshookhi
sheadandHay
denl
ooked
down

Cane:Gof
reshenup,
abat
handachangeof
cl
otheswi
lldo.
Hay
den:
I'
m okay
..
Cane:
No,i
tmi
ghthel
pcleary
ourmi
nd.I
fther
e
i
ssomethi
ngI
'
llcal
lokay?

Hay
densi
ghedandhenodded.

Mi
nut
esl
aterhewal
kedoutoft
hehospi
tal
.

AtMasa'
shouse

Masar eadthenewsandwat chedthev

ideoof
theaccidentonsoci
almedi
a.Thiswasscary
andthev eryf
actshewaspregnantwasscary
ashell
.Howarepeoplesti
l
lal
lowedtowal
k
scot
tfreeaf
tercausi
ngsuchacci
dent
s?

Shesighedasshehidthephoneinherbagand
conti
nuedreadi
ngforhernextexam.Til
l
ywas
wri
ti
ngandwel lt
heydidn'
thavethesame
opti
onswhichmeantmor eti
met ostudy.

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Hay den'shandsshookashetri
edtounlockthe
door .Hetri
edtoblockt
hetearsbutthey
persistedandfl
oweddownhi scheeks.He
weakl ypushedthedooropenandhisknees
fai
l
edhi mthemomenthewal kedinsi
dethe
house.

Hersof
tscentwr
appedi
tsel
far
oundhi
m ashe
wai
l
ed.

Heplacedhishandonhischest
,tr
yingt oease
hi
sachingheartamidstt
hetear
sbutt hatfai
led
andhefelthi
sheartsi
nkdeeper
.Asi fitwas
madeoflead.

Hedidn'
tknowhowt onumbt hepain,
tomakeit
hur
tanylessbecauseboydi
di thur
t.I
thurtl
i
ke
ali
tt
lebi
tch.Apartofhi
m wantedtobeli
eve
shewasokaybutthedoctor
'ssil
encewasso
l
oud.

Heweakl ytri
edt ostandup,steadyinghimsel
f
withthecouchandheadedt ot hebedroom
wherehewal kedsl owly
.Hislegswer eheavy,
themor eherscentgotst r
onger ,t
hemor e
emot i
onall
ydistraughthebecame.Somet hi
ng
stuckinhisthroatastearsblurredhisperf
ect
vi
sionandhehaddiffi
cult
yinswal
lowing.He
hel
dt hedoorknobashishear
tached.Why
couldn'
ti
thavebeenhim?Nother.

Shedidn'
tdeser
vethi
s.Hepushedthedoor
openslowl
y.Hedidn'
tknowhowt odrownout
thepai
nthathadlef
thim ener
vat
ed.

Moret
earsf
il
ledhiseyesandheswal
l
oweda
hugel
umplooki
ngatthebedasthememori
es
cametopl
ayinhishead.
Hayden:
Fuuu-f
uuuck!Honeycomeback
pl
ease!!
(weakl
y)

Heletgoofthedoorandwalkedtothebed
wherehesatdown,li
keari
ver,t
hetearsfl
owed
downhischeeksandhefoundhimself
cl
utchi
nghischestasmorepainfi
ll
edhisent
ir
e
bei
ng.

AtTheHospi
tal

I
nRegi
e'
sroom

Thedoctorslookedattheirpati
entand
coll
eagueonoxy genpipes.Thiswashard.As
muchasi twaspar tofthei
rjobitwashardto
tr
eather,shehadbeensoheal thyandhappy.

Theywalkedoutwithheavyhear t
seach
headingt
ot hei
roff
iceswonder i
nghowthehell
theyweresupposedt ot
ellherfamil
ywhenthey
arealsof
aili
ngtoacceptreali
tyaswell
and
wereworkingonchanginganunchangeable
real
it
y.
CaneandBl ai
rjustqui
etl
ylookedaround.They
haven'
tgotanupdat eandithasbeenhours
si
nceHay denwasgone.
Bl
air
:Hei
smostpr
obabl
yasl
eep.
Cane:
Heneedst
orest
.
Blai
rpushedherhai
rbackwar
ds.Shesawt
he
doctormakehiswaytothem.Fi
nal
ly
.

Theyqui
ckl
yst
oodupandl
ookedatt
hedoct
or.
Doct
or:
CanIt
alkt
othenextofki
n?

Canequickl
ygothi
sphoneanddial
edHay den'
s
phonethatr
angconti
nuousl
ybef
oreitsenthim
tovoi
cemail
.
Cane:
Hei
sn'
tanswer
ing.
.
Doct
or:
Whenhecomesback,
tel
lhi
mtopassby
myoffi
ce.
Canenoddedanxi
ousl
ywonder
ingwhatnews
thedoct
orhad.

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Hay denwokeupandher ubbedhiseyeshopi

ng
i
thadbeenal l
adr eam andhewassl eepi
ng
nexttotheloveofhi sli
fe.Hisbodyhad
automatical
lykeptitsel
fawayf r
om hersi
deand
hi
shear twasst i
l
lheav y.

Hegotupandmadehi swaytothebat
hroom
wher
ehegotunderthewater.Thet
ear
smi xed
wi
ththewater
,ther
ewasnowayhecoul d
r
emedytheacheinhishear
t.

Mi
nut
esl
aterhecheckedhi
sphoneandf
ounda
missedcal
lfrom Cane.Hecal
l
edback
i
mmedi at
ely
.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o..
Cane:
Thedoct
orhasnews.
Hay
den:
I'
m onmyway
.

Hequi
ckl
ygotdr
essedinfreshcl
othesbef
ore
hewal
kedoutwi
thhiscarkeysandphone.

Att
hehospi
tal

Morethantenminutesl
ater
,Haydenmadehis
waytothewait
ingroom andsawhispat
ernal
f
amilyther
e.
Cane:
Hesai
dhi
sof
fi
ce.
..
Hay
den:
Alr
ight
.
Haydenmadehi
swayt
otheof
fi
ceandt
he
doct
orst
oodup.
Doct
or:
Cany
ouf
oll
owme?

Haydensi l
entl
ydi
dtil
ltheywereout si
dea
hospitalr
oom.Thedoct oropenedthedoorand
Haydenf ol
lowedbehi
nd.Hi sal
readyflail
i
ng
heartdroppedandheswor ehef el
titdropashe
sawt heloveofhi
sli
feonoxy genmachi nes.

Heslowlywalkedupt othebedandlookedat
herbandagedforehead.Shehadafew
scrat
chesonhercheeks, ot
hert
hanthather
facesti
l
llookedangeli
c.

Heranhi
sfi
ngeronhercheekashi
shand
shooksl
i
ght
ly.
Doctor
:Atthemoment,
shecanonl
ybr
eat
h
thr
oughlif
esuppor
t.
Hayden'sheartthathastakenonetoomany
emotionserrat
icall
ybeatatthatsi
mple
sent
ence.

Doct
or:
From ourexams,
theygothert
ool
ate.
Hay
den:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Doct
or:
Shehasheadi nj
uri
es,wel
ltheyar
enot
acut
eunlessofcourset
heyleadtoblood
l
eaki
ngintothebrai
n.

Hay
densi
l
ent
lyl
i
stened.
Doctor:
Bloodhasleakedint
oherbrai
nanditi
s
sti
l
lleaki
ng,iti
sdiff
icul
ttostopi
twhenthe
damagehasal readybeendone.
Hay
den:
Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
ThedoctorsighedandlookedatHaydenhoping
toseeemotionsonhisf acebutnot
hing.That
meanshewasdar ngoodathidingt
hem butthe
doctorhi
mselffai
ledto.Thiswashi
scol l
eague
andshewassol i
vel
y.

Itwasafr
eshwoundandtr
eti
ngher
,havi
ngto
seeherr
eali
tyandhowi
tendedwaspai
nful
.
Doct
or:
Shei
sgone.
..

Haydenonl
yheardthewordgoneanditechoed
i
nhisheadforafewmoment sbefor
ehelooked
att
hedoctoragai
nwithdi
sbeli
ef.
Doct
or:
Wecan'tsaveher,t
hedamagei
sdone
andwecanonlywaitti
l
lthemachi
nesst
opor
weswit
chthem off
..

Hay
den'
sheadspunashi
sreal
i
tywasshookt
o
i
t'
sveryroots.Heheldont ot
hebedforst
abi
l
ity
ashisheartfel
tli
keithadbeenstabbeda
mil
li
ontimesandbl eedingpr
ofusel
y.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
35*

AtTheHospi
tal

Haydensuckedinadeepbr eat
handlookedat
hi
sfiancee.Theyhadsai
dforeverandal
way s.
Thi
scan'tbetheend.Notforthei
rlov
estor
y.
Theysti
l
l hadmor etoli
vefor,
heckshesti
llhad
toenj
oybei ngspoil
edrott
enwithhismoney.He
wassti
llbuildi
ngalegacyforherandhi
skids.
Whatthehel l?

Hay
den:
Iwantasecondopi
nion.

Hesaidwit
hast
rai
ghtf
aceandhi
shandsi
nhi
s
pocket
s.
Doct
or:
Weche-
Hay
den:
Iwantasecondopi
nion!

Herepeat
edwit
hamuchdeeperv
oicet
hat
scar
edthedoct
or.
Doct
or:
Asy
ouwi
sh.
..
Hay
den:
I'
l
lfi
ndonemy
sel
f.
.
Doct
or:
ButSi
-
Hay
dent
urnedt
ofacehi
m.

Hay
den:
Wil
lthatbeapr
obl
em?
Thedoct
orshookhi
sheadandwal
kedout
.

Haydenpull
edachai
rcl
oset
othebedandhel
d
Regi
e'shand.
Hay
den:
Heysugar
..
.(
sof
tl
y)

Heheardt
hatpat
ient
scanrespondt
otouch
andvoi
cesoff
amili
arpeopl
e.
Hayden:
Wehav eagi rl
andaboyangel..
.I
namedourprincessthenamey ouchose.Her
nameisAveryandt hereisSmit
hJrangel.They
can'
twaitt
omeety ou..Ican'
twaitt
oholdyou
agai
ninmyar ms...
Heletgoofherhandandcov err
dhisface.This
washard.Themachineskeptonbeepi ngand
hewasn'tgoingt
obelievethathisoneandonl y
l
if
eli
newasgone. .
hejustcouldn'
tlett
hatsinkin.
I
fneedbe, hewouldaskforat hi
rdopini
ont oo
i
fneedbe.

Hayden:
Youar
estil
lver
ymuchal
i
vesugar
..
I
l
oveyouokayangel
?

Heki
ssedherhandwi
thal
i
ttl
esadsmi
l
e.

Att
hedoct
or'
sof
fi
ce

Hedi
aledaclosef
ri
endwhoanswer
ed
i
mmediatel
y.
Doct
or:
DrMason.
..
Leat
il
elaughedal
i
ttl
e.
Leat
il
e:ot
engmona?
Doct
or:
Sameold,
sameol
d..
.Ineedy
ouropi
nion
onsomethi
ng.
Leat
il
e:Sur
e..
.

Thedoctorwentontoexplai
nev
ery
thi
ngt
oAt
ty
wholi
stenedandtooknotes.
Leat
il
e:I
'
m notabr
ainspeci
ali
st.
.
Doct
or:
Iknowbutweneedasecondopi
nion.
.
Leat
il
echeckedhi
swat
ch.
Leat
il
e:Uhm,
I'
ll
passbykamoso.
..
isi
tokay
?
Doct
or:
Iti
s..
Thanky
ou.
.
Leat
il
e:Shar
p.
Hehungupandt hedoctorsi
ghed.Hewent
overthemedi
calrecor
dsagainandthenotes.
Hopinghemisdi
agnosedherbuteveryt
hing
wasal i
gni
ngandhehadn'tmisdi
agnosedher.
Shewasgone.

Haydenwalkedourofherroom andwalkedt
o
t
hewaiti
ngr oom.Bl
airqui
cklystoodupand
methim hal
fway.
Bl
air
:Whati
sit
?Whathappened?
Haydenj
ustwal
kedpastherandwentt
osi
t
down.

Cane:
Anynewsi
sgoodnewsatt
hispoi
ntr
ight
?
Hay
den:
Appar
ent
lyshei
sgone.

Bl
airpausedandl
ookedathi
m wi
tht
ear
yey
es.
Bl
air
:Whatdot
heymeangone?
Hayden:
Wit
houtt
hemachi
nesshei
sgoodas
dead.
..
Blai
r:
Tel
lmeyoudon'
tbe-
bel
i
evet
hat
?(wi
th
quiv
eri
ngli
ps)
Hay
den:
Idon'
t.
.
Cane:
Aret
heysur
e?
Hay
den:
Ineedasecondopi
nion.
..
Cane:
Wecanf
lyi
nadoct
or.
..
moneyi
snota
pr
oblem.
Hayden:
Iknowt hat
...
Ijustdon'
twantt
obel
i
eve
sheisgone.Justli
kethat..
Bl
air
:OhGod!
!

Blai
rsunkt
othefl
oorandcover
edherface.She
hatedi
twhenbadthi
ngshappenedi
nthef amil
y.
Shehatedi
tsomuch.
Hay
den:
Excuseme.
.

HaydenwalkedoutandCanesadl ywat
ched
hi
m go.Hewasbot tl
i
nginhispainandhedidn'
t
wanthimtoselfdest
ructbecauseitwi
l
lend
badl
y.

Haydenwal
kedinsi
dehi
smot her
'sroom and
st
oodbythedoor.Shel
i
ftedhereyesandnearl
y
j
umpedathissi
ght.
Hay
dencl
appedhi
shands.

Hay
den:
Missi
onaccompl
i
shedr
ight
?
MsSmi
th:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Hay
denchuckl
edbi
tt
erl
yli
ft
inghi
sheadup.
Hay
den:
Wel
lcongr
atul
ati
ons.Hopey
ouknow
t
haty
ouj
ustf
oundt
hedoor
wayt
ohel
l
...

Hewalkedaway .Hewasgoingtomakeher
regr
eteachandev er
ythi
ngshehaseverdone.
Sheisnotwalki
ngawayscottfr
ee.Notinthi
s
l
ifet
ime.

Hay
denj
ustpassedbyt
hewai
ti
ngr
oom.
Hayden:
Thankyouguusforthesupport.You
don'
thavetowait
,thedoct
ortol
dust heir
ver
dict
..

Bl
airst
ood.
Hay
den:
We'll
makei tr
ight
?We'
rej
ustwai
ti
ng
f
orasecondopi
nion.Comeher
e..

HehuggedBl
air
.
Hay
den:
Shewi
l
lbef
ine.
..
Bl
air
:Ipr
ayandhopeso.
.
Hay
den:
Iknowso.

Hesaidmoretohi
mself.Hecoul
dn'tjustl
ose
herl
i
kethat.I
twastooearl
yandtheirstor
yhad
j
ustbegan.

Haydenl
etgoofBl
airandlookedatCanewho
wantedt
osaysomething.
Cane:
Iwentonl
i
nel
ooki
ngf
ordoct
ors.
.
Hay
dengav
ehi
m al
lofhi
sat
tent
ion.

Cane:
Ther
eist
hisdoct
or,
keMot
swana.
.
Hay
den:
Yes.
..
Cane:
Hernamei
sDrRomano.
.
Bl
airt
urnedt
olookatCane.Theywant
edt
ofl
y
i
ntheeDrRomano.
Bl
air
:Asi
nDrAngel
Set
huny
aRomano?
Cane:
Yep.
.
Hay
den:
Thenbyal
lmeans,
letherbecont
act
ed.
Cane:
Oni
t.

Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.

Hesai
dgr
atef
ull
y.
.
.
AWEEKLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
36*

AtTheHospi
tal

AngelwalkedoutofRegi nah'
shospi
talr
oom.
Shesighed.Thiswast hebadpartofbei
nga
doctor
.Hav ingt
odel i
vernews.Badnews
especi
all
y .Thedoctorwhowasonhercasetol
d
herhedidgetasecondopi ni
onfr
om DrMason
andstil
lthesamet hing.

Shefel
tbadbutshehadtobr
eakdownt
he
newsandgobacktoItal
y.

Shewalkedoutwi t
hherstet
hoscopehanging
aroundherneck.Shesmil
edsadly.Fr
om what
sheheardshewasar eall
ysweetsoulandthat
shewasalsoadoct ort
oo,pit
yshewast heone
r
ecei
vi
ngt
reat
ment
.

Shefoundt hefamil
yandt heyal lst
oodup.She
l
ookedatHay denandshecoul dn'treadhi
m at
al
l.Hehadnoemot ionsondi splayandthatki
nd
ofremindedofSandr o.Herhotdev il
.Herarel
y
becanevulnerabl
einpublic,onlyaroundher.

Angel
:
CanIt
alkt
oyou?
Hay
den:
Sur
e..
.

Hay
denf
oll
owedDrRomanot
oRegi
e'
sroom.

Angelsi
ghedandclaspedherhandst
oget
her
l
ookingatHayden.
Haydencouldseet
helooki
nhereyesthati
t
washopeless,
hefel
tsomet
hinggetst
uckinhi
s
thr
oatanditchokedhi
m.Mustbethepain.He
l
ookedtheotherwayandcl
earedhi
sthroat
befor
elooki
ngatAngel.
Angel
:
I'
m sor
ry.
.

Shesaidwit
hhersoftvoice.Evenifshewas
del
icat
eaboutit,i
tdi
dn'thurtanyl
ess.Inf
acti
t
hur
tmor ebecausehelostapr i
cel
essgem.

Angell
ookedathercl
ipboardandpushedher
gl
assesbackbefor
elookingathi
m.
Angel
:
Hay
densi
tdown.
.

Hesatdownandl
ookedather
.Soshewas
r
eal
lygone.
Angel
:Icheckedheroutandwhatwasi
nit
ial
l
y
sai
distrue.
.shei
sbraindead.
Hearingt
hat,torehishear
toutbuthekepta
str
aightf
acelisteni
ngtoAngelexpl
aineachand
everydet
ail
,throwinginmedi
calter
minologi
es
hereandthere.

Angel
:
Anyquest
ions?
Heshookhisheadasheturnedtolookathi
s
l
if
eli
neonthebed.Hesighed.I
twasov er
.She
wasgoneandithur
tli
keal i
tt
lebi
tch.

Angell
ookedatRegi
eandawav
eofsadness
fel
lov
erher.

Shest
oodupandj
usysqueezedhi
sshoul
der
.
Angel:
Iwon'
tsayi
tgetsbetterwi
thti
me
becausei
tdoesn'
t.Somethingsyoul
ear
nto
l
ivewitht
hem.All
t hebest
.
Shewalkedoutleavinghimther
eandhet ri
ed
sobadlynottocry.Hiswholeworldcrashed
l
it
eral
l
yi nfr
onofhi m andhecouldn'
tstopthe
cr
ash.

ThedooropenedandBl
airwal
kedi
n.
Bl
air
:Whatdi
dshesay
?
Haydencouldn'
tevenspeakandhedidn'
twant
t
obr eakdownhere.Theyshoul
dneverseehi
m
weak.
Hay
den:
It
'sov
er.
.

Hesaidandtearsbl
urr
edBlai
r'
seyes.She
shookherhead.Asecondopi
nionfrom oneof
thebestandtheyt
oldhi
mit'
sov er
.Sheisnot
comingback?
Bl
air
:Beser
ious.
.
Hay
den:
Ser
iousasahear
tat
tack.

Bl
aircov
eredhermout hasshebur
sti
ntotear
s.
Haydensil
entl
yli
stenedt
oBlai
r'
ssobswit
hhis
ownheartbreaki
ng.

Meanwhi l
eintheof fi
cethedoctorcompared
thebloodresult
shegotf rom t
helab.Hedidn'
t
knowhowt ogetherf amil
ytoagree.I
twas
solel
yupt othem reall
yandtheyhadnorightto
for
cet hem.Hesi ghed.Thiswashard.

Scottscrol
ledt
hroughReginah'
spict
ureson
Facebookandsighed.Helovedherinsecret
andnooneknew.Butt hatdidn'
tmakeithurt
anyless.Shewasgone.Ther ewasnothi
ngthey
couldreall
ydotobri
ngherback.
Hour
slat
er.
..

Thet i
meHay denl
eftt
heroom, hi
sheartwasso
heav y
,hef eltli
kedyi
ngtoo.Hedidn'
twantto
dot hi
sl i
fethingwit
houther.Shewasthe
reasonf orthishugechangeinhim.Heneeded
togethi shandsonweedmi xedwithsomethi
ng
heav i
er.Thatwashowhewant edtonumbt he
pain..
.

Hesatdownont hebenchesandplacedhis
headinbet
weenhi sl
egs.Hewantedtoscream
andshoutbutnothi
ngcouldn'
tcomeoutofhis
mouth.Hefel
tli
kesomet hi
ngwasstuckinhis
thr
oat.

Thedoct
ormadehi
swayt
ohi
m.
Doct
or:
CanIt
alkt
oyou?
Haydenlookedathim andhewant
edtopunch
hi
mi ntheface.Tal
kaboutwhatwhenthe
motherofhischil
drenwasgoneandwasali
ve
onl
ybecauseofox ygenpipes.

Doct
or:
Ihav
etor
unsomet
hingpasty
ou.
..

Haydenqui
etl
ystoodupandf
oll
owedt
he
doct
ortohi
soffi
ce.

Hay
densatdownandl
ookedatt
hedoct
or.
Thedoctorwant
edt
obecar ef
uli
napproaching
thi
sissueandgi
vei
tthesensi
ti
vi
tyi
tdeserves.

Thedoct
orst
art
edtal
kingandaf t
erhewas
donehel
ookedatHayden.Expecti
ngareact
ion
orananswerbutnot
hing.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
37*

Att
hehospi
tal

Thedoct
or'
sof
fi
ce

Haydenchuckl
edbefor
elooki
ngatt
hedoct
or
wit
hastrai
ghtface.
Hay
den:
No.
Doct
or:
Excuseme?
Hay
den:
No.Si
mpl
east
hat
.Am If
orcedt
odo
t
hat?
Doct
or:
Nobu-
Hayden:
ThenI'
m notdonat
ingRegi
e'
shear
t.
Notnow,notever
.
Doct
or:
Buthumani
-
Hay
den:
Idonotgi
veadamnabouthumani
ty.
Doct
or:
Butshei
sjustal
i
ttl
egi
rl
..
.

Hay
denj
usthel
dhi
msel
fback.
Hayden:IjustlostapersonIcareaboutand
you'r
eal r
eadyr eadytocutheruptogiveher
organs.Knowwhatgi veherheartaway,her
l
iver,herlungs,hekidneys(
sarcast
ical
l
y)
Thedoct
orsawt
heangeri
nhi
sey
esandkept
qui
et.
Doct
or:
Myapol
ogi
es.

Justashewassay i
ngt hatTessa'
sparent
s
walkedi
nsidetheof
ficeandt heyl
ookedat
Haydenthenthedoctor.

Thedoctorshookhi
sheadandMaTessahel
d
backhertear
s.Shewal
keduptoHay
den.
MaTessa:Pl
ease!I
'
m beggi
ngy
ou.Myl
i
ttl
egi
rl
i
sabouttodi-
RaTessa:
Pleasesi
r!

Haydentookonegoodlookatt
hem.Hehadn'
t
evenstar
tedgr
iev
ingandalr
eadypeopl
ewer
e
af
terherbodypar
ts.
Hay
den:
Mydeci
sionst
il
lst
ands.Excuseme.

Hewal kedoutandMaTessasobbedintoher
husband'schest
.Whycouldn'
theseereason?
Tessahadal ottoli
vef
oranditwasn'
tasifit
wil
lchangeany t
hingwi
thRegi
nah'
ssituat
ion.

Thedoct
orlookedatthecoupl
easRaTessa
l
edhiswif
etot hecouchandshewi
pedher
tear
s.

RaTessa:
Heissti
l
lhurt
,wecan'tbombardhim
wit
hsuchwhenhei sst
art
ingtoacceptt
hathi
s
fi
anceei
sgone.
.Heneedstime.
MaTessa:
IknowbutTessa.
..
shedoesn'
thav
e
t
ime.
RaTessasi
ghed.
MaTessa:Wecangi v
ehi mtimetothinkabout
i
tbutTheresadoesn'
thavetime.Sheis
det
eri
orat
ingandwemi ghtloseheranyti
me.
Shecan'
tevendoany t
hing.Doct
orpleasehelp
us.
..

Shelookedathi
m pl
eadi
ng.Mor
etear
sfi
l
led
hereyes.

MaTessa:
Please!Shei
sjustal
i
ttl
egi
rlandher
dy
ingj
ustl
ikethat.
..
Thedoctorl
ookedatTessa'
smot
herasshegot
onherkneesbeggi
nghim.

MaTessa:
Kakopa!We'
l
lpay
,any
thi
ngf
ormy
babyt
oli
ve.
..
Shesai
dast
ear
sst
reameddownherey
es.

Thedoct orwasstuckbetweenar ockanda

hardplace.Hewast ol
dnowhi lether
ewasa
famil
ythatwasdesperatetosav ethei
rli
tt
lwgi
rl
.
Hesighedandr ubbedhisbeard.

MaTessa:
Kamokopel
a!!
RaTessahelpedhi
swifestandonherf
eetand
theyl
ookedatthedoct
or.

Thedoct
orsatdownonhi
schai
randl
eaned
back.
MaTessalookedathi
m wit
htear
yeyes.Her
daught
er'
sli
fewashangi
ngbythethr
eadand
shehadtodowhatshehadtodo.
Doctor:
Imightlosemypr
act
ici
ngl
i
cencef
or
thi
s..
.butokay
.

Awav
eofr
eli
efhi
therasshesmi
l
edt
ear
ful
l
y..

Theythankedthedoctorandwalkedoutofhi
s
off
ice.Hewalkedoutaftert
hem andheadedto
Regie'
sroom.Hest oppedbythedoorwhenhe
sawHay deninsi
de.Hisheartpoundedl
ooki
ng
athim andwhathesaidhewasaboutt odo.

Hewassti
llgr
iev
inganditwasuptoHaydent
o
swi
tchof
fthemachinesornot.Hewal
kedaway.

Haydenheldhisfi
ancee'
shandandf el
tadeep
l
umpi nhisthroat
.Hehadsomucht osaybut
coul
dn'tsayit
.Hewantedtohopethatthemore
hekeptthemachinesontheremightbea
chanceofherwaki ngupbutsheheardwhatDr
Romanosai d.Itwashopeless.Onedaythe
machineswer egonnaswitchoffonherown
becauseitwoul dbeusel
essandhedi dn'
twant
todragherthroughthatt
oo.

Hegotupandmadehi
swayt
othedoct
or'
s
of
fi
ce.

Thedoctorl
ookedupst
art
ledashi
sgui
l
ty
consci
enceseti
n.
Hay
den:
Iwantt
oswi
tchof
fthemachi
nea
t
omorr
ow.
Doct
or:
Ver
ywel
l
.I'
l
lor
gani
sef
ort
hat
.

Haydennoddedandwalkedout.Hewasmet
wit
hBlai
rwholookedhopeless.
Hay
den:
I'
m swi
tchi
ngof
fthemachi
nes
t
omor
rowmor
ning.

Bl
air
'shear
tcr
acked.
Bl
air
:No!
Hay
den:
Imadet
hedeci
sion.I
'
m goi
ngt
ocheck
ont
hetwi
ns.

Hay
denwal
kedawayandwentt
othepedi
atr
ic
war
d.

Thedoct
orcal
ledthel
ocalhear
tsurgeonashe
madearr
angementsfort
onight
.Theywere
goi
ngtodoitt
onight
.

Hewentthrought
hedocumentsandtri
edto
fi
ndthepaperswhereHay
denhadsignedwhen
Regi
nahwasadmi t
tedtot
hehospit
al.
Hecov
eredhisface.Hi
sguil
tyconsci
enceset
i
nanditconsumedhim ashedidthat
.
.
.
*
*

Ani
nser
tlat
er.Iknowt
hisi
sshor
t.
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
38*

AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Hay
denwal
kedar
oundt
hehouseast
hepai
n
set
tleddeepi
nhischest
.Ofcour
seithur
t,he
hadjustl
ostt
heloveofhi
sli
feandhewas
abouttopul
lthepl
ug.

Hepausedthought
ful
l
yashesear
chedhi
s
pocket
sforhi
sphone.

Hewentthroughhiscont
acts.Heneededt o
numbitdown.Themor eheinhaledherfai
nt
per
fumeandt hefactt
hatherclotheswereher
e
andevery
thi
ngjustmadeithurtmuchmor e
worse.

Hedi
aledt
henumberandt
heper
sonanswer
ed.
Hay
den:
Weedpl
uscocai
ne.
.makei
tfast
.
Hi
m: Okay
.It
'sshor
tnot
ice,
you'
l
lhav
etopay
more.
Hay
den:
Nopr
obl
em.
Hehungupandr anhishandt hr
oughhishair
l
ookingaroundwi t
htear si
nhiseyes.Hebithi
s
l
owerliptryi
ngtostopt hesoundfrom escapi
ng
butthelat
terwonandhewasonhi skneesin
secondsholdingontothesofacryi
ng.

Hisheartcoul
dn'
ttakei
tanymore.Hel
osther
.
Shewasgonej ustl
iket
hat.Hehadtodr
ownin
out.Hi
swhol el
if
eli
nedi
ed.

Allbecauseofonesel
fi
shwoman.Heknewhe
wasgoi ngtodealwi
thher
,heneededt
otr
yand
getthroughthi
s.

Hisbel
l
owedcriescouldbeheardf
rom ahouse
near
byandtheyjustknewthatamancried
whenhehadreachedhisbreaki
ngpoi
nt.For
hi
mtocryli
kethatmeantt
hathewasreal
l
yhurt
andt
heyheart
sachedforwhoev
erwascryi
ng.

Haydencouldn'
tcontrolhist
ears.Hecoul
dn'
t
i
magineli
fewi t
houther.Ital
mostseemed
i
mpossibl
et oli
vewithouther.Hisphoner
ang
uncont
rol
lablyonthesofaashecr ied.

Att
hehospi
tal

Thedoctorcomparedthetwosi
gnat
uresand
theyl
ookedident
ical
.Howwashegoingtodo
thi
swithoutt
hem noti
cing?

I
twoul dl
ookdodgyi ftheyfi
ndthemachines
offsowhatiftheyswi t
chthemachineaoffand
theydoanon-beati
nghear ttr
anspl
anteven
thoughafreshbeathingheartwoul
d'vebeen
muchmor
esui
tabl
eint
hissi
tuat
ion.

Eit
herway,heprayednottogetcaught.The
famil
ylookedapdesperatefort
hei
rchildtol
ive
andhehadt ohelpthem somehow.Itwasjusta
chil
d.Achil
d.

AtMsSmi
th'
shouse

Shej ustsatinherhousestari
ngatthewhi t
e
wall.Shecoul dn'
tevendri
nk.Therewasav oice
thatkeptt el
l
ingherhowwr ongshewasand
thayshewasev i
l
.ThatimageofHay deninthe
darkr oom wasst i
ll
stucki
nherheadandshe
alway smadesur eshelockedalldoorsand
everything.

Hewasbl
uff
ingr
ight
?Itj
ustdi
dn'
tfeel
li
kea
bluf
f.Thei
ntercom r
ingi
ngmadeherj
umpand
sheheldherheart
.

Shesuckedinadeepbr eathandmadeherway
tothedoorwhereshepr essedthebuttonsnext
tothedoorwhi
leherhear tski
pped.Thegate
openedandsheanxiouslywaitedfortheperson
toshowthemselves.

Thedooropenedandshel
ookedatt
heof
ficer
oft
helawashehandedherbigbr
ownenvelope
bef
orewalki
ngaway.

Shecl
osedthedoorandl
ockedi
tbef
ore
cl
osi
ngthegate.

Shesli
ddownt
hedoorandopenedt
he
envel
ope.
Shereadwhatwaswr i
ttenandsheknewher
l
ifewasoveral
ready
.Shehel dbacktear
s.Was
ther
eanywayshecouldstophimf r
om doing
thi
s?Shewashismot her,hehadtofeel
forher
ri
ght.

Shenoddedherheadl
ikeamadpersonasshe
quickl
ystoodupal
mostfal
li
ngonherbut
t
beforeheadi
ngtot
hebedroom t
owearher
shoes.Wherewashel
ikel
ytobe?

Sheranoutofherhouseandopenedt
hegat
e
bef
orewalki
ngtoReginah'
shouse.

Sheopenedthegateandsawhi scarther
e.
Ther
ewasst il
lhope.Sheknockedonthedoor
andknocked.Therewasnoanswer .
.
Shesi
ghedandwal
kedaway
.

Meanwhil
eHay densati
nt hespareroom
bl
owingupthesmoke, t
ryi
ngt oforgetwhatwas
happeni
ngaroundhisli
fe.
.i
nhislif
e..
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
39*

AtRegi
nah'
shousei
ntheear
lyhour
soft
he
mor
ning

Haydentossesashemur muredsomethi
ng.He
openedhiseyesandalmostj
umpedseei ng
Reginahonthebed.Shegavehim oneofher
pret
tysmil
es.
Regi
nah:
Heyl
ove.
.

Herubbedhi
seyesaski
nghimselfi
fheis
drr
eamingort
hedrugsgothi
m hall
uci
nat
ing.
Shewasgone.Shecan'
tbehere.

Shej
ustmovedherl
egsupanddownbef
ore
si
ghi
nglooki
ngathi
m si
tt
ingupr
ight
.
Regi
nah:
You'
l
lbej
ustf
ine.

Shewassi
tt
ingonhersi
deoft
hebed.
Regi
nah:Thankyout
hewonder f
ulyearyougave
me.Itwasoneofthebestyearsofmyl i
fe,
now
youhavetoletmego.I
'm okaywhereverIam H.

Shesai
dwit
hapur esmil
e.Al
mostangel
i
cev
en.
I
tall
seemedpeaceful
.

Reginah:
Wehav etwobeautif
ulbabies.Take
careofthem.Iknowy ou'
ll
bedaddyoft heyear
.
Justpromisemet hatyouwon'thurtyoursel
f
l
ikethis,
I'
m wait
ingtogotoabet terplace.I
'
m
atpeaceandy ouhavealottoliv
ef or
.

Shestoodupfrom thebedinal
lwhit
eand
wal
kedt ohi
sside,shekneel
edbefor
ehim
hol
dinghishands.

Hay
dencoul
dn'
tbr
inghi
msel
ftobel
i
evei
t,she
seemedsor
eal
thathecoul
dact
ual
l
yfeel
her
touch.
Reginah:You'r
enothallucinat
ing(smil
ing)Il
ove
youokay ?Takecar eandl i
vey ourbestli
femy
l
ov e.Letourbabieabet heretomendy our
brokenheart,I'
m sorr
your shadt oendl i
kethi
s.
Yousai dti
lldeathdoesusapar tanditdi
d.We'l
l
meeti nanotherli
fe.

Shestoodupandki ssedhi
scheekbef
ore
walki
ngaway .Shel
ookedbackandthrewan
angel
icsmilehiswaybefor
eitseemedli
keshe
di
sappeared.

Thi
sti
meHaydenj
umpedf
rom t
hebedi
nshock
asher
ubbedhi
seyes
Hewasdreamingt
hathewasnexttoRegi
e.
Whydidi
thavetoend?Helookedar
oundt
he
r
oom andnothi
nghadchanged.I
twasadream
buthehel
dhi
shear
tashebr
eat
hedi
nandout
.

Hewasj ustdreaming.Hi
ssubconsci
ouswas
thi
nkingabouthersomucht hathedr
eamtal
l
ofthat.

Hegotof ft
hebedandmadehi swayoutofthe
spareroom.Heheadedt othebedroom andthe
factt
hayherfai
ntperfumewasl i
ngeri
nginthe
airwasenoughreminderthathi
sli
feli
newas
gone.

Heheadedstrai
ghttot
hebathr
oom andgot
nakedbefor
egoingundert
heshower.The
memoriescamef l
oodi
ngbackandhecried
undert
hewat er
,washegoingt
obethesame?

Hest
oodt
her
ethi
nki
ngwheni
tcl
i
ckedt
hathe
al
sohadt wohumanbei ngst
olookafter
.They
won'tknowthei
rmotherbuthe'
l
l t
ellt
hem one
day.Theonl
ywayf orwardwastolookaft
er
HaydenJrandAv er
y..
.

Shelef
tthem andtheyhadapar tofher.He
l
eanedbackast hewaterdrizzl
edacrosshi
s
pect
oralmuscles.Notdrugsmay be.Maybe
moreink.
..
thepainoverpain.

Hesi
ghedast
hewat
erwasheddownhi
stear
s.

Att
hehospi
tal

Bl
airandCanear
ri
vedbef
oreHay
denandBl
air
si
ghed.
Bl
air
:Thi
sisi
t.
Cane:
Iguessso.

Blai
r:
Letmegoseet hwt wi
nsI'
llbeback.She
walkedaway.Thebabiesweregetti
ngstronger
eachdayandmostpr obabl
ybyt heendofthis
mont ht
heywill
beall
owedt otakethem home.

Shewasgoi ngtohelpHaydenwiththeki dsto

rel
iev
et heweightonhisshoul
ders.Sti
llatthat
,
theyalsohadtonotif
ythefamil
yabout
every
t hi
ngbutfornow,Haydenwasst il
l
gri
evinghisfi
anceeandtheyhadt orespectthat
.

Haydenarri
vedanhourlateratt
hehospital
and
madehi swaytothedoctor'
soffi
ce.He
knockedonthedoorbeforewalki
ngin.The
doctorpani
ckedwhenhel ai
dhiseyeson
Hayden.
Haydensuspi
ci
ousl
ylookedathi
m bef
orehe
si
ghed.
Hay
den:
Canwedoi
tnow?
Doct
or:
Ofcour
se,
ofcour
se.

Haydenfoll
owedt hedoctoroutoft
heof
fi
ceas
theyheadedtoRegie'
sroom.CaneandBlai
r
sawthem thentheyfol
lowedt hem.

Haydenhel
dherwarm handonemor
eti
me
bef
oreki
ssi
ngherfor
ehead.

Doctor:
Sheisbr
aindeadandther
eisnothi
ng
thatcanbedone.Oncethemachi
nesareoff
herheartst
opsbeati
ng.
Haydennoddedandt hedoctorwalkedtothe
machines.Hedidn'
tknowhowhewasgoi ngto
pulloffasur
gerynowt oremoveherheartif
theyfamil
yli
ngeredaroundmuchlonger.

Heswi t
chedof ft
hemachi nesandthey
watchedtheheartbeatdroptozero.Hayden
suckedinadeepbr eat
hashi sgothot.Tear
s
burnedatthebackofhisey esbuthewas
aroundpeople.Theyshouldn'
tseehim weak.

Helookeddownbefor
ehelookedupagai
nand
si
ghed.Blai
rcov
eredhermout
hasthetear
s
fl
oweddownhercheeks.

Hay
denwal
kedf
orwar
d.
Hay
den:
Letmedoi
t.
.
Hel
ookedatherangel
i
cfeat
uresoncemor
e.
Hay
den:
Iloveyoumyangel
.For
everandal
way
s.
Gowel
lsugar.
.

Heheldthesheetandlookedather
,hehadso
mucht osaybuthejustcover
edherwi
ththe
sheetandkepti
talli
nside.
Hay
den:
Resti
npeacesweetangel
.

Hefi
nal
lysai
dandsteppedback.Hewal
kedout
oft
heroom af
tert
hat.

CaneheldBl
airastheywal
kedoutoft
her
oom
andthedoct
orsli
dhisphoneout
.
Doct
or:
Theysi
gnedt
hepaper
s,wecangether
hear
t.
Hehungupandlookedar
oundbef
orer
ubbi
ng
hi
shandsonhi
scoat .

Hewalkedoutoftheroom.Theyhadtomov e
herandbefastbef
orethefamil
yaskedfor
them t
osendherbodytothemor t
uary
.

Lat
ert
hatev
eni
ng

Haydensatdownont herugandlookedar
ound.
Hedidn'
thavetheener gytopackupherst
uff,
hewasalreadyshutt
er edhimsel
fandnowhe
hadtobestrongfortheinnocenthumansthat
onl
yhadhim astheirnextofkin.

Hecover
edhi
sface.Funer
alarr
angement
shad
t
obedone.Theyhadtoseeifshehadawil
land
i
fshehadwhat'
swhat.
Everyt
hing.Buthewasgoi ngtobuythi
shouse.
Hewon' tlett
hememor i
esf adeaway.Hewas
goingtobuyt hi
shouseandkeepi tasan
i
nherit
ancef orhi
adaughter.Maybe.

Helookedaround.Itfeltsodi ffer
entandhe
wassoempt y.Itwasnotani cefeeling.Thel ast
ti
mehef el
tli
ket hi
s,hel ostal l
directionand
mether.Shekeptongoi ngonandonabout
thi
nki
ngofherasasi ster.Asmal lsmi l
ecame
onhisli
ps.Shewasal way shisv oiceofr eason
andhewasgoi ngtomi sst hat.

Cal
li
ngherwhenevert
heywant edtotal
kand
j
ustdoi
ngstuffwit
hher.Hedidn'
thavethe
st
rengt
htogot hr
oughherpict
ures,t
hatwoul
d
br
eakhim ev
enmor eatthi
spoint.
Att
hehospi
tal

Thedoct orssmil
edaf tertheyhadsuccessfull
y
takenoutReginah'shear t
.Shewasst i
tchedup
andalreadycleaned.Alltheyhadtodowast ake
herbodyt othemor t
uar ynow.Anotherli
fewas
goingtobesav edbyt histhat'
sforsur
e.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
40*

2day
slat
er
Att
hehospi
tal

Tessaopenedhereyesandshesawher
parent
slooki
ngatherwit
hhopeinthei
rey
es.

Hermotherqui
ckl
ywentt
ogetagl
assofwat
er
andgav
ei tt
oher.

Herfatherf
ixedupherpi
l
lowasshet
ri
edtoait
upri
ghtbuttherewasadull
pai
nonherchest
.It
fel
tli
keshehadbeencut.

Shepeekedinsi
dethehospi
tal
gownandsaw
thesti
tchest
hayranal
ongherchestar
eaand
gasped.
Hermot
hersmi
l
ed.
Tessa:
Igotahear
t?
MaTessa:
Yes.
.
Tessa:
thankGod!

Tearsbl
urr
edherey esandthathappi
nesswas
al
lthatmatt
ered.Regardl
essofwhattheydi
d.
Aslongastheirbabywasgood,itwasokay.
Tessawipedhertear
saway
.Theyhavebeen
wait
ingforyear
sforamomentl
iket
hisandshe
fi
nall
ygotone.
Tessa:
Ist
hedoct
orar
ound?
MaTessa:
Whi
chdoct
or?
Tessa:Regi
emama,soIcantel
lherIgotanew
heartandwill
beget
ti
ngoutofhospi
tal
.

Thet
wopar
ent
slookedateachot
herand
si
ghed.Theyhadrehearsedwhattheywoul
d
sayaboutthatr
egar
dless,theywer
en't
expect
ingthi
squesti
ont hi
ssoon.

MaTessa:
Uhm baby
?
Tessa:
Hmm.
..
MaTessa:Youknowt
hedoct
orwasaboutt
o
hav
ebabiesri
ght?
Tessanodded.Shedi
dn'
tl
ikehermot
her
'st
one
onebit
.
MaTessa: Shegoti
ntoanacci
dentand
unfor
tunatel
ythedoctor
scoul
dn'
tsaveher
,but
theysavedthebabi
es.
Tessa:
Whatdoest
hatmean?

Hermot hersi
ghed.Ther
ewasnowayt heywere
t
ell
ingTessashehadRegi nah'
shear
t.She
wouldfeelgui
lt
yandalsoitwasasecretthey
wouldtaketothegrav
e.Therewasazer
o
probabi
li
tyofTessaevermeeti
ngany
one
rel
atedtoReginah.
MaTessa:
Shei
sgone.
.

Tessagaspedbef
orecover
inghermouthi
n
shock.Shewasgone.Shedidn'
tev
ensay
goodbyetoher
.
Tessa:
It
'sapr
ankri
ght,
shei
sgoi
ngt
owal
kin
anymomentfr-
fr
om nowri
ght
?

Herfatherjustwalkedoutast heguil
tlai
d
heavi
lyonhi m.Theyswor et
heyweregoi ngt
o
takethissecrettothegr avebutwhatif?Whatif
?
Whati fi
tallblowsupi nt hei
rfacesandTessa
i
scaughti nthecr ossf
ire?

Att
heSmi
th'
s
Hay denwasgr at
efulf
orCanehav ingt al
kedt o
thef amily
.Theywer egoingtolayRegi naht o
restt hi
sweekendwhi chwasst art
ingt hatday
sincei twasaFr i
dayandshor t
lyafterthat,he
waagoi ngtothehospitalf
orthetwi ns.They
seemedt obeokayandhewasn' tsur ehowhe
wasgoi ngtodot hi
sparenti
ngthingal onebut
well hehadt hesupportofthewhol efamily.

Byt helooksofit
,every
onehadsomuch
respectforhi
sdadandt heyhadlongbeen
waitingforhi
ssont ocomehome.Hehat edhi
s
mot hermore,fort
akingawayt heonethi
ngthat
hadst art
edtomakesensei nhismessedupli
fe.

Hesatont hebedatthebedr
oom hewasgi
ven,
t
othinkthattheyweregoi
ngtocomeheret
o
t
alkabouttheirweddi
ngnott
oburyher
.
Hecover
edhi
sfacewithhishands.Hedi
dn'
t
knowhowtogett
hroughthis.

Adoorknockdist
urbedhi
sthought
sandoneof
t
heolderaunt
softhefamil
ywalkedin.

Hel
ookedupandshesmi
l
edsy
mpat
het
ical
l
y.
Aunt
:Hi
,canIt
alkt
oyouf
oramoment
?
Hay
den:
Ofcour
se.

Hestoodonhiaf
eetandfol
l
owedher
.They
st
oppedbythepassage.
Aunt
:Hanekentsekesut
lhamoswi
,Isaw
somethi
ngwei
rd.

Hay
denl
ookedatherconf
used.
Aunt
:Notthec-
sect
ionscar
,ngng.
.gonal
e
l
ebadil
elengweandit'
sfr
esh.
.
Hay
denwai
tedf
orhert
ocont
inue.
Hayden:I
trunsnex
ttoherhear
tandi
t'
sst
il
lred
andfresh.
.

Hay
denf
rowned.Herhear
t?Ascar
?

Theaunt
ysl
i
ppedherhandbet
weenherbr
east
s.
Aunt
:Ot
lai
ntshwar
elamot
logol
o..
.

Sher emovedherphoneandwentt othegal

ler
y
whereshehadsnappedaf ewphot osof
Reginah'schest
.Shedidn'
texpectHay dent
ogo
seeher ,
hewasst il
lhur
ti
ngandi twouldonl
y
causeal otofgri
efandsorrowforhim whenhe
wast ry
ingtocope.
Haydenlookedatt
hepictur
eclosely
.Shewas
ri
ghtanditl
ookedfr
esh.Hissuspici
onsrose
andhelookedbackathisaunt
.
Aunt
:It
houghty
ouknewsomet
hingabouti
t.
Hayden:
Idi
dn'
t.Thanky
ou.Uhm,
sendt
he
pi
ctur
esI'
ll
seewhattodo.
Aunt
:Al
ri
ght
.

Shewasaboutt
owal
kawaywhenshest
opped
i
nhertr
acks.
Aunt:
Ogomotsege,
shel
eftt
wobeaut
if
ul
chi
ldr
enfory
ou.

Hay
denj
ustnoddedandt
heauntwal
kedaway
.

Hewi
l
lseet
hisaf
tert
hef
uner
ali
sfi
nal
i
sed.
Thati
swhathewasgoi
ngt
odo.

Hewalkedbackt
ohisroom wher
ehesatonthe
bedandscrol
l
edthr
oughthepict
uresandal
l
.

AtMasa'
shouse

Herfatherreadthelet
terandhewasgl adthey
responded.Unfort
unatel
yt heyhadsaidthey
hadaber eavementandt hattheywi
llschedule
ameet i
ngoncet hedustset tl
ed.

Itseemedasi
fthi
ngswon' tbethatbad
alt
houghhehadwishedthathisdaughterhad
neverfal
l
enpr
egnantbutithadalready
happened.
Masasatintheroom wit
hTil
lyasshenar
rat
ed
whathappenedatthepensdownparty
.
Ti
l
ly:
Gonegol
ebusyMasa!
!
Masa:Bat
hong!!Imi
ssedoutbutIdi
dn'
tmi
ss
outbutImissedouyyougetme?
Ti
l
ly:
Owai,whi
l
ewai
ti
ngforFebruar
y,I
'
llbei
n
Maun,gat
wegoahappenerkaDecember.
Masa:yoh!Yoh!Don'tmakememi sspart
ying
you.KanaaroundDecemberIusedt obein
Gabsmma, chi
ll
step,Bl
ack,
Soci
alkeoreyoh!
Ti
l
ly:
Aski
es.
.(
laughi
ng)
Masa:
Fosek!

Theyl
aughedast
heyt
alked.
Ti
l
ly:
Howi
smygodbabydoi
ng?
Masa:
Shei
sgood.Doy
oudr
ink?
Ti
l
ly:
Onl
ywi
nedar
li
ng,
gadi
cidermoo.
.ngng.
.
Masa:
Whowoul
d'
vet
hought
..
.
Til
l
y:Idr
inkoccasi
onall
y
so..
.(
shruggi
ng)I
maginekejaal
lowance
mntase..
fashi
onsense,theewi
nesdarl
i
ng.
.
Masa:
Fashi
onmyl
ove.
.
Ti
l
ly:
Tol
i
feandhappi
ness.
..
Masa:
Ift
hisbabywi
l
lal
l
owmet
obehappy
..
.
Ti
l
ly:
What
ever
,you'
regonnamakei
thun,
trust
me.
Masa:
We'
l
lseekaFebr
uar
yneh.
.

From ther
eont
heysnappedphotosandTill
y
forcedMasatost
andforful
lbodypict
ures.
Til
ly
:Mat
il
dathephot
ogr
apherher
e,
acknowl
edgemewhenyoupostthem.
.
Masa:
Iwon'
tpostt
hem.
Ti
l
ly:
Ngng.
.omont
le,
mat
hat
ankoe
masweny
ana.
.
Masa:
WaswabaMat
il
dah.Mxm!

Mat
il
dal
aughedandMadadi
dtoo.

AtLet
so'
shouse

ShesatonherbedasshesetupherI
nstagr
am
account
.School
wasdoneforandshewasa
100%sureshedidwel
l,
noquesti
onsasked.

Aftersetti
ngitup,shefollowedherf avour
it
e
celebsandsear chedprofileaofpeopleshe
knew.ShesawMasa' sI nstagram andpaused.
Sheclickedoni tandMasahadj ustuploaded
pictur
esofherpr egnantsel f
.Wasshenot
embar rassedofpostingpicturesofhersel
f
pregnantwhenshewasst ill
underage?Tot he
publ
i
cev
en?

Sher
oll
edherey
esassher
eadt
hecapt
ion.

" Beabutterfl
yandfl
yhi
gher
.Bt
wIwas
f
orcedtopostthesebyt
heegodmot
her
,check
t
helastfr
ame "

Letsoscrol
ledtothesecondtolastfr
ameas
theysmiledatthesel
fi
ecam, t
hent helast
framehada30secondv i
deooft hem doing
absolut
elynothi
ngbutsmili
ngandpout ing.

Shecl
i
ckedonMat
il
da'sprof
il
eaf
tershe
commentedi
mmedi
ately
.

Shewentt
hroughherpi
ctur
esandshesawt
he
pict
urestheyhadt oget
her.Overashorteriodof
ti
meandt heyal
readyhadal otofpict
ures
together
?Suchf r
iendshi
psusuallysmel l
edf ake
from amileaway.Theyaren'tgoi
ngt olast,she
couldbetherlastmoneyoni t.

Sheconti
nuedsear
chi
nguppeopl
esheknew
onInst
agram.

Att
heSmi
th'
s

Thatev eni
ng,Reginah'
scasketwaspl acedi n
theloungeassomeoft heladiessatont he
fl
oorandt hemensatont hechairs.Hay den
quietl
ysatdowni nanal l
blackout f
it
.Hewasn' t
goingtodisrespecthisl
ove'slastmemor iesby
wearingjeans.Hisblacksil
kshirtwasneat l
y
tuckedinhisblackpants.Theysaidt hiswasan
allni
ghtv i
gil
beforetheburial
.
Al ocalpastorhadbeencall
edandalthoughje
didn'tbel
ieveinanyrel
i
gion,hel
ist
enedashe
talkedaboutt heaf
terl
i
fe.Hejustwantedhis
angel toresti
npeace.That'
sall
.

BlairlookedupatHay denandhel ookedso

emot i
onlesst hatonewoul dquest i
onifhewas
evengr ieving.Shelookeddownasshewi ped
thet earsthathadescapedherey es.Cane
l
istenedandhesi ghed.Thiswashar dfor
Hay denandheknewhewasn' tgoingt oshow
emot i
onatal l.Hesighed.Hedi dn'tknowhow
theywer egoi ngtohelphim getov erthisori
fhe
wasev ergoi ngtogetov erthi
s.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
42*

AtTheSmi
th'
s

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Haydenl oadedhisbagsintothecarbeforehe
wentt osaygoodby etothefamil
y.I
twasst i
ll
fr
eshbutt hentherewerethetwinstothinkof,
seeifRegiehadawi l
l
,thehouseandthatissue
wit
ht hescararoundherhear t
.

Hehadsomucht
odot
henhehadt
ogobackt
o
school
.Atthi
spointhewasn'
tgoingtoleav
e
schoolwhenshehadaskedhim notto,
leavi
ng
wouldbeli
kedisr
espect
ingherwishes.

Hehuggedther
estofthef
ami
l
ymember
s
bef
orehuggi
ngBlai
r.
Bl
air
:Hav
easaf
ejour
ney
.
Hay
den:
Iwi
l
l.Thanky
ou.

HehuggedCaneandl
ethi
m go.
Cane:
Wil
lseey
oui
naf
ewday
s.
Hay
den:
Ofcour
se.

Hewalkedbacktohi
scarandtheywav
edat
hi
m.Hesmi l
edabitt
hrought
hepainashegot
i
nsideandst
art
edthecar.
Anhourlaterhedroveasitstartedtoshower
sl
ightl
y.Heswi t
chedtheradioont otackl
ethe
si
lencethatseemedt odepresshersomemor e.
Thesongt hathadbeenplayingendedasanew
onebegun.Het ri
edtoignorethepaininhis
chestasCelineDion'
sMyHear tWil
lGoOn
playedandthewor dshi
tav eryopenwound.

Hedrov
eofft
her oadandparkedundera
near
bytr
eeastearsfel
ldownhischeeks.

Lov
ewaswhenIl
ovedy
ou
Thatt
ruet
ime,
Ihol
dyou
I
nmyl
i
fey
ou'
l
lal
way
sgoon
Near
,farwher
every
ouar
e
Ibel
i
evet
hatt
hehear
tdoesgoon
Oncemor
e,y
ouopenedt
hedoor
Andy
ou'
reher
einmyhear
t
Andmyhear
twi
l
lgoonandon

Hehel dt
hest
eeringwheelti
ghtl
yashottear
s
rol
leddownhischeeks.Shewasheretoshow
him howtogoon?Hedi dn'
tunderst
andwhyhe
l
ovedhersomuchj ustforhert
oleavehi
m here.

Thef amil
iarheavyfeel
ingsinhischestcame
backt ent
imesst r
ongerandt hetearsdi
dn't
stop.Thesongr eachedit'
spinnacleandit
seemedt ojusthurthim more,awhol el
if
eti
me
withouther?Awhol efucki
nglifet
imewithout
her?

Itseemedsur
real
andhealwayswishedi
twas
allabaddr
eam.Justani
ghtmarehewill
wake
upfr
om onl
ytor
eal
i
set
hati
twasandi
twi
l
lst
il
l
behi
sreal
it
y.

Hewi pedhist
ear
sbuttheyst
il
ltr
ickl
eddown
hischeeks.Hest
art
edthecarandjoi
nedthe
road.Hehadanhourandahalftogetbackto
Franci
stown.

Att
hehospi
tal

Tessal ai
dawakeont hebedwai t
ingforthe
nursetobr i
ngherf
ood.Shest i
ll
couldn'tbel
i
eve
shehadanewhear t
.Shef el
tokay.Dif
ferent
may bebutithasbeenal ongsi
nceshehada
healthypumpinghear
t .

Shewishedshecouldt
ell
thepr
ett
ydoct
orthat
shehadaheart.Shewoul
dbesohappyforher
andshefeltsadthatthedoctordi
dn'tmeether
babi
es.Shewasgenui nelyexci
tedabouther,
mogonnaaker e?(y'al
lareshi
tt
ingonme
ri
ght
?)Lelenyat
sot hata.
.

Hest oodup.Hedidn'
tneedtoquestionhi
mt o
knowhedi dit.Hepi
ckeduptheforged
si
gnat ur
edocumentsandstoodupi nhisal
l
blackoutfi
t.

Hayden:Seeyoui
njai
lforor
ganharv
est
ingor
whatevercri
meyou'
ll
bei nj
ail
for
.

Hay
denpaused.

Hayden:
Andoh, i
fther
eareanyotheri
ll
egal
cr
imes,I
'ldef
ini
tel
ydigthem out
.Enj
oyfreedom
whil
eitl
asts.
Hewal kedpasthi m andwalkedout.The
doctor'
skneesshooksohar dandhest r
uggled
tobreath.Ital
lcamebackt obitehi
mi ntheass
andhar d.Hewasn' tsur
ely19ri
ght?A19y ear
olddidn'thavethatmuchpower .Heknew
people,may beheshouldstartmakingcall
s.

Heheldontothewallashemadehiawaytohi
a
desk.Thedocumentsweregone.Hi
shands
shookastheprosoectofj
ail
ter
ri
fi
edhi
m.He
quickl
ydi
aledTessa'
sparent
s.

MaTessaanswer
edi
mmedi
atel
y.
MaTessa:
Hel
l
o?
Doct
or:
Hef
oundout
..
.
Thel
i
necut
.
Doct
or:
Hel
l
o?Hel
l
o!!
Hetr
ieddi
ali
ngi
tagai
nbuti
tdi
dn'
tgot
hrough
now.

Meanwhil
eoutsi
deTessa'shospi
tal
room Ma
Tessal
ookedatherhusband.
MaTessa:
Gat
weheknows.
RaTessa'
smout
hgapedopen.
MaTessa:Whatdowedo?Wehav
etomov
e
Tessaawayfr
om her
e..
.
RaTessa:
Wemi
ghtgot
ojai
l
..

Shebi
thernai
l
s.
MaTessa:AndTi
aissoy
oungand
Tessa.
..
(t
eary
)
RaTessa:
Ifwer
unweshowt
hatwear
egui
l
ty.
.
MaTessa:
Butwear
egui
l
ty.
.ohmyGod!
!
Tear
sblur
redhereyesasherhusbandpul
l
ed
heri
ntohi
sembrace.
MaTessa:
Wepai
dhi
m a-
andohgosh.
..

Shel
etgoofherhusbandandwi
pedhert
ear
s.
MaTessa:
Letmecal
lmysi
ster
..
.

Shet
ookherphoneoutanddi
aledhersi
ster
's
number
.

Sheexpl
ainedtoherwhatwashappeni
ng.Her
si
sterdi
dn'twantt
ogetinv
olv
edbutsheli
ter
all
y
beggedher.
MaTessa:
Please,
foray
earort
woi
nCanada.
.
Her
:Whati
ftheycomef
orme?
MaTessa:
Tessai
sinnocenti
nal
lof
t
hese.
.pl
ease!
Her
:Fi
ne,bookafl
ightf
orherwit
hapriv
ate
nur
sebecauseherhear
tsurger
yiast
il
lnew.
MaTessa:
Thanky
ou.

Shehungupandl
ookedatherhusband.
MaTessa:
Let
'
sgetTessaoutofher
e.

Herhusbandnodded.

Meanwhi l
einthedoct
or'
soff
ice,
hefinall
y
askedaroundaboutHaydenSmithandhishear
t
poundedmor e.I
twasnotknownbutf r
om hi
s
quickaski
nghewasKennedySmi th'
sson.

Chil
lsrandownhi
sspine.Kennedywast
he
countr
y '
smostwant
ed.Hewasadangerous
manandhissonjustthr
eat
enedhi
m.Heknew
aboutt
hetimeKennedywasarr
est
ed.I
twas
newsallov
er.

ThedooropenedandTessa'
spar
ent
swal
kedi
n.
Theysawt
hewor ryont
hedoct
or'
sfaceand
theyi
mmediat
elyknewshi
twasaboutt
ogo
down.

Thedooropenedonceagai
nandHay
den
wal
kedinholdi
nghisson.

Hechuckl
ed.
Hayden:
Ohjusti
nti
mef ory
ouguy
stodi
scuss
yourpl
ans.Wonder
ful
.
RaTessa:
Sonpl
easef
orgi
veuswedi
dwhathe
hadt
odo.Ourchi
ldwasdyi
ng.
Hayden:
Well
notmyproblem ri
ght?Ev
eryone
di
esandther
eisnotalotthatcanbedone..
.

Thewayhesai
dthat
,theyknewhewashur
ti
ng.
Hayden:Wel
l
,IguessIshoul
dseeev
ery
onei
n
cour
t..
.

Hel
ookedatt
hesmal
lhumani
nhi
sar
msand
wal
kedout
.

RaTessa:
Hei
sbl
i
ndedbyhur
t.
MaTessa:
Whatwedi
disi
l
legal
..
.ohgod(
get
ti
ng
t
ear
y)

Hay
denpl
acedSmi
thJront
hebed.
Hay
den:
Heyl
i
ttl
eman.
.
Heletoutasmal
lsmi
l
eashel
ookedatt
he
newborn.
Hay
den:
TheysayI
'
myourdadbyt
heway
..

Smit
hJrheldhi
sfi
ngerwi
thhi
swhol
ehandand
hesmil
ed.
Hay
den:
Yoursi
steri
ssl
eepi
ngl
i
ttl
eguy
..

Thebabyj
ustl
ookedathi
m andhesmil
ed.
Maybehewil
lheali
nti
me.Abigmaybe.
.
.
*
*
SI
XYEARSLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
42*

AtTheSmi
th'
s

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Haydenl oadedhisbagsintothecarbeforehe
wentt osaygoodby etothefamil
y.I
twasst i
ll
fr
eshbutt hentherewerethetwinstothinkof,
seeifRegiehadawi l
l
,thehouseandthatissue
wit
ht hescararoundherhear t
.

Hehadsomucht odot henhehadt ogobackto

school
.Atthi
spointhewasn'
tgoingtoleav
e
schoolwhenshehadaskedhim notto,
leavi
ng
wouldbeli
kedisr
especti
ngherwishes.
Hehuggedther
estofthef
ami
l
ymember
s
bef
orehuggi
ngBlai
r.
Bl
air
:Hav
easaf
ejour
ney
.
Hay
den:
Iwi
l
l.Thanky
ou.

HehuggedCaneandl
ethi
m go.
Cane:
Wil
lseey
oui
naf
ewday
s.
Hay
den:
Ofcour
se.

Hewalkedbacktohi
scarandtheywav
edat
hi
m.Hesmi l
edabitt
hrought
hepainashegot
i
nsideandst
art
edthecar.

Anhourl
aterhedroveasi
tstart
edtoshower
sl
i
ghtl
y.Heswitchedther
adioontotackl
ethe
si
l
encethatseemedtodepresshersomemore.
Thesongthathadbeenplayi
ngendedasanew
onebegun.Hetri
edtoignor
ethepaini
nhis
chestasCel
ineDion'
sMyHear tWil
lGoOn
play
edandthewor dshi
taveryopenwound.

Hedrov
eofft
her oadandparkedundera
near
bytr
eeastearsfel
ldownhischeeks.

Lov
ewaswhenIl
ovedy
ou
Thatt
ruet
ime,
Ihol
dyou
I
nmyl
i
fey
ou'
l
lal
way
sgoon
Near
,farwher
every
ouar
e
Ibel
i
evet
hatt
hehear
tdoesgoon

Oncemor
e,y
ouopenedt
hedoor
Andy
ou'
reher
einmyhear
t
Andmyhear
twi
l
lgoonandon
Hehel dt
hest
eeringwheelti
ghtl
yashottear
s
rol
leddownhischeeks.Shewasheretoshow
him howtogoon?Hedi dn'
tunderst
andwhyhe
l
ovedhersomuchj ustforhert
oleavehi
m here.

Thef amil
iarheavyfeel
ingsinhischestcame
backt ent
imesst r
ongerandt hetearsdi
dn't
stop.Thesongr eachedit'
spinnacleandit
seemedt ojusthurthim more,awhol el
if
eti
me
withouther?Awhol efucki
nglifet
imewithout
her?

Itseemedsurrealandhealwayswishedi
twas
allabaddream.Justanightmarehewill
wake
upf r
om onl
ytor eal
iset
hatitwasanditwil
lst
il
l
behisreal
it
y.
Hewi pedhist
ear
sbuttheyst
il
ltr
ickl
eddown
hischeeks.Hest
art
edthecarandjoi
nedthe
road.Hehadanhourandahalftogetbackto
Franci
stown.

Att
hehospi
tal

Tessal ai
dawakeont hebedwai t
ingforthe
nursetobr i
ngherf
ood.Shest i
ll
couldn'tbel
i
eve
shehadanewhear t
.Shef el
tokay.Dif
ferent
may bebutithasbeenal ongsi
nceshehada
healthypumpinghear
t .

Shewishedshecoul dt el
lthepret
tydoctort
hat
shehadahear t
.Shewoul dbesohappyf orher
andshefeltsadthatthedoct ordi
dn'tmeether
babi
es.Shewasgenui nelyexcitedabouther,
mogonnaaker e?(y'al
lareshitt
ingonme
ri
ght
?)Lelenyat
sot hata..
Hest oodup.Hedidn'
tneedtoquestionhi
mt o
knowhedi dit.Hepi
ckeduptheforged
si
gnat ur
edocumentsandstoodupi nhisal
l
blackoutfi
t.

Hayden:Seeyoui
njai
lforor
ganharv
est
ingor
whatevercri
meyou'
ll
bei nj
ail
for
.

Hay
denpaused.

Hayden:
Andoh, i
fther
eareanyotheri
ll
egal
cr
imes,I
'ldef
ini
tel
ydigthem out
.Enj
oyfreedom
whil
eitl
asts.

Hewalkedpasthi
m andwal
kedout
.The
doct
or'
skneesshooksohar
dandhestr
uggl
ed
tobr
eath.I
tal
lcamebacktobi
tehi
mintheass
andhard.Hewasn' tsur
ely19ri
ght?A19y ear
ol
ddidn'thavethatmuchpower .Heknew
peopl
e,may beheshouldstartmakingcal
l
s.

Heheldontothewallashemadehiawaytohi
a
desk.Thedocumentsweregone.Hi
shands
shookastheprosoectofj
ail
ter
ri
fi
edhi
m.He
quickl
ydi
aledTessa'
sparent
s.

MaTessaanswer
edi
mmedi
atel
y.
MaTessa:
Hel
l
o?
Doct
or:
Hef
oundout
..
.
Thel
i
necut
.
Doct
or:
Hel
l
o?Hel
l
o!!

Hetr
ieddi
ali
ngi
tagai
nbuti
tdi
dn'
tgot
hrough
now.
Meanwhil
eoutsi
deTessa'shospi
tal
room Ma
Tessal
ookedatherhusband.
MaTessa:
Gat
weheknows.
RaTessa'
smout
hgapedopen.
MaTessa:Whatdowedo?Wehav
etomov
e
Tessaawayfr
om her
e..
.
RaTessa:
Wemi
ghtgot
ojai
l
..

Shebi
thernai
l
s.
MaTessa:AndTi
aissoy
oungand
Tessa.
..
(t
eary
)
RaTessa:
Ifwer
unweshowt
hatwear
egui
l
ty.
.
MaTessa:
Butwear
egui
l
ty.
.ohmyGod!
!

Tear
sblur
redhereyesasherhusbandpul
l
ed
heri
ntohi
sembrace.
MaTessa:
Wepai
dhi
m a-
andohgosh.
..

Shel
etgoofherhusbandandwi
pedhert
ear
s.
MaTessa:
Letmecal
lmysi
ster
..
.

Shet
ookherphoneoutanddi
aledhersi
ster
's
number
.

Sheexpl
ainedtoherwhatwashappeni
ng.Her
si
sterdi
dn'twantt
ogetinv
olv
edbutsheli
ter
all
y
beggedher.
MaTessa:
Please,
foray
earort
woi
nCanada.
.
Her
:Whati
ftheycomef
orme?
MaTessa:Tessai
sinnocenti
nal
lof
t
hese.
.pl
ease!
Her
:Fi
ne,bookafl
ightf
orherwit
hapriv
ate
nur
sebecauseherhear
tsurger
yiast
il
lnew.
MaTessa:
Thanky
ou.

Shehungupandl
ookedatherhusband.
MaTessa:
Let
'
sgetTessaoutofher
e.

Herhusbandnodded.

Meanwhi l
einthedoct
or'
soff
ice,
hefinall
y
askedaroundaboutHaydenSmithandhishear
t
poundedmor e.I
twasnotknownbutf r
om hi
s
quickaski
nghewasKennedySmi th'
sson.

Chil
lsrandownhisspine.Kennedywasthe
countr
y '
smostwanted.Hewasadanger ous
manandhi ssonjustthr
eatenedhim.Heknew
aboutthetimeKennedywasar r
ested.I
twas
newsal lov
er.
ThedooropenedandTessa'
spar
ent
swal
kedi
n.
Theysawt
hewor ryont
hedoct
or'
sfaceand
theyi
mmediat
elyknewshi
twasaboutt
ogo
down.

Thedooropenedonceagai
nandHay
den
wal
kedinholdi
nghisson.

Hechuckl
ed.
Hayden:
Ohjusti
nti
mef ory
ouguy
stodi
scuss
yourpl
ans.Wonder
ful
.
RaTessa:
Sonpl
easef
orgi
veuswedi
dwhathe
hadt
odo.Ourchi
ldwasdyi
ng.
Hayden:
Well
notmyproblem ri
ght?Ev
eryone
di
esandther
eisnotalotthatcanbedone..
.
Thewayhesai
dthat
,theyknewhewashur
ti
ng.
Hayden:Wel
l
,IguessIshoul
dseeev
ery
onei
n
cour
t..
.

Hel
ookedatt
hesmal
lhumani
nhi
sar
msand
wal
kedout
.

RaTessa:
Hei
sbl
i
ndedbyhur
t.
MaTessa:
Whatwedi
disi
l
legal
..
.ohgod(
get
ti
ng
t
ear
y)

Hay
denpl
acedSmi
thJront
hebed.
Hay
den:
Heyl
i
ttl
eman.
.

Heletoutasmal
lsmi
l
eashel
ookedatt
he
newborn.
Hay
den:
TheysayI
'
myourdadbyt
heway
..
Smit
hJrheldhi
sfi
ngerwi
thhi
swhol
ehandand
hesmil
ed.
Hay
den:
Yoursi
steri
ssl
eepi
ngl
i
ttl
eguy
..

Thebabyj
ustl
ookedathi
m andhesmil
ed.
Maybehewil
lheali
nti
me.Abigmaybe.
.
.
*
*
SI
XYEARSLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
43*
AtJohnMackenzi
ePr
imar
ySchool

TheblackMer
cedescour
sedit
'swayt
hrough
theschool
asi
tblast
edKeri
Hil
son'
sPrett
yGir
l
Rock.

Sheparkedthecarandfi
xedt
herearv
iewmirr
or
andreappl
iedherl
ipgl
ossbef
orepouti
ngher
pl
umppi nkli
ps.

Shesmi l
edandopenedt hecardoor,steppi
ng
outslowlywit
honef ootf
orwardfi
rst.Thedri
ver
ofthecarthatpar
kednexttohers,sawher
pret
tylegsinher5inchheel
s.Hewai tedtosee
thefacethatbel
ongedtothebeautif
ul l
egs.

Shesteppedoutandhel
dherhandbagasher
hai
rfl
ewt othesi
deduetothesoftbr
eeze.
Themanmut
ter
edal
owf
uckashel
ookedat
her
.

Shet ouchedherai
rpodsasshetuckedherhai
r
behindherear.Shedarnwishedshehada
scrunchienear
by.

Thel
adymadeherwayt
othecl
asseswhere
shewassur
eshewasgoi
ngtof
indtheki
ds.

Sheknockedsoftlyonthedooranditopened.
Shedidn'tknowwhyt heypref
err
edtowaitin
cl
assthanwher eotherkidswait
edbutshe
di
dn'
tev endebateit
.

SmithJrsawherfi
rstbeforehi
ssist
erl
ooked
up.Ari
ell
ewasthelasttolookupandshe
smil
edlikeMasaal
way ssmi l
ed.Masat
hanked
herl
uckystar
sthatAr
iel
l
ehadmor
eofher
qual
i
ties.

Aver
yfi
xedherbackpackandt
ouchedherl
i
ttl
e
pony
tai
landsmil
edatMasa.

Masa:
Alr
ightguy
s,l
et'
sgo.Ineedt
ogo.

Ari
ell
efixedherschool
shoesandst
oodup
fol
lowi
ngSmi thJrwhowasnexttoMasai
n
seconds.
Smi
th:
Isdadback?
Masa:
NobutI'
l
l connecthi
mtoagr
oupv
ideo
cal
l
.Cool
withthat?
Av
ery
:Yesmom.
Masa:
Babygi
rlwe'
rewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.
Ar
iel
l
e:Eemma.
.
Shequickl
ytookherbagandfol
lowedher
motherandthetwins.Hermot
hergaveherher
handandsheheldittight
.

Masa:
Whoi
sget
ti
ngt
hef
rontseatt
oday
?
Thethr
eel
ookedateachot
herandnoonesai
d
athi
ng.
Smi
thJr
:I
'l
ltakei
t.
.
Masa:
Alr
ight
.

Theywalkedtotheparki
nglotandshe
unl
ockedthecar.Theyeachopenedthei
rsi
des
andgoti
nside.
Masa:
Seat
bel
tsev
ery
one.
Theyal
lbuckl
edupandshesmi
l
ed.
Thegi
rlsst
art
edchat
ti
ngatt
hebackandSmi
th
Jrqui
etl
yobserv
edMasa.
Smi
thJr
:You'
repr
ett
y..
Masachuckl
ed.
Masa:
Thankyoubi
gguy
,pi
ckasong.They
ar
en'
tevenl
ist
eni
ng.

Smi t
hJrjusthel
dherphoneashewenttohi
s
favouri
tesongandhandedMasaherphone
back.
Smi
th:
Thanky
ou.

Masar ev
ersedoutoftheparki
ngspotbef or
e
shebuckl edup.Tobeli
evethatshehasbeen
helpingHay denoutwit
hthekidsforyearsnow.
Thef ir
stweekwasawkwar dbecauseofher
historybutthentheyf
ormedasi bl
ingli
ke
relati
onshipandthesethr
eehavebeennot hi
ng
buthappinessalt
houghhehadt omakeHay den
maket hem under
standthatthei
rmom i sno
moreandt heyshouldbeawar ethatshewasn't
thei
rmom.Theyt ooki
twellandinsteadasked
questi
onsabouttheirmom thought heycal
led
hermommy .

Masa'sphonerangandthati
nter
rupt
edSmith'
s
song.Helookedatherandsheansweredt
he
cal
l.
Masa:
Hell
o..
.kakgweet
sat
lher
raket
swago
t
sayabanakoskolong.
Hay
den:
Higuy
s..
Av
erycl
appedherhands.
Av
ery
:Daddy
!
Hay
den:
Hel
l
opr
incess.
.
Ari
ell
ewasthemostqui
etamongthethreeand
sheti
tl
edhersmal
lheadbef
oresherecogni
zed
t
hev
oice.
Ar
iel
l
e:Hel
l
oUncl
e..
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
obaby
..
arey
ouguy
sgood?
Smi
thJr
:Dadwhenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Hay
den:
Inaf
ewday
smyguy
.I'
l
lcal
ll
aterokay
?
Smi
thJr
:Okay
.
Hay
den:
Masar
etl
abua.
Masa:
Sur
egr
ootman.
Hay
den:
Waswaba.
.
Masachuckl
edbef
orehangi
ngup.

Ar
iel
l
e:MamaIwanti
cecr
eam.
Masal
ookedatherusi
ngt
her
ear
viewmi
rr
or.
Masa:
Aft
erev
ery
onedoest
hei
rhomewor
k.
Smi
thJr
:Weal
ldi
dourhomewor
kwai
ti
ngf
or
y
ou.
.
Masa:
Aver
yobuannet
e?

Av
erynoddedherhead.
Masa:
Lal
api
sa.

Shesai
dasshetookau-tur
n.Nowshewas
goi
ngtobuyi
cecream f
oral
lthr
eeoft
hem.
Av
ery
:Wel
ovey
ou.
Smi
thJr
:Ver
ymuch.
Masa:
Bol
opebanakel
ona.
..
mxm!
(l
aughi
ng)

AtSabr
anaMent
alHospi
tal

MsSmi t
hstar
edatthewhi
tewal
l,
shekept
hear
ingvoi
cesandshewassur
eshewasn'
t
crazy.Regi
nahwasheret
ohaunther
.Shecr
ied
askinghertost
op.Shedi
dn'
tmeanit
.

Whathappenedy
ear
sagowasanacci
dent
.

Thenur serushedinandj usti

nject
edher.She
wentoutl i
keal i
ghtbulb.Whenshewas
sentenced,shewasokayi npri
sonbutthi
ngs
spi
ralledoutofcontroktwoy earsagoandthey
hadt otakehertoanasy lum.

Theyhadal wayssuspectedthatsomet hi
ng
happenedi njai
lbuttheywil
lneverknow.
Whenev ertheuthoughtshewasokay ,shetook
twentystepsbackwar ds.

Notev
enoncehashersoneverv
isi
tedher
.No
oneevenbot
her
edandatthi
spoint
,al
l
decisionsi
nvolv
ingherweret
hest
ate'
s
problems.Itwassadthatnof
amil
yhadvi
sit
ed
herorany t
hing.

Thenursesighedaf
terlayi
ngheronbedand
walki
ngout.Thatwasgoingtoknockherout
foratl
east6hoursbeforeanot
herepi
sode.

AtRegi
nah'
spl
ace

Haydensatont hebedashelookedaround.He
didthi
syear
ly.Onlytwoweekst ogobefor
eher
deathanni
versary
.Thekidsdidn'
tknowhedid
thi
sandmay behe'll
tel
lthem i
naf ewyear
s.

Hestoodupandwal kedt
othewardrobe.He
nevermovedanyt
hingandhercl
othesweresti
l
l
ther
e.Heheldoneofherfav
ouri
teshir
tand
i
nhal
edherf
aintscent
.Hesmi
l
edsadl
y.

Shewasgonebuthehadl ear
ttoli
vewithit
thoughithur
tli
keabitchwheneverherdeath
anniver
sarywasnear.Toknowthatshewas
gonewhent heydel
iv
eredthetwins.

Speakingofthetwi
ns,
shewantedtoaskMasa
andBlairaboutt
hei
rpl
ansabouthi
sbabies'
bi
rthday.

Hesli
ppedhi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
sandr
anhi
s
handthr
oughhi
shai
r.

Hewi l
ll
ive.Hedidn'
twantt
ofol
lowhisheartat
thi
spointbecausehewasnotwill
i
ngtolosey et
another
.Hesatont hebedandl
ookedaround.
May bei
nanotherlif
eti
mehewil
lgetoverhere
butt
hepai
nwasabi
tbear
abl
e.
Hay den:Sugardoy ouknowt hatAverylooksa
l
otl i
key ou?Youl i
v ei
nherandt hankyouf or
them.Theykeptmesanet hroughoutthey ears
andi fMasashowi ngupwaspar tofyourpl an,
thent hankyou.Shehasbeenamot herfi
gur eto
them. (l
aughingsadly)Smi
thi ssucha
gentlemant houghIseeal otofmei nhim,
pleasehel pmei fhebecomesar ebel
..

Hewalkedoutoft
hebedr
oom.Maybehe
shoul
dsurpr
iset
heki
dsandsayhecameear
ly?
Yeah.

Hewal
kedout
.Hehasbeenher
elongenough.
Awhol
eweekwasenough.

AtBl
air
'shouse
Theki
dsgotoutofthecarhol
dingi
cecr
eam
andafewsweettr
eats.
Masa:
I'
m sor
rybabiesbutIneedmet
ime.Don'
t
t
ir
eoutauntyBl
airkalekopa.

Thegirlssmil
ed.Onewoul dsweartheywere
tr
ipl
ets.TheyhadSmi t
ht r
ait
sandsomet imes
shewoul dbeaskediftheyweresibl
ingsand
shemi ghtaswellsayt
heywer e.Theygrewup
assibli
ngs.
Ari
ell
e:We'
l
lbehav
emom.I
fwedon'
tgetmy
chocol
ate.

Masar
oll
edherey
es.
Masa:
Kei
sakaechocol
ate?Let
'sgoguy
s.
Sheknockedont hedoorandafi
vemont
hol
d
pregnantBl
airopenedt
hedoor.
Masa:
Glowy
ateng.
Bl
air
:If
eel
li
kesh-
Shesawt
heki
dsandnudgedatMasa.
Masa:
Ineedmet
imet
lhemmawena.
Bl
air
:Di
rat
hanat
sal
ona.
.(
laughi
ng)
Masa:
WaswabamobamebanaBl
air
..
mxm.
Bl
air
:Heyguy
s,comei
n..

Ar
iel
l
epausedandl
ookedatBl
air
.
Ar
iel
l
e:I
sthatababy
?
Bl
airnodded.
Ar
iel
l
e:I
tshoul
dbeagi
rl
..
Smi
thJr
:Ar
i!
Ar
iel
l
e:Ee(
slowl
y)
Shef
oll
owedt
het
wins.
Bl
air
:Ar
iwankgat
lhagor
e..
Masapl
ayf
ull
yrol
l
edherey
esasshet
alkedt
o
Bl
air
.
Masa:Kanat
ell
theguy
sthemmat
hey
'l
lsor
t
t
hatfoolout
.
Bl
air
:I
t'
sfi
ne.
Masa:
It
'snotasi
ftheydon'
tknow.Theyar
ejust
wai
ti
ngforyougoahead.
Bl
air
:Idon'
twantast
ressf
ulpr
egnancyMasa.

Masasi
ghed.
Masa:
Iheary
ou.

Theyhuggedandwhenshewasaboutt
ogo,
Bl
aircal
l
edouthername.
Bl
air
:What
'supwi
thy
ouandSmi
th?
Masa:
Whi
chSmi
th?
Bl
air
:Youknowwhi
chone.
..
Masa:
Shar
pomma.
.

Shehalfr
antothecari
nherheel
sandshe
removedtheheel
swhenshegotinsi
det
hecar
.

Sher
ever
sedbef
oreherphoner
ang.
Masa:
Hel
l
o..
.
Cane:
Hel
l
obabymama.
.
Masa:
Tsamael
akoot
lhe,
howi
sJoy
?
Cane:
Abouther,whatr
emedyi
susedf
or
morni
ngsickness?
Masa:Tot aIdi
dn'
ttakeanyr
emedi
eshaish.
.ne
bantlogelakekgwahelagot
weketlabakel
a
banna(laughi
ng)
Cane:
Ij
a.Shar
pandI
'
llpi
ckAr
iel
l
elat
er.
Masa:
OkoBl
airaut
we.Shar
po.

Shehungupanddi
aledMat
il
da'
snumber
.
Ti
l
y:Mol
oi.
.
Masa:
Beenbusyashellt
lhemma
wena.
.kamosogi
rl
snightout?
Ti
l
y:Takeaf
li
ghtt
oGabsphakel
a.
Masa:
Avani
tomor
row?
Ti
l
y:Yesmam.
Masa:
It
'sadat
e..
Ti
l
y:Andgetl
aid.
.
Masa:
Eeuwno,
I'
m av
irgi
n..
don'
tcor
ruptmy
mi
ndwena..
Ti
l
y:Say
stheonewi
thawhol
efi
vey
earol
d.
Masa:
Ng.
.
Ti
l
y:Gi
vemygodbabyt
hephone.
Masa:
Shei
satheraunt
'spl
ace.
Til
y:
Morer
easont
ogetdi
cksi
ncet
heyar
enot
ther
e.
Masa:
I'
mrel
axi
ng.
.

Mat
il
dar
oll
edherey
es.
Ti
l
y:Wampal
elat
sal
ayamewai
tse.
.
Masa:
I'
m avi
rgi
nmma..
Ihav
en'
tseendi
ckev
er
si
nceIgotpr
egnant
.
Til
y:
AndIwoul
d'
vesai
dy ou'
rely
ingbutsi
nceI
knowther
ealy
ou,t
hat'
sthetrut
h.
Masa:
AndIpl
ant
okeepi
tthatway
.
Til
y:Idon'
tknowhowt oconv
incey
oubutI'
ll
be
withyouthewholeday.Legonnafl
exi
bleka
tswagoi l
eoomeletse.
Masa:
Icanpr
ovey
ouwr
ong.
.
Ti
l
y:Pl
easedo.
.
Masa:
Wit
hpl
easur
e.Shar
pomma.
Ti
l
y:By
e.

Shehungupandshekeptherey
esont
her
oad.

Shegott oherhouseandpr
essedt
heremot
e,
openingthegate.Shedi
dn'
tknowwher
eher
otherremotewas.

Shedr
oveinsi
deandclosedthegat
e.She
par
kedthecarandgotout.

Shegotherheel
sandbag,
wal
ki
ngbar
efooton
thepav
ement.

Shel
ookedf
orherhousekey
sint
hebagand
unl
ockedt
hedoor
.

Masa:
Final
l
y.I
thasbeenast
ressf
ulweekat
wor
kandnokidsnow..

Shesai
dandshecl
osedt
hedoorwi
thout
l
ocki
ngit.
Masa:(
tal
kingtoher sel
f)ashower
,getsocial
andchil
l.
.wine.
.def
init
elywinegi
rl
..
.y
es..
that
moet.Yes!

Shedancedherwayt
othebedr
oom andgotri
d
ofhercl
otheshummi
ngtoamadeupt une.

Shegotinsidetheshowerandopenedt
he
water.Herhairwasgoi
ngtogetwetbutshe
di
dn'tcare.
Shelaughedundert
hewater.Herli
fewas
per
fectatthi
spoint
,shecoul
dn'taskformor
e.
Bei
ngsinglewaswor ki
ngj
ustfi
nef orher
.

30mi nut
eslat
ershewalkedoutwi
thatowel
wrappedaroundherbodyandoneonherhead.

Shesatdownont hebedandl ookedforher

phone.Shewentthroughhersocial
s.She
pausedcomingacrossBontl
eModi sell
e'
sJoro
chal
lenge.
.

Shewatchedthecli
p.Shewassti
ll
flexi
bler
ight
?
Sheaskedhersel
flaughi
ngasshestoodup
walki
ngtothewardrobe

Meanwhi
l
eHay
den'
scarpar
kedout
sideMasa'
s
house.Theki
dswer
epr
obabl
yher
e.

Heusedhisremotetoopenthegat
eali
ttl
e
bef
orecl
osingitandwal
kingtot
hehouse.

Meanwhi
leMasastoodinfrontofthemi
rroras
shebl
ast
edWizkid'
sJoroinherroom.She
l
aughedassheheldherwaistwit
hherhands.
Masa:
Bit
chy
oust
il
lgoti
tiny
ou.
.(
laughi
ng)

Shesl
owlyst
artedmov
ingherwai
stt
othebeat
.
Okayshest
il
lgotit
.

Shest
art
edt
hesong.
Masa:
BoBont
lebat
lar
ekgaphi
sabat
hong!

Shesai
dasshel
ookedather
sel
fint
hemi
rr
or.
Whent hesongst
art
edshedidtheexactsame
thi
ngthatwasdoneint
hevideo.Shesmiledas
shedanced.

Shedidn'theart
hebedr
oom dooropen.Hayden
stoodthereashesawthatwaistmovesweetly
andwhenshewentdown.Goddamn!

Hesli
ppedhishandsi
nhi
spocketshidi
nghi
s
boner.Themoveswer
eseduct
iveandhe
swall
owed.

Masafel
twei
rdasshest
oppeddanci
ngand
t
urned.
Masa:
ohmyGod!
!Hay
dengetoutdude!
!

Hay
denrai
sedhi
shandsi
nsur
renderashe
wal
kedout
.
.
.
*
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
44*

AtMasa'
sHouse

Haydentr
iedtosi
tont
hecouchstrai
ghtbuthe
coul
dn'
t.Hishar
doncoul
dn'
tlethi
m ashekept
repl
ayi
ngwhathesawinhi
shead.
Hay
den:
Fuck!
!
I
t'snotasifhehasn' tnoti
cedhowfucki
ng
perfectshelooked,hejustdeci
dedtocrush
thosethoughtsdownbutt henhehadtosee
that.Whydidn'theknock?

Heaskedhimselfoverandoveragai
n.Her
breast
slookedperkyonthemirr
orasshe
danced.
Hay
den:
Stopt
hinki
ngabouti
tman!
!

Hewar
nedhi
ssubconsci
ous.

Masawalkedoutofherr
oom wit
hherhai
rlet
l
ooseandalongmaxi dr
ess.Hay
denwatched
her
.Yup!Shewasfull
ycover
edup.
Masasatdownandl
ookedatHay
den.
Masa:
Youdi
dnotseet
hat
.
Hay
den:
I-
Masa:
IrepeatSmi
th,
youdi
dnotseet
hat
.

Shesai
dandlookedathi
m.Expect
inghi
mto
agr
eewithher
.
Hay
den:
Idi
dnotseet
hat
.
Masa:
Good.Let
'spr
etendi
tnev
erhappened.
Hay
den:
Tel
lthatt
omydi
ck(
underhi
sbr
eat
h)
Masa:
Whatwast
hat
?
Hay
den:
Not
hing.
.

Hest
oodupandwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.

Masaqui
etl
yfol
l
owedhi
m wi
thbar
efeet
.
Hay
den:
Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
Masa:
Theyar
ewi
thBl
air
,whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lne
r
ra?
Hay
den:
Ithought
..
Masa:
Whyneot
hought
amar
a(l
aughi
ng)
Hay
den:
Iwasassumi
ngt
hey
'l
lbeher
e.
Masa:
Stopbei
nganassumi
st.
Hay
den:
Thatwor
ddoesn'
texi
st.
Masa:
What
everdude.What
ever
..
Hay
den:
Sowhat
chudoi
ng?
Masa:Iwashavi
ngmet i
me..
.wai
t.
..
howdi
dyou
geti
nside?Thegat
eiscl
osed.

Hesl
i
doutt
her
emot
eandsheangl
edherhead.
Masa:
You'
ret
heonewhot
ooki
t.
..
Hay
densl
i
ditbacki
ntohi
spocket
.
Hay
den:
Andt
her
eisnot
hingy
oucandoabouti
t.
Masa:
Bri
ngi
tbackdude!
!
Hay
den:
Kedude?
(act
ingsur
pri
sed)
Masa:
Yes.
.dudemygat
eremot
e.
Hay
den:
Noti
nthi
sli
fet
ime.

Masar oll
edherey esasshewal kedtothe
fri
dge.Thesunl ightthatcamethroughthe
kit
chenwi ndowshoneherwayandhecoul d
perfectlyseethatasst hr
oughthey el
l
owmax i
dress.Hel ookedt heotherwayasshecl osed
thefridgeaf t
ertakingoutthej
uice.
Masa:
Jui
ce?Iwasaboutt
ohav
ewi
ne.
Hay
den:
Don'
tst
oponmyaccount
.
Masa:
Idon'
thav
ebeerint
hehouse,
Ihav
e
wi
nes.Lot
sofwines.
Hay
den:
IknowMasa.Iknow.
.
Masa:
Caneistaki
ngAri
andIguesst
hekidswil
l
bewit
hthei
rdadsthi
sweekend.Mor
eti
mef or
me.

Shesaidasshest oodonhert
ippytoestoopen
thetopshelf
.Shepulledt
hewineoutandwent
toanothershel
ftotakeherwi
neglass.
Masa:
Sinceyou'
reher
e,hel
pmeopent hat
bot
tl
e..
letmeorderpi
zzaorsomet
hing.

ShewalkedoutandHaydentookoutanot
her
gl
assandhecheckedthelabelandhenodded.

Hepour
edt hewineint
othewinegl
assesas
Masawalkedinholdi
ngherphone.

Masa:
Uhm Lemonandherborperi
-per
i?No
wai
t,y
ourf
av our
it
eisper
i-
per
i.
..
Shewalkedoutpr
essingherphoneasshe
madetheordersv
iatheapp.

Haydenwal
kedoutofthekit
chenhol
dingt
he
gl
assesandhandedherone.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.

Hesatdownnextt
oherandshel
ookedathi
m.
Masa:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Hay
den:
About
?
Masa:
Iknowwher
eyouwer
e..
.
Haydensi
ghedasheswi
rl
edt
her
edwi
nei
nthe
gl
assandtookasi
p.
Hay
den:
Ithur
tsl
i
keabi
tch.
.
Masa:
Iunder
stand.Hav
eyout
akent
heki
ds
t
here?
Hay
den:
May
bewhent
heyar
eol
der
.
Masa:Andthehear
tissue,
hav
eyoumade
peacewit
hit?
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hayden:
Surpri
singl
yIhaven'
t.Idi
dn'twant
anyonehavi
ngapar tofRegi
nah,itdoesn'
tfeel
ri
ghtatal
landhav i
nganimpor t
anpartofher
l
ikeherheart
..

Masasi
ghed.
Masa:
Iunder
stand.Aker
ethecul
pri
tswentt
o
j
ail
.
Hayden:Yeah,thedoct
orl
osthi
spracti
cing
l
icenseandt herei
snohopeofhim ev
ergetting
i
tback, t
hemanandwomangotoutwasi tl
ike
t
woy ear
sago.
Masa:Isee.
.f
ocusont heki
ds.Theylacknot
hing
andfocusony ourheali
ngt
oo.You'l
lfi
ndthe
r
ightoneaf
tery
ou'
vef
ull
yheal
ed.

Haydenl
ookedatherasshesai
dthat
.Shehas
gr
ownovertheyear
sandhesmi l
ed.
Hay
den:
YeahIguess.
.
Masa:
Whydoesi
tsoundl
i
key
ou'
vegi
venupon
l
ove?
Hay
den:
Idon'
thav
etheener
gyt
olov
e..

Masahuggedhi
m.
Masa:
Youwilll
oveagai
nH,j
ustdon'
ttr
yand
l
ookforher
,shemightf
indy
oumyguyokay?
Haydenrubbedherbackslowl
yinhal
i
nghersof
t
fl
oweryscent.Heclosedhi
seyesbefor
e
openi
ngthem again.
Hay
den:
Alr
ightDrPhi
l
.
Masa:
kagot
husaha.
.mxm.Goengnar
e?
Hay
den:
Omol
omony
anawai
tseMasa.
Masa:
TswamogonnaMr
..

Shebr
oket
hehug.
Masal
aughedandpi
nchedhi
scheek.
Masa:
Myguygaobonakukuot
leoephat
ole
aut
we?
Hay
den:
Fot
shekMasa.
Masa:
Sal
eoebonal
engmmegone?
Hayden:
I'
m notdi
scussi
ngt
hatwi
thy
ou
Sunshi
ne.
Masa:Shewil
lfi
ndyou.Bul
apelooephut
hulol
e
gorehappi
nessetleedlal
emowena.You'
ve
beensadthesepastf
ewy ear
s.

Shesai
dasshewalkedawayandHay den'
s
eyesf
oll
owedher
.Hesighed.Justmaybe,j
ust
may
beshehasbeenher
eal
lal
ong.

AtFr
anci
stownI
nter
nat
ional
Air
por
t

Tessalookedaroundasshewai t
edforher
parent
simpati
ently.Shepr
essedherphone
tr
yingtopassti
me.Shehonest l
ydidnotwant
tobeherebuttheyhadt o'
bond'pat
heti
c!

Andtothi
nktheywantedtof
orcehertoat
tend
Uniher
ewasmaki nghergocrazy
.Herwhole
l
ifewasinCanadaandshehadaboy f
ri
end
ther
e.Oneshelovedver
ymuch.

MaTessaandRaTessamadet hei
rway
thr
oughtheairportandsawTessa.Theysmi
l
ed.
Shewasf i
nall
ybackhomeandt heyknewshe
hadbeenreluctanttocomehomebutTiawas
her
eal
ready
.

Theyst
oodinfr
ontofTessawhol
ookedup.Ra
Tessaf
rowned.
Tessa:
Hel
l
o.Ar
ewegoi
ng?
MaTessa:
Whatdi
dyoudoTher
esa?
Tessashr
ugged.
Tessa:
mom it
'
sj ustanoseri
ngandaf
ewear
pi
erci
ngs.Not
hingpersonal
.

Shest
oodupandpul
l
edherl
uggagebag.
Tessa:
Arewegoi
ng?
RaTessa:
Yeah.
.

Heledt
hewayasTessapul ledherbagssi
lent
ly.
MaTessalookedatTessa.Maybeithadbeena
mist
aketotakeherCanada.Shewasgoingto
cal
lhersi
steraf
tert
his.

Tessapl
acedthebagi
nthebootandcl
osedi
t
befor
eshegotinsi
det
hecar
.

Shepr
essedherphoneasherpar
ent
ssi
ghed.
MaTessa:
Whi
chcour
sedoy
ouwantt
ost
udy
?
Tessa:
Uhm medi
cinei
sst
il
lfi
ne.
.I
'
m st
art
ingt
o
l
ikeit
.
MaTessa:Wi
l
ltheyl
ety
oui
nwi
tht
hose
pi
erci
ngs.
Tessa:
Geez,
it'
snotl
i
kei
t'
sthei
rbody
.Gosh!

Shel
ookedbackatherphoneandsentat
extt
o
herf
ri
endbacki
nCanada.
Tessa: AndI
'
m backatt
hispl
ace.
Her
:Youhat
eitt
her
e?
Tessa: t
heyaretri
ppi
ngov ermypi
erci
ngs,
i
magi nei
ftheysawthetat
tooonmylowerback.
Her
:I
t'
sjusti
nk.
Tessa:
Exact
ly ‍♀I'l
lsky
pel
aterandpl
ease
checkConorforme.
Her
:Ofcour
se.
.wai
i
it.
.di
dyouguy
syouknow?
Tessa:
Yep
Her
:Inev
ert
houghty
ou'
dhav
ethegut
sto.
Her:LookIl
oveConorawhol el
otandIwas
ready. Contr
aryt
owhatpeopl ethought
.I
gottogo,they'
ll
sayIseem di
srespectful
when
I
'm alwaysonmyphone.

Sheputherphonedownandqui et
lyl
ookedat
theplaceshegr ewupat.Sheknewshejad
angerissues.Thefi
rstonebei
nghowher
parentsgotherheart.
Shedidf i
ndoutandnot hi
nghasbeent hesame
eversince.Herhear t.Nowait.
..
notherheartbut
theorgant hatwas" supposedl
y"herheartwent
outtot hefamily
.Shecoul dn'
timaginehowt hey
fel
tknowi ngthattheheartwasst ol
en.Ifshe
wasint heirshoes,shewoul dalsonotf
or gi
ve
them.

Shelookedatherchestt hr
ought hetee.The
scarwasst i
l
l ther
e.Shehat edthattheydidn'
t
tel
lherthetruth.Thattheystol
eherf avouri
te
doctor'
sheart.Asmuchasi twast osav eher,
shehateditwhenunet hi
calthi
ngswer edone
andindoingmedi cneshewasn'tgoingt o
malpracti
ce.

Shechuckl
ed.Tobel
ieveshewantedtobean
aut
hor.Mustbetheheart
.Mostoftheti
mes,
sheli
stenedtoherheadandnotherheart
becauseattimesherheartwouldbeheavyfor
noapparentreasonoeshewoul dfi
ndhersel
f
missi
ngpeopl eshedi
dn'tevenknow.Shehad
giv
enher sel
fti
met or
eaduponi t.

Apparentl
yit
'scall
edcellmemor ytheory,where
youattimeshavet hecharacter
ist
icsofthe
organdonor.Shedidn'
twantt oliv
eherlifel
ike
thepret
tudoctor.Shewant edherownl i
fe.
Hencelist
eningtoherheadandnott heheart.

Thegat
eopenedandherf
atherpar
kedt
hecar
.
MaTessa:
We'
vear
ri
ved.
Tessa:
Sur
e..

Shegotoutoft
hecarasthebootopenedand
shet
ookoutherbag.ThedooropenedandTi
a
camer
unni
ngt
ohugherbi
gsi
ster
.
Tessa:
Heyy
ou.
..
lookaty
ou.
Ti
a:Youar
efi
nal
l
yher
e.
Tessa:
Ipr
omi
sedaker
e..

I
tfeltwei
rdspeaki
ngSet
swana.Sheshookher
head.
Ti
a:CanIhel
pwi
thy
ourbags?
Tessa:
Icamewit
honl
yonebagsoifi
t'
snott
oo
heavyf
oryoubemyguestl
i
lsi
s..

Tessal
ookedatherpar
ent
s.
Tessa:
Sti
l
lthesamer
oom?
Herfathernoddedandshewalkedi
nsi
dethe
houseinthatoversi
zedt
ee,
jeansandbl
ack
boots.
Shemadeherwaytoherol
droom andi
twas
cl
ean.Shewasf
inal
l
y18.Fi
nall
y.

Shehopedt heydi
dn'
tmindherdoi
ngstuf
fbut
she'
llsee.Ri
ghtnowshehadtoadj
ustbei
ng
hereagain.

AtMasa'
shouse

Masawal
kedt
othegat
etogetheror
der
s.
Shepai
dandt
ippedt
heguybef
orewal
ki
ng
away.

Shewal
kedi
nsi
de.
Masa:
Hel
l
ooo,
Icomebaack!

Hay
denl
aughed.
Masa:
Howi sev
eryt
hingattheoffi
ce(
placi
ng
t
hetakeawagbagsonthetable)
Hay
den:
Wel
l
..l
et'
sjustsayt
hingsar
elooki
ngup.
Masa:
wellwecandr
inktot
hatandeatt
othat
.
Nnaketshwer
weketlal
asorr
y..

Sheopenedthebagsandshesighed.Shemade
herwaytotheki
tchent
ogettheplates.

Hay
den:
Hav
epat
ience.
Masa:
Forwho?Fort
hewhy
?Tl
alamr
..

Shesatonthecar
peti
nst
eadandputaf ew
pi
ecesontheplat
efol
l
owedbythebreadrol
ls
andchi
ps.

Sheusedhermani
cur
edf
inger
stodi
ginand
herhai
rfel
lfor
war
d.
Hay
den:
Letmehel
pyouwi
tht
hat
..

Hepushedherhairbackwar
dsandthei
reyes
l
ocked.Masalookedatherpl
atei
gnori
nghis
gaze.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
.

Hay
denl
i
ckedhi
sli
ps.
Hay
den:
Uhm,
Ihav
etogo.We'
l
ltal
kokay
?
Masa:
Sur
e.

Hest
oodupandwal
kedout
.
.
.
*
*
Abonusi
nser
tfr
om met
oyou.Justnj
e.
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
45*

AtHay
den'
shouse

Hesatont hebedandlookedaround.I
twas
quietwi
thoutt
hekidsaroundbuthewillpi
ck
them upfi
rstt
hingi
nthemor ni
ng,heneededto
thi
nk.

May beitwasjustl
ustandhehadspentaf ew
mont hswit
houtsexright
?Andi twashi
slibi
do
tal
ki
ngnothi sheart
,thestupi
dorganheswore
hewoul dneveruse.Hewillgi
veitamonthor
so.

Hecheckedthewatchandhedeci
dedtoj
ust
headt
ot hegym.Torel
easet
hetensi
on.

AtMasa'
shouse

Masasatcr
ossleggedont
hecouchasshe
t
alkedt
oMatil
da.
Masa:
I'
l
ltaket
hemor
ningf
li
ght
.
Ti
l
y:Gi
rl
sni
ghtoutandcomeoutl
ooki
ngsex
y.
Masa:We'l
lsee.Andguesswhat
?I'
m st
il
l
f
lexi
ble.
.
Ti
l
y:Cany
oucomeshowme?
Masa:
Yourassi
sgay
..
Ti
l
y:Mxm!
Masa:
Ithi
nkIhav
eani
ncomi
ngv
ideocal
l
,I'
l
l
cal
l
.

Shehungupassheanswer
edJoy
'sv
ideocal
l
.
Masa:
Hey
..
Joy
:Hel
l
o,Ar
ital
ktomommy
..

JoyhandedAr
ithephoneandMasasmi
l
ed.
Masa:
Heypr
incess,
howar
eyou?
Ar
iel
l
e:Wear
ehav
ingca-
cake,
icecr
eam,
chi
ps.
.
Masal
aughed,
herbabywast
oosweet
.
Masa:
Sodi
dyout
akeabat
h?
Shenoddedandplacedthephoneont
hetabl
e
l
eg,shestar
tedt
ell
inghermom whatt
heydid
whentheywerewithBl
airt
owhenherdad
pi
ckedherup.
Masa:
Ilov
eyousweet
hear
t,gi
veaunt
yJoyt
he
phone.

Ari
ell
edi
dthatbef
orest
andi
ngupandheadi
ng
tot
hekit
chenwhereshebot
her
edherf
ather
.
Joyl
aughed.
Joy
:You'
ret
heeasi
estbabymamat
obehonest
.
Masa:Justdon'
thur
tmybaby,other
wisewe'
re
cool
.Howi sthemorni
ngsi
cknesscoming
al
ong?
Joy
:If
eel
li
kegar
bage.
Masa:
GladI
'
m notBl
airory
ou.
Joy
:Got
lagot
lel
a..
.
Masa:
Backt
osender
!!
Joylaughedandchat
tedwi
thMasaf
oraf
ew
minutesbefor
ehangi
ngup.

Shewal
kedt
otheki
tchenandki
ssedCane'
s
l
i
ps.
Ar
iel
l
ehi
dherey
eswi
thherhandsgi
ggl
i
ng.
Joy
:Bat
hong,
thi
sbabyi
ssosweet
.
Cane:
Tel
lmeabouti
t.
(l
aughi
ng)
Joy
:Hermot
herdi
dgoodwi
thher
.
Canenoddedi
nagr
eement
.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Hefinal
l
ywalkedoutoft
heshowerandjust
woreateeontopbefor
ehedial
edBlai
r'
s
number.

Bl
airanswer
edi
mmedi
atel
y.
Hay
den:
HeyDol
l
..
Bl
air
:Comet
akey
ourki
ds.I
'
mti
red.
Hay
den:
Tomor
rowf
ir
stt
hingi
nthemor
ning.
Bl
air
:Smi
th,
Aver
y?Comet
alkt
oyourdadguy
s.

Theki
dsrushedtotaket
hephonef
rom her
.
Smit
hJrheldthephone.
Smi
thJr
:Hel
l
odadwhenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Hay
den:
Soon.
.
Av
ery
:Daddy
?
Hay
den:
Yespr
incess?
Av
ery
:Imi
ssy
ou.
Hay
den:
Imi
ssy
out
ooangel
.
Aver
y:Mom t
ookustodoourhairlastweekend.
Il
ookli
keanactual
pri
ncess.
..
thatonethat
ki
ssedafr
og..

Haydenlaughed.Shemadehim wat
hThe
Pr
incessandt hefr
ogcount
lessoft
imest
othe
poi
ntt
hatheknewt
hesongs.
Hay
den:
Theny
ouar
ebeaut
if
ulbabygi
rl
.
Smi
thJr
:Letmet
alkt
odad.
Av
ery
:Okay
..

ShegaveSmi t
hthephoneandgotoffthe
couchheadi
ngt othebedr
oom wher
eshe
l
ookedatthedolls.Shemi
ssedherl
earni
ng
l
aptop,t
hepinkoneherdadhadgottenher.

Hay
den:
Iunder
standchamp.
Smi
thJr
:Thanky
ou.
Hay
den:
Youar
emani
pul
ati
ve.
Smit
hJr:Idon'
tknowwhatt
hatmeansbuti
t'
sa
goodthi
ngright
?Ilov
eyoudad.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyout
oo(
laughi
ng)
Bye.
Smi
thJr
:By
e..
HehungupandhandedBl
airt
hephone.
Blair
:Adi
reatleabatseye.Ican'
tbel
i
eveI
offeredt
obabysi
tthesechil
drennowCaneis
hav i
ngasecondone.God!!

AtHay
den'
spl
ace

Helai
ddownonhisbedandhewentt hr
ough
Masa'
spictur
eonFacebook.Shehadpictur
es
wi
ththekidsandt
hesmallouti
ngsshetook
t
hem to,
forci
nghi
mt ocomeal ong.

Shemadet hisparent
ingthingseem easy
thoughshej ustcamebackay earagofrom
school.Havingbaggedt hatBsCinFinanci
al
Engineeri
ngdegr ee.
Shebalancedspendingtimewitht
hem and
withoutherandBlai
rplusthewholefamil
y,he
wassur ehewouldn'
thav ecopedwithi
tall
.
Plusherparent
swer ealsosuppor
tiv
e.

Hepausedonaparticul
arphotoofherpout
ing
wit
ht hegi
rl
sandcl
ickedonit.Heshookhis
head.ThatwasMasabeingwell,
her.

Heexitedhissocial
mediaandscrol
l
edthr
ough
hiscontact
s.Hepausedonhername.Of
courseshewasn'tsavedasMasa,hedi
dn'
t
knowwhyhecal ledherSunshi
ne.Hevi
deo
call
edher.

Thephonerangforsomet i
mebeforeshe
answer
ed.Herhairallmessedupandshest
il
l
l
ookedcute,sur
pri
singl
y.
Hay
den:
Youl
ookhomel
ess.
Masa:
Geez!I
'l
ltaket
hatasacompliment.I
t'
s
l
ateHaydenwhatthehel
l.
..
(sar
cast
ical
l
y)

Hechuckl
ed.Shehadsuchasmar
tmout
h.
Hay
den:
CanIcomeov
er?
Masa:
Mr!Mr
!Sl
eep.
.

Shet
urnedonhersi
dehol
dingherphone.
Masa:
Ihaveanearl
ymor ni
ng,
Idrankt
oomuch
wi
ne.I
'm st
il
lgonnadr
inktoomuch.
Hay
den:
Tomor
rowt
her
eisnowor
k.
Masa:Wor
kforwho?I
'
m goi
ngout
.Ideser
vei
t
baba.
.
Hay
den:
Wakae?
Masa:
Calm down.
..
I'
m goi
ngout.Ihavetocat
ch
uponsleep(
yawni
ng)Thewinedidn'
tknockme
outsensel
ess.Bor
oko.

Shehungupandyawnedsomemor
ebef
ore
cl
osi
nghereyest
osleep.

Meanwhi l
eHay denlai
donhisbackandstar
ed
attheceil
ing.Hedi dn'
tknowwhyheasked
Reginafordirecti
on,heknewnoonewoul dbe
abl
et oreplaceherinhisheartandthef
actt
hat
someonehadherhear tigni
tedfur
yinhi
m.He
hat
edt hatfact.Hateditsomuch.

Het
urnedt
ohi
ssi
deandcl
osedhi
sey
es.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Masast
oodi
nfr
ontoft
hemi
rr
orasshecur
led
herhair
.Shesli
ght
lypar
tedherli
psasshe
focusedonthecur
ldefi
nit
ionshewant
ed.

Shesl
owlyremovedthecurl
i
ngr
odandt
hen
l
ookedatthecur
l.Per
fect
.

Didshebookafl
i
ght?Maybeshe'
ll
buyati
cket
ri
ghtther
eatt
heair
por
t.I
t'
snobiggie.

Shewalkedtothewardr
obewhereshet ookout
asmallsuit
caseandpackedheroverni
ght
cl
othesplusofcour
sethepart
yclothes.

Whenshewasdone,sheworeherbodysuit
bef
oreshesl
i
dherlegsinsi
deherjeansand
j
umpedabitfort
hem t
ogoov erherbutt
.
Sheworehersneakersandpull
edherbagswi
th
ablackst
yli
shhatoverherbounci
ngcurl
s.

Nowshehadt
odr
ivet
otheai
rpor
t.

AtHay
den'
spl
ace.

Hewokeupandcheckedhi
sphone.Hef
ounda
messagef
rom Masa.
Sunshi
ne:
I'
m gone,
tel
lthetwinsIlov
ethem and
cal
lmeifther
eisanemer gency.

Shor
tandt
othepoi
nt.

Her
ubbedhi
sheadandgotoutofbed.
Ont
her
oad

Masapassedbyacart hatseemedt
ohavea
probl
em.Theothercar
spassedbyandit
seemedasifi
twasal ady.

ShereversedhercarandparkedherMer
cedes
nextt
ot hecarasshesteppedout.

Masa:
HiIs-

Masascrunchedherf
aceasshecamef acet
o
f
acewithLetso.I
fshewasnotmist
aken.
Masawast akenabackandapar tofherwant
ed
t
oleaveherstrandedbecauseofspit
ebutshe
waabi
ggert hanthatandsheknewbet t
ert
han
t
oholdgrudges.
Masa:Hi
,Isawy
ourcarst
randed.
.It
houghtI
coul
dhelp.

Letsostoldt
her
edumbf ounded.ThatwasMasa.
Masast andi
ngi
nfrontofher,shehadgott
en
tenti
mesmor eli
ghterandshehadsuchan
accent.

Masa:
Uhm l
etmecal
lmymechani
ctohel
pout
.

Shetookoutherphoneandwal
kedt
othecar
asshetal
kedtothemechani
c.

Shehungupandwal
kedt
owher
eLet
sowas.

Let
soqui
etl
yobser
vedhercl
othes.Thatj
ean
wasaGuessandGodknowshowmucht
hose
sneaker
scost
.

Let
so:
Hel
l
o.
Masa:
Hi.
.Howhav
eyoubeen?I
t'
sbeeny
ear
s..
Let
so:
School
andt
henwor
k.
Masa:
That
'sgood.

Shelookedaheadandshesawt
hemechani
c'
s
car
.
Masa:
He'sj
ustaboutt
oar
ri
ve,
I'
ll
dropy
ouof
f
atwor
k..
Let
so:
Thanky
ou.

Themechani
car
ri
vedandMasaaskedLet
sot
o
expl
ain.
Mechani
c:I
'
lll
ookati
tandgetbackt
oyou.
Masa:
I'
l
lcov
ert
hebi
l
ls.Thanky
ou.

Sheflashedasmi leandLetsot ookherbagand

phonef r
om thecar.Shelookedatheronei nch
heelandthechineseclothesshewaswear i
ng
j
ustsoshecansav ecosts.Itwasnotl i
keher
j
obwaspay i
ngmuchany way .Herdreamswent
downt hedrainli
kethat
.Shehadt odoany
avai
lablecourseandshewasn' tevenhappy.

MasaopenedthecardoorandLet
sodidtoo.
Thecarext
eri
orandint
eri
orwasnicepl
usshe
l
ookedri
ch.

Shesatatt
hebackseat
.Unsur
eofwher
etosi
t.
Masaf
ixedt
her
ear
viewmi
rr
or.
Masa:
Kegodr
oppekae?
Let
so:
Hacounci
l
.
Masa:
alr
ight
..

Shestar
tedt
hecarandshecoul
dfeel
the
engi
ne.

Masa:
Buckl
eup!

Shesaidasshejoinedthemainroad.Masa'
s
phonerangandsher ol
ledherey
es,asshe
answeredthephonesinceshehadconnectedi
t
tothecarsyst
em.
Masa:
Rra?
Hay
den:
Mor
ning.
.

ThedeepvoicescaredLet
soabit
.Theguyhad
suchadeepv oi
cethatmostwomenwouldgo
crazyov
er.
Hay
den:
Iwasj
ustchecki
ngupony
ou.
Masa:
I'
m notachi
l
dHay
den.
.

Letsofr
owned.ThenameHay
densoundedso
famil
iar
.
Hayden:
Oshar
po?Ihear
dtheyki
dnapl
adi
es
outther
e.

Masalaughedshaki
ngherheadasshet
ooka
l
eftt
urn.
Masa:Iknowhowtoprot
ectmyself
.Ki
ssthe
twinsforme.By
e.Gogetlai
dorsomethi
ng.Wa
ntapi
sa.

ShehungupandLet
sot
ri
edtoremember
wher
esheheardt
henameHaydenwheni
t
fi
nal
l
ycli
cked.
Let
so:
YouknowHay
den?
Masa:
Yep.
.
Let
so:They
oungbusi
nessmant
hat
'smaki
ng
waves?

Shewant
edt
oaddf
ormercr
ushbutshekept
qui
et.

Masa:
Yep.
Let
so:
Youar
efr
iends?
Masa:
Weco-
par
ent
.Wear
eaboutt
oar
ri
ve.

ThatwashowMasacl
osedt
hewhol
e
conver
sat
ion.

WhenMasafi
nal
lyar
ri
vedatthedest
inat
ion,
Let
sol
ookedatMasagrat
eful
ly
.
Let
so:
Thanky
ou,
youdon'
thav
etopayor
-
Masa:
It
'snot
hing.

Shehandedherherphone.
Masa:
Tseny
ayournumbersoIcancal
lyou
oncet
hemechani
cisdone.

Shepressedt
hedi
git
sandhandedMasat
he
phone.
Masa:
Hav
eagooddayhun.
Let
so:
Thanky
ou.
.keLet
so.
Masa:
Iknow.
..

Shesmi
l
edandLet
sost
eppedout
.

Masadr
oveof
ftot
heai
rpor
tfr
ont
her
eon.
.
.
*
*
GOODNI
GHT
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
46*

AtSi
rSer
etseKhamaI
nter
nat
ional
Air
por
t

Masasteppedi
ntot
heai
rpor
tandsmi
l
ed.I
twi
l
l
besobusylat
eron.

Shedi
aledMat
il
da'
snumber
.
Masa:
Hel
l
o,Icomebaaaaack!
Ti
l
y:Meetmybestf
ri
end,
Masa.Sat
aan!
Masa:
Comepi
ckmef
rom t
heai
rpor
t.
Ti
l
y:Onmyway
..
Masa:
Thanks.

Amessagepoppedupandsherol
l
edherey
es.
Shet
ext
edbackandherepl
ied.
Sheputherphoneawayno.Shewashereto
havef
unandr el
ax.Shewasfivehour
saway
fr
om t
hekids.Thatmeantpeace.

30minut
eslat
erTil
ywasattheai
rpor
tabdshe
l
oadedherbagint
othecar
.
Theyshar
edal
onghug.
Ti
l
y:I
'
m gl
ady
oucame.
.
Masa:WhenDrTil
ycal
l
edmeImadei
tmy
mi
ssion.Avani
?
Ti
l
y:Youknow.
.
Masa:
Ineedabat
hfi
rstandIneedt
osmel
l
good.
Ti
l
y:Whodoy
ouwantt
oimpr
ess.
Masa:
Iwantt
osmel
lgoodf
orme.
.ar
eyemma.

Ti
lyst
art
edthecaranddr
oveof
ftoj
oint
he
Gabor
onetr
affi
c.

AtTi
l
y'shouse

Masawalkedoutofthebathr
oom, thi
sti
meshe
hadcover
edherhair
.Therewasnowayshe
wasabouttoloset
hecurldefi
nit
ionshewor
ked
onthi
smor ni
ng.
Ti
l
y:Kabot
hreet
labor
elewi
thi
n.
Masa:
Youknow.
Masaopenedhersui tcaseandtookouther
shorthighwaistj
eansandwhiteoffthe
shouldertop.Ofcour
seshewaswear i
ngwhit
e
sneakers.

Ti
l
y:Getaman.
Masa:Idon'
twantaman,
may
bewhenAr
iis8
I
'l
lthi
nkabout.
Ti
l
y:Yoh!

AtHay
den'
shouse

Haydenl
aughedashekickedbal
lwit
hSmi thJr
andAver
yhaddecidedt
obet hei
rcheer
leader
.
Av
ery
:Godaddygo!
Smi
thJr
:Whataboutme?
Av
ery
:GoSmi
thGo!
!

Haydenl
aughedashepassedtheball
toSmi
th
whotooki
tastheoppor
tuni
ttoscore.
Hay
den:
Andhescooor
eees!

Hepi
ckedHay
denSmi
thJrandpl
acedhi
m on
hi
sneck.
Smi
thJr
:Iknowy
oul
etmewi
n.
Hay
den:
Stopbei
ngsosmar
t.

Av
erycl
appedherhandswhent
heycamet
oher
.
Haydenlaughed.Thesetwohadabsol
utel
y
di
ff
erentpersonal
it
ies.

HeputSmi
thJrdownast
heywal
kedt
othe
house.
Hay
den:
Got
akeabat
hSmi
th.
.
Smi
thJr
:Yesf
ather
.

Smithmadehiswaytohisroom whi
leAverysat
onthecouchandheldt
heremote.Shechanged
tvchannel
sasherdadheadedtothebedroom.

Haydenwentt hr
oughtheWhatsAppstat
uses
andhepausedonMasawhowasi nshor
tsand
awhitetop.I
magi neal
lthemenwho'l
lbe
l
ookingather.Shehadcapti
onedthephoto
'
weekendt ur
nup '

Hescreenshotedt
hepict
ureandt
hrewhis
phoneont hebedheadi
ngtothwbathr
oom t
o
takeabath.

Awhi
l
elat
erhewal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom
weari
ngablacksweatert
hatshowedhis
def
inedmusclesandsomeblackjeans.

Hefoundt
hetwi
nsdebat
ingonwhoshoul
d
wat
chwhat.

Haydencheckedt
heti
me.Theyst
il
lhadt
imet
o
gooutandbuystuf
f.
Hay
den:
Guy
slet
'sgodosonegr
ocer
yshoppi
ng.
Av
ery
:Ipi
ckev
ery
thi
ng?
Hay
den:
Ifi
t'
swhatweneedt
heny
ougett
opi
ck.
Av
ery
:Il
i
ket
hat
.

Smi
thJrl
ookedathi
ssi
sterandt
henathi
sdad.
Hayden:
Guy
slet
'sgo,
itseemsasi
tit
'l
lrai
nthi
s
si
de.
AtTessa'
sHouse

Tessasatonhertummyasshepressedher
phone.Herphonerangandwhenshesawthe
cal
leri
dshesmi l
ed.
Tessa:
Hel
l
o..
Conor
:Hi
Tess,
uhm Ij
avesomet
hingt
otel
lyou.
Tessa:
Soundsser
ious.

Shesatupr
ightandwai
tedf
orhi
mtot
ell
her
.
Conor
:It
hinkweshoul
dbr
eakup.
.
Tessa:
Ooh!
Conor:
Imeanwear efarf
rom eachot
herand
thi
slongdi
stancet
hingmightnotworkout
.

Tessasuckedi
nadeepbr
eat
h.
Tessa:
Okay
.
Conor
:Okay
?
Tessa:
Youmadeupyourmi
ndConorandI
'
m
notgoi
ngtof
orcey
outochangei
t.
Conor
:Butwehadsexacoupl
eoft
imes.
Tessal
aughed.
Tessa:NowonderIl oveyou.Youcar eawhol
e
l
otaboutmebabyboy .Sexhasnothingtodo
wit
ht his.Ican'tcryandshoutoutthatIdon'
t
wanty out oleavemebecausewe' v
esexed.
ConorI '
m notchi l
dishli
kethatdude.Babydo
youandal l t
hebesti nyourfut
ureendeavour
s.
Conor
:Thanky
ou.AndIl
ovey
ouTher
esa.
Tessa:
Iknow.Boyby
e.Wear
eexesnow.

Shesai
dlaughi
ngasshehungup.
Sheplacedthephonedownandwal kedt
othe
wardr
obet ogogetchanged.Maybeshewas
goi
ngt ogototownforfr
eshair
.

Sheti
edherhai
rupi
ntoasl
eekbunbef
oreshe
woreherki
cks.

Shegotherstuffandphone.Tessamadeher
waytothelounge.
Tessa:
I'
m goi
ngtotown,t
ryi
ngt
oremember
ever
ythi
ng.I
'l
lbeback.
RaTessa:
Won'
tyougetl
ost
?
Tessa:
May
be.ButI
'
llbeback.
MaTessa:
It
'saboutt
orai
n.
Tessa:
Iwon'
tbel
ong.
..
byee.
.

Shewal
kedoutoft
hehouseandsl
i
ppedher
handsintohert
racksuitpantsthatwer
eridi
ng
l
owbel owherwaistl
inerev eal
i
ngherbutt
erfl
y
tat
too.Shewasn'tsureiftheysawthator
...
Buteit
herway,i
twasther
etost ay
.Asshe
walkedtot
hestopshecouldseeev er
yone
l
ookingather
.Sherol
l
edherey es.

I
twasasifi
twasthei
rfi
rstt
imeseeinga
per
soni
nacropjer
seyandtrackpant
s.

AtAv
ani
Gabor
oneResor
t&Casi
no

Masahel
dthecani
fspar
kli
ngwi
neasshe
st
oodup.
Ti
l
y:Yougogi
rl
!!
Masa:
Takeav
ideoTi
l
y..
Ti
l
ytookoutherphoneasDj
Obza'
s
Mang'
Daki
weplayed.
Masasangal ongasshedanced.Ti lyl
aughed
takingthevi
deo.Every
oneshiftedthei
r
attenti
ontoMasa.Wel lsi
ncethiswas
Gabor onet
heyassumedt heywer ethi
sslay
queenswhohadnot hi
ngbettertodowi t
hthei
r
l
ives.

Masa:
Tsa!Tsa!

Shesaidasshedi
dthi
sot
hermov
ewi
thher
hands.
Ti
l
y:Masa!
!
Masast
oppeddanci
ngandl
aughedasshet
ook
asi
pofherwi
ne.
Masa:
Wehavethewhol
enight.
.Yazi
mang'
daki
wesakhumbul
alutho!!
Til
y:
I'
m gl
adImadey
ougoout
.Lookatus
havi
ngfun.
.
Masa:
Andt
hewi
nesdar
li
ng.Thewi
nes.

Theysatdowntal
ki
ngasmoresongspl
ayed.
Ti
lyhadplacedt
hei
ror
der
s.

Masa:
Ema!
!

Shepl
acedthewinecandownasJor
jaSmi
th'
s
BeHonestpl
ayed.
Masa:
Ist
il
lgott
hef
lexi
bil
i
tymma.
.t
akeav
ideo.

Ti
l
ygotherphoner
eady
Masa:"
Youseemythi
ckt
highs,
lostwheny
ou
l
ookintomybrowney
es.
."
Ti
l
y:Masa!
!
Masal
aughedasshest
oppedmov i
ngt
hatt
iny
wai
stmaki
ngherwaytoherseat
.
Ti
l
y:Youguy
swi
l
lst
il
lourmen.Suchf
lexi
bil
i
ty.
.
Masa:
Tshek!Sendt
hev
ideosmyl
ove.

Att
own

Haydenl
oadedt
hefoodi
ntothecarandcl
osed
theboot
.Hehel
pedthet
winsgeti
ntothebi
g
car.

I
tlookedl
i
kei
twasaboutt
orai
nanymoment
f
rom now.

Hay
den:
Youal
lhav
eseat
bel
tson?
Theybot
hnoddedandhest
art
edt
hecar
,
rev
ersi
ngoutofthepar
kingspotbef
orehe
buckl
edupandjoinedt
heroad.

Meanwhil
eTessawal
kedar
oundasi
tst
art
ed
r
aini
ng.

Tessa:
Shi
t!Shi
t!
Thetaxi r
ankwasf arandshedidn'
teventake
anumbr ell
a.Shehadbeensol osti
nthought
thatshehadl osttr
ackofti
me.Shewasst art
ing
toshiverasther ai
nwethercl
othes.

Shekeptwalki
ngi
ntherai
n,shehadno
motherf
ucki
ngchoi
ce.All
thetaxi
sjustsped
pasther
.
Tessa:
Myphone.
..
shi
t!
!Ihat
ethi
suni
ver
se
gosh.
Shenowlooksl
ikesomegir
lfr
om asadmov i
e
j
ustcauseshei
sgoingt
hroughabreakup.

Meanwhil
eint
hecar,Hay
densawsomeone
wal
kingint
herai
n.I
tseemedasi
fther
ewere
notaxi
s.

Tessablinkedt
hewat erawayasacarf
lashed
i
t'
slightandapproachedher.

Shest
opped.I
ftheyki
l
lher
,thenwhatt
hehel
l
?

Thewindowsrol
leddownandt hecarwas
cl
assy.AblackMercedesSUV.Thelat
esti
nthe
market.Wow.

Man:
Geti
n..
Hi
svoi
cewasdeepwhatt
hehel
l
?

Shedidso,i
mmediat
elyopeni
ngthepassenger
doorandgotinwi
thwetclot
hesandstuf
f.

Haydenlookedather.Hi
shear traced.He
cl
earedhisthr
oat.Herecognizedherf r
om t
he
photosandwhathehadhi sinvestigat
ordi
gout.
Tessa:
Thanky
ouandhel
l
o,I
'
m Tessa.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
oTessa.

Tessa:
Sor
ryfort
hemess,
Ipr
omi
seI
'
llt
ryand
cl
eanit
.Thankyou.

Shesai
donceagai
n.Herhear
twasskipping
beat
s.Hewassohot.Shedi
dn'tknowthere
werehotmeninBot swana.Hewashot .Hot!
Shewasdefini
tel
ytell
ingherfr
iendthatshe
wasinthecarwit
hahotst ranger.

Sheleanedbackandclosedherey es.How
woulditfeel
ifhehadhishandsalloverher?
Andshewoul dcal
lhim daddy?Shehadt osti
fl
e
agiggl
e.Youonlyli
veoncer i
ght?

Sheturnedherheadandsawt wokids.Theli
ttl
e
gi
rll
ookedf amil
i
arbutshewasn'tgoingt
ost ar
e
ather.Shewascuteobviousl
ybutkidsweren't
herfort
e.Shewasallaboutherandher
happiness,
nothi
ngelse.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
47*

AtHay
den'
sHouse

Heparkedhiscarandl
ookedatTessa.The
dr
iveherehadbeenasil
entoneeventheki
ds
weresi
lent
.

Ther
ainhadst
opped.

Hay
denunlockedthedoorsandt
hekidsundi
d
t
hei
rseat
beltsandslowl
ygotoutoft
hecar.
Hayden:
Yourcl
othesar
ewet
,Ij
aveadr
yer
somewhereint
here.
Tessa:
Sur
e.Thankyou.Byt
hewayy
ou'
renot
goi
ngtokil
lmeright
?
Hay
den:
Nope.
.

HegotoutofthecarandTessadidt
oo.She
l
ookedaround.Hishousewashugeand
Haydenj
ustlookedatthechi
l
dli
kegleei
nher
eyes.
Tessa:
Nicehouse.
Hay
den:Thanks.Heopenedt
hedoorandbot
h
t
hekidsrantothei
rbedr
oomsupstai
rs.

Tessaf
oll
owedHay denwhomadehiswayto
hi
sroom.Shecoul dseethebackvi
ewandit
wasspectacul
ar.Heopenedthedoorandhi
s
mascul
inescentengulfedher
.
Hayden:
Uhm l
etmel
ookf
orsomet
hingy
oucan
changei
nto.

Hedisappear
edi ntohiswalkincl
osetandshe
removedherclothes.Shedidn'
tknowwhereto
putt
hewetclot hes.Hishousewasbiii
i
g!

Hay denf
oundanoldshi r
t.I
twascleanandit
seemedt obehersize.Hepaused.Whenwas
thelastt
imehehadaf emal
einhishouse?He
tappedhishead.Masa..

Speaki
ngofMasahesl
i
dhisphoneoutofhi
s
pocketandhesawt
hevi
deoofherdanci
ng.
Her
epl
i
edherst
atus.
Hay
den: Don'
tgetdr
unk.
.
Hesawt
ypi
ng.
Sunshine: Tshekdon'
ttal
ktomeI
'
m dr
unk
text
ing..
.
Hay
den: Iknewi
t.
.
Hesawherr
ecor
dingav
n..
shepr
obabl
ycan'
t
t
extwel
l
..
I
twas20secondl
ongv
nandheopenedi
t.
Sunshi
ne:
Tshek!Tshek!Don'
ttextme.
..
yoh
bathoI
'
m seei
ngst ar
s..
Hay
den:
Bot
agwa.
Shesentanot
herv
n.
Sunshi
ne:Hayden!
!Hai
shI'l
lseeyoukaMo-
Monday..
.CanIhaveasickleav
e?
Hay
den: Wapeka,
whosenty
out
ogetdr
unk?
Hesawhert
ypi
ng.
Masa: ‍♀Ehe?Saf
e..
.

Thenshewentoff
li
neandhel
aughedshaki
ng
hi
sheadbeforesl
i
dingt
hephonebacki
nhis
backpocket
.

Hewal kedoutoft heclosetandhefoundTessa

si
tti
nghal fnakedonhi sbed.Hesawt hef
aint
scararoundherbr eastarea.I
twasheralr
ight
.
Obviouslyhisdickwasgoi ngtor
eacttoany
nakedwomanatt hi
spoint.
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Hay
den:
Her
eisacl
eanshi
rt
.
Tessa:
Thanks.
Hay
den:
Howol
dar
eyou?

Shesmi
l
ed.
Tessa:
18.
..
Hay
den:
Isee.Ar
eyouwar
m?
Tessa:
Whyar
eyout
aki
ngcar
eofme?
Hay
den:
Commoncour
tesy
.
Tessastoodupasshewor
ehi
sshi
rt
.Ithadhi
s
scentt
oo.
Tessa:
Real
l
y?Noul
ter
iormot
ives?
Hay
denpausedandl
ookedather
.
Hay
den:
No.
.
Hewasaboutt
owalkoutoft
hebedr
oom when
hest
oppedi
nhist
racks.

Hay
den:
Whati
ftheywer
e?
Tessa:
Int
erest
ing.
..
Hay
den:
Don'
tyout
hinky
oushoul
drun?
Tessa:
Runt
owher
e?Idon'
tev
enknowwher
eI
am.
.
Hay
den:
True.
.

Sheshruggedandhewal kedaway
.Shelooked
aroundhi
sr oom.Sheshouldpr
obabl
yfol
low
hi
m, ever
ythingi
nherel
ookedexpensi
veand
shedidn'
twanttobreakshit
.
Tessa:
Hey
,Idi
dn'
tgety
ourname.
.
Hay
den:
Hay
den.
.
Tessa:
Okay
,wher
eshoul
dIputmycl
othes?
Hay
den:
I'
l
lputt
hem i
nthewasher
..
Hewal kedbackt
ohi
sbedr
oom andpi
ckedt
he
cl
othes.
Hemadehi swaytothelaundr
yroom and
paused.Di
dheeverdolaundry
?

Tessaf
oll
owedandst
oodbyt
hedoor
,herl
egs
showi
ngf
rom hi
sshi
rt
.
Tessa:
Nev
erusedt
hewasher
?
Hay
den:
Ifor
got
.

Tessawal
kedov
erandl
ookedati
t.
Tessa:
Itl
ookscompl
i
cat
edandexpensi
ve.
.
HaydenrememberedthathehadMasahelp
hi
m chooseandoperateit.Masai
sdrunkand
Bl
airmustbeexhausted.Thehousehel
perwas
of
ftoo.
Hay
den:
Ithi
nkt
hey
'l
ldr
y..
Tessa:
Yeah.
.

Hespreadt
hecl
othesout
.Hopef
ull
yinanhour
orso.

AtAv
ani
Gabor
oneResor
t&Casi
no
Ti
lytookt
hephonefrom Masaandswi
tchedi
t
of
f.ShewasdrunkandsheknewdrunkMasa
wasthemosthonestofthem al
l
.
Ti
l
y:Masaar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
orHay
den?

Masal
aughedt
hrowi
ngherheadbackasshe
t
ookanot
hersi
pofwine.
Shehel
dherchesti
nshock.
Masa:
Me?Hay
den?I
twi
l
lnev
erhappen.
Ti
l
y:Thenwhyar
eyoust
il
lsi
ngl
e?
Masa:
I-
Iwa-
ntt
-t
-t
oo.
.(
slur
ri
ng)
Til
yshookherhead.Shewasgoi
ngt
oget
thr
oughtoher.
Masa:
Ime-
(pausi
ng)
Hedoesn'
tl
oveme.
.

Shewast
alki
ngnow.
..
Shesli
dherphoneoutandr
ecor
dedt
he
conv
ersat
ion.
Masa:
Hedeser
vess-
s-somuchbet
t-
bet
ter
..
Ti
l
y:Buthewasy
ourcr
ush.
.
Masa:Was..
.YouknowwhyIwentf
orCane?Hel
-
lookedl
ikeH..

Sheknewthat
.NowonderMasahasbeen
si
ngl
eallt
heseyear
s.
Ti
l
y:Youl
ovehi
m?
Masapausedandt
ookasi
pofherwi
neonce
more.
Masa:
Mmhmm.
.

Til
ylookedatMasa.Shehadel
oquent
lyhi
dher
feel
ingsfr
om Haydenandnoonecoul
dsuspect
t
hatshel
ovedhi
m.
Ti
l
y:I
fhemov
eson?
Masa:Iwanthi -
himt of i
ndlove.Y-youshould
seethewayhi sey eslightupwhenhet al
ks
aboutRegie(hermi ndwander edforabi t
)he
deservesperfectl-
love..
Aper sonwhowi -wi
ll
mendhi sbrokenhear t..
.Onewhodoesn' thavea
past.
..
Toraiset hetwinst ogether
.
Ti
l
y:Soy
ou'
l
lbeokay
?
Masa:Yeah.
.I
'm abi
ggirl
,ev
ent ual
l
yt he
chi
l
dhoodcr ushwil
ldi
-di
sappearright?I
'm not
whathene-needs.Wearebetteroffasfri
ends.
Ti
l
y:Hehasn'
thi
tony
ou?

Masal
aughed.
Masa:Hobol awakenopahel
a(Hi
sjust
horny)
juuuustcausehesawmedanci
ngkeha
ntshal
amor ago..
.
Ti
l
y:I
fyousayso.
.
Masa:mmhm. .hehast omeetuhm aper
fect
gir
l.
.onewhodi dn'tmakemi st
akesl
ikeme..I
'
m
fl
awed.(neart
ear s)someti
mesIhatemyselffor
thedecisi
onsIt ook..

Mat
il
dasqueezedMasa'
shand.
Masa:Myp- pasti
snotnice..
I-
Ifeel
cheapnow.
Every
timeIt hi
nkofsex,If
eel l
i
keawhor e.
.l
ike
whythehel ldi
dIdothatstuffwhenIwasa
teen,
(cr
ying)
Ti
l
y:Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulbaby
..
Masa:Iknow..
.Ari
isthebest.
.keor
e(usingher
handst owi
pedhertears)
Idon'twanttodate
onlyforamant osayIusedtobeacheapt ot
becauseIhadachi l
dasat eenager
...
bathoba
di
puogor e.
.
Ti
l
y:I
gnor
ethem.
.Masay
our
ebui
l
tyourl
i
feI
wasther
e.Youhavethedegr
ee,
jobandhouse
andapret
tybabygi
rl
..
Masa:
Igue-
guessy
ou'
rer
ight
..
.

Shegul
pedt
hel
astoft
hewi
neandl
aughed.
Masa:
Let
'sdance.
.

Mati
ldaindul
gedher
.Shehadbeenbur y
ingalot
oft
hingsinsi
deandonethi
ng'
sforsure,shewil
l
bl
owuponedayandi twon'
tbeprett
y.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
48*

AtHay
den'
shouse

Tessapressedherphoneassheignoredher
parent
s'messages.Shewasfi
neandi fthey
knewshewaswi thahotstr
angertheywould
l
ive.

Haydenhandedherahotcupofcof
feeandsat
down.
Tessa:
Thanky
ou.Uhm ar
ethecl
othesdr
yyet
?I
havetogo.
.
Hay
den:
Letmecheckt
hem f
ory
ou.
..

Tessasmi
l
edathi
m.Forsomest
ranger
eason
sheki
ndofli
kedhim.Shelookedaroundand
wonderedwher
ealltheki
dswhere?May bethey
werenothi
schil
drenandshehadbeenr eadi
ng
toomuchint
oit.

Imeanhecouldbeanuncl
etotheki
dshence
notev
ental
ki
ngaboutthem.Hewastooyoung
tohav
ekidsthatol
d.

Shesighedandsentherfr
iendatext
.Iti
sasif
shewasn'tgoi
ngthr
oughabr eakup.Outoft
hw
blueahandsomehotstrangersav
esherand
takeshertohi
shome.

Hay
denwal
kedback.
Hayden:Thecl
othesar
edr
y,y
oucanweart
hem
andI'
ll
takeyouhome..
Shej
ustagreed.Whywasn'
themaki
ngamov
e
onheroranythi
ng?

Shegotupandtr
iedtor
ememberwherethe
l
aundryr
oom was,hi
shousewasgi
ganti
c.

Shefounditandgott
heclot
hesbefor
emaking
herwaytohisroom.Sheunbut
tonedhi
sshi
rt
andgotdressed.
Shestoodinfr
ontofthemir
rorandfi
xedher
hai
r,l
etti
ngitl
ooseandal
lowingi
ttofal
ldown
herneck.

Shel
ookedathisshi
rtagai
n.Shebadl
ywant
ed
tost
eali
t.Themansmel l
edhel
lagoodpl
usi
t
woul
dbeasouv eni
r.

Shesi
ghedasshewal
kedoutl
eav
ingi
tont
he
bed.

Whenshemadeherwaytot
helounge,
Hayden
wasj
ustmaki
nghiswaydownst
air
s.Hehad
t
oldt
hekidst
hathewoul
dbeback..
.

Haydensear
chedf
orhi
scarkey
sandl
ookedat
Tessa.
Hay
den:
Wecango.
.

Tessafoll
owedhim andsheoptedf
ort
he
backseatsi
nceshehadbeenawetmouse
whenshewasi nthatfr
ontseat
.
Tessa:
HowcanIr
epayy
ou?
Hay
den:
Commoncour
tesy
.Youdon'
thav
eto.
Tessa:Iwantt
o,Ifeell
ikeIowey ou.
..
letme
takeyournumber.I'
ll
washy ourcarforfr
eethi
s
weekend.

Hekeptquiet
.Sheassumedhereal
l
ywasn'
ta
manofmanywor ds.Obvi
ousl
yshewon'
tbetoo
t
ooforwardbutyeah.
.
Tessa:Ii
nsist
..
Andevent
heweekendaf
tert
hat
one.I
magi newhatIwoul
d'v
ebecomehadyou
notstoppedforme?
Hay
den:
Nowy
ou'
rebei
ngt
oodr
amat
ic.
..
Tessagi
ggl
ed.
Tessa:
I'
m not
..
.

Shehandedhim herphone.Wai t
ingforhi
mt o
punchhisnumber .Hay denheldthesteer
ing
wheelwithonehandandTessal ickedherli
ps.
Itwassexyespeciall
ysi ncehehadmuscl es
andall
.Heusedt heot herhandtopunchhi s
number.
Tessa:
Key
oney
aWhat
sApp?
Henodded.
Tessa:
thanky
ou,
let
'sj
usthopeIdon'
tl
osei
t.

Shesaidbeforeshest
art
edt
odir
ecthi
mtoher
par
ents'house.I
fhermemor
yserv
edherwel
l
.

Shemadehi
m st
opf
ivehouseaway
.
Tessa:
Thanky
ouonceagai
n.
Hay denhandedherhisphonesot
hatshecould
enterhernumber.Tessasmil
edassheenter
ed
herdials.

Shegotoutoft
hecarandHaydenleanedback.
Heknewwhoshewasandt hattheheartt
hat
waspumpinginherbodywasRegie'
s.Hedidn'
t
ev
enunder
standhi
sownf
eel
i
ngs.

Hemadeau-
tur
nandt
urnedbackhome.

Thef
oll
owi
ngday

AtTi
l
y'spl
ace

Masahal
frantot
hebathr
oom t
othr
owup,
she
hadamassiv
eheadache.

Shei
snev
erdr
inki
ngwi
thTi
l
yagai
n.

Mati
ldawal
kedi
ntot
hebedr
oom andl
ookedat
her
.
Masa:
Ifeel
sick.
.
Shet
appedherhead.
Masa:
Emi
sabot
agwaMasa.
.t
lhogoy
amewee!
Ti
l
y:Youwer
edr
inki
ngl
i
kenoone'
sbusi
ness.
.
Masa:
youdi
dn'
ttakeav
ideo?
Ti
l
y:Ihav
evi
deosmyguy
..
vi
deos!
Masa:
OhGod!

Shemov
edf
rom t
het
oil
etbowl
andr
insedher
mout
h.
Ti
l
y:Doy
our
ememberwhaty
ousai
dlastni
ght
?
Masa:Whatdi
dIsay?Keskabokebuilegor
eke
nal
ebokaheinmybankaccountkatl
aka
ust
welwakebatho(
Idi
dn'
tsaymybank
bal
ancesoutl
oud,t
heymightst
ealmymoney )

Ti
l
ynot
icedt
hatshedi
dn'
thav
eanymemor
yof
herspur
ti
ngoutt
hosei
nti
nat
edet
ail
sofher
sel
f
andleti
tbe.
Ti
l
y:Lucki
l
ynot
..
Masa:
ThankGod.Ineedabat
handIneedt
o
bookafl
i
ghttogohome..
.

Masasai dasshewalkedoutoft hebat

hroom
andpickedhercel
lphone.Shefrownedwhen
shesawt extmessagesfrom Hayden.
Masa:
Whydi dn'
tyoutakemyphone?Hi
s
annoy
ing.
.whatthehel
lwasIsayi
ng?

Shel
i
stenedt
oherv
ns.
Masa:
Jesu!
Alway
stakemyphoney
oh.
.

Sher
ubbedhert
empl
es.
Lat
ert
hatday

Tilydr
oppedMasaof fattheai
rport.Masahad
shadesont ohidetheey
es.Shewasn' tgoi
ngt
o
pickAriorevencheckonthetwins.Shewas
sl
eepingitoutathome.

Masaboar
dedt
heai
rcr
aftasTi
l
ywat
chedher
.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Her ubbedhi shead.Forthef i

rstti
mei nawhil
e
hewasn' tt
hinkingaboutRegie.Hewas
fascinatedbyTessa.Heknewt hetrut
handhe
wonder edhowhef ail
edtohat eherbecausehe
swor ehewoul dhatethepersonwhohad
Regie'sheart.Hesighedashel eanedback.
May beMasawasback.
Hay
den:
Guy
s?
Av
ery
:Yesdad?
Hay
den:Doy
ouwantust
ogocheckony
our
mother
?
Smi
thJr
:I
sAr
ither
e?
Hay
den:
Notsur
e..

SmithJr:
Sheisl
i
keababy
..
.daddywear
eol
der
thanAri
right
?
Hay
den:
Yes.
..
Lett
hebabyl
i
ve.
.
Aver
yhel
dt hei
Padandmadeherwayt
oher
dadandsatdownnextt
oHayden.
Av
ery
:Daddy
?
Hay
den:
Yes?
Aver
y:Arii
soursi
ster
,arey
ouandmommy
goi
ngt ohaveababyli
keaunt
yBl
air
?Is
mommy
'sst
omachgoi
ngt
obebi
gtoo?

Hay
dencl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Hay
den:
Notany
timesoon.
Aver
ysighed.Haydenlaughedsof
tl
y.She
seemedseriousaboutthi
smatter
.
Av
ery
:Howdoesababyendupi
nthest
omach?
Hay
den:
Whoah!
Hehadt
othi
nkf
ast
..
Hay
den:
Youswal
lowaseedandeatl
otsof
f
oodanddr
inkwater
..

Aver
ysuspi
ciousl
ylookedatherdadthen
fi
gur
edouthewast ell
i
ngthetrut
h.Butthenshe
fr
owned.
Av
ery
:I
fIdot
hesamewi
l
lIhav
eababyt
oo?
Her
ubbedhi
shead.
Hay
den:
No.
.

Shemadet
hisconf
usedexpr
essi
ont
hatRegi
na
usedt
omake.
Av
ery
:I
'm co-
iti
sconf
-
Hay
den:
Conf
usedangel
.Conf
used.
Av
ery
:That
..
I'
l
laskmommyt
oo.
Hay
den:
Youdon'
tbel
i
eveme?
Av
eryshr
uggedandhandedherf
athert
hei
Pad.
Aver
y:I
'
m goingt
otakeahai
rbr
ushandy
oucan
domyhair.
..

Shesl
owlywalkedt othest ai
rsandsi
ghed
l
ooki
ngup.Babygi rlbehavedlikemommy
somet
imeandhel aughedabi tasaomeof
Masa'
scharacter
isti
csr ubbedoffon
her.
.maybei
twasbecauseshespentt
imewi
th
hertoo.
.

Averyhel
dontot
her
ail
asshet
ooksmal
lst
eps
upthestai
rs.

Haydendial
edMasa'smumberandi
twasn'
t
goi
ngthrough.Wassheback?

Hecheckedthet
ime.I
twasal
mostsev
en,
she
wasprobabl
yback.

Smit
hJrmadehi
swaydownandsatnextt
ohi
s
dadsi
lent
ly.
Hay
den:
What
'supchamp?
Smi
thJr
:j
ustt
hinki
ng.
.
Hay
den:
uhu,
you'
rej
ustsi
xyear
s..
Smi
thJr
:ourbi
rt
hday
..

Thathadsli
ppedhi
smind.HehadtoaskMasa
aboutthat
.Shepl
annedal
ltheki
ds'
bir
thday
sto
perf
ecti
on.
Smi
thJr
:CanIt
ell
youourpl
ans?
Hay
den:
Youhav
epl
ans?
Theli
tt
leboyshookhi
sheadandsodidHayden.
Whydidhehavetotur
nouttobel
ikehim so
ear
lyi
nhisli
fe?

SmithJrtol
dhisdadandHaydenj
ustagr
eed.
Hismindwhirl
ingwonder
inghowhewasgoing
topull
thatoff
.
Aver
ycamewi
thabr
ushandsati
nfr
ontofher
dad.
Av
ery
:Youcandomyhai
r.
Hayden'
slar
gehandshel
dthesmal
lbr
ush.The
t
hingshedidfort
heset
wo..

WhenhewasdoneAv eryst
oodupandmade
herwayt
otheki
tchen.Shelookedather
sel
fin
fr
ontoft
hemir
rorfr
idge.

Shegav
eherdad'
sat
humbsup.
Hay
den:
Nowwecango.

AtMasa'
spl
ace

Heparkedhi
scari
nsi
detheyardandhe
wonderedwhyhedi
dn'
tsteal
thehousekey
s
t
oo.
Heknockedonthedoormor
ethanf
ivet
imes.
Hercarwasther
e.

Thedoorf
inal
l
yopenedandshel
ookedhor
ri
ble.

Masa:
wha-
what
(yawni
ng)

Thet
winshuggedherl
egs.
Masa:
Heybabi
es.
Av
ery
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Masa:
I'
l
lbef
inebaby
.
Av
ery
:Wher
eisAr
i?
Masa:
Wit
hherdadandaunt
yJoy
..
Av
ery
:Okay
.

Theyl
etgoofMasa'
slegsandwal
kedi
nsi
de
t
hehouse.
Masa:
Youcoul
d'
vecall
ed.Ihav
en'
tcooked.Ke
l
api
le.
.Andy
oubroughtt
hekidsov
er.
.

Haydenjustwal
kedi
n.Helookedather
pr
operl
y,herhai
rwasall
overandshewasj
ust
i
nshortsandanoldt
-shi
rt.
.

Masapushedherhai
rbackwar
dsandl
ookedat
Hayden.
Masa:
Kaorobala.If
eel
li
kecr
ap.Ogannego
mphasickl
eave.
Hay
dencl
osedt
hedoorandf
oll
owedher
.
Hay
den:
Youwer
eser
ious?
Masa:
DoIlookli
keIcangothroughthe
companyfi
nancesint
hisst
ate?
Unl
ess(y
awning)y
ouwanttoloseyourmoney
..
.
Shewalkedint
oherbedr
oom andl
aiddownon
herhead,f
acedown.Shedi
dlookbeat
.
Hay
den:
ButIhav
eani
mpor
tantmeet
ing
t
omorr
ow.
Masa:
Doesi
tinv
olv
eme?
Hay
den:
Par
tofi
t.
.
Masa:
Hai
sh.
..
hai
sh.
..
bei
ngsmar
thasi
t'
s
di
sadv
ant
ages.
Hay
den:
CanIhel
pyour
elax?
Masa:
No.
.May
besl
eepwi
l
lbegood.Bor
okomr
.

Shecl
osedherey
esandHay
denchuckl
ed.

Mi
nut
esl
atershef
elthi
swei
ghtont
opofher
.
Masa:
Whatthehel
l
?Nkgol
ogeoboket
e(getof
f
meyou'
reheavy
)
Hay
den:
Rel
ax.
.

Hesai
dashishandssl
owlyworkedherback
muscl
esandhekeptmorethanhal
fofhis
wei
ghtof
fher.
Masa:
Keshar
po.
.
Hay
den:
Shutup!

Heusedhisdomi nantvoi
ceonherandshedi
d
l
istenasshepl
acedherf aceonherpi
l
low,
breathi
ngi
nherlavenderscent
s.
Hay
den:
Good.

Hishandswor
kedfr
om herneck,
shoul
der
sto
herbackandl
owerback.
.

Hay
den:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Masa:
Bet
ter
..
Hayden:Asyoushoul
d.Skat
lhol
aoy
ago
nwa..
(don'
tgooutandgetdr
unk)
Masa:
Andwhoar
eyouagai
n?

Hehel
dherwai
stt
ight
ly.
Masa:
Wampol
aya.
.sheesh!Sor
ryee.
.
Heleti
tgoandmassagedi tgentl
ywithhi
s
l
argehands.Hechuckl
edlookingathowhis
handswerebigovert
hissmallbody.
Hay
den:
Arewecl
ear
?
Masa:
Cry
stal
..
Hay
den:
Cany
our
emov
eyourt
ee?
Masa:
Kagana.
.
Hay
den:
Masa?
Masa:
Rra?
Hay
den:
Ntshat
-shi
rt
..

Shequi
etl
yobli
ged.WhyinGod'
snamewashe
bei
ngdominantoverher
?

Haydenswallowedabit,
shehadaniceback.
Hemov edherhairfor
wardandst
art
edwor ki
ng
hi
shandsov erhersmoothski
n.
Masa:
Uh.
.
Heignoredthatsof
tsoundt hatcameoutofher
l
ips,
alsoignori
nghisreact
iontot hat
.Masaf
elt
t
heknotsbecomel oose.
Masa:
Mhmm.
.
Hay
denst
oppedkneadi
ngherback.
Hay
den:
All
done.
.

Masast
il
ll
aidonherback.
Masa:
Thanks.
.
Hay
den:
wel
come.
.

Hewalkedoutofherbedr
oom andpaused
goi
ngback.
Hay
den:
I'
mleav
ing.
Masa:
Okay
.By
e..

Haydenwentt osaybyetothet winsandlooked

aroundherlounge.Hesawt hesetofspare
keysandhegr abbedthosebeforewalki
ngout .
Het ookouthisphone.Hisheartwasnotdoing
thi
st ohi
m.

Nev
eragai
n.Hi
sbr
ainwast
hewi
sest
.He
t
ext
edTessa.
Hay
den:
Hi,
canwemeetup?
Hesentt
hetextandgoti
nsi
dehi
scarst
art
ingi
t.
Hi
sphonebeeped.
Tessa:
Sur
e.Iseewhynot
.
Hay
den:
CanIpi
cky
ouupi
n30mi
nut
es?
Tessa:
Def
ini
tel
y.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
49*

AtMasa'
shouse
Masagotupandwor
ehert
eebef
oreheadi
ngt
o
t
hekit
chen.

ShefoundAverycl
i
mbi
ngt
heshel
fwi
tht
hehel
p
ofherbrot
her
.
Masa:
Getdown!
Av
erydi
dast
oldandf
lashedasmi
l
e.
Av
ery
:Iwantseeds.
.
Masaf
rowned.
Masa:
Seeds?

Shenodded.
Masa:
Whatf
or?
Avery
:Daddysai
dtohaveababyyouswal
lowa
seedandeatlot
soffoodanddr
inkl
otsofwat
er.
Masaf
acepal
med.
Masa:
OhmyGod!

Hei
scor
rupt
ingt
hepoorki
d.
Av
eryf
rowned.
Av
ery
:that
'snothowt
ohav
eababy
?

Av
eryt
ouchedMasa'
sst
omach.
Masal
aughed.
Masa:
Wel
lno.
.l
etmet
ell
you.
.

Shebentdownt
oherl
evel
andSmi
thJr
l
ist
enedtoo.
Masa:
Whenyouar
esleeping,
anangel
tel
l
syou
t
hatyouwi
l
lhaveababy..
Av
ery
:Huh?
Masa:Remembert
hatChr
ist
masst
oryabout
Jesus?

Av
erynodded.
Masa:I
thappensl
i
kethat.Theny
ouwi
l
lsee
yourt
ummygr owandgrow..
Av
ery
:So.
..
thati
showAr
i.
.

Masaqui
ckl
ynodded.
Avery:
Andmymommyi
nheav
enwasl
i
ket
hat
too?
Masanodded.
Av
ery
:oh.Iund-
unde.
..
Masa:
Under
stand.SayU-
nder
-st
and.
.

Av
eryf
oll
owedherl
ead.
Masa:
Onl
ybi
gpeopl
ecanhav
ebabi
es.
Av
ery
:Iwantababy
..
Masa:
Wheny
ouar
e25y
ou'
l
lhav
eababyokay
?
Av
ery
:Gosl
eepsoy
oucanhav
eababy
..
Masal
aughed.
Masa:
Youaskf
orababy
..
Smi
thJr
:Huh?

Theywer
easki
ngt
oomanyquest
ions.
Aver
y:How?Youaremommyandy oucanhav
e
anot
herbaby.
.l
et'
saskf
orababy
..

Averygr
abbedherhandl
eadi
nghert
othe
couch.
Aver
y:Theny
ousl
eep.Wi
l
lyourt
ummygr
ow
andgrow?
Masashookherhead.Av
erywasonami
ssi
on.

AtTessa'
shouse

Tessaturnedar
oundasshel
ookedather
sel
f.
Thejeansandhoodi
ewerefi
ne.

Hermot
herwal
kedi
nsi
det
hebedr
oom.
MaTessa:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Tessa:
Imetachi
l
dhoodf
ri
end.Remember
Daisy
?

Hermot
hernodded.Thi
sti
meshedi
dn'
tseem
t
ohaveanatt
it
ude.
MaTessa:
Yes.Yourf
ri
endatschool
.
Tessa:
Yes.Wearegoi
ngtocat
chup.I
'
llbe
backbefor
eyouknowit
.
MaTessa:
But
..
Tessa:
Trustme.
.

Shekissedhermot
her
'scheekasherphone
beeped.
Tessa:
Ilov
eyou.
.

Shesaidwalkingout.Hermotherr
emembered
thoseti
meswhenTessawassweet .Wasthe
sweetTessacomi ngback?Shesowishedit
waslikethat
.

Tessaki
ssedherdadgoodby
eaf
tersel
l
ingt
he
sameli
etohim.

Shepushedt
hegat
eopenandwal
kedf
ive
housesawaywhenshespot
edt
heMer
cedes.

Shewal
kedt
oitandheopenedt
hedoorf
orher
.
Hay
den:
Hey
..
Tessa:
Hi.
.

Hay
denhandedherchocol
ateandasi
ngl
erose.
Tessachuckl
edasshesmel
l
edt
hef
reshr
ose.
Tessa:
Thanky
ou.
Hay
den:
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
ogety
ou.
.
Tessalookedattheroseandthechocolates.
Shewasn'tgoi
ngt ohavealotofthem because
theywerenotgoodf orheal
thbuti
twast he
thoughtt
hatcounted.
Tessa:
Thi
sissweet
.Youseem sweet
..
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
I'
mfarf
rom sweet
,tr
ustme.
.
Tessa:
Oh.
..
(l
aughi
ng)
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
Hay
den:
Wher
evert
her
oadl
eadsus.
.
Tessa:
Sweet
!
Hay
den:
Connecty
ourphonet
othecarsy
stem.
Tessa:
Alr
ight
..

Shedi
dsoandwentt hr
oughherplay
li
st.She
pl
ayedKhal
i
d'sSat
urdaynight
s..

Hay
densmi
l
ed.
Tessasungal ongandhel
ookedather
surpr
ised,shehadanicev
oice.Sof
tandsweet
andinnocent.

Heli
stenedt
ohersi
ngi
ngalong.Atthi
spoint
,
hi
sheartwassi
l
entanditwasbett
erthatway.
Someonewhowon'
tmakei
thur
twhent
hey
l
eave.
Tessa:
Howol
dar
eyou?
Hay
den:
25.
..

Anditwasevenbet
tershedi
dn'
tev
enknowhi
s
soci
alst
atusorwhohewas.
Tessa:
oldbutnotol
d.
Hay
den:
Mxm!

Hepar
kedhi
scari
nthemi
ddl
eofnowher
e.
Hay
den:
Ibr
oughtf
ood.
Tessa:
Thanky
ou.
.

Heopenedt
hecarandst
eppedoutf
ir
st.
.
Hay
den:
It
'smuddy
..
Tessalookedatherwhi
teki
ckst
henbackat
Hayden.
Hay
denr
oll
edhi
sey
eschuckl
i
ng.
.
Hay
den:
Theyar
ejustshoes.
Tessa:
Myf
avour
it
eshoesHay
den.
.

Haydenopenedthebootandwal
kedt
ohersi
de
wherehepickedherup.
Tessa:
Oh!
Hay
denpl
acedherdown.
Hay
den:
Nowy
ourshoesar
esaf
eandy
ou.
Tessajustsmil
edasHaydensatnextt
oher.I
f
thi
swasadat e,i
twasl
aidbackandnotto
fancy
.
Theyjustst
aredatt
hemoonandsheplaced
herheadonhisshoul
der
.Hesmel
ledgood.
Tessa:
Yousmel
lgood.
Hay
denhashear
dthatl
i
neawhol
elotoft
imes.
Hay
den:
Iknow.
.
Tessa:
Youweresupposedt
osayt
hanky
ou,
it'
s
acomplimentMr
..
Hay
den:
Smi
th.
.
Tessa:
Smi
th.
.

Shesaiditandi
tfel
tfami
li
arbutshei
gnor
ed
thatf
eeli
ngassheinhal
edhismascul
i
nescent
..
Tessa:
Ist
hisadat
e?
Hay
den:
Whatdoy
out
hinki
tis?
Tessa:
Wel
lyou'
resweet
,thi
sfeel
sli
keacl
assi
c
romancemovi
e..
Hay
den:
Idi
dn'
ttakey
ouf ort
hegi
rlwho
wat
chesr
omancemov i
es.
Tessa:
Iact
ual
l
ydoandIhav
ebi
gambi
ti
onst
oo.
Hay
den:
Dot
ell
..
Tessa:
I'
m aboutt
oleav
eforUni
..
uhm Igor
di
rectent
ryint
omedici
neatUB.Idi
dAl ev
elsat
Canada.
Hay
den:
Youdi
dn'
tl
iv
eher
e?

Heasked.Asi
fhedi
dn'
tal
readyknow.
Tessa:
No.Imov
edt
oCanadawhenIwas
twel
ve.
..
Hay
den:
Doy
oumi
ssi
tther
e?
Tessa:
Iact
ual
l
ydo.
.
Hay
den:
i
sn'
thomewher
ethehear
tis?
Tessa:
Idon'
tthi
nkhomei
sgoodf
orme.
.
Hay
den:
Andt
hepi
erci
ngs?
Tessa:
I'
m notarebeloranyt
hing.Il
i
ke
them..
Theyarecute.
..
Theymakemel ook
sonewhatbadassbuttheyarecute.
Hay
den:
Theysui
tyou.
.
Tessa:
iknow.
..
Hay
denpushedherawaychuckl
i
ng.
Hay
den:
Youar
esupposedt
osayt
hanky
ou.
Tessa:
Youdi
dn'
tsayt
hanky
ouf
ir
st.
.

TheylockedeyesandTessal ookeddown.He
l
if
tedherheadupandsl owlyangledhisl
ips
ontohers.Hi
sheartkeptontelli
nghimthathe
waskissingt
hewr ongperson..

Hei gnor
edt heuselessor ganashedeepened
thekiss,
hebr okeitast heybr eat
hedeach
other'
sbreaths.Hel ookedi nt
oherpret
tyeyes
andheki ssedheragai n,placi
nghishandson
hercheek.

AtMasa'
spl
ace
Av
erygav
eMasat
hephone.
Masa:
What
?
Av
ery
:Iwantt
otal
ktodad.
.
Masaunlockedt
hephoneandcl
i
ckedon
Hayden'
sname.
Av
ery
:Whatdi
dyouwr
it
eher
e?Ican'
treadi
t.
.

Masaj
ustshookherhead.
Masa:
Iwr
otedaddy
.
Avery
:That
'snothowmyt eachert
aughtmeto
wri
temama. .
shegotoffthebedandfounda
paperandpenont hedr
esser.
Av
ery
:Her
eishowt
het
eachershowedme.
.

Sheslowlywrot
etheworddaddyt
henlookedat
thephone.I
twasnotthesamethi
ng.
Masa:
I'
l
lchangei
t.
.

Asi
fshe'
l
lchangehi
sname.
.
Masadial
edHay
denandhandedAv
eryt
he
phone.

Somewher
eoutt
her
e

Amidsttheki
sst hathadseemedtogethott
er,
Hayden'
sphoner anginhispocket
.Hetri
edto
i
gnoreitbuti
trang.HebrokethekissasTessa
wasoutofbreath.Shetouchedherli
ps.The
ki
sswasnonel ikesheeverhad.

Haydensli
dhi
sphoneoutandwi
tht
hecorner
ofherey
eshesawthenameSunshi
neanda
pi
ctur
eofonebeaut
if
ull
ady.
Hay
denanswer
ed.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o..
.
Av
ery
:Daddy
?

Tessaf
rowned.Thatsoundedl
ikeali
tt
legi
rl
'
s
voi
ceandshewascal l
i
nghim daddy
..
Hay
denr
ubbedhi
sli
ps.
Hay
den:
Heypr
incesswhat
'sup?
Avery
:It
oldmamat osl
eep.Shesaidyouhave
toaskforababyt
henwheny ousleepanangel
comesandgivesyouababy.Hertummywi l
l
grow.

Haydenl
aughed.Masa'
sexpl
anat
ionseemed
bet
tert
hanhis.
Av
ery
:Wear
ehav
ingababy
..
Averysaidexci
tedandMasaspokei
nthe
background.
Masa:
Aver
ykant
eobuaeng?

Tessacoul
dheart
heconv
ersat
ion.
Aver
y:Well
dadwear
egoi
ngt
ohav
eababy
.By
e
andIlov
ey ou.
..

Shehungupbef
orehecoul
dsayany
thi
ng.

Tessadi
dn'
twanttoaskanyt
hingyet.Hayden
tur
nedtol
ookatherandshesmiled.Hayden
swit
chedof
fhi
sphone.
Hay
den:
Wher
ewer
ewe?
Hisv
oicewasseduct
iveandsodeepshewoul
d
sayyesamil
l
ionti
mes.
Hesaidashekissedheragai
nandhishands
sl
ippedunderherhoodi
e.Hel
aidherdownas
heremovedherhoodiewit
hkissesi
nbetween.
Hayden'
sbr
eat
hhi
therneckandshecr
ossed
herl
egs.
Hay
den:
Weshoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngt
his.
.

Hel
ookedi
ntoherey
esandheswor
etheysai
d
f
uckme.
Hay
den:
Butf
ucki
t!

Heattackedherli
psf ull
forceashi
sot herhand
unzi
ppedherjeans.Shehel pedhi
m bypushi ng
them downandwhenherl egswerefreefrom
thej
eanssheslippedherhandsunder neathhis
sweaterandall
shef eltwasmuscle.Just
muscleandmor emuscl e.
Hesuckedhernecksof tl
yasshepushedhi s
sweat erup.Helif
tedhishandsmaki ngthej
ob
easierforher.Tessa'
smout hdropped.Holy
crap.Hewashotandhadt at
tos..

Hay denpushedherteeoffandheslowl
yki
ssed
betweenherbreasts.Heknewshehadaheart
scarbutsincei
twasl ateatni
ghthewasn'
t
goingtoseeitcl
early.

Tessamoanedashi
stongueswi
rl
edar
oundher
ni
pples,
shehel
dhi
sheadashe#EXPLICI
T
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
50*

Theunknownl
ocat
ion

Tessapl
acedherheadonhiswarm chest
.Thi
s
wasdefi
nit
elyanewexper
ience.Wow!
Hay
denki
ssedhersal
tyneckasshegi
ggl
ed.
Tessa:
Stop!
Hay
den:
CanIgoati
tagai
n?
Tessa:
Ngng,
I'
mti
red.
.

Hay
denchuckled.Howhemanagedtogo
monthswi
thoutpussysur
pri
sedhi
m.Washe
maki
ngt hi
sarel
ati
onshi
p?Hehasn'thadone
ev
ersinceRegi
nadied.I
thasbeenonenight
st
andsandnostri
ngsattachedst
uff
.

Tessal
ookedupathi
m.
Tessa:
What
'st
het
ime?
Haydenlookedforhi
sphoneandswitchedi
ton.
Hewaitedforitt
orest
artbef
oreent
eringhi
s
passwords.
Hay
den:
Almostmi
dni
ght
.
Tessa:
Ohshi
t!

Shemov
edf
rom hi
schest
.
Tessa:
Ihav
etogo.
.
Shequickl
ypi
ckedhert
opandHay
denhel
dher
hands.
Hay
den:
Tessa?
Tessa:
Hmm?
Hay
den:
Rel
ax.
..
breat
hinandout
..
.

Shedi
dashesai
dandl
ookedathi
m.
Hay
den:
Cal
m now?
Shenodded.
Hay
den:
Nowy
oucangetdr
essed.

Shekissedhischeekwi t
hasmi l
e.Shetookher
ti
meget ti
ngdr essedinherclothesandshe
woreherhoodi eov erherhai
r,shef ai
l
edto
str
aight
eni toutsot hehoodi
ewi lldo.

Haydenjustworehi
spantsandshoesbef
ore
hepickedherupagai
ntaki
nghertothe
passengerseat
.
Tessa:
Thanky
ou.
.
Hewalkedt
ohissi
deaf
tercl
osi
ngt
hebootand
goti
nthecar
.

Hestar
tedthecarandrever
sedbefor
edriv
ing
f
orsometimetil
lhejoi
nedthemainroad.

AtTessa'
shouse

30minut
esl
aterHay
denpar
kedaf
ewhouses
away
.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lkeepdr
ivi
ngt
il
lyougethomesaf
ely
.
Tessanodded.Hewassweet.Hesai
dhewas
not?Hewasjustsay
ingt
hat.

Shewal
kedtot
heirhouseasHay
denslowl
y
drov
ebehi
ndher
.Whenshepushedthegat
e,he
sal
utedanddrov
eoffwhileshegotinsidet
he
yar
d.Shewasstil
lst
icki
ngtoherstory.No
matterwhat
.

Ont
her
oad

Haydenmadeau-t
urnanddr ov
eovertoMasa'
s
pl
ace.Hepar
kedhi
scarinsidetheyar
dand
usedhi
sspar
ekeystounlockthehouse.

Hewal kedinsideandal l
theli
ghtswereof f
.He
madehi swayt oherbedr oom andshewasf ast
asl
eepwi ththetwi nsont hebed.Hisheart
poundedandi tfeltasi fwhathejustdidwith
Tessawaswr ong.Hewascar efulnottomake
anynoiseashemadehi swayt othebed.The
twi
nswer eheav ysl eepersandtheydefini
tel
y
won'twakeupt i
l
ltheyar ewokenupf orschool.
Hepushedherhai rbackwar dsandshej ust
t
urnedt
ofacet
heot
herway
,br
eat
hingsof
tl
y.

Her
anhi
sknuckl
esov
erhercheekasshesl
ept
.

Heli
ghtl
yki
ssedhercheekandshet
urned
agai
n.Hehadtogo.

Hewalkedoutoft
hebedroom andqui
ckl
ygot
outoft
hehousewithnohassl
e.

Hedroveoutoft
heyardandmadehiswayt
o
hi
shouse.Whatthehel
lwashedoi
ng?Hehad
noidea.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

AtMasa'
shouse
Masaqui
ckl
ydi
dherhai
rasherphoner
ang.
Masa:Masaspeaki nghell
o..
(pl
aci
ngthephone
betweenhershoulderandear )
Thecari
s
good..
.okay.I
'l
lpaywhenIgett ot
heoffi
ce.
.huh?
Oh.You'll
tell
her..
.okay
.shapandthankyou.

Shehungupandt
hrewt
hephoneont
hebed.
Masa:
Arey
ouguy
sdone?
Smi
thJr
:Al
most
.
Masa:
I'
m aboutt
ogo.

Sheti
edherhai
rbackandtookherbagand
phonewal
kingouti
nherregul
arhi
ghheels.

Shewalkedtotheki
tchen.I
t'
sfunnyhowher,
Hayden,CaneandBl
airhaveadjust
edtohav
ing
allt
hreeki
dsovert
hatit
'snev
erahassl
ewhen
theyareatt
hei
rhouses.

Therewasameet
ingl
aterandwel
lthedr
iver
wil
lhavet
odropt
hem offatt
heof
fi
ce.

Masa:
Aver
y!Smi
th!
lant
iabat
hong!
Theyr
epli
edatt
hesamet i
meandtheyf
inal
l
y
madethei
rwaytot
heloungeaf
tert
enminutes.
Masa:
Sh-
uhm hol
ycow.
.y
ourbags.Kant
e..
.

Masadi
aledHay
den'
snumberwhoanswer
ed
i
mmediat
ely.
Masa:Morni
ng.
.comepi
cktheki
dsupf or
school
.Thei
rschool
bags.I
thasthei
r
homeworks.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lbet
her
einaf
ew.
Masa:
Thanks.

Shehungupandj
ustcheckedt
hei
rlunchboxes.

Minut
esl
ater
,Hay
denpar
kedhi
scari
nsi
det
he
yar
dandopenedt
hedoor
.

Hef
oundMasai
ntheki
tchenandhesmi
l
ed.
Hay
den:
Mor
-
Het
ookherbysur
pri
se.
Thetwinsrushedtothekit
chenandhesmiled.
Hayden:Getyourl
unchboxesandgotothecar.

Masahandedt
hem t
otheki
dsandhel
ookedat
Masa.
Hay
den:
Arewegoi
ng?
Masa:
I'
l
ltakemycar
..
Hay
den:
Nonsense.
.l
et'
sgo.
Masa:
Dropof
ftheki
dsf
ir
st.
.
Hayden:
I'
m nott
aki
ngnof
orananswer
Sunshi
ne.
.
Masa:
Fine.
.

Hay
den:
Aft
ery
ou.
.
Hewalkedcl
osel
ybehi
ndherandhel
i
ckedhi
s
l
ips.

Masa:
Youdi
dn'
tcomewi
tht
heMer
cedes?
Hay
den:
Nope.
.
Hewasn' tgoi
ngtohavehisminif
ami l
yinsi
de
thecarhesex edanot
herwomanin.Heshoul d
takeitt
ot hecarwashevenf
orthorough
cleani
ng.
Masasatinthefr
ontandpl
acedherbagather
feet
.Shebuckl
edupandtol
dthekidstobuckl
e
upattheback.

Haydenst
art
edthecarandr
ever
sedbef
orehe
cl
osedthegat
e.
Masa:
Andhest
il
lref
usi
ngwi
thmyr
emot
e..
Hay
den:
It
'smi
net
okeep.

Hejoi
nedther oadandplay
edsongsoveral
ow
vol
umewhi l
ehest ol
elooksatMasawhowas
f
acingtheotherway.

Sheleanedbackandcl
osedherey
es.He
l
ookedatherlipsandf
acedt
heroad.
Theyarr
ivedatt
heschoolandtheki
dsgotout
aft
ersayi
nggoodbye.Masaspott
edJoy'
scar.
Masa:
LetmegoseeAr
i,I
'
llbeback.

ShegotoutandAr
isawher
.
Shepi
ckedAr
iel
l
eup.
Masa:
Heysweet
hear
t.
.
Shesai
dki
ssi
nghercheek.
Masa:
Hav
eagr
eatdayangel
.

Shepl
acedherdownandAr
iel
l
esai
dby
etoJoy
andwentaway.
Masa:
HeyJoy
.Andhav
eani
ceday
.
Joy
:Same.
.

Masamadeherwayt
othecarandgoti
nsi
de.
Masa:
Youcandr
ive.
.
Hay
den:
Mxm.
.
Masa:
wewi
l
lbel
ate(
laughi
ng)
Hay
den:
Whocar
es?
Masa:
Idon'
twantawr
it
tenwar
ningMr
..
Hay
den:
Whywer
eyouangr
y?
Masa:
Me?Angr
y?Nev
er.
.
Hayden:
Inthemorni
ngwhenIcamet
opi
cky
ou
guy
sup, youseemedangr
y.
Masa:
I'
m cool
..
Hay
den:
Sur
e?
Masa:
Mmhmm.
.
Theireyesl
ockedandMasawast
hef
ir
stt
o
breaktheeyecont
act.

Hay
densi
ghed.Hekeptondr
ivi
ngt
il
lhegott
o
t
heof
fi
ce.

Shewasaboutt ogetoutoft hecarafterhe

parkedi
tbuthehel dherhand.Masaqui ckl
y
removedherhand.Themor ehetouchedher ,
themorehertruefeeli
ngswer egoi
ngt oshow.
Theywerejustco-
parenting.Whatwoul dpeople
say?Movingfrom uncl
et onephew.Likea
cheapharl
ot?Hedeser vedwaybetter.

Shewasn'
taboutt
obet
hebadguyagai
n.
Hay
den:
Wai
t.
.

Hest
eppedoutoft
hecarandshedi
dtoo.
.
Hayden:
Masawhat
'
swr
ong?Ar
eyoupr
egnant
l
ikeAver
ysai
d?
Masal
aughed.
Masa:
obuadi
l
oyo.
.
Hay
den:
Comeher
e..
Masa:
Ihav
ewor
k.
Hay
den:
gakel
omeMasa.
.

Hepul
l
edhert
ohi
m andhel
dher
.
Hay
den:
Whyar
eyousomoody
?
Masa:
It
'snot
hing,
letmego.
Hay
den:
Wai
t,I
'
m st
il
laski
ngquest
ionsher
e..
Masa:
I'
m goodH.
.
Hei nhal
edhersof
tscentasher ubbedherback.
Theheelsmadehert all
,butshesti
l
ldidn'
t
reachhishei
ghtwit
ht hem on.
Hay
den:
Arey
oupms'
ng?Youusual
l
ygetmoody
asf
uck.
.
Masa:
Fot
shekHay
den!Fot
shek!
Hay
den:
Thedayy
ou'
regoi
ngt
oshutup.
.
Masarol
l
edherey
es,
secr
etl
yenj
oyi
ngbei
ngi
n
hi
sarms.
Masa:
Ihav
ewor
ktodo.
Hay
den:
You'
rehuggi
ngt
heCEO.
Masa:
Ket
lagor
ogakanaHay
den.
.
Hayden:
Andthati
ssupposedt
oscareme?I
wonderwhyArii
ssweetwhenyou'
reli
ket
his.
.

Hesaidandshelaughedsof
tl
yagai
nsthi
s
chestashi
svi
bratedabit
.
Masa:NgngHay denletmego, nowy our
col
ogneisgoingtostickonme. (
Attempti
ngt
o
pushhim backbuthestil
lhel
dher )
Hay
den:
Ismel
lgood.
.
Masa:
Whoev
ersai
dthatl
i
edt
oyou.
Hebrokethehugst
il
lkeepi
nghi
shandsar
ound
herwai
st.
Hay
den:
Sti
l
lmoody
?
Masa:
No.
.
Hegentl
yki
ssedherf
oreheadandl
etgoofher
wai
st.
Hayden:
Themeet
ing.Youknowhowi
mpor
tant
i
tistome.
Masa:
Iknow.
.
Shetookherbagandwal kedawaywhi l
ehe
watchedherwal kaway.Hewasunawar eof
Cane'scarthathadjustparkedandthathehad
beenwat chi
ngthewhol emoment .

FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
51*

Att
heof
fi
ce

Haydenwentoverhi
sdocumentsonceagai
n.
Makingsur
eeveryt
hingwassetandokay
.

Thedooropenedandhef rownedseei
ngCane.
Wel lHaydenwasr
unninghisConst
ruct
ion
business,sohedi
dn'
tknowwhathisunclewas
doinghere.
Cane:
Canwet
alk?
Hay
dencl
osedt
hef
il
es.
Hay
den:
Sur
e..

Canesatdownandl
ookedatHay
den.
Cane:
What
'sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
ouandMasa?
Hay
den:
Wear
ejustco-
par
ent
ing?
Cane:
You'
resur
e?
Hayden:
Yes.Whywouldn'
tIbe?I
sther
ea
pr
oblem?Didshesayanythi
ng?
Cane:
No.
.Ij
ustwant
edt
oknow.
Hay
den:
Ist
hatal
l
?

Canewasaboutt
osayy
eswhenhepaused.
Cane:
What
every
oudo,
don'
thur
ther
.
Hayden:Andhowwoul
dIhur
therwhenwear
e
j
ustco-parent
ing?
Cane:
Ify
ousayso.Andal
lthebestf
ort
hat
meeti
ng.
Hayden:
I'
m meet
ingt
het
opdogsneh?Thank
you.
Cane:
Updat
emeonwhathappens.
Hay
den:
Okay
.
Canewal kedout.Hay denwasgoodathi di
ng
whateverhewashi ding.Nowonderhewas
dangerous.Whowoul dsuspectt hathehas
doneal otofevi
lovert hepastsixy ear
sandhe
sti
llmanagedtoexudedomi nanceandaclean
record?Hewasi ndeedhi sfather'
sson.

Canemadehi
swaytoMasa'sof
fi
ceandhe
knockedl
i
ght
lyont
hedoor
.

Masa:
Comei
n.

Hewal
kedi
nandshel
ookedupi
nhergl
asses.
Masa:
RraagweAr
i.
.
Cane:
Hel
l
oandgoodmor
ning.
.
Masa:
Whatdi
dAr
ido?
Cane:Mydaught
eri
swel
lbehav
edf
ory
our
i
nformati
on.
Masa:
Takeaseat
.
Cane:
Iwon'
tbeher
eforl
ong,
Iwasj
ustar
ound
thear
ea.
Masa:
Ohokay
.
Cane:
Ihav
eaquest
ion.
.
Masa:
Shoot
.
Cane:
Whatyout
oldmesi
xyear
sago,
didy
ou
getov
eri
t?
Masa:
Yep.Yep.
.

Helookedathercar
eful
lyt
ryi
ngtoseei
fshe
waslyi
ngbutshelookedsi
ncere.
Cane:
Okay
.
Masa:
Whyar
eyouaski
ng?
Cane:
Just
..
Masa:
Alr
ight
.Ihav
eworktodobi
gguy
,cl
ose
t
hedooronyourwayout
.

Canewal kedoutandcl osedt hedoor .Nott hat

hewoul dt akeof f
encei ft herewasany thing
happeni ngbutsi xy ear
sagowhenMasahad
blatantlyt oldhi mt hatshesawHay deni nhim
hadbeenahugebl owt ohi sego.Ofcour sehe
knewt heyhadaoneni ghtst andwi thno
feeli
ngsi nvolv edwhat soev erbutshehadbeen
thatbr utal tot el
lhimt hatonceupont i
meshe
hadahugecr ushonHay den.Shehadbeena
freespi ri
tt henandshewasunf i
lter
edsoshe
wonder edi fhercr ushonHay denwasst il
lthere
sixy earsl aterbuti tseemsnot .Whenshel ef t
thecount ryt ogost udyabr oad, thefreespi ri
t
fadedandi twashar dtot ell
whatshewas
thinkingaboutunl essshemadei tcleartoy ou.
Herf eelingswer en'tjustoutt hereforev eryone
toseeandheguessedi thadal ottodowi t
h
gr
owi
ngup.

Shelookedl
ikeshewaswaypastHaydenand
maybehewasr eadi
ngtoomuchint
owhat
happenedatthepar
kingl
ot.

Threehourslat
ert
heboar
droom wasful
land
theywereall
waiti
ngf
orHayden.Themanof
themomentt oshowup.

Masawal
kedt
ohi
sof
fi
ceandknocked.
Hay
den:
Giv
emeaf
ewmi
nut
es.
Masa:
Hel
l
o..
Hay
den:
Comei
n..

Shewalkedinandhewasst
andi
ngupwear
ing
hi
sjacket.
Hay
den:
Ilookokay
?
Masa:
Youdo.
.
Hayden:
Youcanli
etomyf
ace.Omol
oi
aker
e..
Fixmyti
e.
Masa:
Mri
t'
sfi
ne.
.
Hay
den:
Masat
lhemma.
.

Shewalkedt otheothersi
deofthedeskwher
e
hewasst andingandshejustfi
xedhi
stie,
not
thatt
herewasal otfixi
ngtodo.

Masastr
aight
enedt
het
iewi
thherhandsand
l
ookedathim.
Masa:
Done.Happy
?
Hay
den:
Yes.
.

Ofcour
seheknewt
het
iewasf
ine,
hej
ust
want
edt
ofeel
herhandsov
erhi
schest
.
Masa:
You'
regoi
ngt
obel
ate.
.
Hay
den:
You'
l
lgi
veagoodexcuse.
Masa:
Bat
hongmanoft
hemomentl
et'
sgo.

Hayden'
sphoner
angandhishear
tski
ppeda
beatashequi
ckl
ypi
ckeditupbef
oreMasa
coul
dseewhowascall
ing.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o..
.
Tessa:
Hi.
.

Shepaused.Shehadhonest
lyt
houghthewas
i
gnori
ngherbecausether
ewasnogood
morni
ngtextoranyt
hing.
Hayden:
I'
l
lcal
lyoubacki
naf
ewhour
s,I
'
mina
meeti
ngatthemoment.
Tessa:
Okay
.
Hehungupandpl
acedhi
sphone.I
thonest
ly
f
eltasi
fhewasdoi
ngMasawrong.
Masa:
Hav
eyourt
hingsr
eady
?
Hay
den:
AsI
'
llev
erbe.
.wi
shmel
uck.
.
Masa:
Youdon'
tneedi
t.
.

Hay
denhandedherhi
sdocument
sandhe
wal
kedoutf
oll
owingher
.
Hay
den:
Youshoul
dlety
ourhai
rloose.
.
Masa:
Itl
ookunpr
ofessi
onal
.
Hay
den:
Youseem upt
ight
.
Hej
ustr
emov
edt
her
ibbonl
ett
ingherhai
rfl
ow.
Hay
den:
Muchbet
ter
..
Masa:
Hei
sh,
hei
sh.
.
Masaopenedt heboar
droom doorandstepped
i
naseveryone'
sey esl
andedonher.Herthroat
dri
edupbutluckil
yHaydenst
eppedi nandheld
herwai
st.
Hay
den:
Youowemeandt
hanky
ou(
whi
sper
ing)

MasasatdownasHay denunbut
tonedhi
s
blazer.Helookedsoincont r
olandtoimagi
ne
thattheroom washal fful
lwit
hmenofhi gh
poweranddomi nance.

Thescr
eenfl
ashedandshesmil
edasDr
Romanoconnect
edviasky
pe.
Hay
den:
Goodaf
ter
nnongent
leman.

Themenl ookedamongthemselv
esi
mpressed
andMaduor oll
edherey
es.Theywer
esofullof
themsel
ves.
Hayden:
IguessIshouldbegi
nwitht
hemeet
ing
andmyapologiesforwasti
ngyourt
ime.

Hay
den:
Now.
..
.

Hestar
tedtal
kingandhepausedwhenAngel
askedaquest
ion.
Angel
:
Sof
ort
hishospi
tal
youneedal
lofus.
Hay den:Iwantevery
onet oconsi
deritasan
i
nv estment.Nomat terhowtheeconomyl ooks,
thereisalwaysincomegener at
edfrom the
healthcaresector
.
Reba:
Hei
sdef
ini
tel
yri
ght
.

Lef
ikaunbutt
onedthef
ir
stt
wobuttonsofhi
s
shi
rt.Thi
syoungguywasgoodandhecover
ed
al
langles.
Dan:
Ihav
etoagr
eewi
thHay
denont
hisone.
Maduo:gent
lementhi
sisahugegambleandI
mustsay..
I'
m wi
ll
i
ngtotakether
isk.
Rethabil
e:SoI
'
lldr
awthepaper
s,f
orthe
contractt
obesignedandt
heworks.
Masa:
CanIt
hrowi
nsomet
hing?
Hay
den:
ofcour
se.

Masa:Welll
et'
staket hisnewpr iv
atehospital
we'r
ebuildi
ng,wear eputti
ngi nalmost
ever
yone'smoneyi noni t
,willi
tmakedoubl e
themoneyinvested?Imeant hereisfree
hospi
talcar
e..
.we'r
el ooki
ngatsomet hingthat
wil
ldrawpeopletot hatpart
icularhospital
..

Angel
paused.
Angel
:
Shehasapoi
nt.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Shel
ookedatHaydenandhehat
edt
hatshe
j
ustputhi
m ont
hespot.
Masa:Adi
ff
erentappr
oachi
sneeded.I
tjust
can'
tbeahospit
al.
Maduo:
She'
ssmar
t.I
sshet
hedeput
yCEO?
Hay
den:
Thef
inanci
alengi
neeroft
hecompany
.
Maduo:
Wow, soweneedt
otweakoutaf
ew
t
hingsi
nthataspect
.
Reba:
Soanot
hermeet
ingi
naweek?
Angel
:
I'
ll
bet
her
ephy
sical
l
y.
Lef
ika:
I'
l
ldef
ini
tel
yshowup.
Dan:
Yes.Wear
einv
est
ingbi
gmoneyi
ntot
his.
.
Masa:
Uhm.
.Thanky
ou.
Maduo:
Anddoyouengineer
ingstuf
f.
.i
tseems
asi
fyouknowt
hemar ketbett
er.
Reba:
Ithi
nknextweekev
ery
onewi
l
lbeher
e..
I'
m
al
readysol
dthough.

Theyst
oodupandwal
kedout
.
Rebawal
kedt
owher
eHay
denwasst
andi
ng.
Reba:Pi
eceofadv
icei
fyouf
lop,
somemanwi
l
l
takeher
..
Isawthewayyoul
ookather
..

HewalkedawayandHay
dent
alkedwi
thLef
ika
f
orafewmi nut
es.
Lef
ika:
andyou'
renotmarr
iedyet
.Oemet
seeng,
mosadialehapelehagago?
Hay
den:
Noty
et.
Dan:
They
'l
ltakeher
..
.any
way
sby
eyoungman.
.
Lef
ika:
Ithi
nkI
'
m seei
ngmywi
feaf
tert
his.
.
Dan:
Powercoupl
eei
l
e(l
aughi
ng)
Lefi
ka:RebaandMaddy
?Theyareti
ghtas
thi
eves.Anywaysur
esuremyguy.
Theyal
lwalkedoutasAngel
sai
dby
ebef
ore
di
sconnect
ing.
Hay
den:
Andy
ouhadt
oputmeont
hespot
.

Masast
ret
ched.
Masa:Youwer egoi
ngtomakebigmist
akes
tr
ustme, asmuchastheyar
egoodinthegame.
Forsuchy oualway
sneedafi
nanci
alengi
neer
myguy .
Hay
den:
Sebot
lhal
etl
he.
.
Masa:
Fosek.
.

Hestoodbehi
ndherandj
ustmassagedher
shoul
der
s.
Hay
den:
Butt
hanky
ou.
Masa:
Iguesswe'
reev
ennow.
.
Hay
den:
Nowe'
renot
.
Masa:
Ineedt
opi
ckt
heki
dsupf
rom school
.
Hay
den:
Don'
tbot
herabouti
t.Lat
elunch?
Masa:
I'
mti
red.
Hay
den:
Aqui
ckbi
te.

Hesai
dashehelpedherst
andandwr
appedhi
s
ar
msaroundherwaist
.
Hayden:
Butar
eyousur
eyou'
renotony
our
per
iods?
Masa:
Hay
den!
Hayden:Iguessthat
'sayes.Let'
sgoandt el
lme
aboutyourplansforthet
wins'bi
rthday
..

Masa:
Letgoofmywai
st.Wal
api
sa!
Hel
aughedandst
il
lkepthi
shandst
her
e.
.
.
*
*
*
AWEEKLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
52*

AtHay
den'
sHouse

Al
lthekidsranupstai
rst
othei
rbedr
oom as
Masaclearedthetabl
e.
Shet
ookstufftotheki
tchenbefor
eshepicked
upal
lthegadgetsandputthem awaywherethe
ki
dscanfi
ndt hem.

Haydenheldherwai
stfr
om behi
ndand
br
eathedinhersof
tscent
.Hedidn'
tknow
awhatitwasaboutt
hewayshesmel l
ed.
Masa:I
'
m done,thankyouforthemovie.Ihav
e
t
ogo.You'l
ltakecareofthekidsaker
e?Don't
f
orgettomor
rowi sthei
rbir
thday.
Hay
den:
Gowher
e?
Masa:
Home.
Hay
den:
Emapel
e..
.

Hesl
owlyki
ssedherneckandMasasuckedi
n
abr
eath.
Masa:
Don'
tdot
hisH.Pl
easedon'
t.
Hay
den:
Whati
fIwantt
o?
Masa:
Iti
swr
ongonsomanyl
evel
s..
Hayden:
I'
m nott
heoneknownt
odowhat
peopl
eexpectmetodo.

Masausedherhandst
ot r
yandremovehi
s
handsbuti
nst
eadheheldherhands.
Hayden'
sfi
ngerst
racedherar
msandMasa
sworeshefel
tbut
terf
li
esi
nhertummy
.

Hetil
tedherheadupwar dsandki ssedherpink
j
uicyl
ips.Fuck!Hehaswant edt odot hisf
or
somet i
me.Herlipsweresweet .Het urnedher
smallbodyaroundandtightlheldhercloseto
hi
m wi t
hhisli
psstil
lat
tachedt ohers.

Hebroket
hekissandherli
pspartedsof
tl
yas
shel
ookedathim wi
thdazedeyes.Hi
sblood
racedattheinnocentlookshegav ehi m andhe
fel
tsomuchgui l
tweighhim downwhi lehe
l
ookedather .Theysaiddon'thurtherandhe
wasaboutt odoex actl
ythat.I
'm sorrybabygi r
l.
Het houghtt
ohi mselfandher ubbedherchi n
gentlyandsmiled.Masablinkedacoupl eof
ti
mesandHay denkissedheragai n.Slowlythi
s
ti
me, taki
nghistimetoravishhersacchar ine
l
ips.

Haydenbr
okethekissandj
usthel
dheri
nhi
s
ar
ms.Sodeli
cate.

Hel i
kedthefeel
ofherinhisarms.Masakept
hereyesdown.Shehat edhowmuchshel ov
ed
thi
s,shewasdoingexactlywhatshetol
d
hersel
fsheshouldneverdo.Sheusedher
fi
ngerstotouchherl
ips.
Hay
denl
i
ftedherheadup.
Hay
den:
Tal
ktome.
.
Masa:
T-t
his.
..
Hayden:
Isperf
ectatthemoment
.Don'
t
over
thi
nkitokayangel?

Heplacedhischi
noverherhead.Hewait
edand
l
ist
ened.Therewasnonoiseupstai
rs.
Hay
den:
Smi
th?Av
ery
?Ar
i?(
shout
ing)

Ther
ewasnor
epl
y.Theymust
'v
efal
l
enasl
eep.

Hesti
ll
didn'
tlethergo.Washecomi
ngont
oo
st
rongforher
?
Hay
den:
Sunshi
ne?
Masa:
Hmm.
..
Hay
den:
Arey
oust
rong?

Thatquest
ionl
eftherconf
used.St
rongi
nter
ms
ofwhat?
Masa:
Hmm?

Heki
ssedt
het
opofherhead.
Hay
den:
Iwast
alki
ngaboutphy
sical
l
y..
.

Hel
iedt
hroughhi
steet
handshedi
dn'
tnot
ice
t
hat
.

Heli
ftedherheadupgentl
yandfr
enchki
ssed
herl
ipsashepickedherupheadi
ngtot
he
bedr
oom.

Hay
dencl
osedt
hedoorwi
thhi
sfootand
wal
kedt
othel
argebed,
placi
nghergent
lyon
t
hebed.

Herhaircoveredhisbedsheet sandhisguil
t
worsened,heshouldn'tev enpl
ayherli
kethis
buthewant edher.Tot asteher,eveni
fitwas
goi
ngt obet hefi
rstandl astt
ime.He
swall
loweditdownashel ai
dont opofher.

Heslippedhishandsunderneat
hhert
eeand
fel
therbreasts.Theyf
itper
fect
lyi
nhi
slar
ge
hands.
Hay
den:
Per
fect
..

Her emovedthet
eeandt hr
ewitacrossthe
room ashefoundherli
psagainandshe
wrappedherhandsaroundhisneck.Hi
shands
sli
ppedbetweenherl
egsandhehel dtheelast
ic
ofherpant
iespul
l
ingthem downherl
egs.
ThankGodshewor easki
rttoo.

Herfemini
nescentwast empti
ng.Very
tempti
ngashepl acedhiswarm pal
m ont
opof
herpussy.
.hegothardthathi
shardonwas
str
aini
nghispants.

Hepull
edt
heski
rtdownandl
i
ckedhi
sli
ps.
Fuck!

Helookedatherandhej
ustki
ssedher
f
oreheadsoft
ly.
Hay
den:
Hey
,lookatme(
sof
tl
y)
Heki
ssedherl
i
psand#EXPLI
CIT

TheFol
l
owi
ngMor
ning
Masawokeupandl ookedaround.Thewayher
l
owerbodyachedwast est
amentt owhat
happenedt
henightbef
ore.Thedooropened
andshecover
edherbodywi t
hthesheets.
Hay
den:
It
'sme.
.

Hewal
kedi
nwi
thbr
eakf
astandshesatupr
ight
.
Masa:
Wh-
Haydensatdownnextt
oherandhel
dher
hands.
Hayden:
Whathappenedl
astni
ghtwasa
mist
ake.

Masaj ustl
ookedathi
m.Ithadbeent oogood
tobet r
ue.Sheshoul
dn'tl
ovehim butshe
couldn'
thelpi
t.Whathesaidwasal l
li
eslast
nightwhenhewasov erher.
..
Haydenlookedi
ntohereyesasheti
ppedher
headover.Hedi
dn'tseeherr
eact
ingt
owhathe
j
ustsai
d.
Hayden:
It
'sgoi
ngt
obeawkwar
dandcanIbe
honest
?
Masacl
ear
edhert
hroat
.Shewasabi
ggi
rl
.
Masa:
Yeah.
Hayden:
Itwaswei
rdknowi
ngIwasi
nthesame
pl
acemyunclewas.Nooff
ence.

Masaf
orcedabr
ightsmi
l
e.
Masa:
Nonet
aken.Letmegetgoi
ng.
Hay
den:
Imadebr
eakf
ast
.
Masa:
It
'sokay.Ihavetopreparefort
het
wins'
bi
rt
hdaycelebr
ation.Wher
ear etheki
ds?
Hayden:
Youcangowi
tht
hem,
theyf
ini
shed
bat
hing.
Masa:
Sur
e.

Shegotoutofbedandl ookedforherclothes.
Hay denswal l
owed.Heexpect edhert oscream
athimf orusingherbutshej ustagreedto
what everhesaid.Thatwashi m savingherand
himselftheheartache.Andheknewaf terthi
s,
shewon' tlethi
m andhepaused.Att hefact
thatanot hermanwi l
lhaveaccesst oher.
Somet hingstuckinhisthroatandhehadt orub
hischest ,hedi
dn'tknowifthatwill
help.

Masaf ini
shedgetti
ngdressedandshehad
detachedhersel
ffrom i
tall
.Shelookedfora
brushinhisroom andbrushedherhair
.
Hay
den:
You'
ref
ine?
Masa:
Peachy
.
Hay
den:
Ihopet
hiswon'
trui
nourco-
par
ent
ing
r
elat
ionshi
p..
Masa:Il
ovetheki
dsasiftheyar
emyown.
Whateverwedidhasnothi
ngtodowi
tht
hem.

Shelookedathersel
fint
hemi r
rorandl
ooked
aroundmakingsureshedidn'
tl
eaveanyt
hing.
ShewalkedoutandHay
denr
ubbedhi
shead.I
t
wasforthebest
.

Hewant edtopunchsomethi
ngbutshewas
probabl
ysti
lli
nthehouse.Hewalkedoutoft
he
bedroom i
nhisjeansandnotop.
.

Hef oundhersmil
ingwi
ththekidsandhe
l
ookedatt hem.Awholecompletefamilyr
ight
here.Washeselfi
shtowantitall
without
ri
skinghishear
t?
Heknewnowt hatnothi
nglastsf
orever
.He
oncesai
dfor
everandalway sandsheleft
.She
di
edonhim.Hedi dn'
twanttobreakdownagain
al
lint
henameofl ove.

Hewoul dgof orsomet hi

ngsaferandforthe
pastweekhehasspentwi t
hTessahehad
real
isedthatasmuchasshehadt heheartof
thewomanhel ovedandst i
lll
ovesdearl
yshe
wasnev ergoingtobeher .Notinami l
l
ionyears
butthatwassaf erbecausehisheartdi
dn'tski
p
abeatnordi dhisbloodrushwhenhewaswi t
h
her.Hewasn' tgoi
ngt obehurtbyanythingshe
doesandt hatwassecur i
tyforhim.

Hewasn' taboutt
oalsomakeMasat hetal
kof
thetown,peoplet
alki
ngabouthergoi
ngin
betweenuncleandnephewasi faper
soncan
control
whot heyfal
li
nlov
ewi t
h.Hedidn'
tthi
nk
hewasgoi ngtobesaneoncepeopl ecal
ledher
names, hewoulddefi
nit
elygoonaki l
l
ingspr
ee
sot oavoi
desuch,hedidwhathehadt odo.He
defini
tel
ysawloveinhereyeslastni
ghtand
everymomentofi thehadcravedtobeatthe
receiv
ingendofitbuti
twasn'tpossi
ble.

Masalookedathi
m smil
ing.Itwasasi
fhe
hadn'
tdroppedabomshellonher.
Masa:
Don'
tfor
get
.By
e..
kidsl
et'
sgo.
AveryandArihel
dherhandsonbot
hsi
desand
theywalkedout.

Hay
denl
ookedup.
Hay
den:
Fuck!
!
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
53*

AtMasa'
shouse

Thekidsrantothei
rrooms.Masawal
kedtoher
bedr
oom andshesatdownont hebed.Di
dshe
l
oveHay den?Yes.

Atthemomenti fhewastochangehiamind
wouldshegot ohim?Inaheart
beatbutshehad
tolovehersel
f.Hewasri
ghtl
astnightwasa
mistake.Boundar
ieswer
ecrossedthat
shoul
dn'
tbeencr
ossed.

Shebadl ywant
edtocrybutt
hetearsweren'
t
there.Hadshegot
tensousedtohidingt
hatshe
fai
ledtoshowemot i
on?

Shesuckedi nadeepbr eath.Thischapterwas

closed.Shewasgoi ngt oforgetitever
happened.Itwasj ustaoneni ghtstandlikethe
fewt hathappenedwhenshewasy oungerand
stupid.Haydenwasnev erhers.Hisheart
belongstoRegi nahandasheusedt osay ,
Reginahwashi sFor ev
erandAl ways.Shewas
j
ustamot hertohischil
drenandnot hi
ngmor e.

Shewentt hroughherphoneandsawsomeof
thepict
uresshehadwi thhi
m andtheki
dsover
theyears.Shebackedthem i
nheriCl
oudbef
ore
shedeletedthem f
rom herphone.
Shecal
l
edBl
air
.
Bl
air
:Hey
.
Masa:
Hi,
isev
ery
thi
ngr
eady
?
Bl
air
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Masa:
Justt
ir
ed.Shoul
dIgett
heki
dsr
eady
?
Blai
r:
Yesmam.Peopl
ewi
l
lst
artar
ri
vi
ngar
ound
noon.
Masa:
Okay,we'l
lar
ri
veanhouraf
terev
ery
one
hasar
ri
ved.Bye.

Shehungupandheadedt
othebat
hroom f
ora
l
ongshower.

AtHay
den'
spl
ace
Hegotr eadyincasualwearandspr ayedhis
favouri
tecologneandhepi ckedhiscarkeys.It
washotbuthewor ethatpoloneckf orareason,
Masahadl eftsomehi ckey
sonhi sneckandhe
real
isedthatwhenhewasshav ing.I
twaski nd
ofcute,i
ftheywer eanynormal couplehe
would'v
eletthehickeysshowandmakeherf eel
embar r
assedi npubl
icwhenpeopl easked
aboutthem.Hel etoutasigh.Thatwaspar tof
theimpossible.

Hi
sphonebeepedandhequi
ckl
yrepl
i
edTessa.
Hay
den:
I'
m onmyway
.
Tessa:
Tel
lmewheny
ouar
ri
ve.

Heunl
ockedt
hecarandgoti
nsi
de.
Hay
den:
Alr
ight
.
Her
ever
sedhiscaranddrov
eoutoftheyar
das
t
hegat
eclosed.Hedrov
eofftoTessa'
spl
ace.

AtTessa'
spl
ace

Tessati
edherhairasshel
ookedatherselfi
n
themirr
or.Whatthehel
lwasshesupposedt o
wearforakiddi
espart
y?Sherol
ledhereyes.No
wonderhedidn'
ttakehert
ohishouse.

Hewasl
i
kemykidsarether
e.Thati
swhyt
hey
hav
eamother
.Shesai
dtohersel
f.

Shetookherbag.Thejeansweref
ineandso
wastheofftheshoul
dertop.I
fhedeemedit
i
nappropr
iat
eitwasallonhim.
Shechangedathousandti
mesandshedi
dn'
t
havet
heenergytochangeagai
n.

Shegothi stextthathehadar r
ivedandshe
wal kedoutofherbedr oom.I twastheweekend
andobv iouslyherparentswer ehomeandshe
toldthem shewasi nvitedtoaki ds'
part
y.She
wi l
lbri
ngev i
dencefort hatplusintwomonths
shewasgoi ngtoschool socheer stot
he
freedom ofdoingwhat ev ershewantedinGabs
city.

Tessa:
Uhm by
e..

Shewalkedoutandsli
dthegate.Shespot
ted
hi
sMer cedesandhal
frantoit
.Thedoor
openedandshegotinthefr
ontseat.
Hay
denki
ssedherl
i
ps.
Hay
den:
Heyy
ou.
.
Tessa:
Hii
i
...
Hedroveoffassheconnectedherphonet
othe
carbl
uetoot
hsystem asusual
.

HaydenlookedatTessa.Shehadn' tasked
anyt
hingaboutthetwinswhenshet ol
dhim.
Washei mposingsomuchr esponsibi
li
tyonan
18yearold?Ofcoursehedi dn'twantherto
motherthem,butift
heirrelat
ionshipwasgoing
tobesomet hi
nglongterm, sheisboundtoget
usedtothekidsbecauset heycan'tal
waysstay
wit
hBl ai
rorMasawhenshei st her
e.

Tessa:
Uhm.
.y
ousai
dtheyar
etur
ningf
ourr
ight
?
Hay
den:
Six.
.
Shetouchedherhead.Yi
kes.Shewasn'
treal
l
y
payi
ngattent
ionwhenhewentont otal
kabout
thei
rages.Whenhesai
dhehaski
dshermi
nd
wentonautopi
lot
.Shedi
dthemat
handgasped
athim.
Tessa:
Youhadki
dsat19?
Hay
den:
Yep.
.

Shesi
ghed.
Tessa:Thatmust'v
ereall
ysucked,somegir
l
showinguppr egnantandsayi
ngy ou'
regoi
ngto
beaf atherwhenyouhadschool andhadtoli
ve
yourl
ife.
Hay
den:
Theki
dsar
eact
ual
l
yabl
essi
ng.
.
Tessa:
That
'scut
e..
whatdi
dyousayt
hei
rnames
are?
Hay
den:
Smi
thJrandAv
ery
..
Tessa:
Cuuut
ee.
..
Shesai
d.Ther
ewasnowayi
nhel
lshewas
all
owinghersel
ftofal
lpr
egnant
.Shesti
l
l
wantedtolivel
i
fetoherful
l
estwit
houtt
he
responsi
bil
i
tyofkids.

Haydendr ovethroughthetraff
icandwhenthey
fi
nall
yarri
v edatthedesignatedvenueTessa
gasped.Theywer ejustbeingextrafora
bi
rthdayforkids.It
'snotasifitwil
lsti
ckint
hei
r
mindswhent heyare18.

Hay
den:
Wehav
ear
ri
ved.
Tessa:
It
'scut
e.Forki
dsImean.

Theygotoutofthecaraski
dsranaroundthe
pl
acewiththei
rparent
sconver
singontheother
si
de.Haydendidn'
tknowwhathewoul dwi
thout
MasaandBl ai
r'
shelp.
Meanwhil
eMasapar kedhercarandl
ookedat
al
lki
dsintheback.Shethr
ewt wobli
ndf
olds.
Masa:
Smi
th,
Aver
yweart
hosemysweet
s.
TheydidasshesaidandAril
ookedatthem.
Ari
ell
e'
sbirt
hdaywaslikef
ourmonthsaway
fr
om thei
rsandthati
swhenshewi l
lbesix.
Masa:I
'
m st
eppi
ngoutandgoi
ngt
oopent
he
dooral
ri
ght
.

Shegotoutofthecarandopenedthedooras
theki
dsslowlygotout
.Shetol
dthetwinsto
holdhandsandsheheldAri
anaandSmi t
h's
hands.

Shel
ookedar
oundandnot
icedt
hatev
ery
one
washer
e.
Masa:
Wel
lfol
l
owmemypeopl
e..
Theydi daprett
ygoodj
obandshewast he
twinswi l
lbehappy
.Ofcour
setheyeachhad
dif
ferentcust
om madecakes.

Shearri
vedtowhereever
yonewasst
andi
ng
wait
ingfort
heli
tt
lepeopl
eofthemoment
s.

Hay densawhermaki ngherwayt othem andhe

fai
ledtopullhisey esawayf r
om her .Shewas
wear i
ngcasual butsheal wayalookedgoodi n
shorts,r
eveali
ngt hoseyellowthighs.Heswore
hespot t
edapi nkspotf rom l
astnight.Masa
l
ookedupandl ockedey eswi t
hHay denwho
hadhi sarm ar
oundTessaandshef ocusedon
whatshehadbeendoi ng.

MasatoldAr
itogot
oherf
atherandt
hel
i
ttl
e
gi
rlhal
frant
ohim.
Masa:
Okayl
ovi
es.
.

Shehel
dbot
hbli
ndf
oldsandsheremovedthem
att
hesameti
me.Every
onescreamedsur
prise!

Thetwinslookedaroundandsmi l
ed.Av
eryheld
backtear
s.Hay denletgoofTessa'
swaistand
pi
ckedher.
Av
ery
:Happybi
rt
hdaypr
incess.
.
Tessalookedatt
helit
tl
egir
l.Shel
ookedso
famil
iar
.Sheshookherheadandlookedatthei
r
mother.Thatwasthebabymama?Shel ooked
young.

Sheswallowed.Whywasshesuddenlyj
eal
ous
ofher,t
henitcl
ickedt
hatt
imesheandHayden
fi
rsthadsexwhenherpict
urepoppedupas
Sunshine.Whatifshewasgoingtousethekids
toheradv ant
agetotryandt
eartherel
ati
onship
apart
?

Shewi
l
lcr
oast
hatbr
idgewhensheget
sther
e.

Haydent al
kedtothekidsforawhi
least heDJ
play
edmusi c.Yeshecamewi t
hTessaand
everyonecouldseethat.Heknewthathalfof
thefamilywashappyhewasmov i
ngon.

Haydenst
oodupandlookedatMasaoncet
he
ki
dswenttot
hei
rfr
iends.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ousomuch.
Masa:
Wel
come.
Hay
den:
Oshar
po?
Masa:
Whywoul
dn'
tIbeH?Letmegoseei
fthe
f
oodwaspr
epar
edwel
l
.Excuseme.
Haydenlookedatherwal
kawayandhewal
ked
backtoTessa.
Tessa:
Ist
haty
ourbabymama?
Hay
den:
Yes.
Tessa:
She'
sbeaut
if
ul.
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hayden:
Youcant
ell
hery
our
sel
f,shei
snot
r
ude..
Tessa:Ididn'
tsayshei
srude.
.ar
eyousur
ether
e
i
snot hinggoingonbet
weenthetwoofyou?
Hay
den:
Absol
utel
ynot
hing.
Tessa:
Alr
ight.Shedidn'
tcomeof
fast
hebaby
mamat ofightever
ywomanherbabydaddy
dates.
.

Hay
dencoul
dheart
hej
eal
ousyi
nTessa'
svoi
ce
andher
eassuredherthatther
ewasnot hing
goi
ngonbetweenthetwooft hem.Blai
rjustsat
downwatchi
ngeveryt
hing.Canesatnextt oher
.
Cane:
Itwasaboutt
imehemov
edon.
Bl
air
:Hi
sRegi
nawasev
ery
thi
ngt
ohi
m but
..
Cane:
Butwhat
?
Bl
air
:Lookathi
m..

Canedi
dasHaydent
alkedt
oTessawhi
l
ethey
shar
edki
ssesher
eandther
e.
Blair
:Hedoesn'
tl
ookhappy
,onewoul
dsayhei
s
forced.
Cane:
may
bebecauseev
ery
onei
slooki
ng.
Bl
airr
oll
edherey
es.
Blai
r:
Youknowy ournephewbett
ert hanthat
.
Whenhei swit
hsomeonehi sheartallowshi
m
tobefreear
ound,thesmileonhi
sf acei s
genui
neandlewenawagout
lwagor
ethati
s
happi
nessr
ighyt
here.
Canel
ookedcl
osel
y.
Cane:
You'
rer
ight
.
Bl
air
:Yousee.
.maybehemov edi
nforthesake
ofmovingonnotbecauseheisi
nvest
ed.
Cane:
Hei
shur
ti
nghi
msel
fthatway
.
Bl
air
:Heisnolongerateenager,
thati
sawhole
gr
ownassmanwi tht
woki ds.Hewill
figur
e
hi
mselfout.
Cane:
Withti
me,
hejustdeci
dedt
odat
e.I
twon'
t
workoutatt
hever
yfi
rstatt
empt
.
Bl
air
:Youhav
eapoi
nt.

Theywentonaboutthei
rconv
ersat
ion.I
t
seemedasifev
eryt
hingwasgoingasplanned.
Hay
denlookedar
oundandMasawasn'
tamong
t
hecrowds.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lbebackokaybabe?
TessanoddedandHaydenlookedforthearea
wherethefoodwaspr
epared.Itwasfarfr
om
thecr
owds.

HefoundMasalaughi
ngwit
hthecat
erer
sas
t
heygotreadyt
oservethef
ood.

Hay
den:
MasacanIt
alkt
oyou?
Masai
gnoredhim,
pret
endi
ngli
keshedidn'
t
ev
enhearhim.Hay
denwalkedt
owardsher.
Hay
den:
Masakebual
ewena.
.
Masa:
I'
m busyMrSmi
th.
.
Shesai
dwithabl
ankfaceandcont
inued
tal
ki
ngwit
hthechef
essther
e.
Masa:
Idef
ini
tel
yneedt
her
eci
pe.
.
Her
:Iwi
l
lsendi
ttoy
ou.
.

Haydengotimpatientashegrabbedherar
m
f
orcefull
ypull
i
ngheruponherf eetandwalki
ng
afewf eetf
rom t
hecat er
ers.
Masa:
Whatt
hehel
lHay
den?
Hesmashedhi
sli
psonher
sandasl
apl
anded
onhi
sface.
Masa:
Whatt
hef
uckdoy
out
hinky
ou'
redoi
ng?
Hay
den:
Mas-
Masa:Maret
eHayden!Onj
elegoshar
po,
oir
a
engyaanong?Skat
lhol
aobatl
agonopel
wamo
gonna..
.
Hay
den:
I'
m so-
Masa:
Nyor
iwaeng?Haydenoskabat
lago
nt
ir
asematl
a.I
fIav
oidy
ouav oi
degal
ewena
skabatl
agoi r
amat l
akal
amogonnamaki ng
mef eel
cheap..
.aker
ewar egowei
rdgo
nthobal
aoitsegorekejel
wekemalomeaago?
Eetswamogonna. .
Yeses!

Shewal kedawayfuming,herfaçadewasnear
cracki
ngandsheneededt or egai
nher
composur eanddetachherselff
rom ev
ery
thi
ng.

Haydenhel
dhischeek.I
tbur
ned.Forasmal
l
handshedel
iv
eredonemeanslap.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
54*

Att
hepar
ty

Haydenwal
kedtowher
ethecater
erswereabd
Masawasn'
tther
e.Hehopedi
tdidn'
tbr
uise.

Hemadehi swaytothecrowdsandspott
ed
Tessasit
ti
ngdown.Tessasmiledwhenhe
walkedbackt
oher.
Shefr
ownedasshehel
dhischeek.I
tfel
thot
,
l
ikehehadj
ustbeensl
apped.
Tessa:
Arey
ouokay
?
Hay
den:
I'
m good.
.

Hesatdownnextt
oherast
het
alked.
Thepeopleservi
ngbroughtfoodt
oeveryone.
Cutt
ingcakewasgoingtobet hel
astt
hingon
theagenda.Peopl
ehaddr oppedt
hei
rgi
ftsoff
whentheyarri
ved.

Masapi
ckedAr
iel
l
e.
Masa:
Enj
oyi
ngy
our
sel
fbaby
?
Shenodded.
Ar
i:
Heav
y..
Masal
aughed.
Masa:
Noy
ou'
renot
.
Ar
iel
lej
ustsli
dddownandmadeherwayt oJoy
.
Masashookherheadwithasmil
e.Ari
ell
ewasa
bl
essi
ngregardl
essoft
hecir
cumstancesshe
wasmadein.
Areal
i
zati
onhitherasshestoodther
elooki
ng
ar
ound.Shehaddonewellbutshehadbeen
st
uckonacrushforawholesixyear.

Hetur
nedoutthebeajer
kandwasthatwhat
shewant
ednow?Tobehi ssi
dewhil
ehe
fl
aunt
shi
sgirl
fri
endt
otheworld?

Surelyshewasn'
taboutt
ogodownt hatrout
e.
Evennowt her
ewerenotearsinhereyes.
May besomethi
ngwaswr ongwithherbutshe
neededt ol
oveher
selfmorethanshelovedhim.

Sheshookherheadrememberi
ngl asty
ear
whensheaccompaniedhimtothedesertr
ace.
Manshewashi sbi
ggestcheer
leaderashe
racedt
hrough.
Sheranherhandst hroughherhairasthe
famil
iarsongthatshehadplayedinhiscart
hat
dayplayed.Memor i
esthatdeserv
edt obe
buri
ed.

WherewasTil
ywhensheneededher
?Butshe
sangal
ong,
itwasherf
avour
it
esongtoo.
.

I
'
myourbi
ggestf
an,
I'
ll
fol
l
owy
ouunt
ily
ou
l
oveme
Pa-
papar
azzi
Babyther
e'snoot
hersuper
star
,youknowt
hat
I
'l
lbe.
..
Yourpa-
papar
azzi

PromiseI
'l
lbeki
ndbutIwon'
tst
opunt
ilt
hat
boyismine.
Babyyou'
l
lbef
amous,
chasey
oudownunt
il
youl
oveme

Shej
usthadt
o..
Bl
air
:It
ookav
ideo.
Masa:
Thensendi
t.
.
Bl
airlookedatt
heshortvi
deo,Masawas
si
ngingalongwit
hahugesmi leandshewas
makingheartswit
hherfi
ngers.

Hay densawMasa, thatwasoneofher

favourit
esongs.Howheknewt hat
?Shehad
sai
di therselflasty
earwhenshewas
cheerleadingforhim att
herace.Hesi
ghedand
tur
nedt ol i
stentowhatTessawassay i
ngbut
shewasl ookingatMasa.

Wel
lthi
ngsatt
hepar
tywentaspl
annedandt
he
t
winswer
ever
yhappy
.
Masast
oodbyt
hecart
alki
ngt
oCane.
Masa:
TakeAr
itoday
,Ineedsomemet
ime.
Cane:
Andy
oul
ookexhaust
ed.RestMasa!Rest
!

Masa:
Sur
esur
ebi
gguy
.

Shewalkedawayandcr
ouchedi
nfr
ontoft
he
twi
ns.
Masa:
Aker
eyouguy
sarespendi
ngt
heni
ght
wi
thdaddy
?Ineedt
orest
.
Av
ery
:Okaymommy
.Wel
ovey
ou.
.

Shesai
dasshehuggedMasa.
Masa:
AndIl
ovey
out
oo.
Smi
thJr
:Thanky
ou.
.i
twasanawesome
bi
rt
hday
.
Masa:
Aaw,
asl
ongasy
out
ooar
ehappy
.

Bl
airst
oodbehi
ndMasaasshewat
chedt
he
moment.
Thekidsl
etgoofherandr
ant
owher
ethei
r
fat
herwas.
Blai
r:
I'
m sur
eRegi
nai
shappywher
eversheis,
youaretaki
ngcar
eoft
heseki
dssoeff
ortl
essl
y.
Masa:
It
'snot
hing.
Bl
air
:Ar
eyousur
eyou'
ref
ine?
Masa:
Yes.Letmehel
pthem cl
eanup.

Shesai
dhuggi
ngBl
air
.
Masa:
Gor
estnow.
.
Masawal
kedaway
.

Hay
denlookedatt
het
winsandi
ntr
oduced
t
hem t
oTessa.
Hay
den:
Aver
yandSmi
tht
hisi
sTessa.
.
Av
ery
:Hi
,you'
repr
ett
y.
Tessa:
Thanky
ouAv
ery
..

Shesai
dthr
oughhert
eet
h.
Smi
thJr
:Hi
..
dadcanwego?
Hay
den:
Sur
e..
.

Theyal lmadet hei

rwaytothecarandt heki
ds
gotint hebackwhi l
eTessasatinfront
.
Everythingseemedawkwar dwiththekids
around.Shesi ghed.She'
l
lgetusedt oi
t
eventually
.
Lat
ert
hatev
eni
ng

Masaparkedhercaratt
hehouseandshegof
out.I
twasthenthatt
heevent
sofwhathad
happenedhi
therandlef
therpar
aly
sed.

Herhandsshookasshetri
edtoopenthedoor
andthekeyfel
ldown.Shepi
ckeditupand
fi
nal
lyunl
ockedit
.

Shegotinsi
dethehouseandclosedt
hedoor,
sl
idingdownastear
sburnedatthebackofher
eyes.Shewascheap.Aharl
ot.

Shehadst
oopedsolow.Uncl
eandNephew.
Bot
hasonenightst
ands.WaytogoMasa!
Shesobbedsoftl
y.Shewasbacktosquar
eone,
shewasslowlybecomingt
hatgir
lshehadsai
d
shedi
dn'twanttobecomeagain.

Thiswast oomuch.Heshowedhowmuchofa
j
erkshewasandshedi dn'
tseeit.Hej ust
wantedt osl
eepwi thhernothi
ngel seandt hose
'
Iloveyous'thatwereexchangedi nthet hroes
ofpassionwer efakeandliket
hel ovesi ck
puppyshewasshehadal mostfellforit
.

Sheneededt
onumbt hepai
n,herchesthur
t.I
t
wasburni
ngandshecoul
dn'
tbreath.

Sheheldont
ot hedoorasshestoodup.She
walkedtot
heki t
chenandtookoutabottl
eof
wineandwalkedbacktothelounge.She
swit
chedont
hest
ereo,
thenoi
sewoul
dbe
goodtoo.

Unfor
tunat
elyasadsongpl
ayedandshecr
ied
moreassheopenedthebot
tleanddr
ankit
fr
om thebott
le.

Iputy
ouf
ir
standy
ouador
edi
t
Setf
ir
est
omyf
orestandy
oul
eti
tbur
n
Sangof
fkeyi
nmychor
uscausei
twasn'
t
your
s

Shehatedthatshehadputhimfir
st,hisneeds
befor
eherandt helov
ewasdisappearing.She
sworeitwas..
.Maybehat
inghi
m woul dforce
hertolov
eherselfmore.
.
Hesl
eptwit
hherandbr
oughtagir
ltheexact
sameday
.Shewassocheap.Usedgoods.
Shewai l
edasshecoveredherfacewi t
hher
hands.Herheart
beatwasnotnor mal.I
tbeat
i
rregul
arl
yandshedidn'twanttogobackt othe
hospit
alagai
n.Shehatedit.Shehat
edhow
whenshef el
ttoomucht heheartar
rhythmi
a
wouldshow.

Buti
tbeatsofastthatshewasfindingithard
tobr
eath.I
tfel
tasitshewasnearf aint
ing.That
waswhyshedidn'twanttofeel
..
Masa:
I-

Shestr
uggledtobr
eathasshehel dherheart
butonethi
ngshewassur eofwast hatshewas
donepini
ngforHayden.Hedidn'
tdeserveher
andshewasn'tgoi
ngtoall
owher selft
obe
used.
Shetr
iedtobr
eaththr
oughhermout
hbutt
he
hear
tracewasgett
ingworse.

Herhandsshookasshesearchedf orherphone
i
nherpockets.Shequi
cklydi
aledhermot her'
s
numberwhichwasonspeeddi alalongwith
Til
y'
snumberbeforehereyesclosedandshe
droppedt
hephonewhenhermot hercall
ed
back.
MaMasa:
Hel
l
o?Hel
l
o?Masa?Ngwanaka?

Nor
esponse.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
55*

Att
hehospi
tal

Masa'
sparentspacedupanddownwai
ti
ngf
or
t
hedoctortosaysomethi
ng.

Thedoct
orwal
kedoutandf
oundherpar
ent
s.
Doct
or:
Fami
l
y?
MaMasa:
Yes.
.
Doct
or:
Itwasherhear
tar
rhy
thmi
a.
RaMasa:
OhGod!I
ssheokay
?
Doct
or:
Doesshest
il
ltakeherpr
escr
ibed
medi
cat
ion?
MaMasa:Ihav
enoi dea,
sheisal
lgr
ownand
shehasbeenfi
ne.Idon'
tknowwhat
'swr
ong.I
s
sheawake?
Thedoct
ornodded.
MaMasa:
CanIt
alkt
oher
?
Doct
or:
Okay
..
we'
l
lkeepherf
orf
ourday
s.
Herpar
ent
snodded.

MaMasawal kedinsi
detheroom asher
husbandstayedbehind.Atl
eastt
hekids
weren'tt
here,he'
l
lseewhenhermot herl
eav
es
theroom.

Masalookedathermotherwhosatnextt
oher,
shetr
iedtoremovet
heoxy genmaskbuther
motherhel
dherhand.
MaMasa:
Youneedi
t.Ar
eyouf
ine?
Masanodded.
MaMasa:
Yourdadcar
ri
edy
ouokay
?

Shenodded.
MaMasa:Whathappened?Whyar
eyourey
es
puf
fy?Di
dsomethinghappen?

Sheshookherheadandhermothersi
ghed.
Masa'
sphonerangandshelookedatthecal
l
er
i
d.
Hermot
hert
ookt
hephoneandi
twasTi
l
y.
MaMasa:Shoul
dIanswerher
?Shehasbeen
cal
l
ingf
orthepasthour
.

Masanoddedasshel
ookedup.
MaMasa:
Mat
il
dangwanaka.
.
Ti
l
y:Hel
l
oma,
isMasaokay
?
MaMasa:
Shei
sinhospi
tal
.
Ti
l
y:Whathappened?
MaMasa:
Herhear
tar
rhy
thmi
a..

Matil
daranherhandt hr
oughherhai
r.I
twas
dangerousbecauseitmakesi
teasyforMasa
tohaveheartfai
lur
eanddie.
Mat
il
da:
Issheokay
?
MaMasa:
Shei
s..
shej
ustwokeup.
Ti
l
y:I
'
llcal
lherl
ater
,Iwi
shIwast
her
e.By
ema.
MaMasa:
Bye.
.

Shepl
acedt
hephonedown.
MaMasa:
I'
l
lgety
ousomet
hingt
oeatokay
?
Masanoddedandhermot
herwal
kedout
.Her
f
atherwal
kedi
nsecondsl
ater
.

Thatonelookf r
om herf atherbrokeherresolv
e
astearsstreameddownhercheeks.Hej ustsat
onherbedahdr emovedt heoxy genmaskas
shesobbedonhi sshi
rt.Hedi dn'
tsayany t
hing
andjustforpeace'ssakeshewasn' tgoi
ngto
sayanythingaboutthis.

Shest
oppedcr
yingandhewi
pedhert
ear
s.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
RaMasa:
Wantt
otal
kabouti
t?

Sheshookherhead.Shewasst upi
dandit
di
dn'tmaket
hepai nl
essen.Shewasdone.
Doneanddusted.Theonlythi
ngthatwasher
concer
nwasthekidsandnot hi
ngelse.
Herphonerangandshesawt
hecal
l
eri
d.Her
f
atherfr
owned.
RaMasa:
Annoy
ingpr
ickkemang?
Masasuckedi
nabr
eat
h.
Masa:
Hay
den.
.
RaMasa:
Shoul
dIansweri
t?
Masa:
May
besomet
hingi
swr
ongwi
tht
heki
ds.
.
Herf
atheranswer
edi
t.
RaMasa:
Hel
l
o..

Haydenfr
ownedheari
ngMasa'
sfatherov
ert
he
phoneandhi
sheartski
ppedabeat
.
Hayden:
Dumelang,
Masaoteng?I
'
m byher
houseandsheisnott
her
e..
RaMasa:
Shei
snott
her
e..
Hay
den:Oh.Iwant
edt
orunsomet
hing
i
mport
antbyher.
RaMasa:
Shei
shospi
tal
i
zed.
Masa:
Dad!
RaMasa:
Ohsorry,
youwer
en'
tsupposedt
o
knowt
hat.By
e..

Hehungup.
RaMasa:
Idi
dn'tknow.Thedoct
orsaidy
ou'
l
lbe
her
eforf
ourdays.Forobser
vat
ion.
Shenoddedasshewor
etheoxy
genmask
agai
nandlai
ddown.
RaMasa:
Shoul
dwebr
ingt
heki
dsher
e?
Masa:
No,
I'
ll
comeupwi
thagoodexcuse.

Shesaidthr
oughthemaskandherfather
nodded.Hepushedherhai
rbackandkissedher
for
ehead.Shesmil
edandclosedhereyes.
Meanwhil
eHay dendr
ovetothehospit
al,
he
wasgoingtocheckwhichone.Shewasfine
ear
li
eron.Hewonderedwhatwaswr ong.

Heswallowedhisguil
tdownasheparkedby
thehospit
alpar
kingl
ot.Hewasabouttost
ep
outwhenhesawMasa' spar
ent
sgeti
nside
thei
rcar.Heguessedri
ght.

Onceherpar
ent
shaddr
oveof
fhest
eppedout
oft
hecar.

Hewalkedi
nsi
deandhest oppedbythe
r
ecept
ionaski
ngaboutherroom number.
Recept
ioni
st:
Andy
ouar
e?Onl
yfami
l
yis
al
lowed.
Hay
den:
Shei
smychi
l
dren'
smot
her
.
Therecept
ioni
sthadtohidehershock.Sohe
hasbeeninarelat
ionshi
pallal
ong?Hewas
becomingfamousandev er
yonewasar eofa
cert
ainMrSmith.

Shegavehimtheroom numberandhethanked
her.Heopenedt
hedoorsli
ghtl
yandstood
therel
ooki
ngatherwi
ththeoxygenmaskon.

Thelastti
mehewasi nhospit
alhelost
someonei npor
tantandshewasi noxygen
machines,notevenbreat
hingonherown.He
hopeditwasnot hi
ngseri
ous.

Hewal kedinsi
deandMasa'seyesf
lut
ter
ed
open.Shesadlylookedathi
m.Henoti
cedthe
swoll
eney esandheswallowed.
Shesatupst
rai
ghtandr
emov
edt
heoxy
gen
mask.
Masa:
Aret
heki
dsokay
?
Hay
den:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Masa:
Osei
l
ebanal
emang?
Hay
den:
Theyar
eal
-
Masa:
That
'si
rr
esponsi
bleofy
ouH.Goback
home.
Hay
den:
Buty
ou'
renotokay
..
Masa:And.
.(pausi
ngtosuckinadeepbreat
has
herhear
tbeatstar
tedtoi
ncrease)
youbei
ng
herei
snotgoodf orme.
Hay
den:
I'
m sor
ry.
Masa:Apol
ogyaccept
ed.Anddon'
tvi
sitme.
Thankyou.
.(
soft
ly)

Sher
ubbedherchestasherhandsshookabi
t.
Sheworet
heoxygenmaskandl
aiddown
faci
ngt
heotherway
.

Helookedatherassherubbedherchestand
hesworehesawt ear
sinhereyes.
Hay
den:
Sunshi
ne.
..

Shedidn'
trespondandhesl idhishandsi nhi
s
pocketsashisguiltatehim upandf i
nishedhim
offwhil
ehewasst andingthere.Thefactthat
shewasn'tevenfighti
ngnow, j
ustacceptedhis
apologyanddecidedt osleep.Histhr
oatdr i
ed
upasher anoutofwor dsandhest oodt her
e.

Thedoct
orwalkedinandhel
ookedatHay
den
ashenoddedhishead.

Hecheckedt
hemoni
tornot
ici
nghowher
heart
beatwasi
ncr
easi
ngr
api
dlyasshel
aid
ther
e.
Doct
or:
Mam.
.
Masaopenedherey
es.Herchesthur
tsobad.
Doct
or:
yourhear
tisr
acingagai
n,l
etmecal
la
nur
setobri
ngicewater
..

Hewal kedout.Healsohadtoinser
tacatheter
ablat
ionbeforetheendoftheday.Orel
sethis
maycausesuddendeat handi
twaseasyt o
l
osepat i
entsespecial
l
ysinceherhear
t
arrhy
thmi awasfastheart
beat
salsoknownas
tachycardi
a.

Hay denst
oodt her
ewatchingasthemachi
nes
beepedandt hedoctorwalkedinwit
hanur
se
holdingabucketful
loficewater.
Theyhelpedherupandshedunkedherheadin
thewater.Herhear
tbeatsl
oweddownast hey
handedherat owelmi
nuteslat
er.
Doct
or:
Bet
ter
?

Shenodded.

Thenur
sewal
kedout
.
Haydensil
ent
lywalkedout
.Hewasconfused
andhewaitedfort
hedoctort
ogetout.When
thedoct
orwalkedoutHaydenaskedhi
m what'
s
wrong.
Doct
or:
Wear
econt
rol
l
ingherhear
tar
rhy
thmi
a.
Hay
den:
I'
mlost
..
.
Thedoctorexpl
ainedi
tbri
efl
yandHayden
si
ghed.Itseemedseri
ousbuthowcomeshe
nevert
oldhim?
Hewal
kedtoherr
oom andshewasf
astal
seep.
Hewasfucki
ngev
ery
thi
ngupatthemoment.

Hemadehi
swayoutoft
hehospi
tal
andgot
i
nsi
dehi
scar.

AtTessa'
shouse

Tessasatinfrontofherlaptop.Shehadbeen
putt
ingoffthi
sthingofresearchingHaydenbut
toni
ghtshemi ghtjustdothat.Hisdaught
er
l
ookedsof amili
ar.

Ofcourseshewasn'tgoingtotel
lhimthatshe
wasnotgoingtostepmot hert
hekids.Theli
tt
le
boyhadanat t
it
ude.Ignoredherandsheroll
ed
hereyesthi
nki
ngabouti t
.
Shepausedwhenshesawol dphotosofhi
m
wit
ht hepret
tydoct
or.Sher
eadmor ei
ntoi
tand
herstol
enheartpoundedsohar
d,asifi
twas
notinherchest
.

Shewentont oread.Thosewerethetwinsshe
wascarr
ying.Sherememberedthet i
me
Regi
nahwashappywi t
hthepregnancy.

Herthroatdry
edassher eadaboutherpar
ent
s
beingsenttojai
lforbeingaccompli
cesfor
organharvest
ing.Diditmeanheknewshewas
theonewhohadt heheart?

Herhandsshookasshekeptonreadi
ng
ever
ythi
ng.HowwasMasahi sbabymama?
Wastheresomethi
nghappeni
ngbetweent
hem
per
har
ps?ButhewasRegi
nah'
sfi
ance.

Buthewasyoungerthanher
.Itdi
dn'
tev
en
makesenseforhi
mt ohavedatedanol
der
woman.Itdi
dn'
teven..
.

Shedidn'
twantt
othi
nkaboutit
.Sheclosedher
l
aptopandlai
ddowninbed.Thi
nking.
.
.
*
*
*
3MONTHSLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
56*

Atschool

Masasi ghedassherubbedhert
ummy .The
crampswer egett
ingworseandshehadtaken
painki
l
lerstoeasethepai
n.

Thesedaystheki
dswalkedt
ohercar
.She
di
dn'thav
etheenergyt
omakeherwaytothem.

Smit
hJrsati
nthef
rontseatwhi
l
ethegi
rl
ssat
att
heback.
Smi
thJr
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Heaskedandshenodded.
Masa:
Yes.Letmedr
opy
ouguy
shome.
Av
ery
:Okay
.
Smi
thJr
:Wheni
sdadcomi
ngback?
Masa:
Notsur
e..
.

Hesighedandleanedback.Av
eryl
ookedsad
andArij
usthuggedher.
Masa:
He'
l
lcal
l
.
Smi
th:
Hepr
omi
sedhewoul
dbuthedi
dn'
t.
Av
ery
:Idon'
tl
ikeTessa.
Masa:
That
'snotani
cet
hingt
osaybaby
..
Smi
thJr
:Hedoesn'
tspendal
otoft
imewi
thus.
Masa:
I'
l
ltal
ktohi
m..

MasahandedSmi thJrherphoneandshe
si
ghedassher ever
sed.Shehateditwhenthe
ki
ds'werethisdown.Thelastt
imeshecalled
whenshewant edtotal
kt oHaydenaboutthe
ki
ds,Theresaansweredthephoneandtoldher
thatshewasn'tev
ent heki
dsbiol
ogi
cal
mot
her
sheshouldstopcall
i
ngHay den.

Shewasn'
tabouttobeinsul
tedbyateenager
soshebackedoff
.Thiswashurti
ngthetwins
whoweresousedt ohavi
ngthei
rfat
her'
s
att
ent
ionatal
lti
mes.

Thecrampsgotwor
sebutshei
gnor
edt
hem.
Shehadtotaket
heki
dshome.

Whenshearr
ivedhome,shepar
kedthecarand
madeherwayinsi
dethehousewher
eshe
f
oundthehel
per.
Masa:
Hey
,Ibr
oughtt
heki
ds.
Her
:Hel
l
oguy
s..
TheyallhighfivedherandMasasmi l
edasshe
satdownabi tdisori
ented.Shebli
nkedseveral
ti
mes.Shewasgoi ngtomakei ttotheoff
ice.I
t
wasnotal ongdr i
ve.Shefrownedstandi
ngup
andthehel pergaspedast heki
dslookedather
abitscared.
Hel
per
:Masa,
you'
rebl
eedi
ng.
.
Masa:
Ble-

Shef
eltt
hewetnessast
hecr
ampsgott
wo
ti
mesworse.
Hel
per
:Mam,
letmet
akey
out
othehospi
tal
.

Thekidsjustst
oodt herescar
edasthey
watchedMasabl eed,herwhit
epenci
lski
rt
soakedincrimson.
Arir
ubbedherey
esasAv
eryhel
dSmi
thJr
ti
ghtl
y.
..
Masa:
Gosh!Wh-
who'
l
lst
aywi
tht
heki
ds?
Her
:I
'l
lcal
lthei
rgr
andpar
ent
s..
thekey
s..

Atthi
spointi
nti
meMasawasgladthatshe
hadwantedapersonwhohadadr
iver
'sl
icense.

Thehel
perhel
pehert
othecarasbloodr
an
downherl
egs.Masacl
osedherey
esasthe
pai
nhit
.

Thehel
perqui
ckl
yclosedthedoorandusedher
phonet
ocallMasa'
sparentst
ogot otheki
ds.

Meanwhil
eSmithJrheldMasa'sphoneinhi
s
hands.Hewasn'tsur
eaboutwhatwas
happeni
ngtohismother.Heknewhelosthi
s
fi
rstmotherbuthewasn'
twi
l
li
ngt
olose
anotherone.
Aver
y:Do-
(shakyv
oice)
Ismommygoi
ngt
obe
okay
?

Arisatont
hef
loorassher
ubbedherey
es
tr
yingnott
ocr
y.
Av
ery
:Cal
ldaddy
..
Smit
hJrt
riedt
orememberthenumbersMasa
pr
essedt
ounlocki
tandhepressedt
hem.

Theycoul
dseethet
rai
lofbl
oodandt
hei
rsmal
l
hear
tspounded.
Aver
ygrabbedthephonefrom Smit
hasshe
wentthr
oughthenames.Shecouldn'
tseet he
namedaddysoshel ookedfort
hatothername
shecoul
dn'tr
ead.
Shecl
i
ckedoni
tandi
trang.
Theyal
llookedatthephoneasi
trang,
Hay
den
answer
edi mmediatel
y.
Hay
den:
Sunshi
ne.
..
Ther
ewasaboutofsi
l
enceasAv
erysobbed.
Av
ery
:mo-
mommy
..
Hay
den:
Pri
ncess?
Smi
thJr
:Ar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Hayden:
Ihav
ewor
kchamp,
whyi
syoursi
ster
cr
ying?
Av
ery
:Mommyi
sgoingtogot
oheav
enl
i
ke
mommymommy(cr
ying)

Hay
denf
rownedasheundi
dhi
sti
e.
Hay
den:
Smi
thwhat
'swr
ong?
Arisobbedi
nthecorneral
onewi
thhersmal
l
headbetweenherl
egs.
Smi
thJr
:Mom wasbl
eedi
ng.
.
Hay
den:
Whatdoy
oumeanbl
eedi
ng?

Hesai
dashecheckedt
het
imeandst
oodup.
SmithJr:
Sh-
shedidn'tl
ookokay,whenwegot
hereherski
rtwasred..
itwasbl
ood.Aunt
ytook
hertothecl
ini
c.

Ev
enhi
svoi
ceshook.
Smi
thJr
:By
edad.
Hay
den:
Smi
-

Thel
i
nedi
sconnect
ed.
Hay
den:
Fuck!
Hisphonebeepedandamessagef
rom Tessa
camethrough.
Tessa:
Hel
l
obabe,
arewest
il
lonf
ort
oni
ght
?
Hetextedback.Shewasalreadyinschoolat
themomentandwel lhewasher eatthe
Gaboronebranchandthatmeanthespental ot
ofti
mewi t
hherwhenshewasnoti nlessons.
Hay
den:
Ihav
etogoback,
somet
hingcameup.
Tessa: Okay
.CanIhav
eP4000?
Hay
den:
Whatar
eyouusi
ngi
tfor
?
Tessa:
Itwon'
tbeasur
pri
sei
fIt
ell
you.
.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lsend.
.

Hequickl
ywenttohisbankingappandsenther
5k.Hecall
edthesecret
aryandaskedhert
o
bookhim anemergencyfl
ightbackt
o
Franci
stown,pr
efer
abl
yonethatwasaboutt
o
takeoffinanhourorl
ess.

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana

TessasatbytheFDpar kast hemoneyreport

ed.
Shecheckedifherappoint
mentwasst il
lon.
Theyhadsaidsheneeded3kf ort
heprocedur
e
anditincl
udedtheanti
biot
ics.Aft
eral
li
twas
j
ustclotsofbl
ood.Shewasamedi calst
udent
andsheknewt heri
sks.

Shesentheart
stoHaydenbef
oresheheaded
thecaf
eter
ia.Nev
eragai
n.

Shewon'tbecarel
ess,af
tert
hisshewasgoing
togett
heimplant.Shewassonotreadyandif
hedoesn'
tknowshewasgood.
.
.
*
*
Sel
osamomet
soasy
ousl
eep.Mondayi
t
i
snow.
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
57*

AtMasa'
shouse

Masa'smot herarr
ivedatthehouseandshe
wasdi dn'
twanttobelieveitwhenshesawt he
tr
ailofblood.Shehadhadhersuspi ci
onsthis
pastmont hofMasabei ngpregnantbutshe
di
dn'twantt omentioniti
ncaseitmadeher
uncomf
ort
abl
esoshekepti
ttoher
sel
f.

Thekidslookedgenuinel
yscar
edandi
twasup
tohertocomf or
tthem.

Allt
hreelookedatherwhenshewal kedinand
thei
rlit
tl
eredeyeswereheart
breaking.Shej
ust
passedbyt hebl
oodtrai
landcrouchedbefore
thekids.
MaMasa:
Mommywi
l
lbeokay
,Ipr
omi
se.
Smi
thJr
:Shei
snotdead?

MaMasashookherhead.
MaMasa:
Notatal
l
.Shei
sst
rong,
canwego
ov
ert
omyhouse?

Sheaskedandt
heyal
lnodded.
MaMasa:
I'
l
lmakehotchocol
ateandpopcor
n,
mommywillf
indust
her
eokay?

Theyal
lnodded.Shel
edt
hem outoft
hehouse
thent
othecar.
MaMasa:
Wai
ther
eforaf
ewmi
nut
es.

Shemadeherwaybackt othehouseand
walkedtothebat
hroom wher
eshegotcl eani
ng
glovesandabucketandamop.I tseemedasif
thekidsweresoscaredwhentheysawher
bleed.

Att
hehospi
tal

Thehel persatdown.Shedidn'
twantt
othinkit
wast hat.ShebroughtMasatothehospi
talas
fastast hetr
affi
ccouldal
l
ow.
Meanwhil
eMasaf
inal
l
yopenedherey
esand
shel
ookedatt
hedoct
or.
Doct
or:
Hey
..
.
Masasatupstrai
ghtfeel
ingapangofpai nin
herl
owerabdomen.Shehadt ohearwhatthe
doct
orhadtosay.Shedidn'tknowhowl ong
shewasoutforthatmatt
er.
Doct
or:
You'
vebeenoutf
oral
mostt
hreehour
s.
Masaj
ustnodded.

Thedoct
orsi
ghed.
Doct
or:
Ihatetobethebear
erofbadnewsbut
mam, y
oujustmiscar
ri
ed.Whenyougother
eit
wastoolat
e..

Masapausedandl
ookedatt
hedoct
or.
Miscar
ry?Sheshookherhead.Shewasn'
t
pr
egnant.Sheknewherbodyandshewasn't
pr
egnant.
Masa:
Th-t
hatmust'
vebeenamist
ake,
Iwasn'
t
pr
egnant
.Ican'
tbepregnant
.
Doct
or:
Youwer
emam.

Masal ookedtheotherway.Shewaspr egnant

.
Thatstatementonit'
sownscar edherandshe
evenlostthepregnancybefor
esheknewi t.
Doct
or:
Bu-

ThedooropenedandHay denwalkedin.Masa
sti
ll
lookedtheotherwaybi
ti
ngherlipswit
h
tear
sinhereyes.Itwasbet
tershelostt
his
bastar
d'schi
ldri
ght?

Hay
den:
Arey
ouokay
?
Doct
or:
Uhm,
sor
ryf
ory
ourl
ossmam.
.

HaydenlookedatMasabefor
eitcli
ckedi
nhi
s
head.Bl
eeding.Shehadj
ustmiscar
ri
ed.

Masausedherhandstowipehertear
s.I
t
wasn'
tsupposedtohur
t.I
t'
ssupposedtobe
somesortofrel
i
efbuti
thurt
.

Hay
denwal
kedcl
osert
oher
.
Hay
den:
Hey
,Sunshi
ne.
..
Masajustav
oidedhi
sgaze.Hert
ear
scl
oudi
ng
herv
isi
on.
Hay
den:
Lookatme.
.
Hegentl
yhel
dherchinandi
twasnothar
dto
misst
hepainandangeri
nherey
esandhe
knewi
twasalldi
rect
edathi
m.
Hay
den:
I'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tkn-

Masamovedherheadawayashel
etgoofher
chi
n.Hedi
dn'
tknowwhattodo.
Hay
den:
Iknowi
t'
smyf
aul
t.
..
angel
I'
m sor
ry.
.

Masajustl
ookedathi
m shakingherheadas
t
earsstr
eameddownherf ace.
Hay
den:
Angel
..
..
Masa:
Getout
!
Hay
den:
I'
m..
.
Masa:Getthefuckoutofmyhospi
tal
room
Hayden!Getout!(
scr
eamingwi
thacracked
voi
ce)

Hewalkedout.Heari
nghercrackedv
oicebr
oke
hi
sheart.Hehurtherwhenshehasbeenso
goodt
ohi
m.

Hesatdownonthewai
ti
ngbenchesashe
l
ookedatthehel
per
.
Her
:Hel
l
oSi
r.
Hay
den:
Hi,
wher
ear
etheki
dsm
Her
:Thei
rgr
andmot
hert
ookt
hem.

Henoddedasheputhishandsoverhisface.
Thisi
sthesecondti
meshehasbeeni n
hospi
talandhehadastrongf
eel
ingthatthe
fi
rstt
imewasalsobecauseofhi
m.

Hel i
ft
edhisheadandlookedattheroom.He
stoodupandwal kedt
othedoor.Hecouldhear
hersoftsobsandheswallowed.I
'm sor
rybabe.
I'
m sorry
..
.
Masaj ustl
ookedatt heI Vdr i
ponherar m as
thetearschokedher .ItwasGod' splanright?
Shewasal readyadjust i
ngtohi m notbeing
aroundandt hathadbeensomehi ngshe
neededsot hatshecant ryandheal andnow
thathehadl ef
tapar tofhi mi nherandshe
miscarri
ed.Ahugesi gni twasnotmeantt obe
ri
ght?Sheaskedher sel fwit
hhott earsroll
ing
downherf ace.Shebi therlipstotryandnot
makeasoundbuti twasf util
e.

Masa:
Godwhyme?
(cr
ying)

Alonetearrol
leddownHay den'scheekandhe
qui
ckl
ywi peditaway.Hewant edt opr
otecther
andhimselfbuthehurtheri
nst ead.
Haydensuckedi
nadeepbr
eat
handwentt
osi
t
down.
Hay
den:
Uhm,
youcango.I
'
llt
akecar
eofher
.
Her
:Wi
l
lshebeokay
?
Hay
den:
Ihopeso.
.

Thehel
pernoddedandstoodup.Hay den
l
eanedbackashisphonevibr
ated.I
twasan'I
l
oveyou'messagefr
om Tessa.Heignoredi
t
andhesi
ghed.

Maybeheshoul
dgethersomethi
ngt
oeat
.Her
phonemustbewit
hthekids.

Hedi
dn'
tknowwher
ethedoct
orwent,
he
want
edt
ocomebackafewhoursl
ater.
Hestoodupandwal kedtot
hedoor.Heopened
i
tsli
ghtl
yandj ustst
aredatherl
yi
ngonthe
hospi
talbed.Heclosedthedoorandwal
ked
away.

AtMasa'
spar
ent
shouse

MaMasasatdownont hecouch.Theki
dswer
e
tootr
aumati
sedbywhattheysawandthey
endedupfal
l
ingasl
eep.

Sheaskedhersel
fwhoMasawasdat i
ng.By
whatshehadobservedshehadbeensi
nglef
or
thel
ongestt
ime.

Adoorknockdist
urbedhert
hought
sandshe
f
ixedhersmart
lywrappeddoekasshewal
ked
t
ot hedoor
.
MaMasa:
Keet
la(
I'
m comi
ng)

Sheopenedthedoorandawav
eofreli
ef
washedoverherwhebsher
eal
isedi
twas
Hayden.
MaMasa:
Hel
l
o,It
houghty
ouwer
eoutoft
own.
.
Hay
den:
I'
m backIguess.
.
MaMasa: Thekidsar
easleep.Uhm Masai
sin
hospi
tal
.Doy ouknowthepersonshewas
seei
ng?

Hay
denl
oosenedhi
sti
eabi
t.
Hay
den:
Shewasseei
ngsomeone?
MaMasa: Shewaspregnant
,ababydoesn'
t
appearoutoft
heblue.
.
Hay
denr
ubbedhi
sneckabi
t.
Hay
den:
Notany
oneIknow.
.
MaMasa:
Str
ange.
.
Hay
den:
I'
l
l passbyl
aterandt
hanky
ouf
or
t
aki
ngcareoftheki
ds.
MaMasa:
It
'sal
way
sapl
easur
etohav
ethem.
Hay
den:
CanIhav
eMasa'
sphone?
MaMasa:
Smi
thJrwashol
dingi
t,l
etmegoget
i
t.

Hay denfol
lowedherandSmi thJrwasf ast
asleepholdingtight
lyt
othegadget.MaMasa
slowlypull
edt hephoneawayasSmi thJr
turned.ShehandedHay denthephone.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.
MaMasa:
Alr
ight
.

AtLet
so'
swor
kpl
ace
Let
soscr oll
edt hr
oughhersocialmedia,she
neverpostedany thi
ngthesedays.Inst
agram
bei
ngwor se.ShesawMasa' sprofi
l
eandshe
wasglowi ng.Sheknewshewast heonewho
hadruinedt hei
rfr
iendshi
p.

Shejudgedherandgossippedabouther
.Yes
shefel
lpregnantandher
eshewasnotev en
sur
eshecanhav eki
ds.

Hercarwasworkingperf
ectl
yandtot hink
Masadidn'
tevenhateheratall
foranything.I
fit
wasanyotherper
son,theywould'
velefther
t
herejustt
ospit
eher.

Wellherfinalresul
tsdi
dn'tt
urnoutt
obewhat
shewant edandshehadt osaybyet
olaw
school.Hellshedidn'
tevenqual
if
ytostudyl
aw
attheUniv er
sityofBot
swana.Thatwashow
har
dofabl
owl
i
fedel
i
ver
ed.

Shecheckedherbankbalanceandshesmil
ed.
MaybesheshouldthankMasaf orfi
xi
nghercar
bytaki
ngheroutforl
unch.Shedidn'
thav
ea
hugebankbalancebutwhatshehadwas
enoughtomakeendsmeet .

Shedial
edMasa'snumber.I
trangf
orawhil
e
bef
oreitwasansweredbyadeepmalevoi
ce.
Sherememberedit
.Sheswall
owedabit
.
Let
so:
Hel
l
o..
Hay
den:
Masa'
sphonehel
l
o.
Let
so:
CanIt
alkt
oMasa.
Hay
den:
Shei
sunav
ail
abl
eatt
hemoment
.
Let
so:
Whenshei
sav
ail
abl
etel
lhert
o-
Hay
den:
Sur
e.
Hehungup.Shefrowned.Hesoundedsorude
orwashestr
essed?Whywasheanswer i
ng
Masa'
sphone?

Att
hehospi
tal

Haydenlookedatthefoodonthepassenger
seatasheheldherphoneinherhands.Hetr
ied
torememberherpassword.Heenteredi
tand
herphoneunlocked.

Hewastemptedtogothr
oughhermessages
ashehel
diti
nhishands.

Hesuckedinabreat
h.I
twasherpr
ivacyand
shewasgoingt
obeof f
endedi
fshefoundout
hewentthr
oughherthi
ngs.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
58*

AtTheHospi
tal

Haydenst
oppedbyherr
oom ast
hedoct
orwas
aboutt
owalkinherr
oom.
Hay
den:
Docwheni
sshegoi
ngt
obedi
schar
ged?
Doct
or:
Wecl eanedherup,
all
weneedt
odoi
s
anot
herscan.
Hay
den:
Anot
herscan?
Doctor:
Wewer etoolat
einsavi
ngtheother
baby,wejustneedtoseeift
heotheroneis
good.

Hepaused.
Hay
den:
Shewascar
ryi
ngt
wins?
Doct
or:
Yes.
.
Hayden:Uhm wi
l
litbepossi
blet
odi
schar
geher
l
atertoni
ght?
Doct
or:
Yes,
letmegodot
hescan.
..
Haydennoddedandthedoctorwal
kedaway
.
Heopenedthedoorandwalkedinwit
hthef
ood
st
uff.

Hay
den:
HeySunshi
ne.
Shei
gnor
edhi
m andhej
ustpl
acedt
hepl
ast
ics
ont
het
abl
e.
Hay
den:
Ibr
oughtf
ood.
..

Heguessedhedeser vedt hat.Hesatdownona

chairasshefacedtheot herway .Therewasno
wayt ogetthr
ought oherandhedi dn'tknow
how.Heal sowouldn'tforgivehimsel fafter
beingajerktoher
.Wel l
hewasmor ethant hat
andhedi dn'
twanttost ressheri ntolosingthe
otherbabyaswell.Thedoct orwalkedi nand
Masat ur
nedt ol
ookatt hedoct or.
Doct
or:
Feel
i
ngmuchbet
ter
?
Shenoddedandsatupr
ight
.
Doct
or:Fr
om nowon,
avoidst
ressf
ulsi
tuat
ions
atal
lti
mesandeatwell
.
Masaj
ustnodded.Notqui
tesur
eshewas
f
oll
owi
ng.
Thedoct
orwentt
oli
ghtt
hesonogr
am machi
ne
andMasafr
owned.
Masa:
Doct
orwhat
'shappeni
ng?
Doct
or:
Sti
l
lchecki
ngi
ftheot
herbabyi
sfi
ne.

Shesatupri
ght.Thi
swastoomucht ostomach
i
nasingleday.Shewashonest
lyconfused.
Doct
or:
Youwer
ecar
ryi
ngt
wins,
youl
ostt
he
ot
herone.
.
Masar
ubbedhert
ear
yey
es.Wow!

Thedoctorslowlydidwhatshewast r
ainedt
o
do.Masasilent
lyli
ftedupthehospi
talgownas
thedoct
orappliedthecoldgelonhertummy.

Thedoctormovedt
hewandov erhertummy
andtheyall
hear
dthehear
tbeat.Hayden
secr
etl
ysmiledashesawtheawei
nherey
es
andthatsmallsmi
l
eonherli
ps.
Doct
or:
Heal
thy
.
Masa:
Uhm howf
aral
ong?
Doct
or:
3mont
hs.
.
Masa:
Okay
.

Shewashandedt
issuepapert
owi
peof
fthegel
.
Doctor:
Isuggestanotherscanbyt
heendoft
his
week.Letmegogety oursuppl
ement
sand
mineral
s.Don'tst
ressokay?
Masanodded.
Thedoct
orl
ookedatHay
den.
Doctor
:Don'
tletherstressandover
workhersel
f,
asmuchast heot herbabyisal
iv
e,i
t'
ssti
ll
del
icat
e.
Hay
dennoddedast
hedoct
orwal
kedout
.
Haydenst
oodupandj
ustki
ssedt
het
opofher
head.
Hayden:
Iknowyouhat
emeangelandI
under
standbutt
hanky
ou.Thanky
ousomuch.
..
Masa'sl owerli
ptrembledasshemov edaway
from him.Shewant edtohat ehim wi
thevery
fi
breofherbei ngbutshedi dn'
t.Shehatedall
thehur tthatheputherthroughandshebl amed
herselfforlet
ti
nghim hurtherli
kethat.

Hay densawthetearsinhereyesandheused
histhumbtowipet hem away.Herui
nedi
t.His
perfectf
amil
y.Shehat edhi
m andnowshewas
pregnantwit
hhischild.Hewasevenscar
ed
thatshewasgoingt owanttoabortt
hechil
d
butsheneverment i
onedthatatal
l.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lfi
xthi
sokay
?
Ithur
tseei
ngherhur
tbecausesherar
ely
showedherhur
toranyotheremoti
onsshe
didn'
twantanyonetosee.Seei
ngherr
awli
ke
that,
bleedi
ngfr
om thecuthemadeonherwas
abitterpi
ll
toswal
low.
Masa:
GetoutHay
den.

Shesai
dsof
tl
yandhedi
dn'
tar
guewi
tht
hat
.He
wal
kedout
.

Hedecidedt
ogot
otheonl
ypl
acet
hatgav
e
hi
m peace.

AtGabor
one

Tessal
aidont
hebedast
hedoct
orr
est
rai
ned
herlegs.Shewasnotwi l
li
ngtobeamot herat
thi
sy oungage.Shehaddr eams,
goalsand
ambi t
ionstopursue.Ababywoulddelayher
progressasti
mewenton.

Dr
:Idi
dexpl
aint
hepr
ocessmam.
.
Shenodded.Itwasjustclot
sofbloodandnota
ful
l
ydev el
opedhuman.Asur gi
cal abort
ionwas
bett
erthanabackstreetoneeventhoughboth
wereill
egali
nthecountry.Agi
rlhadt odowhat
agirlhadtodo.

Anhourl at
er,shesatdownont hechairwaiti
ng
forheranti
bioti
cs.Itl
efthersoweak, shewas
goingtotakeacabt oschoolandsleep.Awav e
ofguil
twashedov erherandsheknewi twas
herheartmakingt heguil
tworse.Haydendi dn'
t
knowandev enifhedid,shewasn'tgoingto
keepthechild.
Thedoct
orhandedhert
hepi
l
lsandt
abl
ets.
Shesl owlystooduphol dingherbagandwal
ked
outoft hesmal l
facil
i
t y
.Sheopenedher
umbr ell
aandwal kedashor tdist
ancetot
he
stop.Shef el
tsolightheaded.

Shesawataxiandshestoppedi
t.Shegot
i
nsideandl
eanedback.

Tessa:
UBpl
ease.
Taxi
man:
Speci
al?
Tessa:
Yeah.

Themandr ov
ethetaxi
andTessarubbedher
temples.Theysai
dther
ewasgoingtobesli
ght
bleedi
ngandsheneededtorest
.
ShecheckedhermessagesandHay
denhadn'
t
evenr
epli
ed.Shesi
ghed.Hewasabusymanor
maybehewasgoingtocheckonherlat
er.

AtRegi
nah'
sHouse
.
.
*
*
I
'm 45mi
nut
eslat
e.Bl
ameKingsof
Jo'
Burg Gomonateshem.
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
59*
AtRegi
nah'
shouse

Hay
densatont
hebedandl
ookedup.
Hayden:
ImessedupSugar.Imessedupsobad
andIdon'
tknowhowtofixit.
.

Hepl acedhi
sheadbetweenhi shands.One
thi
ngheknewf orsurewast hathedidn'
tl
ove
Tessa.Heusuall
yindulgedhermostofthe
ti
mes.Theonehewant edtoforcehi
sheartto
notlovewaslyi
ngont hehospital
bedandshe
hatedhim.
Hayden:
SheispregnantandIknowhowf ucked
upthesi
tuati
onlooks.
(si
gh)Idon'
twantpeople
j
udgingherbutIcan'
tseem t
owanttolether
go.
.

Hel
i
ckedhi
sli
ps.
Hayden:
Idon'
twantt
olethergo,
Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
ll
beablet
obreathi
fshefi
ndsaman..

Hechuckl
ed.Thatwasthefunnythi
ngabouti
t,
hebr
okeherheartyethewantedhertobehi
s.
Hayden:Ihaven'tcheckedont hekidsy et.I'
m
suretheyarescar ed.You'r
eprobabl ylet
tingme
makemyowndeci si
onssoIcanl ear nfrom
them.Idon'twantt oloseMasabutt hef actthat
shemi ghtdietooi swhathauntsme.Idon' t
wanttogounderagai n,thegri
efwast oomuch
andsomeday sIal mostwentcrazy .Ididn't
beli
evethatyouwer ereall
ygone.

Hejustsuckedi
nadeepbr eath.Heknewwhat
todoatthispoi
nt.Hedidn'
tthi
nkReginahwas
evenhappyabouttheheart
shewast oyingwi
th.
Afteranhourhegotoutofthehouse.Hemade
hiswayt ohi
scar.Si
nceshewasbei ngr
eleased
tonight
,hehadtopackherclot
hesforherather
house.

Att
hehospi
tal

Masafatherwal
kedintoherroom andMasa
pul
ledherhai
rback.Soonitwasgoingtoshow
andquesti
onsandrumour splusj
udgement
wouldfl
owaround.Justl
ikesixyearsago.
RaMasa:
Arey
ouokay
?
Shenoddedwi
thr
edey
es.
RaMasa: Youdon'
tseem f
ine.Ihear
dwhat
happened.
Masaner
vousl
ylookedatherdad.
RaMasa:Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
eseei
ng
someone.
Masawant edtosayshewasn'tseei
nganyone
butthenshewaspregnantandababydidn't
miracul
ouslygr
owinyourwomb.
Masakeptqui
et.
RaMasa:
Youknowyoucantal
ktousabout
any
thi
ng,
youareanadul
tnowMasa..
Sheleanedbackandl
ookedatherdadbef
ore
nodding.
RaMasa:
I'
m sor
ryokay
?
Masanoddedt
ryi
ngnott
ocr
y.
RaMasa:Theki
dsar
eokayathome,
sti
l
l
tr
aumat
ised.

Herpoorki
ds.

Herfat
herki
ssedt het
opofherheadbef
ore
openi
ngtheplast
ic.
RaMasa:Whobroughtf
ood?Youhav
en't
touchedasi
ngl
ethi
ng,youneedt
oeat.
Masasi
ghed.I
t'
snotasi
fshewashungr
y.
Masa:
I'
m nothungr
y.
RaMasa:
Youneedt
oeat
..

Hetookoutthelar
getubofyoghur
tanda
spoon.Hehandeditt
oher.
RaMasa:
Eat
,I'
m notl
eav
ingunt
ily
oueat
..

Hesatdownandwai t
edforher.Shereadt
he
l
abel.Hebroughtherfav
ouri
teflavour
.She
si
ghedandopenedt hetubbeforedippi
ngher
spooninandeating.

Minutesl
aterherf
atherki
ssedherf
orehead
befor
ewalkingout
.
Haydenwal
kedi
nmor et
hant
enmi
nut
esl
ater
hol
dingasmal
lbag.
Hay
den:
Hey
..
.

Masadi
dn'tknowhowt oignor
ehim whenhe
wasal
loverher.Thedoct
orwalkedi
n.
Doct
or:
Mam you'
ref
reetogo,I'
l
lbr
ingt
he
medi
cati
oni
naf ewminutes.

MasajustlookedatHaydenwit
houtsayi
nga
wor
d.Hay denwantedhertosaysomethi
ng.
Anyt
hing.Hersil
encewasdeafeni
ng.
Hayden:
Ibr
oughtachangeofcl
othes,
I'
ll
dri
ve
youhome..

Shest
il
lsai
dnot
hing.
Hay
den:
Letmegi
vey
ouspacet
ochange.
.

Heplacedthebagdownandwal kedout.I
t
wouldbeniceifshereacted,scr
eamedorev en
hithi
m butherbeingthi
ssilentwasjusta
reci
pefordisast
er.

Masaj ustgotoutofbedandopenedt hebag.

Shehel dbacktearsasshegott heclot
hesout
andmadeherwayt othebathroom.She
remov edthehospital
gownandwor ethe
tracksui
thecamewi t
h.Shehel dont
ot hewash
basinasshel ookedatherselfi
nthemi rr
or.

Masa:
Osemat
la.
..
Shesaidtoherr
efl
ect
ionast earsrol
leddown
herey
es.Shesobbedaloneint hebathr
oom.
Shewishedshehadn'
tsubjectedhersel
ftothi
s.
Shehat
edher
sel
fsodamnmuch.

Haydenwalkedinsi
detheroom f
ewmi nut
es
l
aterandheheardhersobbingi
nthebathroom.
Heblinkedacoupleoft
imesbeforeheopened
t
hedoor .

Hefoundheronthefl
oor,asobbingmess.It
wasallonhi
m.Hebur nedital
ldown.Hayden
bentdownandhelpedherup,huggi
ngheras
shecri
ed.
Hay
den:
I'
m sor
ryt
hatt
hatIhur
tyou.
.
Shebr
okethehugandhi
thi
schestwi
thher
smal
lfi
sts.
Masa:
Ihateyou!Ihat
eyoubast
ard!
!Youused
m-me(cr
ying)
youusedmeandtossedmeaside
l
ikeacheaptot.
..
Ihat
eyouHaydenSmit
h!!
Shecr
iedmor
eandhej
usthel
dheri
nhi
sar
ms.
Hayden:
IknowandI '
ll
makeituptoy ou.I'
m
sorr
ysweethear
t.Fuuck!Imessedupbaby ,I
knowIfuckedup..
.l
etmecorrectmyself.
Masa:
Ihat
eyousodamnmuch(
cry
ing)
Hay
den:
Iknowangel
.

Her ubbedherbackasshebawledhereyesout
tothepointofherhear
traci
ng.Shegaspedfor
breathandherubbedherback.
Hay
den:
angel
let
'st
ryt
obr
eat
hinandout
..

Hesaidandshedi
dashesai
d,sl
owl
yget
ti
ng
herhear
tbeatt
onor
mal
.
Hayden:IknowI
'
m sel
fi
shandIhur
tyouandt
he
ki
ds.I'
l
lf i
xmymist
akes.
.j
ust
.Don'
tgi
veupon
me.Please!
Hekissedt
het
opofherheadashecl
ear
edhi
s
t
hroat.

Haydenhel
dhert
ight
lyashepushedherhai
r
back.
Hay
den:
I'
m sor
ryangel
..

Masabr okethehugandjustwalkedoutoft
he
bathroom l
eavi
nghimthere.Shewipedher
tearsasshesatonthebed.

Haydensl
owl
ywal
kedoutwi
thhi
shandsi
nhi
s
pocket
s.

Thedoctorwal
kedi
nandcouldfeel
thet
ensi
on.
ShehandedMasathemedi
cine.
Doct
or:
Comef
oranot
herscansomewher
e
al
ongt
hisweekokay
?

Masanodded.Shewal
kedoutandHaydengot
thebagandtookt
hemedicat
ionf
rom her
hands.
Hayden:I
'
m notyourfav
ouri
tepersonr
ightnow
angelandIunder
standthat
,letmehel
py ouso
wecango. .

Masastoodupandf
oll
owedhi
m wi
thherar
ms
f
olded.

Shecheckedoutoft
hehospit
albefor
esil
ent
ly
fol
l
owinghimtothecar.Heunl
ockedthecar
andopenedthedoorf
orher.

Ashewal
kedtohi
sside,
hisphonerang.He
sl
i
ppedi
toutandsawthecal
leri
d.Hesighed
andswi
tchedhi
sphoneof
f.

Hegoti
nsidethecarandcl
osedthedoor
.He
st
art
edthecarandthewholedr
ivewassil
ent
.

Toosil
entf
orhim butheleti
tbe,
shehad
cl
osedhereyesandleanedbackagai
nstt
hecar
seat
.

Hefi
nal
lyparkedthecarandMasaopenedher
ey
es.Thi
sdidn'tl
ookli
keherhouse.
Masa:
Takemehome.
.
Hay
den:
Cal
m down.
Masa:
Idon'
twantt
ocalm down,
Idon'
tfucki
ng
wantt
obearoundyou.
.
Haydencal
mlyl
ookedatherashest
eppedout
oft
hecar.
Hewalkedt
ohersi
deandpi
ckedherup.Masa
hi
thi
sback.
Masa:
Letmego.
..
fucki
ngl
etmego.
.
Hay
den:
Babecal
m down.
Masa:
I'
m noty
ourbabedammi
t!
(cr
ying)
Hay
den:
Hey
..
I'
m sor
ry.
.

Heunlockedthedoorandsteppedinsi
de
hol
dingherandhethrewthekey sonthecouch.
Heheadedstrai
ghttothebedroom wherehe
l
aidherdownont hebed.
Hay
den:
Rel
axokay
?Iwon'
thur
tyou.
.
Masaj
ustchuckl
edwi
tht
ear
sinherey
es.
Masa:Thel
astti
meyousai
dthatyousai
dthat
youhurtme.
..
.y
ouhurtmeHayden!
Hay
den:
I'
l
lapol
ogi
seeachandev
ery
dayf
ort
hat
Sunshi
ne.

Masaj
ustremov
edhi
shandsandpul
l
edhersel
f
tot
hecor
neroft
hebed.Howdar
ehe?How
dar
ehe?

Hay
denj
ustcr
ouchedbef
oreher
.
Hay
den:
Babe.
..
Masa:
Hay
denf
ucky
ou!Fucky
ou!

Hehel
dherhands.
Hayden:
Idi
dn'
tmeanallt
hatIsai
d.Ij
ust
wantedt
oprot
ectyouandme..
Masapushedhi
shandsaway
.
Masa:I
'm donewit
hyouHayden.IswearI
'
m
done.Youcan'tbr
eakmeagain.
.
Hay
den:
Iwon'
t,
Masal
i
sten,
I'
m donewi
thherI
swear
..
.Iwon'
tfuckupwhatIhav
eagai
n..
Masa:You'
renot
hingbutal
i
arandacheat
Hayden.
Hayden:
I'
l
l apol
ogiseeachandeverydayify
ou
wantmet o,Sunshineal
lI'
m aski
ngfori
sone
l
astchance..Pl
ease.

Shelookedathim andhelookedsosincereand
sheremember edhowsincerehelookedthe
ni
ghtbeforehesaidtheywereami st
akeandhe
broughtanot
hergirl
.

Haydensawtheswi
rlofemoti
onsinhereyes
andheknewitwasgoingtot
akealotof
beggi
ngandacti
onstoconvi
nceherother
wise.
Masa:
Takemehome.
.
Hesighedandst
oodup.Heki
ssedher
f
orehead.
Hayden:
Ican'
tdot
hagangel
,l
etmepr
epar
eyou
abathokay?

Hemadehi swayt othebathroom andatt hat

momentMasawant edt ot
hrowsomet hingat
him.Hedisappearedint
othebathroom andshe
l
ookedaroundt hebedroom.Shequi et
lystood
upandwentt otheloungetry
ingtolookf orhi
s
carkey
s.

Shef oundthem andwal kedoutt

hedoortothe
car.Shegoti nsi
deandshespot t
edherphone
attheback.Shegoti tandsheenter
edher
passwor d.Shewentthroughhercal
llogand
si
ghed.

Haydenwal
kedoutandshewasn'
tther
e.Heran
outoft
hebedr
oom andhehear
dtheengine.
Hay
den:
Fuck!

Hequi
ckl
yranout
side.
Hayden:
Masayou'r
enotint
her
ightst
atet
o
dr
iveyour
sel
f!
(shouti
ng)

Shejustrev
ersedt
hecaranddrov
eof
fata
speedthatwasqui
teal
rming.

Hequi
ckl
ytookhi
sphone.
Hayden:Hell
o..
..
Iwanty
outofl
agthi
scari
fyou
seeit.
..
..
mhmm. .
cal
lmewhenyoustop
i
t..
.t
hanky ou.

Hehungupandsi
ghed.

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana
Tessatr
iedhi
sphoneoncemoreanditrangbut
thecal
lwascutshor
t.Shesi
ghedandrubbed
hertummy.

I
fhedoesn'
tknowt henitdi
dn'thappen.That
waswhatshetol
dher sel
foverandov eragai
n.
Shet
ri
edcall
inghi
m agai nandhedi dn'
tanswer
.
Washethatbusy?

May
be.Shewi
l
lhav
etobepat
ient
.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
60*

Ont
her
oad

Masapar
kedt
hecarbyat
reeandshej
ust
cal
l
edTil
y.
Ti
l
y:Hel
l
o..
Masa:
Hey
..
Ti
l
y:Youdon'
tsoundf
ine.
Masa:
I'
m notal
othasj
usthappeneda-
andI
-I
..
.
Ti
l
y:Br
eat
hinandoutbaby
..
Masadi dasTil
ysai
dandshepausedf
ora
whil
erubbinghert
emples,
feel
i
ngasli
ght
headachestar
ti
ng.
Ti
l
y:Nowt
ell
mewhathappened.
Masafinal
l
ytol
dherwhatshehadkeptf
rom
ever
yoneformont
hs.Mati
l
dali
stenedwit
h
j
udgementandwhenMasastoppedtal
ki
ngshe
cr
ied.
Masa:I
maginewhatpeoplearegoingt ocal
lme
whentheyfi
ndoutthatI'
m pregnantwith
Ari
ell
e'
scousi
n'
sbaby .
.hearhowr i
dicul
ousthat
sounds.
Til
y:
Thepeoplehaven'
tsai
dat hi
ng,y
ou'rethe
onejudgingy
oursel
fsoharshlyt
hatyoubreak
yoursel
fdown.Letmesendy ouanaudiookay?
MasanoddedasTi
l
yhungup.

Matil
dasentt
heaudiorecordi
ngoft hatni
ght.
Masaopeneditandli
stenedtoital
l.Shesaid
al
lthat?Mi
nutesl
aterMatil
dacall
ed.
Ti
l
y:Youl
ovehi
m andy
ou'
rehur
t.
..
Masa:
Ifeel
li
keawhor
eagai
nandi
t'
snota
goodf
eeli
ng.Ihat
efeel
i
ngl
i
keIshoul
dhat
e
mysel
f.
..
Til
y:Youjustlostababymyl ov e,
gohomeand
rest.Sl
eepitout,cr
yitout, mour nyourunborn
chil
dandbet hankf
ulfortheonet hatsurvi
ved.
Yoursanityshouldcomef irst.Thinkabout
yoursel
fthenextcomi ngmont hs,I'
ll
driveover
onFr i
daytospendt i
mewi thy ou.Spendt i
me
withAriandt hetwi
ns.Maket hiswhol e
pregnancyjourneyabouty ouandcomet o
termswi t
hy ou.Masay ouar enotasl utnora
whor eyouhearme?

Masanodded.
Til
y:
Nowr eturnthatcar,mostprobabl
ythe
ownerislookingforitandnicel
yaskhimt ogi
ve
youspace.Howi st
hat?Yourhor monesareal
l
overt
hepl aceandt heywil
lbetil
lyougiv
ebirt
h
socalmlydrivethecarback.
Masastar
tedt
hecarandt
ookau-
tur
njoi
ning
t
heotherl
ane.
Ti
l
y:Ar
eyout
her
e?
Masa:
I'
m st
il
ll
ist
eni
ng.
Tily
:Wheny oufeelready,whichwillprobablybe
i
naf ewmont hssitdownandt alktohi m.
Calml y.Butheal l
oveandobser vefrom a
distance.Lov eisn'
tsupposedt ohurt,theups
anddownsofl ovedon'tincl
udebreakingeach
otherdownandt al
ktoy ourparent
st oo, t
hey
areunder standingpeopleandI '
m suret hey
won' tjudgeyou.Probablyhisfamilywi llj
udge
youandpai ntyouwi t
habadbr ushbutt hatis
l
ife,justdoy ouokay ?
Masa:
Okay
.
Ti
ly:
Atthi
spoint
,wedon' twanttostr
essy ou
i
ntolosi
ngthesecondbaby ,makethis
pr
egnancyint
imate.Justafamil
ything.Take
t
imeof
fwor
kify
ouneedt
ooandr
elax.
.
Masanoddedasshet
urnedt
othel
eft
.
Ti
l
y:Nowi
ne.
.
Masal
aughedt
ear
ful
l
y.
Masa:
Iknow.Iknow.
.j
ustsi
xmont
hsl
eft
.
Ti
l
y:I
jakg.
.okaywi
l
lcal
ll
atermyl
ove.
Masa:
Ilov
eyouandby
e.

Masahungupandtr
iedt
oremembertheplace.
Sher
eversedt
hecar
.Shehadpassedt
heturn.

Shetur
nedonthest
reetanddr
ovei
nsi
det
he
yar
d,parki
nghi
scar
.

Shegotoutoft
hecarhol
dingherphoneand
thecarkey
s.
Hay
denst
eppedoutwhenhehear
dtheengi
ne.
Hay
den:
Atl
easty
ou'
reokay
..
Masa:Canyoutakemehome?I
'
m notf
ight
ing
Hayden,Ij
ustwantt
ogohome.
.

Hel
ookedi
ntoherey
esandhehel
dhercheek.
Hay
den:
Okay
.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.

Shehandedhi
mt hecarkey
sandlookedathi
m,
expect
ingt
oseehim gotothecar
.Hayden
walkedtot
hecarandMasaf ol
l
owed.

Hest
art
edt
hecarengi
neandr
ever
sed.
Hay
den:
Sunshi
ne?
Shel
ookedathi
m.
Hayden:
You'renotgoi
ngt
obeal
onet
hroughout
t
hispregnancyokay?
Masa:
Okay
.Thanks.

Sheclosedhereyesandhedrovesil
entl
y.Yet
anothersi
l
entdri
ve.Hearr
ivedatherparent
s'
houseandhesighed.
Hay
den:
Masa,
I'
m sor
ryokay
?
Masaj ustnoddedandtheybot
hgotoutofthe
car.TheywalkedtothehouseandHayden
knocked.

Smit
hJrwenttoopent
hedoorandhewas
sur
pri
sedtoseehi
sdadbuthesawMasafi
rst
.
Hehuggedherl
egs.
Smi
thJr
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Masanodded.
Masa:
CanIsl
eepf
ir
stboyboy
?
Hel
etgoofherl
egandshenoddedgrat
eful
lyat
t
hel
it
tl
eboybefor
eshewalkedi
nsidewhere
t
hegi
rl
swere.

Hay
dencr
ouchedt
oSmi
th'
shei
ght
.
Hay
den:
Hichamp.
.
Smi
thJr
:Hi
..
Haydensighed.Hedi
dn'
twanthi
ski
dsangr
yat
hi
m becauseofthemist
akeshemade.
Hay
den:
CanIt
alkt
oyouandAv
ery
?

Hejustnoddedandhewalkedi
nsi
de.Hayden
gr
eetedMaMasaandRaMasa.Hehuggedt he
gi
rl
sbeforeAri
ell
eranof
ftohermother
'sroom.

Av
eryhel
dti
ght
lyont
oherdad'
shands,
she
di
dn'twanthimt ogoagainandnottalkt
othem.
Haydengotinsidetheroom t
hethreeahar
ed
whentheywer eallher
e.Heclosedthedoor
whi
lethetwinssatont hebed.
Hecrouchedbef
orethem andhecoul
dseet
he
sadnessi
nthei
reyes.
Hayden:Iwoul
dli
ketoapol
ogiset
oyouguy
s,I
di
dn'tspendenought
imewithyouandy
ouare
pr
obablyangry.
Smi
thJr
:Youst
oppedl
ovi
ngus.
Hayden:
Ididn'
tchamp,Ican'
tstopl
ovi
ngyou
guy
s.Ijusthadanerr
orinjudgementbutI
'
m
sor
ry.
Av
ery
:Idon'
tl
ikeTessa.
Smi
thJr
:Mom sai
dit
'snotni
cet
osayt
hat
..

Haydensighed.Theybl
amedTessaforhisl
ack
ofatt
ent
ionont hem.Helostf
ocusofthe
biggerpict
ure.Theset
wower
ehisgi
ft
sfr
om
Regi eandnoonehadnori
ghtt
ocomebetween
theirrel
ati
onshi
p.
Hay
den:
Cer
ise?
Av
ery
:Hmm.
.
Hayden:I
t'
snotanicethi
ngtosaybutIli
kethat
youarehonestabouthowyoufeelpr
incess.I
'
ll
dobetter
.
Smi
thJr
:Youwon'
tfor
getus?
Hay
den:
Nev
erev
er.
Av
ery
:Pi
nkypr
omi
se?
Hay
dengav
eherhi
spi
nky
.
Hay
den:
Pinkypr
omi
se.
.

Thet
hreeoft
hem hugged.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouguy
sanddon'
tfor
gett
hat
.
Smi
thJr
:Wel
ovey
out
oo.
.
Haydensmiled.Atleasthi
sr el
ati
onshi
pwit
h
theki
dswasont herightt
rack,hewasn'
tso
sureaboutMasa.
Smi
thJr
:SoTessa.
..

Hay
densatbet
weent
hem andl
ookedatt
hem.
Hay
den:
CanImakeaf
ewt
hingscl
ear
?

Theynodded.
Hayden:Meandy
ourmot
herar
enotseei
ng
eachother
.
Av
eryf
rowned.
Hayden:
Noti
nthewayIwasseei
ngaunt
y
Tessa.Wej
ustshar
eyouguy
s.
Smi
thJr
:Oh.
Hay
den:
Youunder
stand?I
fIdof
indanot
her
l
adyf
ri
endandIdeci
det
omar
ryher
,shewi
l
lbe
y
ourmotheraswel
l.
Av
ery
:Andmommycanmar
ryanot
herguy
?

Haydenswal
lowedalump.Theprospectof
Masamarryi
ngsomeoneelsedi
dn'tsi
twellwi
th
hi
m buthenodded.
Smi
thJr
:Iunder
stand.
Hay
den:
Glady
oudoguy
s.

Meanwhil
eAricuddl
ednexttohermotheras
shecl
osedhereyes.Masasmil
edinhersleep
asshefel
tAri
ell
e'
ssmallbodynextt
ohers.Her
angel
must'v
ebeensoscared.
Ar
i:
Ilov
eyoumommy
..
.

Shesai
dassheki
ssedhermot
her
'scheekand
hel
dont
oherf
ordearl
i
fe.

Haydenlef
ttheroom aft
erhebat
hedt
het
wins
andtuckedthem i
ntobed.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lpi
cky
ouguy
stomor
row.

Theynoddedast heyclosedt hei

reyes.He
walkedoutandqui etlyclosedthedoor .He
madehi swayt oMasa' sr oom andhesawher
cuddledupwi t
hAr iel
le.Hecov eredthem wit
h
theblanketandheki ssedMasa' sforehead,
unawareoft hesli
ghtlyajardoor.MaMasa
pausedasHay denlif
tedhi sheadandpushed
Masa'shairback.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouokay
?I'
l
lpassbyt
omor
row.

Heknewshepr
obabl
ycoul
dn'
thearhi
m.Ma
Masawal
kedawaywit
hthenewrevel
ati
on.She
hadalotofquest
ionsbuti
fMasadidn'
ttel
l
them,
thatmeantshewas,sher
eadyto.

Haydensqueezedl
it
tleAri
'
scheekwi t
hasmile
andwalkedoutofherroom.Hesaidgoodbyeto
herpar
ents.Nowhehadanot hert
hingtof
ix.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Hegoti
nsidehi
shouseandheadedstr
aightto
t
hebedroom wher
ehelookedforev
ery
thing
t
hatbel
ongedtoTessaandplacedi
tonthebed.

Hewal kedoutoftheroom andwentupst

air
s
wherehepickedaboxandher andownthe
stai
rsoncemor et
ohi sroom.Hecaref
ull
y
packeditupandsealedit.He'
l
lhaveacouri
er
serv
icecouri
eritt
oGabor one.
Hesatonthebedandsi ghed.Hedial
edTessa
numberandplacedthephonebetweenhisear
andshoul
derasitrungbeforesheanswer
ed.
Tessa:
Hel
l
o(sl
eepy
)
Hay
den:
Heycanwet
alk?
.
.
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
62*

AtMasa'
shouse
Masasatquiet
lyonthecarpetassheate
i
cecream.I
twasear l
yinthemor ni
ngandsi
nce
t
herewasnowi neforherforalmostawhol
e
year
,shewil
ldrownitoutinicecr
eam.

Shebroughtthecol
dspoontoherli
psasshe
swit
chedbetweentvchannel
s.Tear
sbli
nded
hereyes.Shewasgoingtogetf
atagai
n.

Sher
ubbedherf
latst
omach.
Masa:Whoeveryouar
edon'
tcomeoutl
ooki
ng
l
ikeyourf
ather,
Ibeg.
.
Sheconti
nuedeati
nghericecr
eam.Herphone
rangandshestar
edatthecall
eri
dbefor
e
picki
ngup.
Masa:
Hel
l
o.
Hayden:
Morning,
I'
mi ntownandI
'
m wonder
ing
whatIshoul
dgety ou.
.
Masal
if
tedt
het
ubofi
cecr
eam.I
twashal
f
empt
y.
Masa:
Icecr
eam.Lot
sofeat
.
Hay
denf
rowned.
Hay
den:
Okay
,I'
l
lseewhatt
odo.
Masa:
Thanks.

Shehungupandherphoner
angagai
n.
Masa:
Hel
l
o.
Ti
l
y:Opent
hegat
eyoumor
on.
Masa:
Okay
.

Shehungupandpressedthegat
eremot
e,
openi
ngthegat
eforMatil
da'
scartogoi
n.
Matil
daparkedhercarandgotoutofi
t.She
openedthedoorandfoundMasaont hefl
oor
wit
hat uboficecr
eam.
Ti
l
y:Di
dyoueat
?
Masa:
I'
m eat
ing.
.
Ti
ly
:That'
snothealt
hyforyouort
hebaby
,
i
cecream i
snotbreakf
ast.
Masa:
Thebabywant
edi
cecr
eam,
ker
engnna?
Mati
l
darol
l
edhereyesasshepi
ckedt
hehal
f
emptyt
ubofi
cecr
eam.
Masa:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ti
l
y :
You'r
egoingt
oeataproperbr
eakf
ast
missy.Wher
earetheki
ds?
Masa:
Wit
hthei
rfat
her
s,I
'
mti
red.
Ti
l
y:Okay
.
Masa:
Bat
hongTi
l
ybr
ingbackmyi
cecr
eam.
Ti
l
y:Youcan'
thav
eicecr
eam f
orbr
eakf
ast
.
Masa:
It
'sf
ine,
takei
t.
.
Ti
ly
:Good.Youneedaheal
thynut
ri
ti
ous
br
eakfast
.
Masa:
YesDr
,Iheary
ou.

Att
heof
fi
ce

Hay denst ar
edatal l t
hepaperworkhehadt o
gett hr
ough, he'l
lbringMasa'sicecream lat
erin
theev ening.Heev ensi gnedoffherleavedays
becausehesur edidn'twantherbreakingdown
i
nt heof fi
ce.Shewasget t
ingbett
erbuthe
knewi twi l
lforeverbeet chedonhert hatshe
l
ostt heirchil
d.Her anhishandsthroughhis
fadewhent hedooropened.

Hay
den:
Goodmor
ning.
Reba:
Hel
l
o.
Hesatdownandl
ookedaroundtheof
fice.The
boyhadmadeasuccessoutofhi
mselfandhe
wasayoungl
ad.
Reba:
Ithoughtar
oundt
hist
ime,
wewoul
dhear
weddi
ngbel l
s.

Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hayden:
Ifuckedupandshewant
sspaceand
i
t'
scomplicated.
Reba:
Space.
.Ihopewhat
every
oudi
d,i
tdi
dnot
i
nvolv
eanothergir
l?
Hay
den:
Itdi
dandnow,
it'
sal
labi
gmess.
Reba:
Giv
ehert
hespace.
Hay
den:
I'
mtr
yingt
o.
Reba:
Any
way
,backt
obusi
ness.
..
Thetwomensatt
her
edi
scussi
ngt
hei
r
i
nvestment
s.

Lat
ert
hataf
ter
noon

Tessagotofft
hebusandcheckedherphone.
Shewonderedwhatherpar
entswantedtotel
l
her.

Shegotint
oat
axi
anddi
rect
edi
ttoherpar
ent
s'
house.

AtTessa'
spar
ent
shouse

Thetaxistoppedoutsi
deandTessapaidthe
dri
verbeforesteppi
ngout.Shepushedt
hegate
andwalkedi nsi
de.ShewassureTiawassti
lli
n
school
soshemi
ghtpr
obabl
yfi
ndherpar
ent
s.

Shegotinsi
deandtheywereal
readysi
tti
ng
down.Itwasweir
d.Sheknewtheyexpectedher
buti
tlookedwaytoocreepy
.
Tessa:
Hi.
MaTessa:
Hel
l
oTessa,
sitdown.
Tessa:
I-
MaTessa:
Sitdown(
thr
oughgr
it
tedt
eet
h)

Tessasl
owlysatdownopposi
tet
hem and
l
ookedatthem.
Hermothersi
ghedandcl
aspedherhands
t
ogether
.
RaTessa:
Wehav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou.
Tessa:
Okay
..
Shewait
edandhermothertookt
hefi
rstst
ep
andstar
tedt
ell
i
ngherabouthowshegother
hear
t.
Tessa:
Iknow.
RaTessa:
Weknewt hatyouknow,
hencethe
at
ti
tude.Whathappenedtot
hesweetTheresa?

Tessal
ookedt
heot
herway
.
Tessa:
Shedoesn'
texi
st.
MaTessa:Shedoes,weknowwhatwedi dwas
wrongandwepai dfort
hat,
butwewantedto
saveyou.Youcould'
vedi
edifwedi
dn'
tgetyou
anewhear t
?
Tessasi
ghed.
RaTessa:Wewer ej
ustl
ooki
ngoutf ory
ourbest
i
nterest
s..
.wearenotev
il
.Weadmi twestol
e
theheartbutshewasgoneal
readywhenthe
heartwastaken.
.
Tessahel
dbackt
ear
s.
Tessa:Doy ouknowhowherf i
ancemust 've
beenf eeli
ng?Knowi ngsomeoneoutt herehasa
pieceofwhathel ovedandstil
lloves?Idon't
wantt oli
stentoherhear tbecauseIam nother .
Iwi l
lneverbeher ,Il
ovedherbutIdon' twantto
embodyher .EverydayIf
ightmyhear tandmy
mi ndbecausemyhear ti
snotmi ne.
..
doy ou
knowhowhar dthatis?I
t'
shard...
MaTessa:
Wecansuggestt
her
apy
.
Tessa:
It
'sf
ine,
Ilear
ntt
oli
vewi
thi
t.
.
RaTessa:
Butanewhear
thear
tjustchanged
yourwhol
eper
sonal
i
ty.
.
Tessa:
BecauseI'
m nottwelv
eanymor e,
I'
m my
ownperson.I
'l
lcutoffontheat
tit
udebutthe
sweetTessawhowas12whobel iev
edinhappy
endi
ngsdoesn'texi
stanymore.
Shewi
pedhert
ear
s.
Tessa:I'
m meandIdome, i
tseemsselfi
shbut
knowinghowshor tli
feisIli
veformeandmy
happiness.Idon' thavetoexactlyconfi
ne
my sel
ft osocietalstandards.Mehav i
nga
tat
tooorpi ercingsdoesnotmakemeev i
l
.I'
m
notsomedemonchi ld,
may beit'
saphasebutI
wantt oputmyneedsf ir
st.Domef ir
stbefor
eI
putany onefirst.
RaTessanoddedandhel
dhi
swi
fe'
shand.
Tessa:
Butsorryforthej
udgementand
di
srespect
.I'
mr esponsi
ble.Igetgoodgrades
andIhaven'
tturneduppregnant.I'
m sor
ryokay.
.

Sheusedbot
hhandstowipeherf
aceasshe
st
ooduptohugherparent
s.
Tessa:
Ist
il
ll
ovey
ouguy
sbuti
nadi
ff
erentway
okay
?

Shebr
oket
hehugandf
annedherf
ace.
Tessa:
Toomuchcr
ying,
canIgol
i
edown?
MaTessa:Sur
ehoneyandpl
easedoseek
t
her
apy..
Tessa:
Wil
ltr
ythef
acal
i
tiesatschool
.

Shewalkedtoherroomnandl ai
donthebed.
Sherubbedherheartthatseemedcalm.May be
anapologywaswhatwasneeded?Shoul dshe
apol
ogisetoHaydenforherparent
s'steal
ing
Regi
nah'shear
t?May be.

AtMasa'
shouse

Hay
denhoot
edhi
scari
nfr
ontoft
hehouse,
she
mi ghtnotappreciat
ehim goi
nginandoutashe
pleased.Thegat eopenedandhedrovein.His
hear tski
ppedabeatwhenhesawanot hercar
i
nt hey ar
d.Hegotoutofhi scarandwalkedto
thedoorhol di
ngt hepl
asti
cs.Heknockedon
thedoorandhehear dMasa'svoi
ce.
Masa:
Gett
hedoor
!

Heclearedhi
sthroatwhenhehear
dthedoor
l
ockturnandthedooropened.I
twasMati
lda.
Hefeltsorel
i
eved.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o..
Mati
ldawant
edtospeakonhi
m hurt
ingMasa
butMasahadtol
dhertost
ayoutofi
tandshe
wasgoingt
orespectt
hat
.
Ti
l
y:Hi
.
.shoul
dIcal
lMasa?
Hay
den:
Ijustbr
oughtwhatsher
equest
ed.
Hesai
dhandi
ngMat
il
dat
hepl
ast
icsandshe
t
ookt
hem.
Ti
l
y:Thanky
ou.Onherbehal
f.By
e.
Hay
den:
By-
Shecl
osedt
hedooronhi
sfaceandhej
ust
wal
kedtohi
scar
.
Shej
ustneededspacer
ight
?Justspace.
.
.
*
*
*
FOURMONTHSLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
63*
Att
hehospi
tal

HaydenhelpedMasagetoffthebed.Shewas
comingalongjustf
inewi
ththepregnancyand
hewashappywhenshewasaj ustaf urbal
lof
happi
ness.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Doct
or:
Sur
eyoudon'
twantt
oknowt
hegender
?
Masashookherhead.
Masa:
No,no.
..
kebat
latahdahy
ouhav
eagi
rlor
aboywhenIgiv
ebir
th.
Hay
denchuckl
ed.Shej
usthadt
osayt
ahdah.
Masa:
Soev
ery
thi
ngi
sgood?
Doct
or:
Sof
arsogood.
Hay
den:
That
'sgoodt
oheardoc.

Thedoct
orhandedt
hem t
hescansasshe
l
ookedatthem oncemore.Masawastal
kat
ive
anditseemedashermanhadmadepeacewi th
that
,hewasn'
tamanofmanywor ds.All
inal
l
theyl
ookedgoodtoget
her.
Haydengr
abbedherbagashewr
appedhi
sar
m
ar
oundherbul
gingwaist
.
Hay
den:
Readyt
ogo?
Masa:
Yes.
.
Hay
den:
Thanky
oudoc.
.ar
eyewena.

Theywal
kedoutandshesmi
l
ed.
MasalookedatHay
dent
hroughhooded
ey
elashes.
Hay
den:
Don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
t.
Masa:
Ihat
eyou.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyout
ooangel
,nowkeepwal
ki
ng.
Hay denhadt oadmi tthathehadbeengr ov
eli
ng
twomont hsago.Theyhadf i
nall
ysatdownto
talkandhehear dherpointofview.Shehad
l
iterall
ytoldhi
m upf ronthowhur tshewasand
hef oundoutt hatheactuall
yplayedahandin
maki ngherv i
ewofher selfworse.

Thatwast hef
irstti
meMasahadbeenhonest
withhim, shehadwentont ot ellhim abouther
fearsandhowi twasgoingtol ooklikewheni t
wasr evealedthattheyareseeingeachot her,
worsehewasherunbor nchil
d'sf at
her.Hehad
toreassurehert hatshewasnotal lt
hatshe
call
edher sel
fandi twasgoingt obeokay .

Theygottot
hecarandheopenedt hedoorf
or
herbef
orehehandedherherbag.
Masagr
innedathim andhebentdownt
opeck
herl
i
psbutitt
urnedtosomethi
ngmore.He
hel
dthebackofherneckastheyki
ssedsl
owly.
Haydenbr
okethekissandrubbedherl
owerl
i
p.
Masa:
Iwanti
cecr
eam.
Hay
den:
Asi
fI'
l
lbuyy
oui
cecr
eam.
..
Masafol
dedherar
msasshecl
osedt
hedoor
andj
oggedtohi
sside.

Hegoti
nsi
deandl
ookedather
.
Hay
den:
Sunshi
ne?
Masa:
Don'
ttal
ktome(
sighi
ng)
Haydenst
art
edthecarandheconnect
edhi
s
phonetot
hecarsyst
em.
Hay
den:
Howmanymor
emont
hsl
eft
?
Masa:
Two.
..
Chr
ist
masi
saweekaway
.
Hayden:
Andyouhadn'
tsetf
ootint
heof
fi
ce
eversi
nceyoust
art
edshowing.
Masa:
I'
m enj
oyi
ngapeacef
ulandi
nti
mat
e
pr
egnancywi
thmyl
ovedones.
Her
ubbedherhandbef
oreheki
ssedi
t.
Hay
den:Iunder
stand.Butnexty
eart
hedeser
t
r
aceakere?
Masa:
Iwouldn'
tmissitf
ort
he
wor
ld(
frowni
ng)t
hat'
sifmyclot
hesst
il
lfi
t.

Haydenj
ustsmil
ed.Aweekawayf orChr
ist
mas
andhewasthi
nkingoft
akinghertoagetway,
j
ustafewdaysforhert
orelax.Ababymoonif
youwoul
dcalli
tthat
.

Masaf oundHaydenl
ooki
ngatherandshe
smiledback.Hewasn'
tgoi
ngtomessupagai
n
thi
st i
me.
Masa:
Babe?
Hay
den:
Youwantsomet
hingf
rom mewhati
sit
?
Masa:
Wear
ecr
avi
ngi
cecr
eam.
Hayden:
Bathong,okayyou'
l
licecr
eam whenwe
gethome.Howi sthat?
Shesmi
l
ed.
Masa:
Per
fect
..

Thewhol edr
ivebackhomewasnice,
hissongs
playingi
nthebackgr
oundandMasalooki
ng
relaxed.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Hesteppedoutofthecar,
walkedt
ohersi
de
andopenedthedoorforher.

Shesteppedout
.Nowshedidn'
thavethe
ener
gytodealwit
hthesugarr
ushedenergy
l
evel
sthatt
oddl
ershad.
Hay
den:
I'
l
ltakecar
eoft
heki
ds.
Sheki
ssedhi
sli
ps.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
..

Theywal kedinsidethehouseandallt
hethree
kidsrushedtot hem.Av eryasal
way
swant edto
touchhert ummy .Shewasexci t
edt
heywer e
getti
ngababy , i
tmeantt hatmommy'sly
ing
downandaski ngwor ked.
Hay
den:
nowl
etmommyr
est
,she'
sti
red.
Al
loft
hem:
okay
.

Theywal
kedupt ot
hei
rroomsandHay
denl
ed
hert
otheki
tchen.

Masasatdownont
hehi
ghchai
rashet
ookout
abowl
andi
cecr
eam.Shesmi
l
ed.
Masa:
Ili
key
ou.
Hay
den:
Justt
hisonce.
.
Hefi
ll
edthebowlandpl
acedat
easpooni
nsi
de
bef
orehandi
ngitt
oher.

Shestar
tedt
oeatheri
cecr
eam r
ightaway
wit
houtwast
inganyt
ime.
Haydenjustst
art
edtaki
ngphot
osofherand
sheputherspoondownbefor
esmil
ingfort
he
camera.
Hayden'sheartst
oppedwhenhesawt heway
shewasl ooki
ngathi m ashetookthepicture.
Howdoesoneper sonlookatt heot
herlikethey
arethei
rwholewor l
dandst il
lmanaget oact
normal.Masa'sli
pspartedtor ev
ealasmi l
eand
hesuckedi nabreathbeforetaki
ngmor e
photos.Shejustusedthespoont ohideher
ot
herey
esasshesmi
l
edwi
del
y.
Masa:
Done?
Hay
den:
Noty
etl
ove?
Shewentbacktoeat
inghericecr
eam andt
he
camer
awasi nt
ensel
yfocusedonher.
Masa:
Kev
ideo?
Hechuckl
edandnodded.
Masa:
Okayubm.
..
Shetr
iedtothinkofsomethi
ngt
osaywhile
eat
ingbutnothingcametomindandshe
l
aughed.
Masa:
Uh.
.
Hay
den:
You'
recut
e.
Sheblushedasshetuckedherhai
rbehindher
ear.Hestoppedther
ecordi
ngandtippedher
headoverlooki
ngint
ohereyes.
Hay
den:
Mine?
(deepv
oice)
Shenodded.Hewasv
erypossessi
veofher
.
Ver
yanditcametopl
ayattheoddestt
imes.
Hay
den:
Good.Il
ovey
ousweet
hear
t.
.
Masa:
Ilov
eyou.
.

Hej ustbroughthist humbi ntohermouthas

shesuckedi tgentl
ybef oreheremoveditand
rubbedherl owerlipwi t
ht hewetthumb.He
can'texactlyfuckapr egnantwomansensel ess
butsoon.Pat i
encewasav i
rt
ue.Thei
reyes
l
ockedf ort helongesttimeandhef ound
himselfdrawnmor eandmor eintoher
.His
bodyr eactedthebestwayi tknewhowandhi s
erecti
onwasst rai
ninghi m.
Masabroket heeyecontactandfocusedonthe
i
cecream.Shestir
reditbeforeshelookedback
upathim andhewasst il
llooki
ngatherwitha
devi
l
ishsmi l
e.
Masa:
What
?
Hay
den:
Not
hing.
.
Masa:
Bor
rowmey
ourphone.
.

Hehandedi
ttoherandshegav
ehi
mthephone.
Masa:
Passwor
d.
Hayden:
Youdoknowyoucanaddyour
f
ingerpr
intt
ohav
eeasyaccesst
oit
..
Masa:
Idon'
twantt
oinv
adey
ourpr
ivacy
.
HaydenshruggedasMasaheadedst
rai
ghtt
o
hi
sgall
ery.
Masa:
Whatt
he?
Heassumedshefoundsomepi
ctur
esshe
di
dn'
tseehi
mt ake.
Masa:
Uh.
.wow!

Shejustwentt
oFacebookandloggedof
fofhi
s
accountbef
oreshel
oggedinhers.
Shelastpostedphotosofher
selfbef
oreshe
fel
lpregnant.Thatwashowverypri
vatet
his
l
itt
lepregnancywas.

Shewentt hr
oughthephot
osHaydenhadtook
ofher
,justshowi
ngherfaceandt
opbody.Her
tummywasoutofsi ght
.

Shepi ckedherfavouri
te3,
captionedthem t
hen
posted.Shedi dthesameforInstagr
am and
wentt ohisWhat sAppwhereshesentherself
thepictures.
Masa:
Done.Take.
Hay dent
ookitfrom herandshegotof
fthehigh
chairmakingherwayt othesi
nkwit
hthebowl
i
nt hatbl
ushpinkdressthatfi
therl
i
keaglove.
Hejustf
oll
owedherandwr
appedhi
sar
ms
ar
oundher.
Masa:
Oh(
feel
i
nghi
shar
donherbut
t)
Hay
den:
Ifi
t'
saboycanInamehi
m?
Masa:
okay
..
Hay
den:
Thanky
ouSunshi
ne.Ner
vousy
et?
Masa:
About
?
Hay
den:
Giv
ingbi
rt
h?
Masa:
Thesti
tchesar
ethewor
st.Theyt
akebo
si
xweekstohealmyguy.
.
Hay
den:
I'
m sor
ry.
.
Masa:I
t'
sfine,IjusthopeIwon'thaveac-
sect
ion,anaturalbir
thisbet
terbecauseac-
sect
ionhasal otofr i
sks.
Hay
den:
Iheary
ouangel
..
Her
ubbedhert
ummyandshelookedupathi
m
smi
l
ing.Hewasgl
adt
hatwhensheforgav
eshe
diditwholehear
tedl
ywit
hnot hought
sto
revenge,
hewoul dn'
tbeabletotakei
tseei
ng
herwithanothermanbesideshimsel
f.

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana

Thecounsel
l
ingf
acal
i
ties

Tessal
ookedaroundawkwar dly
.Shehadfinal
ly
deci
dedtocomeaf t
erherroommat eal
sosai
d
amouthful
.Shehatedtoadmi tthather
roommatewasright.

Shewai
tedtobecall
edinsi
deorwhatevert
hey
di
dwhentheywantedtotalkt
oyou.Hername
wascal
l
edoutandshest oodup.
Shewasl edtoanof f
iceandsheopenedt he
door.Shewasabi tsurpr
isedt
of i
ndy oung
people.Notyoungyoungbutshet houghtthat
l
ikeinEngli
shcountri
esthecounsellorswould
bepeopleintheirf
if
ti
eaorsixt
ies.

Shesatdownont
hecouchwher
ethel
adywas
si
tt
ingdown.
Her
:Hi
,youmustbeTher
esa?
Tessa:
Tessa,
peopl
ecal
lmeTessa.
Her
:Ni
cetomeetyou.
.i
fyou'
recomfort
abl
ewi
th
meIguessI
'
llbey
ourpsychologi
st.

Theladysaidwi
thasmil
eandthatwashow
shebroketheawkwar
dness.
.
.
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
64*

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana

Tessali
stenedast
hel
adyspoke.Shewassof
t
spokenandshemadealotofsense.She
si
ghed.
Her:
Tessathi
smighttakemont
hst
odeal
wit
h
butwewill
dealwi
thitokay?
Shenodded.
Tessa:
Uhm t
hanky
ou.I
soursessi
onov
er?
Her
:Yes.
Tessa:
Thanky
ouandby
e.

Tessast
oodupandwalkedoutthedoor
.She
hopedshewasonther
ightpat
h.

Shewalkedtoherblockandshesear ched
hersel
ffort
hekeys.Whatifherroommat ewas
notther
e?Orsheforgotthekeysintheroom?
Ohwel l
.

Shegr eet
edthesecurit
yguardsbefor
everi
fyi
ng
thatsheli
vedinthatblock.Tessawal
kedupthe
stai
rstothetopfloorandmadeherwayt othe
room.
Tessa:
Knock-
knock.
Voi
ce:
Who'
sther
e?
Tessa:
Aghost
..
Voi
ce:
Wenakana.

Shehear
dsomeshuff
li
ngbefor
ethedoorl
ock
tur
nedandt
hedooropened.
Voi
ce:
Ever
yonemeetmyr
oommat
eTessa.
Sat
an!
Tessal
aughedpushi
ngherof
f.
Tessa:
Andmyr
oommat
ethedev
il
'si
ncar
anat
e..
Shewalkedinsi
deandsatont
hebedl
ooki
ng
expect
antl
yatTessa.
Her
:Howwasi
t?
Tessa:
Itwasnotbadhonest
ly.Thel
adywas
ni
ceandshemademeseeaf ewthi
ngs.
Her
:Yousee.Yousee.Heal
Ther
esa,
heal
..
.
Tessa:
Yahneh.Di
dyoudot
heassi
gnment
?
Her
:Keemet
sewena.
.You'
ret
hesmar
tone.
.
Tessa:
I'
mti
red.
Her
:Tomorrowyouwillbeatt
heschool
cli
nic.
Di
dy ouseether
otat
ion?
Tessa:
Isawi
tandIwi
sht
heycoul
dchangei
t.
Her
:I
tiswhati
tis.
.
Tessa:
Let
'sdotheassi
gnment
,onSat
urdayI
wanttogoout.
Her
:Outwher
e?
Tessa:
Black,
wantt
ojoi
nme?
Her
:Whynot
?It
'sbeenal
ongweek.

Theyfi
rstbumpedasTessagotoffher
roommate'sbedandgotherbooksf
rom her
desk.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Masal
aidonherbackont
hebedasshewent
t
hrought
hecomment
sonherpi
ctur
es.
Comment1:
Kenkoy
apr
egnancy
..
Comment2: CanIgetsomeonewholooksat
mel i
kehowMasai slooki
ngatt
heperson
taki
ngpict
ures
Comment3: Iseepr
egnancy
.Bonamar
amaa
teng.
.
Comment4: BoMasakedi smi
let
salorat
ole
topet
swe,gor
oughmodepart
mentyaknow
yourwor
thbazakesf
indmeaman

Masawentont oreadthefi
ft
ypluscomment s
mostoft hem bei
ngpeopleassumingsheis
pregnant.Anot i
fi
cati
onpoppedup, shesmi
led.
Hej ustreactedonthepict
ures.Eachandever
y
oneoft hem.

Masaj
ustst
art
edt
ypi
ng.Sher
eadi
tal
lov
er
bef
oreshepost
ed.

"Bat
hongtsapr
egnancykedi
utl
wakal
ona
bait
sanapebaf
eisi
buku .

Anyway,dr
inkwat
erandmi
ndt
hebusi
nesst
hat
feedsy
ou "

Haydenwalkedi
nhol
dinghi
sphoner
eadi
ngher
l
atestpost
.
Hay
den:
Makgakgaakana.
.
Masa:NoHay den.Bathobar at
adil
ot sabat ho,
I
di
dn'tpostmypr egnancybecauseIdon' twant
peopletoknow.Notmanypeopl el
ikey ouandI
l
earntthatt
hehar dway ,someoneoutt here
mightbejeal
ousj ustbecauseIpostnicepicsa
boant shwarel
ahapr egnancyyoneye..
Hay
den:
Iheary
ou.
.
Masa:
Mmhm.
..
Hay
den:
apol
akegosi
dil
e.
Masa:
Theki
dswon'
twal
kin?
Hay
den:
No,
Iwaswi
tht
hem awhi
l
eago.
Masasatupri
ghtandremovedherdr
ess.She
wasl
eftwit
hherpantyandbra.
Hay
den:
Getr
idoft
hebr
aandpant
iest
oo.
.

Hesai
dasheunbut t
onedhi
sshi
rt
.Masagav
e
hi
m askept
ical
look.
Hay
den:
Masa.
.
Masa:
Rra?
Hay
den:
Apol
atl
hemma.
.

Heremovedt
heshirtandwaslefti
nhi ssl
eek
pant
s.Hehadalwaystakencareofhisbody
andshet
houghtshesawanei ghtpackther
e
andanewt att
oobutmaybeitwashereyes.
Sheuncl
ippedthebral
ett
ingi
tfal
landshe
hookedherfi
ngersonbot
hsidesasshepull
ed
downtheelasti
c.

Haydenwalkedi nt
othebathr
oom andopened
t
hecabinettakingoutsomelavenderoi
land
j
ojobaoi
lbeforehegotasmal lbucket
,openi
ng
t
hehotwat ertapandfil
li
ngit
.

Hewal kedoutwit
ht hatandhesuckedi na
breat
h.Shehadt orekaxherbodybutf uckshe
l
ookedt oodel
ectable.Ifhecouldspli
tthrough
herpinkfl
eshandhearhersof tmoansagai n.
Heclosedhiseyesbef orehewal kedt
ot hebed.
Shelookedathim surprised.
Masa:
Uhm whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Hay
den:
Threwthej
ojobaoi
lbot
tl
eint
hewat
er
soi
tcangetwarm.
Hay den:
Li eony ourbacksoIcanst artfrom
there.Shedi dast oldandheopenedt he
l
av enderoi l
bottleandhegott hejojobaoilone
from thewat er.Wipinghishandsshor tl
yafter
.
Hepour edt hewar m oili
nhishandsandadded
abi tofthelavenderoi l
fori
t'
ssweetscent .He
startedfrom herneck, massagingitwi t
hhisoil
y
handsandMasacl osedhereyes.
Hayden:Babe,thi
siscal
l
edat
ant
ramassage.I
t
hel
psy ourelax.
Masa:
Ohh!
Hay
den:
Mmhmm.
.

Hewor kedoneachofherhands,
massaging
them wit
ht heoi
landMasamoanedsoft
ly.Hi
s
handswer egood.

Hay
denpour
edmor
eoi
lonhi
shands,
mov
ing
them t
oherbreast
s,bei
ngdeli
cat
esot hatshe
doesn'
tcomplai
naboutthepai
nthatcomes
witht
hem bei
ngsore..
.

Hepouredt
hewarm oi
laroundhernavelasi
t
fl
oweddowntoherpussyli
ps.Sheopenedher
eyesandl
ookedathi
m befor
eclosi
ngherlegs.
Hay
den:
Hey
,keept
hosel
egsopenangel
.

Hisv oi
ceforcedhert oobeyandhewor kedhis
waydown, spendingtimemassagi ngher
pregnanttummyandhesmi l
edwhent hebaby
ki
ckedandMasal aughedsof t
ly,hecont i
nued
massagi ngashewentdownav oi
dingthatone
sensiti
veareaashepi ckedherleg.Massagi ng
herf r
om hertoesupt ohert hi
ghs, hi
sfingers
passingbyhernet herlipsli
kebut t
erf
li
esashe
mov edtotheot herleg,giv
ingitthesame
attenti
on.
Masawhi mper
edasHay denhel
pedhersi
tup
ri
ghtandsatbehi
ndherashemassagedher
back,hi
shandstrai
li
ngt
ohernetherl
i
psbutnot
quit
ereachi
ngthere.
Masaf el
tthefamili
arwet
nesspoolbet
ween
herlegsasHay denmovedbacktoherover
sensit
izednipplesandshethr
ewherheadback
moani ngsoftl
y.
Haydenmovedbackandlai
dherdowngent
ly
bef
orehewasonhiskneesinf
rontof
her
,sl
owl
yopeni
ngherlegs.

Hepouredmoreoil
inhi
shandsandhef
inal
l
y
t
ouchedherapexandshemoaned.
Hegentl
yrubbedhercli
t,f
eelinghowwetshe
wasandhechuckled.Herbodyhadl ostal
lthe
tensi
onandshewasasr elaxedasshecould
everbe.
Hestoppedandwor
kedonhert
highsl
eav
ing
herwhimper
ing.
Masa:
H..
Hay
den:
Rel
axi
ngi
sn'
ti
tlov
e?

Hekissedheri
nnerthighsandl ookedather.He
peckedherl
ipsandshebr oughtherhands
aroundhi
sneckbreathingagainsthisl
ips.
Hay
den:
Whatdoy
ouwantangel
?
Masa:
Makel
ovet
ome.
..

Hesmi
l
edasheki
ssedherback,
mor
efi
ercel
y.
Hay
den:
Wit
hpl
easur
emyl
ove.
.

Andinqui
ckwork,
hegotri
dofhi
spant
sand
boxer
s,maki
ngsweetl
ovetoMasawhowas
scr
eami
nghi
snameont
opoft
hesheet
s.

Attheendofi
tal
l
,hehadtor
ubherbackas
shesobbedonhi
schest
.
Hay
den:
Sunshi
ne?
Shesobbedsomemor e.Hej
ustrubbedher
backwit
hhisot
herhandinherhair
,massagi
ng
herscal
p.
Masa:
Thatwasbeaut
if
ul.
.(
cry
ing)
Hay
den:
Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.
.
Masa:
Imean.
..
Your
eal
l
yreal
l
ylov
eme?The
f
utur
eandoldme?
Hay
den:
Eachamdev
eryi
nchangel
,don'
tdoubt
me.

Masanodded.I
tseemedoutofthi
sworld.
Haydenhel
dhercl
oseashethoughtaboutthe
famil
ymeet i
ngthatwasawaiti
nghim sincehe
sentthelet
teraski
ngtopayfordamagesand
magadi.Andt hi
ssmallonehereinhi
sar ms
didn'
tknowany t
hing,
hewasgoi ngtokeepit
thatwaytil
lever
ythi
ngisfi
nal
ized.
Hekissedt het opofherheadandl ookedup
thi
nking.Heknewev eryonewasshockedand
herparentsandt heot herfami l
ymember sar e
goingtocal l
hi m outoni t.Hehasnev erwent
withsocietalnor msandheknewmostoft hem
must'veheldt heiropinionstot hemsel vesafter
theyfoundouthehadbeenpl anningtomar rya
womansi xyear solderthanhi m.Heexpect ed
them tostil
lkeept heiropi ni
onst othemselv es
i
nt hi
scase.

Masacuddl
edmor
eint
ohi
m andhespooned
her
.
Hay
den:
arey
ouasl
eepangel
?
Masa:
Mhmm.
.
Hejustl
if
tedherl
egupandsl
owl
ysl
i
dinsi
de
herandshemoaned.
Hegentl
ypumpedi nandoutofherasshe
moanedsoftlyhal
fawake,hal
fasleep.Hecame
i
nsideofherandsli
dout,ki
ssi
ngherbackas
hi
scum leakedoutofhersmallpussyandhe
gr
inned.
Masat urnedt
ofacetheotherwayandheletgo
ofher,heneededtocheckonthekidsand
probablymakedinnerf
orthem whi
l
eMasa
sl
ept.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyou.
.
Shenoddedasherl i
pspar t
edslightl
y.He
peckedherl i
psandgotoutofbed, quickl
y
wearinghisboxers,pant
sandt ee.Hewat ched
hercurlhersel
fint
oabal lholdi
nghert ummy .
Hesmi ledwalki
ngout .
.
.
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
65*

AtHay
den'
shouse

Hay
densatont
hef
loorpl
ayi
ngmonopol
ywi
th
t
hekids.
Ar
i:
Jai
l
!
Av
ery
:Got
ojai
ldaddy
!

Haydenl
aughedashemovedtheshoepi
ece
acr
osstheboar
dtothej
ail
box.Smit
hjrt
hrew
thedi
ceontheboardandhecount
edhowmany
boxeshewasgoingtomoveto.

Hayden:
Letmebr
ingpopcor
nansi
cecr
eam.No
cheat
ingguy
s!
Thegi r
lssmi
ledsweetl
yathim andhelif
tedan
eyebrowashest oodup.Ashewal kedaway
theystart
edwhisper
ingamongt hemselv
es.

Inthebedr oom Masatousl

edaloneont helar
ge
bedbef oresheopenedhereyesandl ooked
around.Stretchedandyawnedignori
ngher
throbbingbean.Shegotoutofthebedandshe
sawhi sshirtonthefl
oor,
shewor ethatand
wentt opicksomey ogapantsfrom t
he
war dr
obe.Shewal kedoutandfoundHay den
withthekidspl ay
ingmonopoly
.
Av
ery
:Mommycanj
oinus.
Hay
den:
That
'snotf
air
.
Masa:
Arey
oual
lhav
ingi
cecr
eam?
Hay
den:
Ngng.
.
Masa:
Ist
her
esomel
eft
?
Smi
thJr
:We'
renotsur
e..
Masa:
I'
l
lgocheck.Thanky
ou.
.

Shejustpassedt
hem andwalkedtothekitchen.
Haydenstoodupquickl
yfol
l
owi ngherand
befor
eshecouldopenthefr
eezerherpicked
herup.
Masa:
H..
Hay
den:
Youhadsomeear
li
eron.
Masa:
So?
Hayden:
Isavedy
ouourdinner
,youcan'
teat
i
cecream t
hewholeday
.
Masa:
Ntl
ogel
eee.
.
Hayden:
Foodf i
rstandwe'
l
lreconsi
dert
he
i
cecream i
ssue.
Masa:
Fine.
Hay
den:
Obogomawai
tse.
.(
You'
rest
ubbor
n)
Masa:
Icecr
eam y
ammai
cecr
eam H.
Hay
den:
Ineedy
out
oeatf
oodSunshi
ne.
Hekissedthetopofherheadandshesmil
ed.
Haydenlethergowhenheheardhisphone
r
ingi
ng.

Hewal
kedt
othebedr
oom andhepi
ckedi
tup.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o..
Cane:
Hayden,
theyschedul
edt
hemeet
ingf
or
tomor
row.
Hay
den:
Whywasn'
tIt
oldear
li
er?
Cane:
Theyj
ustt
oldme.
.
Hay
den:
So.
.(
sighi
ng)
bai
rakabomo,
dil
otseo
bolel
l
amot honakoel eteng.Werethey
angry?(
theydidi
tint
enti
onall
y,suchthi
ngsar
e
sai
dwel li
ntime)
Cane:
Icoul
dn'
ttel
lthemeet
ingi
snother
ein
Fr
anci
stown.
Hay
den:
Shi
t!Ur
g..
.okay
.thanks.

Hehungupandsi ghedfrust
rat
ed.Theydi
dthi
s
i
ntenti
onal
l
y .Hehadtoleavehereandgoto
Seroweatthist
imeofthenight?Thi
swasn'
t
fai
r.

Hewalkedoutofthebedroom andwalkedt
o
t
heki
tchenwher ehefoundMasaeatingthe
f
oodhehadl ef
tforher.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Masalookedupandswal
l
owedbef
oreshe
answer
edhim.
Masa:
Hmm.
.
Hayden:
Ihavetogosomewhereokayangel
,I'
l
l
bebacklat
estthedayaf
tert
omorrowifnot
tomorr
owev eni
ng.
Masaf
rowned.Att
hist
imeoft
heni
ght
?
Haydensawt
hedist
rustswi
rl
ingi
nherey
es
bef
oreshemaskedi
tandsmiledathi
m.
Masa:
Okay
.
Hewal
kedt
oherandhel
dherhands.
Hayden:
Idon'
twanttoleav
eyouher
ealonebut
Ihavetookaybabe,
ify
ouneedsomethi
ngjust
cal
lokay?
Shenodded.Heki
ssedt
het
opofherhead.
Hayden:
i
t'
ssomet
hingi
mpor
tantbabe,
I'
m not
l
yi
ng.
Masa:
Inev
ersai
dyou'
rel
yi
ng.
Hay
den:
Buty
ourey
esar
esay
ingadi
ff
erent
t
hing,
babeIwon'thurty
ouagain.Iknowbet
ter
.
I
'
m sorryokay
,angelwe'
regoodright?
Masa:
Yeah.
Hay
den:
Good.I
'
llbebackbef
orey
ouknowi
t.
Hekissedhersof
tlybef
orehewalkedoutand
tal
kedwi t
htheki
ds.Minut
eslat
erheheadedto
thebedroom sot
hathecouldshowerandpack
someclothes.

Masajuststaredatthefood.I
thadsuddenl
y
l
osttaste.Shepushedtheplat
eawayandst ood
up,t
akingitwithhersoshecanemptythefood
i
ntothet r
ashcan.

Masawal
kedt
othel
oungeandy
awned.
Masa:
Heyl
ovi
es,
timef
orbed.
Theyleftthegameandal l
ranupst ai
rsandshe
star
tedput ti
ngev eryt
hingaway .Haydenwal ked
outinfr
eshcl othesanshi scolognef il
l
edt he
atmospher e.Shehat edtoadmi tthatshewas
j
ealous.Hel it
erall
ycanhav eanygi rlhewant ed,
onewhoi snotflawedandi sper f
ect.Any where
hewent ,hispresencewasf el
tandwi thhisbig
body,perfectl
yscul pt
ed,hewasat empt ati
on
andwell nosanewomanwoul dn'
thesitateto
l
ookathi m mor et hanonce.

Haydensawtheworr
yonherface.Shewas
get
ti
ngworri
edovernot
hing.
Hayden:
Andbabe,
youdon'
tdr
ivey
our
sel
f.You
knowthatr
ight
?
Masanodded.
Hay
den:
Imeani
tMasa.
Masa:
Eer
rakaut
lwa.
Hayden:
Good,st
ayawayfrom t
hekeysandI'
ll
cal
lmydriv
ertocomepickupthekidsf
or
school
,i
fyouneedtogoout,t
ellt
hedri
verokay?
Masa:
Okay
.
Hay
den:
Orcal
lacabbutIpr
efert
hedr
iver
.
Masa:
Okay
.
Hay
den:
Staysaf
eformeandIl
ovey
ouokay
?
Heheldhert
ummyashel eanedinf
orasoft
ki
ss.Hepull
edbackbutkepthi
shandsar
ound
herst
omach.
Hay
den:
byeangel
.
Hepeckedherli
psoncemor ebef
oreheletgo
ofhercomplet
elyandpi
ckedhisbag.Hayden
walkedoutandMasajustl
ockedthedoor.

Shesatdownonthecouchl eaningback.How
wasshegoingtot
ellherparents?Allt
heyknew
wasthatshewaspregnantandmanyt i
messhe
hadrefusedtotell
them whot hebabydaddy
was.Sher anherhandst hr
oughherhai rand
l
ookedar oundthehouse.Shewasgoi ngrobe
l
azyi
ngar oundli
keal ways.Thenurserywas
l
ockedbecauseHay dendidn'
twanthert ogetin
andstarttry
ingtowor konit,
overt
iri
ngher sel
f.

Shehear
dthegat
eopenandj
ustl
i
ket
hathi
s
carr
ever
sedandspedof
f.
Masa:
Trusthi
m.Hay
denl
ovesy
ou.
Shesai
dt oher
sel
f.Shej
usthopedher
i
nsecur
it
iesdon'
tmessthi
supf orher
.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Masalazil
ygotoutofbedandshecheckedher
phone.Shehadtogettheki
dsreadyf
orschool
.
Aft
eragoodhour,
thekidswer
egoneandshe
j
ustwal
kedtothebathr
oom wher
eshetooka
l
ongshower.

AtLet
so'
swor
kpl
ace

Let
sopausedasshelookedatt hepi
ctures
Masahadpostedandherst at
usther
eafter
.She
hadbeenmeaningtocallt
hough,shejustdi
dn'
t
cal
lsi
ncethatt
imeHay denansweredthephone
ormaybehedidn'
ttel
lher.

Shedi
aledMasa'
snumber
.

Masalookedasherphoner
angandshe
f
rowned.
Masa:
Hel
l
o,somet
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hecar
?
Let
so:Inevergott
oproper
lyt
hankyou,Ical
led
anduhm thepersonwhoansweredyourphone
sai
dhewi l
l t
ell
you.
Masa:
Oh.Okay
.It
'sokay
.Itwasonme.
Letso:
Please,If
eel
Ihav
en'
tthankedy
ou
enough.Please!
Masa:
Okay
..
Let
so:
Thanky
ou,
I'
ll
tel
lyout
hev
enue.
Masa:
Sur
e..

Shegotof
fthephoneandcont
inuedwi
thwhat
shewasdoing.

Whenshewasdonewi thherhair
,afterl
ayi
ngal
l
theedges,sheputthepuf
fextensiononher
hairandappli
edherli
pgl
oss.Herphone
vibr
atedandshereadthemessagef rom
Hay den.
Bi
gBear
:Goodmor
ningandIl
ovey
ou
Masasmi
l
edassher
epl
i
edhi
m.
Masa: Hugsandki
sses.
Bi
gbear
: Sendapi
ctur
e..
Masa:
Masal
eftt
hechat ‍ ‍♀
Bi
gbear
:Angel
..
Masa:
Fii
i
ne!

Shesenthi
m pi
ctur
esandhesenthear
ts.
Hayden:
Thanky
ouangel.

Hewentof
fl
ineandshest
oodupcal
l
ingt
he
dr
iver
.

Att
hemal
l
Masar emov edhershadesasshegoti nsidethe
stor
e.Sher anhermani cur
edfingersov erthe
babyclothes.That'
swhyshehadn' tboughtal ot
ofthi
ngs.Theydi dn'
tknowt hegender.Sowhat
shehadboughtal readywaswhi teandy ell
ow.

Shepi ckedaf ewcuterompersandpi ckeda

basketaswel l
.Shewalkedtot het i
ll
t opayand
l
eftt heshophol di
ngtheplasti
cbag.She
pressedherphonewhi l
eholdingt hepl ast
ic
withanot herasshemadeherwayt ot he
restaurantLetsohadsaidshe'llbeat .She
remov edhershadesandt hemanwhowas
aboutt owalkoutpausedasher emov edhi s
shades.Hef i
xedhissui
tjackett hatwast ight
aroundhi sbuffbody.Hesatonachai rinfront
ofher ,agentl
emannev erasksdoeshe.
Hi
m:Hi
..
Masal
ookedupf
rom herphoneassheal
most
j
umped.St
art
led.
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
twantt
oscar
eyou,
I'
m sor
ry.
Masa:
I-
it
'sok-
okay
(conf
used)

Whywassheconf
used?
Hi
m:I
'
m Kat
so.
Masa:
Okay
.I'
m wai
ti
ngf
orsomeone.
Kat
so:
Keepy
oucompanywhi
l
eyouwai
t?
Masa:
IfIsayno?
Katso:
Ist
il
lwon'
tl
eav
eti
l
lyoursai
dcompany
showsup..
.
Masa:
Okay
.

Sheconti
nuedpressi
ngherphoneasKat so
l
aughedindisbel
i
ef.Mostladi
esusuall
yfellat
hi
sfeetandshedidn'
tpaymuchat tent
ionto
hi
m.Katstookagoodl ookatherandnoticed
t
hebump.Oh!Shewaspr
egnant
.
Katso:
Hopet
hebabyl
ooksl
i
key
ou,
youar
e
beauti
ful
.
Masasmi
l
ed.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.

Hersmil
edisappeared.Henoti
cedshedi
dn'
t
evenhaveari
ng.Singlemother
?Wellhewas
goingt
ofindout.
Kat
so:
Ist
hef
atheri
nthepi
ctur
e?
Masa:
Isn'
tthatal
i
ttl
etooper
sonal
Kat
so?
Hesmi
rked.
Kat
so:
Your
emembermyname?
Masar
oll
edherey
esput
ti
ngherphonedown.
Katso:Katswaolemakgakgagore..
Apparentl
y
diyel
lowbonedi makgakga.
.(
Youmustber ude,
apparentl
yli
ghtski
nnedgirl
sarer
ude,ver
y
r
ude.
)
Masa:
Lerebui
sathat
awai
tse.
.(
Youmakeus
sayal
otofthi
ngs)
.
.
*
*
*
Iwasasobbi
ngmessf
orr
eal
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
67*

AtSer
owe

Hay
denl
i
stenedt
otheel
der
sgoonandon
aboutmorals.Whent
heywer
edone,
Masa'
s
fat
herspoke.
RaMasa:
Haydenarey
ousur
eaboutthi
s?
Tr
adi
ti
onal
lyt
hisl
ookswr
ongonall
account
s..
Hayden:
I'
m sure.Ireal
l
ylov
e
Masa(chuckl
i
ng) t
houghitt
ooksomet
imet
o
r
eal
isethosefeeli
ngs.

Theyal
lkeptqui
et.Hewasn'
tbacki
ngof
fatal
l
.
Elder
:Well
Iguesswewi
llsetanot
herdat
efor
thedamagesandmagadiseparat
ely,
most
probabl
ythebegi
nni
ngoftheyear.
Thepeopl
efr
om Hay
den'
ssi
deoft
hef
ami
l
y
agr
eed.
El
der
:Thi
smeet
ingi
sdi
smi
ssed.

Thepeoplequi
etl
ystoodupandHayden
checkedhi
swatch.Hecansti
ll
dri
vebackhome
now.Hestoodupandwasabouttowal
kout
whenRaMasacal l
edhi
m.Hestoppedi
nhi
s
tr
acksandwalkedtohi
m.
RaMasa:
Youhav
egut
s..
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
Isupposet
hat
'sacompl
i
ment
.
RaMasa:
Takecar
eofher
.
Hay
den:
Iwi
l
l.
.

Hepatt
edhisshoul
derandHay
densai
dhi
s
goodby
es.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Masasatont hecouchandclosedherey
es.
Thekidswil
lbebackinanhourortwososhe
hadthehouseallt
ohersel
f.Shewasusuall
y
t
hisboredsinceHaydenwouldbeatwor
kand
t
hekidsatschool.Shegott
iredoft
vand
f
eeli
ngthisheavyever
yday.

Sherubbedhertummyandt r
iednott othi
nk
aboutwhatpeoplewi l
lsaywhenherbaby
daddy'
snamei srevealed.Shedi dn'
twantto
thi
nkaboutitatall
.Itwasstressf ulasi
tisand
havi
ngtoexplainthattoherparent saswell
wasanotherissueshewasav oiding.
Masa:BabyformysakeIprayyoulookl
i
keme
t
hroughandt hr
oughbecausegoroughfor
mamaneh. .

AtKgosi
Inv
est
ment
s

Katsosatonhisoff
icechai
randscr
oll
eddown
herpict
uresonsoci
almedia.Shewasbeaut
if
ul
andhenot i
cedshehadot herkidsont
he
pict
urestoo.Threetobeexact.Hewenttoher
aboutanditsaidshewasj ust23.Abi
ttoo
youngforthreekidsbuti
twasokayheguessed.
Hewonder edwhatshedidandal l.

Hi
soffi
cedooropenedandhequi
ckl
ypl
aced
hi
sphonedown.
Rebasatont
hechai
randl
ookedathi
m.
Reba:
Yourmi
ndhasbeenpr
eoccupi
edpr
ett
y
muchthewhol
eday.
Kat
so:
It
'snot
hing.
Reba:
Iassumei
t'
sagi
rl
.

Kat
sosmi
l
ed.Shewasper
fect
.
Reba:
Aah,
Isee.
.
Kat
so:
Shei
srudeandpr
egnant
.
Reba'
ssmi
l
edi
sappear
ed.
Reba:
Shepr
obabl
yhassomeonei
nthatcase.
Kat
so:
Idi
dn'
tseear
ingonherf
ingeral
thoughi
t
i
squit
est
range.
Reba:
Str
anget
hat
?
Katso:
I'
m notsur
eifshehaski
ds.Thr
eef
oe
thatmatt
er.
Rebashr
ugged.
Kat
so:Shei
sonl
y23,t
ooy oungfor3ki
dsr
eal
l
y
att
hatageandshei
spregnant.
Reba:
That
'swhyIsaymay
beshei
staken.
Kat
so:
We'
l
lsee.Letmegetbackt
owor
k.
Reba:
Sur
e.

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana
Psy
chol
ogi
st:
Andwear
edonef
ort
oday
.
Tessa:
Okay
.
Psy
chol
ogi
st:
Thi
nkabouti
tokay
?
Tessanoddedstandi
nguponherf eet
.Acert
ain
partofherf
eltgui
l
tyforwhatsheoncesai
dto
Masat hatt
imenow.

Masahadnev erbeenrudetohernotev enonce.

Shewentt hroughhercontact
stoseei fshest i
ll
hadhernumber ,
shehadst ol
enitfrom
Hay den'
sphonet hatt
ime.Sheclickedont he
contactandbitherlowerli
passhewal ked
downt hestair
sandwentt ositbyt hechair
a
outside.Shecall
edher.Itr
angqui t
eaf ewt i
mes
beforesheanswer edit
.
Masa:
Hel
l
o..
Tessa:
Hi,
it'
sTessa.
Therewassi
l
enceandTessasuckedi
nadeep
breat
h.
Tessa:Iwant
edtoapologiseforwhatIonce
sai
dt oyoumonthsback, i
twasuncall
edf or
andI'
m sureIof
fendedy ou.
Masasi
ghed.
Masa:
It
'sokay
.Thanky
ouf
ort
heapol
ogy
.
Tessaf
rowned.
Tessa:
You'
renotmad.
Masa:
Ithappenedandi
t'
sint
hepastr
ight
?
Tessa:
Yeah.Thanky
ouandI'
m sosorr
yknce
agai
n.Youdidn'
tdoany
thi
ngwrong,Iwast
he
wrongone.
Masa:
Okay
.By
e.
Tessa:
Bye.

ShehungupandTessawasconf
used.She
didn'
tscream norcallhernamest houghshe
hadbesomeant oher,shedidn'teveni
nsult
her..
.howbigwasherhear t?Wellsheknewi fi
t
washed, shewoul d'
vegoneof fbeforeactuall
y
consideri
ngtheapology .Shesighed.Aslongas
shewasf orgi
ven,atthatt i
meshemeanthar m
butnotany more.

Tessalookedaroundandst oodup.May be
whenshehasdeal twi
theverythi
ng,shewil
l
apol
ogisetoHay denforwhatherpar ent
sdid.
Shefelthedeservedthatapology.Ri
ghtnow
shehadt opackherstuffandgobackhomef or
thevacati
on.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Masalookedatherphoneagai
n.Wonder
ing
wher
eTessagothernumberbutsheleti
tsli
de
andstoodup.Shewassot i
red,
cantheyski
p
thepartwher
eshehast omakelunchandshe
order
sf oodi
nstead?Herf
eetwereki
ll
i
ngher
andshewant edtoli
edown.

Ariell
erandownthestair
sallchangedandsat
nexttohermom ont hecouch,thi
shadbeen
theirl
astdayofschool
.Sheplacedherheadon
Masa' stummy.
Ar
i:
Cant
hebabyhearme?
Masa:
Yesbaby
..
Ar
i:
whenar
eweseei
ngt
hebaby
?
Masa:
soon.
Ar
i:
Okay
.

Masaclosedhereyesyawni
ng,shehatedt
his.
Alwayslet
har
gic.Thet
winswal
keddownstairs
andfoundAri
ell
eandMasasleeping.
Aver
y:I'
m comi
ngwi
thabl
anket
,thebabymust
becold.

Shewal
kedtoherroom andcanebackwi
thher
pi
ckbl
anketandcover
edt hem wi
tht
hebl
anket
.
Smi
thJr
:Let
'snotmakenoi
se.
Av
ery
:I
'm goi
ngt
opl
ayi
nmyr
oom.

Shewalkedbackt oherr
oom andSmi thJrsat
downont hecarpetandreducedthevolumeon
thet
v,l
ookingforashowt owat ch.

Threehourslat
er,Haydenparkedhiscar
outsi
de.I
twassoqui ethethoughtthatmaybe
theywereoutbuthewaswr ong.Whenhe
openedthedoor ,
hefoundMasasl eepi
ngon
thecouchandAr iontopofher.SmithJrwas
onthecarpetfastasl
eep.Heclosedthedoor
sl
owlyandhewalkedupstair
stoAvery'
sroom.
Shewasalsofastasl
eepaswell.Hequietl
y
cover
edherupbeforeget
tingoutofherroom.

Hewentt otheloungeandpickedupSmit
hJr
maki
ngsur enott owakehim upandt
ookhim
tohi
sbedr oom fol
lowedbyhim comi
ngback
andpicki
ngasleepi ngAr
iel
l
et oo.

Whenhewal keddownst ai
rshepickedMasaup.
Sheunconsciousl
ywr appedherarmsaround
hi
sneckandhewal kedtothebedroom car
ryi
ng
her.Hepl
acedherdownandsheopenedher
eyesyawni
ng.
Hay
den:
Heyangel
.Sl
eepokay
?
Shenoddedandl etgoofhisneck.Hayden
ki
ssedherforeheadasshecl osedherey es.She
wassti
llsl
eepy .Hecoveredherupwi t
hthe
fl
eeceandwal kedout,taki
nghisphone.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o..
uhm i
sther
eser
vat
ionst
il
lther
e?
Voi
ce:
Yessi
r(
typi
ng)
Hay
den:
Okayt
hanky
ou.
Voi
ce:
Thanky
ouf
ordoi
ngbusi
nesswi
thussi
r.
Hay
den:
Ofcour
se.

Hehungupandcall
edthedesi
gnerBl
airhad
st
rongl
yrecommended.
Hay
den:
Hell
o,i
sthedr
essr
eady
?CanIpi
cki
t
upt
omorrow?
Her
:Ofcour
se.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.

Hehungandslippedhishandsinhispocket
s.
Justaweekawayf r
om homesi nceshenever
goesanywher
eandshewasi nherlast
tr
imest
er,meaningshecangivebirt
hanyti
me.
Nowondershewasal waysti
redli
kethis.He
wasn'tgoingtomakeherpregnantanyt i
me
soon.May beaft
erthr
eeyearsorsobutaf ter
thi
sone, hewantedtoenj
oyhiswife.He
gri
nned.Shewasn'thiswi
feyetbutsay i
ngi tf
elt
sogood.Hel ookedathi
shands,herringonhi s
fi
ngertoo?

Knowingshehadbeenher eal
lalongandhe
coul
dn'tseethatshebelongedwithhim?He
shookhishead.Hewal kedtothekit
chenand
hecouldseeshedi dn'
ttouchasingl
et hi
ng.I
t
wasclean,hewast ootir
edtocook.May behe
wil
lorderint
oday.
.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
68*

AtHay
den'
shouse

Masawokeupandst ret
chedherbodyrubbi
ng
hert
ummy .Shegotoutofbedtry
ingto
rememberwhobroughthertobed.Hermind
wassti
l
lfuzzyasshewalkedoutofthe
bedr
oom baref
oot
.

Shegott
otheloungeandf oundHay
den
readi
ngf
orthekids.Shehadtoadmitt
hathe
wasagreatfat
her,real
l
yhandson.
Hel
ookedupf
rom hi
sbookandsmi
l
ed.
Hay
den:
Heyy
ou.Comesi
ther
e..
Shewalkedtohi
m andsati
nbetweenhi
slegs
onthecarpet
.Heki
ssedherneck.
Hay
den:
Hey
.Imi
ssedy
ou.
Masa:
Same.
Hechuckl
edandcont
inuedreadi
ngfort
hekids
whoaskedhi
m quest
ionsandheanswered
t
hem.
Hay
den:
Youhav
epr
ett
ysmar
tki
ds.
Masa:
What
ever
.I'
mti
red(
yawni
ng)
Sheplacedherheadonhist
highashe
cont
inuedhisconver
sat
ionwit
htheki
ds.
Masa:
uhm di
dtheyeat
?
Hay
den:
Yes.CanImakey
ousomet
hing?
Sheshookherheadandl
ookedatt
heki
ds.
Masa:
Cany
ougot
otownwi
thme?
Hay
den:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
obuy
?
Masa:
Chr
ist
masgi
ft
s..
Hay
den:
Okayangel
.
Masa:
mmhm. .
babi
eswhatar
eyouget
ti
ngme
f
orChri
stmas?
Theyal
ll
ookedateachot
her
.
Ar
i:
somet
hing.
Av
ery
:Agi
ft
.
Smi
thJr
:Apr
esent
.
Masal
ookedupHay
den.
Masa:
Ial
sowantgi
ft
sfr
om y
ou.Al
lofy
ou.
Ar
i:
Didwedosomet
hingwr
ong?
Masa:
No,
Ijustwantgi
ft
s.
Hayden:
Wehearyouangel
(l
aughi
ng)
Youl
ook
l
ikeyouwoul
dkil
lusi
fwedon'tgety
ougi
ft
s.
Masa:
Iwoul
dbuty
ourchi
l
disgoi
ngt
omakei
t
i
mpossi
ble.
Smi
thJr
:Daddycanwet
alkt
oyou?
Hay
denlookedatal
lthr
eeofthem t
henMasa.
Hestoodupastheki
dswalkedtothedi
ning
r
oom.
Hebentdownt
othei
rlev
el.
Smi
thJr
:Wi
l
lyouhel
pusbuyagi
ftf
ormom?
Av
ery
:Wehav
emo-
money
.It
hink.
.
Ar
i:
Int
hepi
ggybank.
(f
rowni
ng)
isi
tenough?
Hay
den:
youguy
ssav
edup?
Theynodded.
Hayden:Tel
lyouwhat,whenmommygoesto
sl
eepwe' l
lcountthemoneyandt
omorr
ow
morningbeforeshewakesupwegototown
okay?

Theyal
lnodded.
Hayden:Nowt hinkofwhatmom woul dli
ke,
don'
tforgetyoual sohavetobuypresent
sf or
yourgrandparents,y
ourauntandyouuncle.Ari
don'
tforgettobuyf orauntJoytooandyour
dad.
Ar
iel
l
efr
ownedagai
n.
Ar
i:
Wil
lthemoneybeenough?
Hay
den:Tr
ustmeangel
,i
twil
lbeenough.Now
r
unalongandcomeupwithi
deas.

Theyallr
ant othei
rbedr
oomsandHayden
walkedbackt othel
oungewher
eMasawasst
il
l
si
tti
ngont hecarpet
.
Hayden:
Ishoul
dfeedy
out
wo.Ar
eyouf
eet
swoll
en?
Shenodded.
Hay
den:
Kil
lmei
fIi
mpr
egnat
eyouagai
n.
Masa:
Trustme,
Iwi
l
lcast
rat
eyou.
Hay
den:You'
real
waysti
redandnowy ou'
re
moody
.Standup,l
et'
sgoeatmypregnantcow.
Masa:
ket
laocl
apa.Pr
egnantcowkemang?
Hel
aughed.
Hay
den:
Yep.Moodyashel
l
.St
andupmyl
ove.

Hehel
pedherupandsheshookherhead.
Masa:
Pregnantcow?Wow!
Hay
den:
Sor
ry.Comeeat
.
Masa:
Apr
egnantcow?Kgomo?Me?
(tear
y)
Shewasst
art
ingt
osoundhear
tbr
oken.
Hay
den:
Baby
?
Masa:
I'
m acowt
heseday
s.Wow!
Hay
den:
Angel
,Iwaski
ddi
ng,
I'
m sor
ry.
Masa:
Noi
t'
sfi
ne.Kekgomoaker
e(wi
pingt
ear
s)
Hay
denhel
dherhands.
Hayden:
BabeI'
m sor
ryokay
.You'
renotacow,
you'
rebeaut
if
ulokay
?

Sher
emov
edherhandsf
rom hi
s.
Masa:
Keepy
ourf
ood.
Hay
den:
Sunshi
ne.
.
Masa:
Mxm!

Shewal kedtothebedroom andhesighed

makinghi swaytothekitchen.Hej
usttookthe
foodthattheyhadlef
tforherandhepour ed
j
uiceintoaglass.Maybei cecr
eam wi
llal
so
cheerherup.

Minut esl
aterhewalkedi
nsi
det
hebedr
oom
holdingthetrayandhepl
acedi
tont
heside
table.
Hay
den:
Babecomeeat
.
Shei
gnor
edhi
m asshepr
essedherphone.
Hay
den:
Ther
eisal
soi
cecr
eam f
ory
ou.
Masaputherphonedownandr
eluct
ant
lyt
ook
t
hetray
.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.
Shedi
dn'
tanswerhi
m,j
ustsi
l
ent
lyat
eherf
ood.

Haydenwal kedtothedresserandgotri
dofhi
s
clot
hes.Hewal kedbacktothebedandsatnext
toher.Hewat chedhereatherfoodti
l
lshegot
totheicecr
eam.
Hay
den:
Arey
ouf
ull
?
Shei
gnor
edhim assheindul
gedthei
cecr
eam
shei
susual
l
yli
mi t
edfr
om eating.

Whenshewasdoneshepl
acedt
hebowl
ont
he
t
rayandgotoutofbed,
taki
ngt
het
raywi
thher
.

Minut
eslat
ershewalkedbacki
nandl
aidonher
back,
taki
ngherphone.
Hay
den:
Sunshi
ne?I
'
m sor
ry.Ar
eyouupset
?

Heki
ssedhercheek.
Hayden:
Hmm babe?Daddyi
ssorr
yokay
?I
di
dn'tmeani
tangel
..
babel
ookatme.
Hel
i
ght
lyki
ssedherl
i
ps.
Hay
den:
Imi
ssedy
ou.
Masa:
I'
mti
red.
Hayden:Iwasn'
ttal
kingaboutsexbutany
way
youresponded.I
'm sorr
yokay?
Masanodded.
Hayden:
You'
renotacow,
you'
remycut
eli
tt
le
whale.
Masaj
ustpi
ckedt
hepi
l
lowandhi
thi
sfacewi
th
i
t.
Masa:
Hay
denIhat
eyou.
Hay
denl
aughedandhel
dherwai
st.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyout
oowoman.
Masa:
Mxm!
(l
aughi
ng)
Hayden:
Ilovehol
dingyoursmallbodyinmy
arms.
..
bathongyou'r
esmal l
,ar
ey ousuret
he
babywil
lcomeoutoft hatsmall
..
Masa:
TshekHay
den!
Hay
den:
Ijustwantt
oknow.
Masa:kanammegobot
lhoko.Isweari
fyou
don'
tholdmyhand.
.
Hay
den:
Iwi
l
l.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning
Masawokeupal lal
oneinbedandshegr oaned.
Thehouseal soseemedqui et.Tooquietifyou
askedher .Shewasl azyt
ogetoutofbedwi th
herswollenfeet.Shecouldn'
twaittogivebirt
h,
shewast iredoftheswollenfeetandthe
ti
redness.
Masa:
Twomont
hsl
eftr
ightbaby
?Mmhm.
.

Sheturnedtohersideandpickedupherphone,
repl
yi
ngt oTily
'sWhatsAppmessages.Shesaw
hermot heronli
neandshesuckedinabreat
h.
Masa:
Hel
l
o
Mama:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Masa:I
'
mj ustsay
inghel
lo I'm st
il
lyour
daught
eram Igett
ingChr
ist
mascl ot
hestoo?
Mama: Ray
amonnawagagoagor
ekel
e.
Masa:
Whichman?Whatdoeshehavetodo
wi
thyoubuyi
ngmeChri
stmasclot
hes?
Mama:
ahha.Youhav
eaman.
Masa:
yohy
ohmama.Goshar
po.
Mama:
Iknowwher
eyoul
i
ve.
Masa:
Bye ‍

Sheplacedherphonedownandf
inal
l
ygotout
ofbed.

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana

Tessahuggedherr
oommat
e.
Her
:It
houghty
ousai
dBl
ackonFr
iday
.
Tessa:
Iwant
edt
ogobutthepar
ent
ssaidI
shoul
dgohome.Idi
dsayI'
l
ldobet
ter
.
Her:
Alri
ght
.Haveasaf
etri
proomi
eandseey
ou
nextsemester
.Di
dyousubmit
?
Tessa:
Yep.Justt
hismor
ning.
Her
:Lucky
.
Theyhuggedy
etagai
n.
Tessa:
Byeandpl
easemi
ssme.
Her
:Iwon'
t.
Tessaroll
edhereyeslaughingasher
roommat ehelpedherwit
hloadingherbagint
o
thecab.Tessagotinsi
deandwav edather
roommat e.Shewasdonef orthesemester
.Li
ke
donedone.

Shewasgoi nghomeandherpsy chologisthad

recommendedt heyhav
eonlineappointments
toosothatshekeepstrackofherprogressover
thehol
i
day s.

Thedri
verdrov
eoutoftheschoolandTessa
l
ookedoutthewindow.Shedi
dn'twantt
obump
i
ntoHay
dent
houghatFr
anci
stown.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Thekidsrani
ntot
hehouseasHay
dendial
ed
thehousehel
p'
snumbertost
aywit
htheki
ds.

Thekidsweresureaboutthei
rgift
sandhewas
happy.Alt
houghhewassur ethatbytomorrow
after
noon,Masaandhim weregoingt ot
akea
fl
ightoutofFr
anci
stown.Shedidn'tknowthat
yettoo.

Hewalkedtothebedr
oom andhef
oundheri
n
oneofhisshi
rt
s.
Hay
den:
Didy
out
akeabat
h?
Shet
urnedt
olookathi
m.Howdi
dhemanage
t
olooksogoodeachandev
ery
daywi
th
mini
malef
for
t.
Masa:
yeah.
.
Hay
den:
Doy
ouwantt
ochangeorwecango?

Shest
oodupi
nhert
ight
sandhi
sshi
rt
.
Masa:
Isi
tokay
?
Hay
den:
Youl
ookgood.
Masa:
Iknowy
ou'
rel
yi
ngbutokay
.

Shebrushedherhai
rbackandsl
ippedherf
eet
i
ntosomecomf ysli
ponsthenshegother
handbagandphone.
Masa:
Let
'sgo,i
fIgett
ir
edy oucarr
yme.Let
's
gotoGamefir
stthenothershops.
Hay
den:
Okaymam.
Att
hemal
l

Haydenpushedthet
rol
l
eyasMasapoi
ntedt
oa
ni
cesetofpots.
Masa:
Getthose.I'
veseenmymotherput
ti
ng
t
hem onherstatusafewti
mes.
Hay
denpi
ckedt
hwpot
sandpl
acedt
hem i
nthe
t
rol
l
ey.
Masa:
Thi
siseasy
.Any
howmyf
eetar
eki
l
li
ng
me.
Hayden:
Shoul
dwepayf
ort
heseandgoback
home?
Masa:
It
'sgoodf
ornow.
Hay
den:
Okay
.Let
'sgoangel
.

Theypai
dandtheplast
icsal
ongwit
hthe
wrappi
ngpaperwer
eputi nt
hetr
oll
ey.
Hayden:
Done,y
oudon'twantt
oeatany
thi
ng?
Wimpyisri
ghtther
e.
Masa:
Nope.
.Il
i
key
ourcooki
ng.
Hay
den:
Soy
ou'
l
lbeconf
inedf
orhowl
ong?
Masa:Si
ncei
t'
snotmyf
ir
stbor
n,j
ustf
ort
hree
months.
Hay
den:
Okay
.

Theypushedthetr
oll
eytothecarandHay
den
l
oadedeveryt
hingi
nside.
Hayden:
Done.Letmegoputt
hisbackandy
ou
geti
nthecar.
Masadi dashesaidandshestar
tedtopress
herphone.I
tbeepedwithamessagef r
om
Facebookandsheopenedit.I
twasahi andshe
readthename.Katso.Howthehelldi
dheget
herFacebookname?Sheignoredthemessage
andplacedherphonedown.
Hay
denopenedt
hecardoorandgoti
nsi
de.
Hay
den:
Wel
ll
et'
sgetgoi
ngpr
ett
ylady
.

Wi
tht
hathest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Masalai
ddownonthecouchasHay
dengott
he
st
ufff
rom t
hecar
.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Hay
den:
Don'
tment
ioni
t.

WhenHay denwasdonehecheckedt heti

me.
Hedidgett hedr
esswhenhewentoutwi tht
he
kids,
thefl
ightwasbookedandhemade
reser
vati
onsatthehotel
.Itwasal
lset,
all
he
hadtodowasmakethatpr
ett
yladypackher
cl
othessot
heycangofort
hei
rbabymoon.

Hay
den:
Babe.
.
Masa:
Rra?
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Masa:
Eer
ra.
Hay
den:
CanIaskf
oraf
avourf
rom y
ou?
Masa:
Sur
e.
Hay
den:
Cany
oupackmycl
othesf
orme?
Masat
urnedherhead.
Masa:
You'
rel
eav
ing?
Hayden:
Yes.Atr
ipwitht
hiscer
tai
nladyIf
ell
for
acoupleofmonthsago.
Masa:
Oh(
lowv
oice)
Hay
den:
Cany
oudot
hatf
orme?
Masa:
uhm s-
sur
e.
Herv oi
cecameoutasal owwhi sper.Shegot
upfrom thecouchandqui cklywal kedtothe
bedroom wherehertearsfinall
yr oll
eddownher
cheeks.Shewasaf ool.Again.Sheshoul d
probabl
yleavewithherdignityintact.

Shet ookherbagandst artedpackingher

cl
othesi nsi
dewhil
efightingbackt hetears.She
pausedandsatont hebedwi pinghertears
away .Shewantedtoscr eam athersel
ffor
bei
ngsuchadi mwitbutshedi dn'thav
et he
energyto.

Shestoodupandcontinuedpacki
ngher
cl
othes,i
twasnotthatmuchbecauseshe
neverl
eftt
hehouseal ott
oo.
ThedooropenedandHay
denst
eppedi
n.
Hay
den:
Didy
oupackmybag?
Masa:
Youcandoity
our
sel
f,I
'
llcal
lthedr
ivert
o
comepickmeup.

Shesai
dav
oidi
ngey
econt
act
.
Hay
den:
Lookatme.
Hewalkedcl
oserandhel
dherchinf
orci
ngher
t
olookathim.Shehadbeencr
ying.
Hay
den:
i
ssomet
hingwr
ongbabe?
Masa:uhm j
ustl
etmego.Wear
enotdoi
ngt
his
agai
n.
Hay
den:
Whatagai
n?
Masa:
Youpl
ayi
ngmet
henf
indi
nganot
her
woman.
Hay
den:
whatwo-
oh.
Hel
ookedov
erhershoul
derandatl
eastshe
hadpackedhercl
othes.Heshoul
dpackhi
s.
Hayden:
Tel
lyouwhat
,I'
l
ldr
opy
ouof
fthenokay
?
Letmestar
tpacki
ng.

Sheshookherheadwi
tht
ear
sinherey
es.
Masa:
Youj
erk!

Shewalkedoutandhechuckl
ed.Heshoul
d
makeitfast
.Masasatonthecouchfi
ghti
ngt
he
tear
s.Hewassuchabastard.

Haydenwalkedoutwithhisbagandher
sui
tcaseafewmi nut
eslater.Hehadmanaged
toputherdressi
nhisbagt oo.Hewalkedt
ot he
carandopenedtheboot,placi
ngthebagsthere.

Hewal
kedbackt
othehouse.
Hay
den:
Letmesayby
etot
heki
dsokay
?
Masawasn' tevenlisteni
ngtohim andhe
j
oggedupt hest ai
rst osaybyetotheki
ds.They
wil
lbebacki nti
mef orChri
stmassoitwasnot
anyt
hinghectic.

Hewalkeddownstai
rsandMasawasnott her
e.
Hewalkedtothecarandfoundheri
nsi
de.He
openedthedoorandgoti
nside.
Hay
den:
Buckl
eup.

Shedidsoandfacedtheotherwayhol
dingher
phone.Hest
art
edt hecar
.

AtFr
anci
stownAi
rpor
t

Masaj
ustl
ookedatHay
den.Shewasl
ost
.He
wassupposedt
odr
opherhomet hengoona
t
ri
pwith"t
hewomanhefel
lfor
".
Hay
den:
Wear
eher
e.
Masa:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Hay
den:
Wear
efl
yi
ngout
.
Masa:
Buty
o-y
ousa-
sai
d..
.
Hayden:
Andyoul
ikej
umpingt
oconcl
usi
ons.
I
'm goi
ngoutwi
thyousi
l
ly.
Shebl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imes.
Hayden:
Forwhati
swor
thdon'
tassumestuf
f,
whatdowedowhenwearenotsureabout
somethi
ng?
Masa:
Wet
alk.
Hay
den:
Exact
ly.

Hewi
pedhert
ear
saway
.
Hay
den:
Oset
eteMasa.
Masa:
I'
m not
.Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Hay
den:
You'
l
lsee.Letmegett
hebagsokay
?
Shenodded.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
69*

AtMaunI
nter
nat
ional
Air
por
t

Hay
dendraggedthei
rluggaget
othecarhej
ust
r
entedasMasafoll
owedbehind.
Hay
den:
Doy
ourf
eethur
tbabe?
Masa:
Nott
hatmuch.Thanky
ouf
ort
hist
ri
p.
Hay
den:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
ou.Comeki
ssme.
Masa:
Keepmov
ing.
Hay
den:
Mxm.

Heunlockedt
hecarandpl
acedt
hebagsatt
he
back.
Hay
den:
Done.Nowcomeki
ssme.
Shejustwalkedtohim andstoodonhert i
p
toestopeckhisli
ps.Haydenjustheldtheback
ofherheadandhedeepenedt hekiss.Hebroke
theki
ssandr ubbedherlowerlip.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyoumami
.Hav
eweev
ergoneout
onadat
ebefor
e?

Sheshookherhead.
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
Ishoul
ddobet
ter
.
Masa:
Idon'
thav
ecl
othesf
oradat
e.
Hayden:
Don'twor
ryabouti
t,l
et'
sgosothaty
ou
cansli
pint
oahottubwithmeandr el
ax.
Masa:
Thatsoundssor
elaxi
ng.
Hay
den:
Iti
s.
Masa:
Don'
tev
ent
hinkofdoi
ngany
thi
ngel
se.
Hayden:
Youunder
est
imat
emyabi
l
ityt
ocont
rol
myself
.
Shesmil
edasheopenedthecardoorand
hel
pedhergeti
nsi
debef
orehegotinsi
detoo.

AtCr
est
aMaunHot
el

Haydencheckedthem i
nandhehandedhert
he
key
sashepul ledt
heirl
uggage.Masasmi
l
ed.
Heact uall
ydidthi
sf orhert orel
ax.Thatwasso
thoughtfulofhim,shenev erdemanded
anythingfrom hi
m becauseshedi dn'twantto
seem l i
keshewast oomuchorany thingl
ike
that.Theytooktheliftandi twenttot het
op
fl
oor .Theygotoutandwal kedalong.

Masa:
Stop.It
hinkt
hisi
sther
oom number
.
Hay
denl
ookedatt
henumber
.
Masa:
Appar
ent
lyi
thasoneoft
hebestv
iews.
Hay
den:
We'
l
lsee.
Masa:
Thel
adyatt
her
ecept
iondesksai
dthat
mme.
Hay
den:
Unl
ockt
hedoorbaby
.
Masa:
Okay
.

Shest
ruggl
edabi
tbutshedi
dopent
hedoor
andshewal
kedi
n.
Masa:
It
'sspaci
ous.
Hay
den:
Lot
sandl
otsofspace.
.
Masa:
Lookatt
hev
iew.
.

Shewal
kedt
othewi
ndow.
Masa:
Urgman!
Haydenhel
dherf
rom behi
ndandnuzzl
edher
neck.
Masa:
CanIpr
epar
ethewat
er?
Hay
den:
SoIcanpack?
Masa:
yup.Il
ovey
out
oo.

Sheremovedhishandsandshegott
othe
ensui
tebat
hroom.
Masa:
Cool
!Howl
ongar
eweher
efor
?
Hay
den:
Aweek.
Masa:
Thi
sisgonnabeast
ressf
reeweek.

Sher
insedthebathtubbefor
esheputa
st
opperandshefil
ledi
twithwarm wat
er.She
wassureshebroughtherbubbl
ebathr
ight?
Masa:
Babet
hebubbl
ebat
hinmybaget
eng?
Hay
den:
Inasec.

Hewalkedi
nsi
deandhandedi
ttoher
.He
shookhi
shead.
Hayden:
SoIhav
etosmel
ll
ikev
ani
l
laand
st
rawberr
y?
Masa:
Justt
hisonce.

Shepour
edi
tint
hewat
erandshemadef
oam.
Shejustgotr i
dofherclothesandsli
ppedi nsi
de
thebathtub.SheclosedhereyesandHay den
j
ustwal kedinsidehol
dinghisphone,heplaced
i
tadistancef rom t
hebathtub
Hegoti
nsi
dethebat
htubspl
ashingthewat
er
onherf
aceandsheopenedhereyes.
Masa:
Ngng.
.ooh!
Shesai
dasshel
ookedathi
m.
Hay
den:
Stopgawki
ng,
tlagakegoj
a.
Haydenposi
ti
onedhi
mselfbehi
ndherandhe
pl
acedhishandsonhert
ummy .
Masasi
ghedcontent
edl
yandpl
acedherhead
onhi
sshoul
der.

Whenthewaterwasstar
ti
ngtogetcol
d,
Haydenl
ookedatMasawhoseemedt ohave
f
all
enasl
eep.Hedidn'
twanttowakeherupbut
t
herewasnowayhewasgoi ngtogetheroutof
t
hewat
erwi
thoutherwaki
ngup.

Heslowlypl
acedherheaddownandtr
iedt
oget
outofthewater
.Sheopenedherey
esandhe
pi
ckedherup.
Hay
den:
It
'sokay
.Youcansl
eepangel
.
Sheclosedhereyesagai
nandhegotabi
g
towel
andwr appeditar
oundher
.

Heplacedheront
hebedandhewipedhimsel
f
befor
ehegotonthebedandcov
eredthem wi
th
thebl
anket
.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Haydenwokeupfir
standhel
ookedatherr
ing
f
inger.Hedi
dn'
tknowhowhewasgoingtopop
thequest
ion,Masa'smi ndwasal waysmaking
upimpossiblescenar
iosandhewant edherto
feel
speci
al butal
sofori ttobeapr i
vat
e
momentsi nceshepreferredpri
vate.

Hegotoutofbedandwalkedtothewardr
obe
wher
ehecheckedhissui
tjacket
.Hetookout
t
heri
ngandhelditi
nhispalm.

Hesatont hebedandheldherhand.Hesli
pped
theringonherfi
ngerandsnappedapict
ure
beforehesli
ppeditof
fwhenshestart
edto
mur murinhersl
eep.
Hayden:
GuessIhav
etobesmar
terbecause
you'
resmart
.

Hewenttoputt
heri
ngbackbef
orehesl
ept
nextt
oherandpul
l
edhercl
ose.
AtTessa'
spar
ent
shouse

TessawaswokenupbyTi
a.
MaTessa:
Letherbe,
otswaUni
ver
sit
y.
Ti
a:Youdon'
tl
etmesl
eept
il
ll
ate.
MaTessa:
She'
sfr
om uni
ver
sit
y,sheneeds
sl
eep.

Tessacov
eredherheadwi
tht
hepi
l
low.
Tessa:
Tiali
stent
omom, I
'mf
rom Uni
and
you'
rebeingali
tt
ler
ascal
.
Ti
a:Mom shecal
l
edmear
ascal
.
MaTessagotout
.
MaTessa:Ot
lagobetsa,
nnagakedi
t
sene.
(shewi
llbeaty
ou,I
'm notget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved)
Ti
ainhal
edashermotherwal
kedout
.She
wasn'
tevendef
endi
ngher.
Tessa:
Getoutofmtr
oom!Ineedt
osl
eepgosh.

Tiarol
ledhereyesgett
ingoutandTessacoul
d
fi
nall
ycatchuponhermuchneededsl eep.Ti
a
wantedtodistur
bthatnicepeacef
ulsl
eepof
hers.
.
.
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
70*
AtMaun

Masa'
seyesflut
ter
edopenasshef
eltt
heot
her
si
deofthebed.Empty
.

Sheheardtherunningwateroftheshowerand
knewimmedi at
elythati
twasHay den.She
yawnedandst r
etchedherheavybody,feel
i
ng
thesl
ightki
cksoft hebabethatwasinher
tummy .
Masa:
Soon.

Shesaidandslowl
ygotoutofbed.Shewas
al
readynakedsoshejustwal
kedtothw
bathr
oom whereshef
ill
edthebat
htub.
Hay
den:
Comejoi
nme.Iwon'
tmakey
oust
and
f
ortool
ong.
Heknewhowherf eetwer
ealway sswoll
enand
al
sohedidn'twanthertosli
pint hebat
htub.
Masaclosedoffthewaterandtrottedt
ot he
showerwherehisshowergel f
il
ledthespace,
mysti
fi
edandall.
Hay
den:
Mor
ning.
Heki
ssedherj
awandshesl
ight
lymovedher
f
acebacktoal
l
owhim mor
eaccess.
Masa:
Goodmor
ning.
Hay
den:
Howar
eyout
wo?
Masa:
We'
regood.

Haydenl
ather
edhisshowergel
onthesponge
andhest
artedtomoveitacr
ossyourback.
Masa:
whyy
our
s?
Hayden:
Lastnighty
oumademewal
l
owi
nyour
vani
ll
aandstrawberr
yscent
s.
Masa:
Pay
back?
Hay
den:
What
every
ouwantt
ocal
li
t.
Masa:
Wedi
dn'
ttal
ktot
heki
dsl
astni
ght
.
Hayden:
Ibr
oughty
ouher
etor
elaxSunshi
ne
okay?
Masa:
Okay
.

Whentheyweredone,hewal
kedclosel
ybehi
nd
herandsheopenedthewar
drobe.
Hay
den:
Ihav
epl
ansf
ort
hewhol
edayf
orus.
Masa:
Oh.Whatshoul
dIweart
hen?
Haydent
ookoutt
hedr
essandMasa'
sjaw
dr
opped.
Masa:
Ital
mostl
ooksl
i
keaweddi
gdr
ess.
Hay
den:
It
'snot
.
Masainspectedthestr
aplessdressthathada
bl
uelet
eiseandi tf
loweddowni ntwot hi
ck
l
ayer
sofbl uelacesimi
lartothecolourofthe
l
etei
se.
Masa:
How?When?
Hay
den:
Weari
tlov
e,i
ndul
geme.
Masa:
Okay
.

Shewor et
hedressasshewatchedhi
m get
readyandheworeashir
tthathadcol
l
ars
mat chi
ngherdr
ess.
Masa:
Coupl
egoal
s.
Hay
den:
Cal
li
twhaty
ouwant
.

Sherol
ledhereyeslaughi
ngasshelookedat
herhai
r.Sheti
edherhairi
ntoanicel
owpuf f
andshelaidheredges.
Masa:
And?
Shet
urnedt
ofacehim assheappl
i
edcl
ear
gl
ossonherpi
nkli
psstandi
ngup.
Hayden'sbr
eathwasknockedoutf rom hi
s
l
ungs.Shewasgl owingalr
ightandshelooked
ever
yinchli
keapr egnantbri
dethoughshe
di
dn'tknowither
self.
Masa:
KanaIshoul
ddomyey
ebr
owsandappl
y
makeupsi
mil
artothi
s?
Hay
den:
N-uhm y
ou'
reper
fect
.
Masa:
Sur
e?
Henoddedandshepul l
edthedressupabit
.
Fuck!Shewasgor geousandthatdresswas
madef orheral
ri
ght.
Hay
den:
Wel
lIcan'
twai
ttoshowy
ouof
f.
Sheraisedaneyebr
owandhegrinnedather
mov i
ngclosert
il
lhi
shandswer
ewr apped
aroundher.Masahadtoadmi
tthathehad
reall
ystrongarmsandt hem holdingherl
ike
that,hi
scolognei nvadi
nghersenses.Justhim
beinghim scaredherbecauseshest il
ldi
dn'
t
feelworthyofhisl oveandsheal waysfel
tli
ke
hewoul dmeetsomeonebet t erandtossher
asideaseasilyashedi dwhenTessashowed
upi nthepict
ureandshewoul dbebroken,t
his
ti
meshewasgoi ngt obelef
tshat ter
edin
piecesdarehedoessuchat hing.

MeanwhileHayden'smi ndscrambl
edwi t
h
i
deas.Hedidn'
tknowhowt opopthequestion
andifshewil
lagree,somet i
meshesawt he
wayshelookedathi m andhecouldtell
she
di
dn'tt
rusthi
m.Notaf tertheTessainci
dent.He
wil
learnbackhertrustthough.Heneededto.

AtFr
anci
stown
Katsostaredathi
sphone.Masahadn'
t
respondedtohismessage.Hesi
ghed.Hel
i
ked
herandher ef
usedtobackdown.

Hegotupf rom thechai

r.Heneededfreshair
.
Toclearhismind.Whythehelldi
dn'thegether
fr
iend'
snumber ,hecoul
d'vebeenaskingfor
Masa'sdial
srightnow.

Bytheti
mehewasoutoft hebuil
ding,
hemade
hi
swayt othecar
.May behewasgoi ngtopark
i
tsomehwer ei
ntownandt akeastroll
around.
Soundedli
keamar v
elousidea.

Letsowal kedoutoft
hest
ore,shehad
si
mmer edonwhatMasahadsai dabouther
start
ingabusinessandal
sotryi
ngtofurt
herher
education.HowMasadidn'
thatehersti
ll
baffl
edher .
Shebumpedi nt
oahardchestandmovedback,
hol
dingherphonecar
eful
l
ysoast onotdr
opit.
Shelookedup.Thatguyfr
om t
heotherday.
Kat
sosmi l
ed.Hisancest
orswerewit
hhim
al
ri
ght.

AtMaun

HaydenheldMasa'
shandast
heywal
kedt
othe
boatcr
uise.
Masa:
Asoddasi
tseems,
I'
venev
erbeenon
onebef
ore.
Hayden:Wel
lwegett
ohav
ethr
eehour
sto
our
selves.
Masa:
Nii
ce.
Hay
den:
Letmebey
ourt
ourgui
de
mademoi
sel
l
e.
Masasmil
edasshemovedherf
inger
stoher
ear
,for
get
ti
ngt
hatshehadt
iedherhai
rback.

Masanoti
cedthatthetabl
ewascaref
ull
yset
andt
heyweren'texact
lyal
one,
theydi
dneed
someonetoservethem.
Masa:
Youpl
annedal
loft
his?
Hay
den:
Youdeser
vet
obespoi
l
t..

Theyfi
nal
lysatdownandtheboatst
art
edt
o
move.Shegiggl
edhol
dinghi
shand.
Masa:
Wewon'
tdr
own?
Hay
den:
Hav
efai
thi
nmewoman.
.(
laughi
ng)
Masa:
It
'st
heboatIdon'
ttr
ustMrSmi
th.
.

Hay
denj
ustshookhi
sheadl
aughi
ngashe
r
emov
edt
hel
i
dandMasa'
smout
hwat
ered.
Masa:
Okay
..
Icandi
ginbut
..

Shepickedthebott
let
hatwasoni
ce.Sheread
thel
abel andl
ookedathi
m wi
thasmallt
hank
youthatshemouthed.
Hay
den:
It
'snon-
alcohol
i
cyouknowt
hatr
ight
?
Masa:
Younev
erl
etmet
ouchi
t.
Hay
den:
Justf
ort
odaybaby
..
Masa:
What
'st
hecel
ebr
ati
onf
or?I
t'
snotev
en
noon.
Hay
den:
Iknowy
ou'
renotusedt
obei
ngspoi
l
ed.
Masa:
Mxm.

Sheheardt hecamerasnapandshel
ookedup
surpri
sed.Shewantedtotal
kasthemantook
photos.Wasn'theawaiter
?
Hay
dengr
innedather
.
Hay
den:
Let
'seatbabe.
.

Shegrabbedherforkandknif
eandatewhil
e
sheoccasional
lyputi
tdowntoposefort
he
phot
os,shemi ghtaswell
lookgoodassheate.

Hay denpour
edthenon-alcohol
i
cwineinher
glassandhandeditt
oher .Masaswir
ledthered
l
iquidwhichwasbasical
lyjui
ceandsheli
fted
herglasstoHayden'
sast hecamerashut
tered.
Hay
den:
Tous.
.
Masa:
Tous.
.

Thei
rgl
assescli
nkedandhepl acedhisglass
downtosoft
lykissherl
ips,
slowly,
softl
yand
Masacoul
dn'thelpbutmoaninhismout h.They
hadcomplet
elyi
gnoredthemant akingphotos
ofthem.WhenHaydenbrokethekissheli
cked
hi
sl i
psandhel
dherchi
nupl ooki
ngintoher
eyes.
Hay
den:
Kagor
ataaut
we?
(Il
ovey
ouokay
?)
Masa:
Eer
ra(
sof
tl
y)

Hersof tv
oicecaressedhim andthesubmissi
ve
toneithadt ur
nedhim on.Nomat terhowmuch
shetriedtoacttough,shewasjustsofthear
ted
andshel i
stened.Hesmi l
edslowl
yasher
pupil
'
sdi l
ated.

Thephot ographerakathewaiterwhowasa
prof
essional photogr
aphersnappedmor e
photosast heywer eint
heirownlitt
lebubbl
e.
Lovewasbeaut if
ulandhim bei
ngassignedto
snapphot osbyamanofMrSmi t
h'scal
ibr
ewas
anhonour .
Whent heyfi
nall
ysnappedoutofthei
rbubbl
e
Masal ookeddownsmi l
i
ngandHay densmil
ed
ather.Washerluckyorwashelucky?Asecond
chanceatloveagain?Hewasgoingtotakethi
s
onewi t
hbothhands.

Hay
den:
Standupbabe.
.

Shedidandpickedupherwineglassasheheld
herfr
om behi
ndwi t
honehandandhi sgl
ass
wit
hanotherastheystoodbytherail
s.They
watchedthewaterr
ippleandhekissedthet
op
ofherhead.
Hay
den:
Enj
oyi
ngi
t?
Masa:
Mhmm.
.andt
heai
rissof
resh,
li
keso
f
resh.
.
Hay
den:
You'
ref
resh.
Masa:
Iknowwhaty
ou'
ret
hinki
ng.
.
Shet
urnedt
ofacehi
m andhest
oleanot
her
ki
ss.
Hay
den:
Hav
efunmybaby
..

Hehel
dherneck.Suchat
inyhumanbei
ng.
Hay
den:
Areyousur
eIdon'
tcr
ushy
ouwhen
wer
ehavi
ngsex?
Masa:
Dir
tymi
nded.
.
Hay
den:
Answert
hequest
ion.
Masa:
You'
reheav
ybuty
oukeepmostofwei
ght
of
fme..
Hay
den:
War
ehowl
ongdost
it
chest
aket
oheal
?
Masa:
Ngng.
.
Hay
den:
Howl
ong?
Masa:
6weeks.
.
Hay
den:
Wel
l
..

Het
houghtabouti
t.
Masa:
What
every
ou'
ret
hinki
ngof
,justf
orgeti
t.
Hay
den:
Cal
m down.
.

Masarol
ledhereyesasshewatchedthewater
,
compl
etelyateaseandr
elaxedwi
ththisman.

AtFr
anci
stown

Let
so:
Thanky
ou,
Ishoul
dgetgoi
ng.
Kat
so:
CanIgety
ournumber
?
Let
so:
Sur
e.

Shegav
eitt
ohi
m andgotgoi
ng.Kat
sogr
inned.
Nextst
epwasget
tingMasa'snumberbutther
e
wassomethi
ngi
nterest
ingaboutLet
sotoo.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
71*

AtMaun

Masaposedholdi
ngt
hewi
negl
assf
orsome
r
eal
lyni
ceshots.
Hay
denal
l
owedhert
hemomentf
orher
i
ndiv
idualpi
ctur
esandshel
ookedhappyand
gl
owing.Hesmiledast
hephot
ographer
st
opped.
Masagr
innedatHaydenandhegav
ehera
t
humbsup.Hissoontobewife.

Hethenjoi
nedherashehel
dhert
ummyand
ki
ssedit
.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyout
wookay
?
Masa:
Okay
.

Anhourlat
ertheyweredoneandthe
phot
ographerpromi
sedtosendthepict
uresas
soonaspossibl
e.

Haydenhel
dMasa'
shandast
heygotoutoft
he
boat.
Hay
den:Iwoul
d'v
easkedforapil
ottof
lyusto
t
hedelt
abutbecauseyouareheavi
l
ypregnant
mylov
e, I
'
m notri
ski
ngit
.
Masa:
Spoi
l
er.
.
Hay
den:
We'
l
ldoi
tsoon.Come.

Shequi et
lywal
kedwithhi
m asheledhertothe
cartheycamewi t
h.Shewonderedwhatother
acti
vit
ieshehadplannedf
orthebothofthem.

Haydenquickl
ylookedatherr
ingf
inger
.He
woulddothatsoon.

Lat
ert
hatday

Masaclosedhereyesastheymassagedher
back.Haydenl
ookedather.I
twassupposedto
besolel
yherspadaybutshei
nsi
stedt
heydoi
t
toget
herandforhi
mtokeephercompany.

Whenthemasseurwasdone,theywor
ethei
r
gownsast
heygotthei
rfacesdone.
Hay
den:
Afacemask?
Masa:Goodf
ort
heski
nbaby
.Babepassmemy
phone.

HaydenhandedherherphoneandMasaj ust
checkedtheti
mebef or
ehandingitbackt
ohim
assheclosedhereyes.Thestaf
fleftt
hem
al
onei nther
oom andMasaopenedherey es.
Haydenchuckledl
ookingatherandMasa
smiled.
Masa:
Youl
ookwei
rd.Handmemyphone.
Hedi
dsoandshest
art
edt
aki
ngpi
ctur
esofhi
m.
Hay
den:
Masa!
Masa:
Youl
ookcut
eint
hat
.

Hegotupandjustpi
ckedherup.Theywalked
t
othemirr
orandshekeptontakingpict
ures.
Masa:
Posef
ort
hecamer
ababydaddy
.
Hay
den:
Masawaseabagompi
eno.
Masal aughedandheheldherwaistandlooked
atherbutt.Hejusthel
ditandMasaroll
edher
eyes.Heletgoofherandgothisphonef r
om
thetableandhewentt hr
oughhi
splayli
stand
hepickedt hesong.

Masaturnedtol ookathi
m.Shejusttooka
mir
rorself
ievideoasshedancedslowlyagai
nst
hi
m andhel aughedholdi
ngherbulgi
ngwaist
Babymamast
hisi
sisy
oursong
Bei
ngpr
egnantf
orwayt
ool
ong
Nowt
ell
thedj
tot
urni
ton
I
fshey
ourbabymama,
shegondot
hatmama
I
fshegoputi
tony
ou,
shegondot
hatbaby
mama

Shelaughedasshet
ri
edt
ot werkonhim as
heavyasshewasandHaydenlaughedgett
ing
hard.
Hay
den:
Masaf
otsek,
ont
shwar
isanopa!
Masa:
Yes,
I'
m pr
egnant
!(
singi
ngal
ong)
Hayden:
Ketshwerwekenopat
lhemma
wena.(
I'
m hor
ny)
Shelaughedandleanedbackagai
nsthim.She
al
mostt ouchedhiaf
acewhensher emembered
hehadaf acemaskonandshet ouchedhis
shoulderi
nstead.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Masa:
Yessi
r.
Hayden:
Aftert
his,
wearegoi
ngoutt
oeatokay
?
Thi
sisveryuncomfor
tabl
e.
Masa:
Buti
tdoesy
ourski
nawhol
elotofgood.
Hay
den:
Thet
hingsy
oupeopl
edo.
Masa:
Nicer
ight
?(gr
inni
ng)
Hayden:
Weir
dandunsett
li
ng.I
'
m nev
erdoi
ng
t
hisfacemaskt
hingagai
n.
Masa:
we'
l
lsee.

Astheystoodli
kethatf
acingthemirr
or,
Haydenjustpl
acedhishandonherstomach.
Hebadlywantedtoknowt hegenderbutmam
her
ewant edtobesurpr
ised.Tadah!Shehad
sai
d.
Hay
den:
Soaf
tert
hewe-
Hepausedr
emember
ingt
hatshehadnoi
dea.
Masa:
Aft
erwhat
?
Hay
den:
Nev
ermi
nd.
.

Thedooropenedandt
hebeaut
ici
answal
kedi
n.
Hayden:
ThankGod.Theyneedt
otaket
hist
hing
of
f.
Masashookherheadlaughing.Haydenj
ust
wal
kedbacktothebed,handi nhandwit
hMasa.
Hehadalotofsur
pri
sesf orasingl
edaythat
's
f
orsur
e.

Oncetheyweredoneandal
l dressedupinthei
r
cl
othestheymadethei
rwayt otheirr
oom and
Masahalfthr
ewhersel
fonthebed.
Masa:
Wear
eeat
ingi
norout
?
Hay
den:
Out
.
Masa:
I'
mti
red.
.
Hay
den:
Indul
gemet
hisonceokay
?

MasanoddedasHaydenhel
pedhert
oherf
eet
andwal
kedtothewardr
obewit
hher.
Masa:
Idon'
tknowwhatIshoul
dwearnow,
thi
s
t
ri
pcaughtmebysurpr
ise.
Hay
den:
CanIsayIhav
eyousor
tedmi
l
ady
..
Masa:
Whohel
pedy
ou?
Hayden:Ishall
neverrev
eal
mysecr
ets,
thatone
Ihaditspecial
lydesi
gnedf
ory
ou.
Masa:
Ohman(
get
ti
ngt
ear
y)
Hayden:
Now,
thi
sIsawi
npassi
ngandIt
hought
ofme.
Masa:
Yout
hinkofme?
Hay
den:
Ever
ydayl
ove.

Hepi
ckedt
hedr
essandMasahuggedhi
m.
Masa:
It'
ssobeaut
if
ul.Thanks.Hel
pmeoutof
t
hisone.

Shegav ehim herbackandheunzippedi

t.He
ranhisfi
ngersov erhersati
nski
nandshe
turnedtofacehim, st
andingonhert
oesto
plantakissonhischeekbef or
eshegotoutof
thedress.

Hay denchangedcl othesashewat chedher

strugglewitht hesi dezip.Hehelpedher ,
squeezi ngherbr eat sabitandhej ustheldher
chin.Hebi therl owerl i
pseduct i
vel
yand
chuckl eddeepl ybef oreheli
ckedherl i
ps.He
putal eashonhi msel fandlookedintoherey es.
Masaswal lowed.Ther ewasahi ddendar k
promi seinhisey esandshewassur eshedidn't
wantt oknowwhati twas.Het ookast epback
andshebr eathed.Shedi dn'
tevennot i
ceshe
hadstoppedbr
eathi
ngandshej
usttuckedher
hai
rback.Shehadfi
nal
lyf
reedi
tfr
om theti
ght
puf
f.
Hay
den:
Readyt
ogo?
Masa:
Uhm y
eah.

Shetookherphoneandgavehi
m herhand
si
ncehewasdoi ngt
hewhiski
ngheraroundand
shehadnoideawheretheywer
egoingtoeat.

Whent heywerealr
eadydown,Haydenledher
outtoasecludedareaandshecouldseethe
fai
ryl
ightsatadist
ance.Hereal
l
yknewhowt o
maket hi
ngshappen.

Masagracef
ull
ywalkedbesi
deshim asshe
hear
dthesoftst
rum oft
heguitarorwasita
vi
oli
n?Shewasn'tev
ensure,shehasnever
beengoodwi
thi
nst
rument
s.

Whent heywal kedcloser,

shesawmanymor e
l
ightsandat ablespeciall
ysetupf ortwoandit
wasel egant.Hedi dn'thavetospendsomuch
onherr eal
l
y.Shel ookedupathi m asherli
ps
parted, shewant edtosaysomet hi
ngbutshe
didn't.Ithadasi mpl
icit
ytoit,j
ustsoftmusic
playingi nt
hebackgr oundandt hetable.Hi
dden
fr
om peopl e,itoffer
edpr i
vacytoo.

Haydenpull
edthechai
rbackandshesatdown.
Shegavehim asof
tsmileandHaydensatdown
opposi
teher.
Hay
den:
It
'sst
il
lnon-
alcohol
i
c.
Masa:
Yohy
oh!I
t'
syourchi
l
dmme.
Hayden:
AndIlov
emychi
l
dtoof
ory
our
i
nformat
ion.
Masasmil
edasHay
denl
i
ftedt
hel
i
dandshe
smi
ledathi
m.
Masa:
Arewegoi
ngt
ohav
eicecr
eam?
Hay
den:
Babe.
.
Masabat
tedherey
elashesathi
m andhef
ace
pal
med.
Masa:
Iguesst
hat
'
say
es.
.

Halfwaythroughthedinner
,thepeopleplayi
ng
i
nst r
umentswhom Masacoul dn'
tseechanged
thetuneandshecoul dhearthemal evoice
singi
ng.ShelookedatHay denashehel pedher
uponherf eet.
Hay
den:
Adancewi
thapr
ett
ylady
.
Mass:
Oneofmyf
avour
it
esongs.
.
Heheldherwaistandshepl
acedherheadon
hi
schestastheunseenmalesangShawn
Mendes'Wonder.
Hay denwhi speredsof t
lyinherearasthey
sharedt heinti
mat ejokes,wit
hMasagi ggl
ingin
between.Wast hislovetrueandpureorwasi ta
fi
gmentofheri magi nati
on?Wi l
lhewakeupand
decidethathei sbor edofher?Sheasked
herselfastheydanced.Thesongendedandt he
softguitarplayedasof tmelody.Haydenheld
herhandsandki ssedt hem.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Masa:
Hmm?
Hayden:Iknowatsomepoi ntofourr
elat
ionshi
p,
Idi
dy ouwr ong.Ihur
tyou,f
uck!Youl
andedi n
hospi
talbecauseofme. .
Masabi
therl
owerl
i
pandhel
dbackt
ear
s.
Hayden:angelIknowIhurty
ouandaf terthe
hurt
fulthingsIsai
dtoyou,youfor
gaveme.Hel l
youdidn'tevenconsi
deranaborti
onthoughI
act
edl i
ket hebast
ardyouconti
nuouslysaidI
wasandt
ookmeback.Babe.
.
Heheldherchi
nandlookedi
ntoherey
es,
seei
ngunshedtear
s.
Hay den:
BabeIl oveyou,IthoughtIwouldnev
er
l
ov eagainbutt henyoucameal ong.Iwas
scaredtol oveagainbecausewhatIl ovei
s
alway st
akenawayf r
om me, myf at
herand
ReginahandIwant edtoloveyouf r
om a
dist
ance, Idon'
tknowi fIwaspr ot
ectingmeor
hurtingmy sel
fmor ebutifIdon'
ttryhowsure
wasIgoi ngt obethatyouwer etheone?

Masa'sbreathhit
chedi nherthr
oatasherhear t
beatir
regular
lyi
nherchestandshet r
iedto
breat
hst i
l
llooki
ngathi m.Aheartbeatskipped
betweenthebothoft hem andHay denslowly
wentonhi sknees.Bothofthem, nott
he
tr
aditi
onalwayofbeingononeknee.Het ook
outtheri
ngcaseandl ookedatMasawhohad
herhandsoverhermouthwithtear
sstr
eami
ng
downherface.Shewassuchacr ybaby
.He
mused.Hiscrybabyheguessed.

Heopenedthecaseandt
hedi
amondr
ing
spar
kledi
nthemoonli
ght
.
Hay den:
Bemywi f
e,al
lowmet opromiseyou
betterorworse.Tobemypeace.Ibr okeyour
heartbutI'
l
lputitbacktoget
herforaslongasit
takes..
.

Thesecondt hatpassedbet weent hem seemed

l
ikeet er
nit
ybef oreMasasobbedsof tl
ywi t
hher
handonhermout h.Shewasn' texpectingthat.
Nev erexpectedmar ri
agefrom him.Shel oved
him.Toomuchshemused.Sheext endedher
handandHay densmiled.Reli
efwashed
throughhim andhesl ippedthe24kgol dand
diamondr ingonherf i
nger.Heki ssedherhand
andst
oodup.

Theyshar
edanemot
ional
hugasshecr
iedon
hi
schest.
Masa:
Youwantme?Makeawifeoutofa
per
sonpeopl
ecal
l
edawhore?
Hay
denr
ubbedherback.Sheneededt
her
apy
t
oo.
Hayden:
Youarenotangel
.Youar
enotokay
?
Thankyou,
Iloveyouokay
?
Shenoddedasshehel
dont
ohi
mfordearl
i
fe.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Haydenwokeupfindingherr
inghandsplayed
overhi
stat
tooedchest.Hechuckl
edand
l
ookedather,wat
chingherbreat
hingsof
tlywit
h
sl
ight
lypar
tedlips.Hegrabbedhi
sphoneand
j
usttookapictureofherhandoverhi
schest
andhechuckled.

Masaturnedandopenedherey
es.Her
ubbed
herchi
n.
Hay
den:
Exhaust
ed?
Masanoddedasshetur
nedandpl
acedher
headonhi
schest
,fal
l
ingbackt
osl
eep.

Haydenjustpostedthatpar
ti
cul
arpictureofher
handoverhischestonFacebookwitht he
capt
ionbeing'Shesaidyes Offi
ciall
yof ft
he
market
'

Hepl
acedhisphoneawayandl ookedatMasa.
Hehopedthi
sonewasn'tgoingrotakenaway
f
rom hi
m bythecl
utchesofdeath.
AtTessa'
spar
ent
s

Tessawentt hr
oughhersoci almediaand
pausedseei ngHay den'
slatestpost.Hejust
postedahandwi t
honehel l ofanexpensive
ri
ngov erhischest .Justthatonlypictur
eandno
face.Shedidn'tknowwhatt hatf
eelingwasbut
shequicklyburiedi tandshewentt ot he
comment ssect ion.Ithadbeenpost edt wo
hoursagoandt herewer emor et
hanahundr ed
comment soni t.
Sher eadthecommentsandshewassur pri
sed
seeingthenamesofsomeoft hepeopleshe
hadt ocomet oknowasthebi
ggestplayer
sin
Botswana'seconomy.
Rebabedi
Kgosi
:
Mshi
aname
MaduoRebaKgosi: ‍♀Aweddi
ngt
oat
tend.
Congr
atspar
tner
.
Dani
elTayl
or:
Eheket
hegroom and
busi
nessmanofthey
ear
.
AngelSet
hunyaRomano: AnI
tal
i
anweddi
ng?
Justasuggest
ion ‍♀
Lef
ikaMason: kant
eweren'
tyou
si
ngle?
wait
semenaretr
icky
.
Blai
rSmi t
h: Tel lherIwanttoseeher
.Shei
s
verytr
ickythatone,Ijustaword.
CaneSmit
h:Mr
sSmit
h Dudecanweseeher,
wedon'
twantt
oseehowexpensi
vey
ourr
ingi
s
Mr.

Tessawantedtot
ypeacongr atul
ator
y
messagebutshestoppedherself
.Shepaused
seeingMasa'
scomment ,
foramomentshehad
thoughti
twasMasabutthattimeHay denhad
assuredhert
hatt
heywerejustco-parent
ing.
Masa: Congr
atul
ati
onsbi
gguy
.Shei
sone
l
uckyl
ady ‍

Shepausedandwentt oMasa'spr of
ile.She
sawt henewdpandshecl i
ckedoni t.Shehad
postedapi ctureofhersel
fholdingawi neglass
onacr ui se.Shewaspr egnant.Anotherpartof
herfeltgui lt
yfortheabort
ionbutsheknewshe
wasn'tr eadyf orababy.Masal ookedso
beautiful andshewasgl owing.Shedi dn'
tseea
ri
ngonherhand.

Sher
eadt
hecapt
ion.
' Ee, bundl
eofj oyisont heway .Thishas
beenapeacef ul pregnancy .Dif
fi
cultatf
irst
becausesomet hingt r
aumat i
chappenedt oo .
Mov ingfor
wardi thasbeenv er
yinti
mateandI
stoppedgoingt ot heof f
ice,j
ustfocusedon
familyandclosef riendswhohav ebeenwi thme
throughthi
spr egnancy .
 mymot herisst i
llgoingtokillmeifshe
dar esseest hi
spost , shestil
ldoesn'
tknowwho
thebabydaddyi sandI 'm surpr
isedIkeptit
from them.Mypar entshav ebeenmysuppor t
sy stem fr
om dayoneandt oTil
ythee
godmot her.Alwayst here.Babydaddyt hank
you andf ort endingt omyneeds.Wel lseeyou
guy sont hef l
i
psi de.'

Shewasgorgeous.Shealsosawherpost
shor
tl
yaf
terthepregnancyphot
o.

' Babydaddywon'
tbepost
edtil
lfur
ther
noti
ceandl
onababoIknewit,
calm down l
e
tl
alowa'

Tessagotof
fFacebookandsi
ghed.Shel
aidon
hertummyandwenttoherYouTubetowatch
v
ideos.

AtMaun

HaydenandMasalai
dont hecouchasshe
cuddl
edint
ohi
m.Hay denkissedt
hetopofher
headasshepi
ckedwhichmov iet
owatch.
Hay
den:
MrsSmi
th?

Masaslowl
ylookedathi
m,itwaswei
rdt
ohear
hi
m cal
lhert
hatbutinagoodway.
Hay
den:
Ilov
ethatandIl
ovey
ou.
Masa:
Ilov
eyoumor
ebaby
..
.
.
*
*
*
AYEARLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
72*

AtTheOf
fi
ce

Haydenpl
acedt
hefami
lypi
ctur
ebackonhi
s
deskashi
sPAwalkedi
n.
Hay
den:
Mor
ningLuna.
Luna:
Morni
ngSir
,yourschedul
ehasbeen
cl
earedf
ortheweekend.
Hay
den:
Isshear
ound?
Luna:
No.HRsai
dsheaskedf
oranunpai
dleav
e.
Haydennoddedanddi smissedLunawho
walkedaway .Shestil
lhadaf ewthingstowr ap
upthisside.Thekidswer ewitht
henannyso
theyneededt ogotoSer owefortheirbri
de.He
smiledalonespinni
ngi nthechai
r.May behe
hadaf ewhour stospareintheoffi
ceandwr ap
upev er
ythi
ngbef or
ehel eft
.

AtSer
owe

Masasatdownont hebedasshet urnedthe

ri
ngonherf i
nger .Shewasf i
dgetingandshe
didn'
tknowifev erythi
ngwasgoi ngtogo
accordi
ngtopl an.Shestraightenedt hedress
shewaswear ingasshest oodupandl ookedat
hersel
fint
hemi rror
.Itwasn'ttoot i
ghtwasi t
?
Sheneededt or especteveryone.Shecanbea
wifeeventhoughev er
yonedoubt edher .Her
doekwastiedsmart
lywit
hnoi nchofher
Brazi
l
ianweaveshowingthoughshewantedthe
str
andstoshowsothatshecanbef ashi
onabl
e
orshewil
ldothatwhentheytakeherto
Bobonong?Maybe.

Thedooropenedandhermot
herwal
kedi
n.
MaMasa:Youlookbeauti
fulbutyoudon'thav
e
t
olooksobri
dey,i
fthatwordexists.Youri
n-
l
awsarecomingtomorrow,breat
hbaby .
Masa:
Bor
akgadi
bagor
e..
.
MaMasa:
Tohel
lwi
tht
hem,
baokebal
oi.

Sher
emov edMasa'
sdoekandletherhai
rfl
ow
downherbackandshesmi
led.
MaMasa:
Bat
ho,
thebabymadey
ougl
owmor
e.
Masa:
Mybabi
esbat
hong.Ishoul
dcheckon
t
hem.
MaMasa:
Don'
tpani
c,r
emembery
ourhear
ttoo.

Masasuckedi
ndeepbr
eat
hes.
MaMasa:
Wedon'
twantt
olosey
oubaby
.
Masa:I
'
m good.Letmegohel
p,Ishoul
dgohel
p
r
ight
?
Shekissedhermot her
'scheekandwalkedout.
Hermot hershookherhead.Sheonlyhopedher
husband'ssi
sterswon'
tsabotagethi
sforher
babygirl
.Thatwasheronlywish.

AsMasast eppedout
side,t
hesunhit
ti
ngher
suppl
e,cl
earandyell
owskinherphonerang.
Shecheckedtheski
rtpocketsandt
ookher
phoneout.
Masa:
Hel
l
o.
Ti
l
y:Heyt
her
e,howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Masa:
Apani
cki
ngmess.
Ti
l
y:Br
eat
h.Br
eat
h.
Masa:
Kanamol
apengbor
akgadi
ledi
cousi
n..
.
Ti
ly
:Breat
hHay den'
sangel
.Br
eat
h.I
twi
l
lal
lgo
aspromised.
MasaIpr
aytoGodi
tdoes.Ihav
etogosi
s,l
ove
youandbhe.
Ti
l
y:By
e.

Masawal kedtothebackofthehousewher e
hercousi
nswer estar
ti
ngthefi
re.Shelookedat
hermanicuredhandsandhernail
sbeforeshe
cl
aspedthem.
Masa:
CanIhel
pwi
thany
thi
ng?
Herol
deraunt
'sdaught
err
oll
edherey
es.
Masa:
KesacanIhel
p?
Kesa:
Asi
fweneedy
ourhel
p,aker
eol
ekgar
abe
wena.
Oneofhercousi
nsel
bowedherandKesar
oll
ed
herey
es.
Her
:That
'snotni
ce.
Kesa:
Butt
rue.
.

Masaj ustdecidedtosli
paway .Maybeshe
shouldbeint heroom andstayawayfrom
ever
ything.Foreveryone'
ssake.Asshel ef
t
ther
ewer emumur sandtheothercousins
l
ookedatKesa.
Kesa:
Shei
sgone,
ifshewantedt
ohel
pshe
coul
d'
vemadeher
selfusef
ul.
Cousi
n1:
Kesai
sri
ght
.

Theot
heroneshookherhead.
Cousi
n2:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhatMasadi
dto
y
ouguy
s.
Kesa:
What
ever
.
Theotherthr
eecousi
nskeptqui
etandwent
aboutthei
rwork.

Masa'
sphoner
angandshesmi
l
ed.
Masa:
Babe.
.
Hay den:
How'smyangeldoing?Iknowyou
crackunderpressur
ebutbabekeepital
l
togetherokay
?
Masa:
I'
mtr
ying.
Hay
den:
Okayangel
.Il
ovey
ouokay
?
Masa:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.
Hay
den:
Imi
ssy
ou.
Masa:
Pat
ienceokayl
ove?
Hay
densi
ghed.
Hay
den:
Okaybabe.By
e.

Hehungupandl ookedatt hepictureonce

again.Hefoundhimselfsmi li
ngal onebit
inghis
l
ip.Hecouldn'twaittoholdthattinybodyi nhi
s
handsandmay beifsheper mit
s,final
lysl
ide
i
ntoherwar mness.Hewassur eshewast i
ght
ashelldownthere,it
'sbeenawhol efucking
yearandhehasbeenr eal
lypatient.Liker
eally
pati
ent,f
orher.

Lunaopenedt
hedoort
oHay
den'
sof
fi
ce.
Luna:
Sirt
her
eissomeonel
ooki
ngf
ory
ou,
she
i
nsist
edandIto-

ThepersonwalkedrightpastLunaandsaton
hi
soffi
cechair
.Hay dendismissedLunaashi
s
mindnoteddownt owar nLunatonotlet
anythi
ngofthissorthappenagai
n.Hay den
l
eanedbackonhi schairanddeli
veredaheart
stoppi
ngsmi r
k.Hisshirtwasfol
dedback
reveal
inghi
sv ei
ns,tat
toosandobviouslyone
couldseehowf i
thewas.Buf f
erthanthelast
ti
met hepersonhadseenhi m.
Hay
den:
TowhatdoIowet
hisv
isi
t?
.
.
*
*
*
Nextonetofoll
owlaterandcanIgoaheadwi
th
t
hatli
vesessionIpromised? ‍
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
73*
AtHay
den'
sof
fi
ce

Hay denwai t
edforhertospeakbutshe
swal l
owedabi t,t
aki
ngi nhowgoodhel ooked
i
nj ustaspanofasi ngleyear.Themoreshe
attendedtherapy,t
hemor eshehadcomet o
reali
seshel ovedhim andthatshetr
iedtkact
i
ndi f
ferentbecauseofhewas.Whohewast o
theper sonwhowasbor nwithherhear
t.
Tessa:
Hi.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o,cany
ougetst
rai
ghtt
othepoi
nt?
Sheguessedthatmaybeherpushi
nghim away
fr
om hi
schil
drenhadbeenabadi deaorMasa
hadtol
dhim?Shef or
gavehersoeasil
y.
Tessa:
Icamet
oapol
ogi
se.
Hay
dennodded.
Tessa:
Iknowwhoy
ouar
e,uhm I
'
m sor
ryt
hat
myparentsstoleRegi
nah'
sheart
.IfIknew, I
woul
d'venotwanteditbecausei
twasi l
legal
ly
obt
ained.Iguessthat
'swhyyoubrokeupwi th
me?
Hay
den:
Tessa?
Tessa:
Rra?
Hayden:I
t'
snotyourf
ault
.Youwer eachil
dand
yourparent
sare.
.wel
ladul
ts,t
heyknewbet t
er.
Youshouldn'
tevenbeapologi
singonthei
r
behal
f.Theyknewwhattheywer edoi
ng.
Tessa:
Butst
il
l.
..
Hayden:
AndIdidn'
tbreakupwit
hyoucauseof
thehear
t.Ihadmyreasons.Wewerenot
compati
ble.
Tessapushedherhai
rbackandsmi
l
ed.
Tessa:
Iwentthrought
her
apythispasty
ear
,
uhm Ir
ediscover
edmysel
fagainandcametoa
fewrevel
ati
onsaboutmysel
f.
Hay
den:
AndIshoul
dknowbecause?

Tessasuckedi nabr eat

h.Shehadt houghtthi
s
through,shelookedathisringhandandt her
e
wasnor ing.Eversincethatengagementpost,
therehavebeennopost s.Ev enofthe
anony mousfiancee.
Tessa:Icametoreal
i
sethatIact
uall
ydolove
you.Isawmywr ongs.Iwastoobli
ndedbyrage
andsomeot hermentali
ssuesIwon'tment
ion.

Hay
densi
ghed.
Hay
den:
Don'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
fTessa.
.
Hest
oodupasheputhi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
s.
Tessa:
HaydenIthoughtabouti
tandIgenui
nel
y
do.Thepastyearandfewmonthswe'vebeen
apart
,Igr
ewup.
Hay
den:
Ihav
eawomanIgenui
nel
ylov
e,
whol
ehear
tedl
y.
Tessastoodupandpul l
eddownhert ightski
rt
walki
ngupt oHay den.Shewassur pr
isedshe
hadgainedalitt
leheighttoobutshecoul d
neverbeental
lerthanhim.Hiscologneent i
ced
herasitwrappedar oundherli
kewarmv el
vet.
Tessa:
Tel
lmey
oucan'
tgi
veusachanceagai
n..

Withthatsheki
ssedhi
m andbef
oreshecoul
d
deepenithehel
dherback.
Hay
den:
I'
mtry
ingt
obeni
ceTessa,
Ihav
ea
womanIl
ove.
Tessa:
Hay
den!
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hayden:I
fyouthi
nkusi ngsexagainstmewi l
l
work,tr
ustmeitwill
wor k.Iwil
lfuckyouli
kea
whoreagainstt
heofficewalls,
onmyt abl
eand
st
il
ldisposeyouli
keasl utbecausethat'
swhat
si
dechi
cksdowantr i
ght
?Thengobackt omy
wi
feandkeepyouhiddenli
keadir
tysecr
et.I
l
ovemywifever
ymuchandI '
minnoposit
ionto
ki
l
lherwi
thshenani
gans.

Heletgoofherhandsandsherubbedher
wri
sts.Sheswal
lowedherpr
ideandlookedat
hi
m.
Tessa:
Whati
f?Hay
denl
i
stent
ome.
.
Hayden:
Nowy ouwantt
obedel
usi
onalTher
esa,
I
'm amarri
edman.Whatwehadendedmore
t
hanay earago.St
opgr
aspi
ngonstr
aws.
Tessasl
umpedont
hechai
randl
ookedat
Hayden.
Tessa:
Whati
fI'
mtobecomey
oursecondwi
fe?

Hay
denst
oodst
il
landl
ookedatTessa.
AtSer
owe

Masalaidonherbackasshewentt hroughher
baby'
spictures.Hewassuchacutethingand
herworstfearhadbeenconfi
rmed.He100%
l
ookedlikeHay den.

Masadecidedtocal
lthenannywhoanswer
ed
i
mmediately.
Nanny
:Hel
l
oboss.
.
Masa:
Hey
,cany
ougi
vet
heki
dst
hephone.
Nanny
:Ofcour
sema.

Shewalkedupt
hest
air
sandhandedSmi
thJr
thephone.
Masa:
Hel
l
o..
.
Smi
thJr
:Hel
l
omom,
wear
ebehav
ing.
.
Masal
aughed.Whenhesai
dthathewant
edt
o
cov
erhi
stracks.
Smi
thJr
:I
'm wi
tht
hebaby
..
Hesaidgent
lyf
ight
inghim of
fashet
ri
edt
o
t
akethephonefrom hi
m.
Masa:
Wher
ear
eyoursi
ster
s?
Smi
thJr
:Pl
ayi
ngi
nAv
ery
'sr
oom.
Masa:
Don'
tlethi
m gett
hephone,
hewi
l
lthr
ow
i
tagai
nstt
hewall.
Smit
hJr:
Hewasf i
newhenhewasr
eal
l
yreal
l
y
smal
lbuthecr
iedalott
oo.
Masal
aughed.
Masa:
Bat
hong!I
'
llcomehomesoonokay
?
Smi
thJr
:Okay
.Lov
eyou.
Masa:
Ilov
eyouguy
smor
e.

Thenannymadeherwayt
oAv
ery
'sr
oom and
handedthem t
hephone.Theysquealedasthey
spoketothei
rmother.Masalaughed.These
ki
dsgav eherl
if
e.Shewasn'tgoingtowaste
anypreci
ousmomentwi tht
hem.
Masa:Il
ovey
oumylovi
es,Iwil
lcal
ll
ater
okay
?mommyl ov
esyouguys.Bye.

Shehungupandl
aidonherback.Okay.Thi
s
wasgoingt
ogoaccordi
ngtoplan.Yeah.

AtHay
den'
sOf
fi
ce

Hay
denbr
oket
hesi
l
enceandl
aughed.
Hay
den:
Tessagobackt
other
apypl
ease.
Tessa'
sheartbr
okei
ntot
inypi
eces.Hedi
dnot
j
ustsaythat
.
Hay
den:
Fory
oursani
ty.Focusonschool
andl
et
theadul
tsdowhattheydobest.Youseethe
womanI '
m mar
ryi
ng?Idon'
tdeserveever
yi nch
ofherandI'
dbedamnedifIbreakheragain..
Tessacouldfeel
andseethewayhespokeof
her.Thewayhiseyesl
itwhenhementi
onedthe
womanhewasmar ryi
ng.Oneshedi
dn'
tknow.
Shedidnotknowhernordidheoff
erhername
orleti
tsl
ip.
Tessast
oodupwi
thasadf
ace.
Tessa:
Thi
nkabouti
tHay
den.
Hay
den:
Getout
!

Shequickl
ygotoutbefor
ehelosthistemper
andsheclosedthedoorbehi
ndher.Sheleaned
agai
nstitandbreat
hedinandout.Thathad
beenverybrav
eofher.

Shewal
kedawaypul
l
ingdownherski
rtand
tookt
heel evat
ordown.Shemust
'v
egot
tent
he
PAintrouble.

MeanwhileasTessawalkedoutofthebuil
ding,
aladyinasunhatwalkedinandTessapaused
befor
eshakingherheadandwalkingaway.She
hadprobabl
yreadtoomanyf ai
ryt
alesgr
owing
up.

Thewomanaskedatt herecept
ionaspoli
tely
asshecoul dandshewasanswer ed.Shetook
theelevat
orandt r
iedt
omemor isewhatthe
recepti
oni
stsaid.Shehadli
edaboutherbeing
hereforameet i
ng.

Theelev
atorst
oppedandshesteppedout
.She
sawtheoffi
ceanditst
oodoutanyway.
Sheknockedont
hedoorandopenedbef
orehe
sai
dopen.
Hay
den:
Lu-
Haydenpausedashelookedathecursedunder
hi
sbreat
h.Hisdaycouldn'
tgetanyworsecoul
d
i
t?
Hayden:
Wena?Gett
hef
uckoutbef
oreIcal
l
secur
it
y.
Her
:Hay
denbutI
'
myou.
..
Hay
den:
Yei
,yei
..
.Idon'
tcar
e..
mov
e.

Theroarofhi
sv oi
ceshookherasherf
ragi
l
e
hear
tbeatinherchest
.
Hayden:Befor
eIcountt of
iveyoushoul
dbeout
andtrustmeIwi ll
kil
lyouwithmybarehandsi
f
Ist
il
lseey ourfaceinmyoffi
ce.Lantl
waela
wait
se!
Shequi
cklygotoutandfel
ldownasshe
scr
ambledtotheelevat
orbreat
hinghar
d.

Hay densuckedabr eath.Ri

ghtnowMasa'
ssof
t
handsi nhishai
rwoul ddobecausethi
sday
tur
nedshi tt
yrealf
ast.May beheshoul
dget
goingrightnow.

Hepackedhi sstuffi
nthebagandhepi ckedhi
s
phoneup.Ifhecalledher
,shemi ghtpi
ckup
fr
om hisvoicethatheisst
ressedandshewas
al
readyst
ressedenoughasi tis.

Lat
ert
hatev
eni
ng

Masa'sphonerangassheat
ewiththefamil
y.
Shelookedatever
yoneandKesarol
ledher
eyes.
Masa:
Excuseme,
Ihav
etot
aket
his.

Shepickedherphoneupandwal
kedt
othe
bedr
oom.
Masa:
Hey
..
Hay
den:
Hel
l
oangel
,I
'm out
side.
Masa'
sey
eswi
dened.
Masa:
Youknowt
her
u-
Hayden:
Rul
esaremeantt
obebr
oken.Ineed
youangel
.Pl
ease.

I
twast
hepl
easet
hatt
oreatherhear
tst
ri
ngs.
Masa:
Giv
emet
enmi
nut
esgot
swakapl
anee.
Hay
den:
Alr
ight
.Il
ovey
ou.
Masa:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.
Masawal
kedbackt
othet
abl
e.
Masa:
uhm,
Ithi
nkI
'
llhav
eanear
lyni
ght
.
Shesaidpicki
ngherhalffi
l
ledplat
etaki
ngitto
theki
tchen.Shescrappedthefoodofft
heplat
e
i
ntothedustbinbef
oreshewashedi t
.Her
motherwalkedinandshepr et
endedtoyawnas
shestret
chedherbody .
Masa:
Soaaht
i-
ti
red(
fakey
awni
ng)
MaMasa:
Sleep,
tomor
rowi
sgoi
ngt
obeal
ong
day
.
Masayawnedagainbeforesay
ingthanks.She
wal
kedt oherbedr
oom andshelookedaround.
Shewalkedtothewar
drobeandpickedoutthe
ol
dteddybear.
Masa:
Thi
swi
l
ldo.
..
ohGodbewi
thme!

Shesai
dassheworeagownov erherpy
jamas,
i
twasabitchi
l
lyout
sidesoshewil
lbeokay.
Sheplacedtheteddybeari
nsidetheblanket
s
andcov er
edit
,makingsuretoswitchoffthe
l
ightstoo.Masawalkedtothewindowsand
ther
ewer enobars.
Masa:
Per
fect
.
Sheopenedthewindowandthecool br
eeze
bl
ewt hehai
rstr
ands.Sheal
mostleftherphone
butshewalkedbackandsl
ippedi
tinhergown
pocket.

Shesli
ppedonel egout,whenwast
helastt
ime
shedidthi
s?Al ongti
meagowhensheusedt o
gooutforpart
ieswhenshewashere.Shewas
young,wil
dandr eckl
ess.

Whenshehadsafelygotoutusingthewindow
shewal
kedtothegateandcar eful
l
yopenedit.
Theywer
egoingtoputapadl ockonitlat
erand
shewassur
ewhat everHaydenhadt osay
woul
dbeov
er.

Shedi
aledhisnumberasshewal
kedaway
fr
om t
heiry
ard.
Masa:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Hay
denflashedhiscarli
ght
sandshewal ked
t
owardsthatdi
recti
on.Shegottothecarand
t
hedoorwasopenedf orher.Shegoti
nsideand
t
heairwaswarm.
Masa:
Hey
(sof
tl
y)
Hayden:
Hey.Ibookedi
ntoaguest
house,
mind
i
fIdri
vether
e?
Masa:
Sur
e.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
Hewasabouttost
artt
hecarwhenshepl
aced
herhandonhi
s.
Masa:
What
'swr
ong?Smi
tht
alkt
ome.
Hersofttouch.Sosoft.Hepi
ckedherhandand
squeezeditbefor
ekissingi
t.
Hayden:
We'
llt
alkwhenwer
eachacomf
ort
abl
e
pl
aceokayangel
?
Masa:
Okay
.
Hay
den:
You'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Masasmi
l
ed.
Masa:
Flat
ter
ywi
l
lgety
ounowher
emyl
ove.

Hef i
nal
l
ysmiledandki
ssedherhandagai
n.He
hel
dontoherhandashedr ov
e,l
ooki
ngatitand
ki
sisngi
tever
ynowandt hen.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
74*

AtSer
owe

Haydendrov
eforagood20mi nutesbefor
ehe
par
kedhiscaroutsi
dethesmal
lguesthouse.
Si
ncehewasgoi ngtohavet
oreturnherback
home.

Theygotoutoft
hecarandhechuckl
edhol
ding
herwai
st.
Hay
den:
Pyj
amasl
ove?
Masashr
uggedasHaydenpr
essedthe
i
nter
com andt
hegat
eopened.Theywal
ked
i
nsideandheopenedt hedoor.Henoddedhi s
headseeingtherecept
ioni
st.Hewalkedtothe
room andsli
ppedthekeyoutofhi spocket
s.He
l
edheri nsi
detheroom.Masal ookedaround.
Hayden:Thi
swast
hebi
ggestt
heyhad.Ar
eyou
hungry
?
Masa:
I'
m okayf
ornow.
.
Hay
den:
Okay
.

Hesuckedi nadeepbr eathandlookedatMasa.

Hedi dn'tdeser
veherdi dhe?Hewasaf ucked
upsoul andhehasdoneal otofbadt hi
ngs,
thingsthatwouldr untheri
skofruininghim.He
hadbl oodonhi shandsandhedi dn'tdeservean
angel l
ikeher.Standi
ngher e,hef
iguredthathe
alsodidn'tdeserveReginahtoo.

Masawal
kedcl
oset
ohi
m andpl
acedher
handsonhi
scheek.Ther
ewassomet
hing
aboutt
hesoft
nessofhertouch.
Masa:
Heybi
gguy
,tal
ktome.
.

Hewrappedhisl
argear
msar
oundherasshe
l
eanedint
ohim.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
Masa:
Youneededme,
forwor
seorf
orbet
ter
l
ove.
Haydenpl acedhischi nontopofhisheadas
theday '
seventsflashedinhishead.Thingshe
hadlearnedt ol
ivewaypastandi tsurfaced.
Thewomanwhosi nglehandedl
ycrushedi nto
Reginah'scarandt heonewhohasherst ol en
heart.Andlikehehadbeenav oi
dingthinking
toomuchaboutRegi nahbecauseitgottohi m.
Masapl acedherhandsonhi schestandl ooked
upathi m.
Masa:Somethi
ngiswrong,
tal
ktome.You
alwaysfor
cemet ot
alkwhenIdon'
twant
to..
Comesitdown.

Sheheldhishandandshesatont hebed
makinghim si
tonthecar pet
.Sheplacedher
l
egsoneithersideofhisshouldersandranher
handsinhi
shair.Shefelthimrelaxunderher
touchandshecontinueddoingthat.
Masa:
Babywhat
'swr
ong?
Hay
densi
ghedashehel
dherwr
ist
s.
Hayden:
Idon'
twanttost
ressy
ou,
your
pr
esenceisenough.
.

Masajusthel
dhisshar
pjawandl
i
ftedhi
shead
andl
ookedathim.
Masa:
Iwon'
tbeokayt
omor
rowi
fyoudon'
ttel
l
me.
Hay
den:
Todaywascr
azy
.
Masa:
I'
mli
steni
ng.

Haydenwentontotel
lhert
heeventsoftoday
,
omitt
ingt
hepartwher
eTessaattemptedto
ki
sshim.Hedidn'
twanttomakeMasaupset .
Masa:
Shei
sout
?
Henodded.

Masamassagedhi
sshoul
der
sgent
ly.
Masa:
Howdoesi tmakey
ouf
eel
?You'
renot
bei
ngent
ir
elyhonest
..
Hay
den:
Idon'
twantt
ofeel
agai
n..
Masa:
Tal
ki
ngt
hroughi
thel
psal
otdar
li
ng.

Haydensi
ghedstandi
ngupasheranhi
shand
t
hroughhi
shair
.Masastooduptooashe
wal
kedacr
osst
her
oom.
Hayden:Thepaincamebackandithurtl
ikehel
l
Masa,thehollowachet
hatIt
rytoignorehurt
s
sobadIf eel
li
keI'
m goi
ngtosink.
.

Masa'shear
tcr
ackedheari
nghi
scrackeddeep
voi
ce.Hehasneverr
eall
ycri
edoranyt
hingfor
aslongassheknewhim..

Haydencov er
edhisf acewi t
hhi shands.Tessa
wit
hRegi nah'
sheart,thewomanwhoendedhi s
wholeli
feli
neinasingl ecarcrushandt ookhis
chi
ldr
en'smot herevenbef or
et heyknewher .
.
I
thurtsomuch,hebithi
sinnercheekti
l
lhef el
t
bl
oodandhef el
thersmallhandswraparound
hi
m ashisey
esbur ned.
Masa:
Youdon'
thav
etoexpl
ain,
Iunder
stand.
Hay
den:
I'
m okay
,I'
vebeenokayt
hesepast
y
ear
s..
Hesaidt
ryi
ngt
oconv
incehi
msel
fthathewas
f
ine.
Masa:
You'
renot
..
babyy
ou'
renotf
ine.
.comesi
t.
Hay
den:
I'
m good.I
'
llgetov
ermy
sel
f.
.
Hebli
nkedbackt
hetearst
hatburnedhiseyes.
Hehasn'
tcri
edaboutt
hisi
nyears.Itshoul
dn'
t
hur
tli
kethi
s.

Masajustl
edhimtothecouchandsatdown,
for
cinghi
mt osi
tdown.Heplacedhi
sheadon
herl
apandjustr
ubbedhischeek.
Masa:
It
'sokayi
fit
'sov
erwhel
ming.I
t'
sa
t
raumati
cexper
iencet
hatwil
lal
waysbether
e..
Hay
den:
I'
vebeenokay
(tear
y)
Masa:
Ther
eisnoneedt
oputupt
hewal
l
s
ar
oundme..
Shejustrubbedhi sbackt oo,soothinghis
heavyheary ,softl
yasshewoul dachi l
dashe
i
nhaledhersof tness.Masaj usthummeda
song, i
tseemedsadandherhumssof ttheygot
tohim asthet ear srol
leddownhi scheeks.
Masadi dn'tseem t omi nd,shecontinued
hummi ngsof tlyforsomet i
met i
llshehear dhis
sobs.Hedi dn'twantpi ty,j
ustsomeonet obe
ther
ef orhim, sheunder stoodthathi spainhit
him outofnowher ewi t
hhi smothercomi ng
back,amot herhehasn' tseeninyear s.Thesole
causeofhi spai n,itwasboundt ohappenand
ri
ghtfull
yso.

Hisqueitsobsbrokeherheartasshehummed
soft
lythough.Shehadaf eel
ingsopecul i
arthat
thi
spainwoul dbefor
ev er
mor e.Itwas
somethingthaywasn'tgoawayonhi spartand
shestoppedhummi ngsuckingi nadeepbr eat
h.
Knowingt
hatanyt
ime,t
heholl
owfeel
ingwi l
l
dwelli
nhi
sheart
,cat
chinghi
m bysur
priseand
hetakest
heroaddownmemor yl
ane,hurt
ing
more.

Sheresumedherhummi ngrubbi
nghisbackas
hi
stearssoakedhergown.Sheplacedherhead
onhisback.

AtTessa'
spar
ent
s

Tessawentthr
oughHayden'
sti
melinef
orthe
fi
ft
htimeeversi
nceshelef
thi
soffi
ce.Tear
s
bl
indedher
,shehadn'
tbeenali
tt
ledemonto
hi
mt oori
ght?

Ther
ewasnophotoofhiswif
eandmay behe
hadsai
dthatt
okeepherof
f,mostpeopl
e
marr
ywi t
hinayearandhedi dn'thavear i
ngon
hi
sfi
nger.Hehadt hemoneyt omar ry.Andshe
j
adactuall
ydoneherresearchonpol ygamy ,
it
waslegali
fdoneatthetradit
ionalcourts.

Sheplacedherphonedownandj ustthought
aboutit.Shedidn'
twantt otexthim,shestil
l
hadhisnumberorwasi thersabotagi
bgheart
thatyearnedforhim?Shet houghtaboutitbut
shehasl ear
nedt odiff
erentherrealemotions
from whatthehear twantsthi
spasty earandit
washerwhowant edhim.

Shewi pedhertear sandsighed.Sheshoul

d
mov eon.Heck, shetriedi
taf ewmonthsago
andthef unnythingwast hatshecomparedhi
m
toHay den.Shehadf oundher sel
f
unconsciouslysayingHay denneverdi
dthi
sand
thatandhedi dthis..
.
Shestoodupandwal kedtothewi ndowand
watchedthedarknesscover
ingthecityas
every
onesleptandherrestl
essnessstil
l
keepi
ngherawake.

Att
heguest
house

Masawat chedhim cl
osehi
seyesandshe
contempl
atedwhethertogobackhomeornot.
Shewasaboutt ostandupandheopenedhis
eyes.Hel
ookedatherandsheheldhischeek,
feel
inghi
s5O' cl
ockshadow.
Hay
den:
Stayt
heni
ght
..

Shejustnoddedandtheystoodup,walkingto
thebed.Heremovedhisclothesandwasl efti
n
hisboxer
sbeforehepeeledthewarm blankets
andt
heyset
tl
edi
n.

Hej ustheldhert i
ghtl
y,hi
shugehandsl ipping
underneat hhergownandpy j
amashi rt
.The
war m spacebet weenherbreastsbeingwher e
heset tl
edhishand.Masal ethim andhecl osed
hisey es.Hopingthagshewon' tbetakenaway
from him.Likehisf at
herandReginah,atthe
handsoft hewomanhehadf ail
edt obeli
eve
birt
hedhi my ethurthiminway sthathehimself
fail
edt ohealfrom.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
75*

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Att
heguest
house

Masawokeupf irstwit
hHay denholdi
ngher
ti
ghtly.Tearsbl
i
ndedherassher anherfi
ngers
onhi sarm.Sheknewshemi ghtgetintr
ouble
athomebutHay denneededherandhewast he
actualreasonwhyt heywer
egoi ngtobepeople
askingforherhandi nmarr
iage.

Heopenedhi
sey
esandsmi
l
ed.
Hay
den:
Hey
.
Masa:
Mor
ning.Ar
eyougood?
Hesuckedi
nabr
eat
handj
ustki
ssedher
f
orehead.
Hay
den:
Bet
ter
.Thanky
ou.

Shecuddledmorei
ntohi
m andhesmil
ed.I
t
wasn'
thisusual
smil
ethatr
eachedhi
seyes.
Hay
den:
Idon'
tdeser
vey
ou.Angel
sli
key
ou.
..
Masakissedhi
m al
lov
erhi
sfacet
il
lhe
chuckl
ed.
Masa:
Nev
ersayt
hatl
ove.Il
ovey
oubi
gguy
..
Haydenfinal
l
ylaughedasMasakeptki
ssi
nghi
s
wholeface.
Hayden:
I'
m gl
ady
oudon'
thav
eli
pst
ickony
our
l
ips.
Masa:
Itwoul
d'
vemadei
tbet
ter
.
Hayden:
Iwanty
outostayher
eforawhil
e
l
ongerbutt
heyaregoi
ngtocomplai
nri
ght?
Masa:
It
'sokay
,Iwantt
omakesur
eyou'
reokay
.
I
'm usedtobei
ngcall
ednamesany
waysoi
t
won'tmakeanydi
ffer
ence.
Haydenf
rowned.Hewantedt
odel
vemor
eint
o
t
hatwhenshekissedhi
sli
ps.
Masa:Af
tert
hef
ormal
i
tiessi
mmerdown,
we'
l
l
t
alkaker
e?
Hayden:
YesMr sSmit
h,we'
l
ldef
ini
tel
ytal
k.I
guessIshoul
dlety
ougonow?

Hesai
dpout
ingandMasal
aughed.
Hay
den:You'
rel
i
kealit
tl
edoll
inmyhandsand
war
mt oo.Weshoul
dprobabl
ygetupt
hough.

Hejustt
urnedt
hem,
maki
ngherl
ayont
opof
hi
m.
Hayden:
Howlongfort
hem t
ofi
nishsot
hatI
canwhiskmywif
eaway ?
Masa:
I'
m notsur
ean-

Thatwaswheni
tregi
ster
edt
hathesai
dwi
fe.
Haydenki
ssedherli
psandsmi
l
ed.Hej
usthel
d
herandgotoutofbed.
Hayden:
Weshoul
dgety ouhomebef
oret
hey
not
icedon'
tyout
hink?
Masa:
Yeah.
.

Heputherdownonherfeetandqui
cklygot
dr
essedupbefor
epicki
nguphiscarkeysand
wal
kingoutwi
thher
.

AtMasa'
spar
ent
s

AdoorknocksoundedonMasa'
sdoor
.
MaKesa:
Masa?
Therewasnor esponse.I
fonl
ythi
sgir
lknew
theyweredoi
ngheraf avour
.Aft
eral
lher
whoringshegetstohaveahusband?
Shetr
iedtoopenthedoorbutitwaslocked.
Shesi
ghedandwal kedawayfrom t
hedoor .She
shoul
dgetupsoonandgerr eadybefor
eshe
embarrassesher
sel
fbefor
eherinlaws.

Kesaj ustsati ntheroom lookingather sel

fin
themi rror.Masahadbeent heunrulychil
dand
nowev ery t
hingwentwellforher .Shegotto
studyabr oad,gotajobthemomentshe
graduat ed, f
ellpr
egnantandi sget t
ingmarri
ed
i
ntomoney .Whywasi tt
hatt hev i
ll
i
ansgott he
goodt hings?Shehadmadei thertasktobet he
perfectdaught erandhermot herusedherasan
exampl ef orgoodbehav i
or .Masa'sbehav i
our
wasnev eronepeopl eusual l
yspokeofbuther e
theywer e.Hermagadi negot i
ati
onsaboutt o
takeplace.
Thebooksl i
ed.Thegoodgi r
lnevergotiteasi
ly
.
Shehadspentmor ethanay earlookingfora
j
obandshehadn' tfoundone.Pr i
dehad
stoppedherfrom askingMasat oo.Shemi ght
feelasifsheowedhersomet hi
ng.Sher oll
ed
hereyesasshedi dhermakeup.May beshewil
l
bebeaut i
ful
.Morethant hesocal l
edbride
hersel
fandHay denwi ll
seethathemadea
mistake,Masaisnothingbutawhor e.Just
becauseshehadmoneyi tdi
dn'tmakeherany
l
essofawhor e.

Meanwhi l
eont heroadMasawatchedHayden'
s
veinedarm onthesteer
ingwheelashi
sother
habdsoftlyrubbedhert
high.Hewasasight
that'
sforsure.
Hay
den:
Icanwal
kyoui
nsi
de.
.
Masa:
It
'sokay
.
Hayden:
Youhavenoi
deahowy
ou'
regoi
ngt
o
geti
ndoy ou?
Masa:
Nope.
Hay
den:
Ifi
gur
ed.

Sheleanedbackandlazi
lylookedathim.
Haydensmiledatherbefor
ef aci
ngtheroad
agai
n.Theystil
lhadalottotalkabout
.Maybe
counsel
li
ngwilldo.

Masa'
sphoneranginhergownpocketandshe
l
ookedatHaydenasshetooki
tout.
Masa:
Yikes!
Hay
den:
kemang?
Masa:
Mama.
.
Hay
den:
You'
reony
ourown.
Masa:
I'
l
lgety
ouf
ort
his.
Shebr
eat
heri
nandoutbef
oreanswer
ing.
Masa:
Heymom.
MaMasa:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Masa:
Inmyr
oom.
MaMasa:Iunlockedyourr
oom unl
essole
mol
oiandturnedy our
sel
fint
oateddybear
.
Masa:
I'
mthet
eddybear
.

Masa'
smotherdi
dn'twanttol
aughsincet
his
wasaser
iousmatterbutshel
aughed.
MaMasa:
Youhav
etenmi
nut
est
ogether
e.
Masa:
Yesmam.Thanky
ou.

Shehungupandl
ookedatHay
den.
Masa:
Howf
ar?
Hay
den:
We'
reaboutt
oar
ri
ve.
Masa:
Alr
ight
.

Haydenparkedt
hecarafewhousesawayand
Masalaughedundoi
ngherseat
bel
t.
Masa:bat
lont
shega,
kadi
gownmaphakel
aa
kana.
.
Hay
den:
Youl
ookcut
e.
Masa:
onl
yyou'
dsayt
hat
.

Shekissedhi
sli
psandshehel
don,
deepeni
ng
i
tholdinghi
scheeks.
Masa:
Ilov
eyouokay
?Il
ovey
oubabyboy
..
Hay
denchuckl
edki
ssi
ngherback.
Hay
den:
Kemot
onamowenaMasa.
.
Masar
oll
edherey
esandsatont
opofhi
m.
Hayden:
Oh.Youcould'
vedonet hi
stomel
ast
ni
ghtandIwouldn'
thaveresi
sted.
Masal
ookedhi
m st
rai
ghti
ntheey
e.
Masa:
Ifyoufeel
li
key
oucan'
tdoi
t,anyoft
his.
St
opallofi
t.

Haydenf
rownedsear
chi
ngherey
est
oseewhat
shemeant.
Hay
den:
Stopwhat
?Theweddi
ng?
Masanodded.
Hay
den:
Whywoul
dIst
opi
t?
Masa:
I-

Shepausedandfacedtheot
herwayf
oraf
ew
secondsbef
orel
ookingathi
m.
Masa:
Ify
ouf eel
unhappyatanypoi
nt,
youar
e
f
reetowalkaway.Il
oveyouokay?

Sheki
ssedhi
scheekwi
thasmi
l
eandgotof
f
him.Shet ookherphoneandgotoutoft hecar
andwal kedinhersleepi
ngclothestotheyard.
Therewasnouseofsneaki ngi nt
othehouse
whenal mostev ery
onewasawake.I twasjusta
fewmi nutespastseven.Shewasusedt othe
namessoi twouldn'
tbeanythingnewthatwas
saidabouther .I
tseemedasi fevery
thi
ngabout
herwaswr ong.

Sheopenedt hegateassomeofhercousi ns
sni
ckeredseeingher.Shejustwalkedtothe
houseandpassedheraunt .MaKesashookher
headwithdisgustanddisdainetchedonher
chubbynotsobeaut i
fulf
ace.Masaj ustmade
herwaytoherbedr oom andshebumpedi nt
o
Kesawhol ookedbeautif
ulasifshewast he
onewhom t heywerenegotiati
ngfortoday.
Masa:
Mor
ning.
.
Kesashookherhead.
Kesa:
Can'
treal
l
ymakeawi
feoutofawhor
e..
.

Wasal lsheutt
eredbeforewalki
ngaway .Masa
j
ustopenedherbedr oom doorandsatont he
bed.Shewasn'tgoingtocry.Shewast oget
readyandlookthepar t
.Yeah.Sheconvinced
hersel
fasshewal kedtothebathroom which
wasnoti nherroom l
ikeatherhouse.

Meanwhil
eatthebackoft
hehouseMaKesa
beamedwithpri
deasshel
ookedather
daught
er.
MaKesa:Maybetheymightchangetheirmi
nds
andli
keyou,
lookatyou.Al
lbeauti
fulandyou
arenotpr
omiscuous.
Kesasmi
l
ed.
MaKesa:Butei
therway
,youcanbeni
cet
oyour
cousi
n.
Kesa:
forwhat
?
MaKesa: Haydenisavi
ril
ey oungmanand
may besinceMasawi ll
bef ocusedonshowing
thatshei sagoodperson(agr i
mlookonher
face)shemi ghtaskt
hem toconsidery
ourjob
appli
cation.
Kesat
houghtabouti
t.
Kesa:
May
be.
MaKesa:
Somet
hingsy
ouhav
etobecr
uel
to
gett
hem.
Kesanodded,
knowi
ngthatgoodt
hingsr
arel
y
happenedt
ogoodpeopl
e.

I
nMasa'
sroom

Shehadt i
edherheadwrapskill
ful
l
y,astendr
il
s
ofherbeauti
ful
weavewer eexposedaroundher
face.Herhi
ghcheekbonesprominent,
softpi
nk
l
ipsti
ckonherpi nkpout ylips.Shehadgone
easyont hemakeup, ther ebelinherwant eda
smokeydar klookbutsheopt edf oranat ural
subtlel
ook.Shestoodupi nthedr essand
twirl
edaround.Perfectlength.Nott hatshewas
goingtodoany thi
ng.Justmay beser vethem,
passinghereandther e.Shewasn' treall
y
neededbutshewant edt olookf i
nef ortoday.

Herbedr
oom dooropenedandhermot
her
smil
ed.
MaMasa:
You'
rest
unni
ng.
Masa:Wil
ltheyal
l
owmet
oatl
eastt
aket
eaor
scones?
MaMasal
aughed.
MaMasa:Uhu,
thinkthegroom wi
l
lbether
e?
That
'swhyokgabil
ejaanagoreagobone?
Masa:
Yes.
MaMasa:
May beImightmakeami
stakeand
asky
outotakewater
.
Masagr
inned.
Masa:
Ilov
eyou.

Shehalfr
antohugherandMaMasapushed
herof
flaughi
ng.
MaMasa: I
'
m pray
ingthatyoudi
dn'
tmake
anot
herchil
d,Godknowshowy oursoni
sa
di
ffi
cul
tthi
ngtodealwith.
Masa:
Mysoni
snotat
hingandhei
syour
gr
andchi
l
d.
MaMasa:
Ledi
rel
etsey
ebanabal
ona.
.
Masashookherhead.
Masa:Admiti
tthatyou'r
eboredwithoutmy
babi
esentert
aini
ngy ou.Andtel
lmeI '
mthebest
motherint
hewor l
d.Tellme!Tellme!
MaMasa:
Okayby
e.

ShewalkedawayandMasal
aughed.Shel
oved
thatwoman.

Shepat i
ent l
ysati nherr oom asshekept
walkingt othewi ndowt opul l
thecur tainback,
theywi l
lcome.Shesi ghedandl ookedather
feet.Shedi dn'tknowwhyshef eltinferiorwhen
shewaswi thHay den.I
tmust 'vebet hatf eeli
ng
thatcomesoncei nawhi l
e,soheav ythatshe
hasapastandt hatitreall
ytaintswhatshei sat
themoment .Thei mageofhery oungsel f
alwaysf ail
edt oleaveherandatsomepoi nt,
shehadwai t
edf orHay dentoleav ebecauseof
herpast .Callherawhor einanar gumentand
tel
lherhowsheusedt obeadesper at eli
t t
le
thi
ng.Shehadwai t
ed,waitedforhi mt ofinda
reasont oleav ebuthehadn' t.
Ner
vousl
y,herf
inger
stwi
tchedasshewalked
t
othewindowagainandshesawcars.They
wer
ehere?Wow.

Shesatonthebedandbr
eat
hedt
oregul
ateher
hear
tbeat
.
.
.
.
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
76*
AtMasa'
spar
ent
s

Haydendi dwanttobepr esentandhehopedhe

wil
lstealaglanceatMasa.Theel dersfr
om hi
s
si
dewal kedaheadofhi m andthehsatdown.
Hesawt helookhi sfut
uremot heri
n-l
awgave
andhehadt ohi detheembar r
assment.He
wonderedwhatst oryMasahadspunt okeep
her
selfoutoftrouble.

El
der:
Bef
orewepr
oceed,
ret
lakopapul
o
molomo.

Hayden'
suncl esl ookedamongstt hemselv
es
bef
oreoneoft hem slippedahandi nhi
sauit
j
acketandpl acedabundl eofcashont hef l
oor
.
Masa'sunclesl ookedamongstt hemselvesand
l
ookedatt heSmi thdelegat
ion.TheSmi th'
s
hel
dtheirstarebutMasa' sfamil
ydi dn'
tback
down.Theyendedupremovi
nganot
herbundle
ofmoneh,pl
acingi
tnextt
otheot
herone.They
smil
ed.

El
der
:Wecanpr
oceed.

Meanwhilei
nt heroom Masanervousl
ystood
byherroom door.Shewantedtohearwhatwas
happeni
ng.Letthem makethiseasyforher
.
Shecouldn'
tclear
lyhearwhatwasbeingsaid
buthermotherpassedandsmi r
ked.
MaMasa:
Shems.
Masa:Mamawhat
'shappeni
ng?Bouncl
egaba
batseny
edi
ngal
oakere?
MaMasa:
Pat
ience.

Masawantedt
obi t
ehernai
l
sbutshelookedat
t
heper
fectmanicureont
hem andsi
ghed.
Masa:
Ihopet
hisgoeswel
l
.
MaMasa:
Don'
twor
ryt
hatf
ragi
l
ehear
tofy
our
s.
Masa:
Okay
.OhGod!Hay
denot
eng?
MaMasashr
ugged.
MaMasa:
May
be.
.
Masa:
Mama!
MaMasa:
Sitdownandwai
t.
.seey
ouont
hef
li
p
si
de.

Hermot herwal
kedawayandMasawal
kedt
k
herbed.Shetext
edhayden.
Masa:
Arey
ouher
e?
Shewai
tedforaf
ewmi nut
esf
orar
epl
y.Her
phonef
inal
l
ybeeped.
Bi
gBear
:Iknowy
ou'
reobsessedwi
thme
Masa: ‍♀Youdi
dn'
tanswert
hequest
ion.
Att
heloungeHaydenqui
ckl
yputhi
sphone
awayasheli
stened.
Uncl
e1:
Ourdaught
eri
seducat
ed.Shewent
abr
oadandst
u-gat
wekeengmolegamadi?
Ev
ery
onehadt
ost
if
let
hei
rlaught
er.
RaMasa:Bachel
orofSci
encesi
nFi
nanci
al
Engi
neer
ing.
Uncle1:
Gonemoo(l
aughi
ng)
ebi
l
eshegav
eyou
yourphot
ocopy
..
Hayden'suncl
esagr
eedandHay
dennodded
chuckl
ing.
Uncle2:Wechar
geahighbar
gai
nf orour
daughter
.Obonegor
eomont l
ejang?
Yel
lowboneyamolapeng.

Hay
den'
suncl
elaughednow.
Uncl
e2:
Omont
leaker
e?
Hay
den:
Eer
ra(
smi
l
ing)

Masa'
smothersawthatasanoppor
tuni
tyt
ogo
t
othebedr
oom tocal
lMasa.
MaMasa:
Taket
eaorany
thi
ng.Youhav
etwo
mi
nut
estogoandcomeback.
Masa:
Youl
ovemedon'
tyou?
MaMasa:
Imi
ghtchangemymi
nd.
.

Masaqui ckl
yst
oodupandr eappl
i
edher
l
ipst
ick.Shecal
mlywalkedtothedoorand
t
hrewasmi l
eathermother
.

Masawal kedtot heki

tchen,
cat
chingawhif
fof
Hayden'scologne.ShefoundKesaint
he
ki
tchen.Thisti
meshedeci dedtomindher
busi
nessandshutup.Sheopenedthefr
idge
andgotthewaterj
ug.Kesai
gnoredherasshe
pl
acedthesconesandteaonthetray
.

Kesawal kedawaytotheloungeandfi
xedher
smile.Makingsureshespott
edHaydenand
pl
acedt hetrayi
nfrontofhi
m bendi
ng.Hayden
tr
iedtohidehisshock.Whatwasgoingon?
Uncl
e:Thi
sfami
l
yhasal
otofbeaut
if
ulchi
l
dren.
Uncle1:
Thati
swhyshegav
ehi
m abeaut
if
ul
chi
ld.
Hay
denl
aughedandcov
eredhi
sface.
Hay
den:
Bat
hong.
.

Kesapaused.Hi
sv oicesentv i
brat
ionst
o
pl
acesshehadnoi nterestindeli
vi
ng
i
nfor
mationabout.Sheswal lowedandlooked
athi
m.Hewashot ,howt hehelldi
dhefallf
ora
sl
utl
i
keMasa?

Shel ookedt heot herwayasshest oodupright

.
Shesmi ledagai nandwal kedaway .Masa
calmlyaddedl emonsl icest othewater
,mint
l
eav es,iceandadr opofhoney .Somethi
nghe
alway sliked,especial
lywhenhewasgoi ngt o
theof fi
ceandshewoul dpr eparehi
swat er
.
Dil
igentlyev eryday.

Shepl acedgl
assesont het
rayandwal kedt o
thelounge.Hay denli
ft
edhiseyesl aughingand
hissmi l
efadedashet ookinhisfut urebride.
‍♀Lookatme.Het houghttohimsel fbutshe
didn'
t,shesti
llkeptherheadlowasshepl aced
theglassesont hetableandwalkedaway .His
fi
rstinsti
nctwast ofol
lowherbutt hent here
werei nthemiddleofthenegoti
ations.
Masal eanedagai nstthefr
idgeasshepi cked
anothertrayandpl acedthewaterjugont op
beforeshecalml ymadeherwayt othelounge
withherheadl ow.Hay denkepthiseyesonher ,
predatory.Att
hispoi nthewishedhewas
tel
epathicandt el
l hertol
ookathim.
Masaj ustpouredt
hewaterinaglassand
bowedhandi nghimthewater.Theirfi
ngers
brushedandhemadesur eitwasi ntent
ional
.
Hay
den:
Babel
ookatme(
whi
sper
ing)

Theel dersactingobl i
vi
oustot hesudden
tensionint heroom ast heypouredteaand
servedt hemselvest hescones.Masadi dlook
athim andheswor eunderhisbreath.She
stoodupr ightwithherheadl owandwal ked
away .Hay denwat chedherwal kawayt i
l
lshe
wasoutofsi ght.Mor ethantenmi nut
eslaterhe
real
isedshepr epar edthewat erthewayhe
l
i
kedi
t.

Masal
aidonherbedandt
ext
edTi
l
y.
Masa:
Sof
arsogood.
Godmot
her
:Youl
i
kewor
ryi
ngov
ernot
hing.
Masa:
Wel
l
,Ican'
twai
tnow.
.

Sheci
rcl
edherengagementr
ingonherf
inger
andsmil
edal
one.
Godmot
her
:Howi
sthef
ami
l
ytr
eat
ingy
ou?
Masa:
Excl
udingmycousi
nsandthisoneaunt
whoIswearhasavendet
taagai
nstme?Good.
Mom i
sanangel.
Godmother
: Youact
ual
lybel
i
evey
ourmot
her
doesn'
thav
eherownpl
ans?
Masa:
Iknowshedoes mom f
ory
ou.Anynew
sui
tor
sli
nedupfory
ou?
Godmother
:Doesy
ourhusbandhav
eany
cousi
ns?
Masa:
WellIhav
en'texact
lymetal
loft
hem,
ke
t
labonakokgorosong.
Godmot
her
:Updat
emeandI
'
llt
ell
youi
fIwant
t
hem
Masa: ‍♀Wenakana.Shar
po.

Hay
den'
stextr
epor
ted.
Hayden:
Aft
erwe'
redone,
makey
ourwayt
omy
car
.
Masa:
Whati
fIdon'
twantt
o?

Shewait
edf
oraf
ewmi
nut
esbef
orehet
ext
ed
back.
Hay
den:
Itwasn'
tar
equestangel
.
Sheswor eshecoul dactual
lyhearhi m sayi
ng
thatinherearandknowi ngshehadnochoi ce
butt oobey .Shepl acedherphonedownand
staredatt heceili
ng.Itwashappeni ng.Shehad
tocal m hersel
fdown.Soaf terthi
sshecanst art
sendingoutweddi ngi nvi
tat
ions.Obv i
ouslyshe
i
sgoi ngt opostt heweddi ngpictur
esaf t
erthe
weddi ng.Shest aredupatherr ing,admi ri
ng
howt hediamondshonei nt
hesunr aysthathad
somehowmadei tinsideherroom.

AtTessa'
spar
ent
s

Tessasatontheedgeofthebed.Hehadn'
t
evenconsider
edwhatshehadaskedofhim.
Sheshouldcutherl
ossesandgetoverhi
m.
Yeah.Thatwouldwork.

Herbedr
oom dooropenedandTi
asatnextt
o
heront
hebed.
Tessa:
And?
Ti
a:Wel
lIwantt
obuysomet
hing.
Tessar
aisedherey
ebr
ows.
Ti
a:Okay,
mom won'tgi
vememoneyf
or
i
cecream andanewbagso.
.
Tessachuckl
ed.
Tessa:
Nicet
ry.
.
Ti
a:Ir
eal
l
yneedt
hemoney
..
Tessa:
Atwhatcost
?
Ti
a:Any
thi
ng.
..

Tessasmi
l
ed.
Tessa:
Wellyoucancleanmyroom f
orhundr
ed
bucks?Enoughfory
ourbudget?
Ti
asmi
l
ed.
Tia:
Mor
ethanenough.Thanky
ou.Shoul
dIst
art
now?
Tessa:
Bemyguest
..

Shesai
dstandi
ngupwi t
hherphoneinhand.A
wal
kwilldoi
nthisqui
etnei
ghbourhood,
she
mused.

AtSer
owe

Hour slateraft
ert henegot i
ationswereover,
Hay den'sfamilylefttheyardandHay den
thankedhi sunclesf ordelegatingonhisbehalf
.
Theyal lsmilednoddi ng.Hay denwalkedtohis
carandhesati nsidewai t
ingf orMasat oshow
up.Hecheckedt het imeandt hesunwasj ust
setti
ng, t
hedi f
ferenthuesofor angemadet he
sunsetabeaut i
ful si
ghttobehol d.Hi
smi nd
wentbackt othet i
mei nMaun.Thesaf ar
idri
ve
andshehadscr eamedwhenshet houghtan
elephantwasgoi ngtocomeneart hecar .They
hadat ourgui
debutwomenwer edramat icli
ke
that.Mi nut
eslatershewasposi ngaf ew
met resawayf rom theelephantsast hesunset
madeherl ookmor ebeauti
ful.Okayjecan
fi
nallysayhehadawi fe.Awhol ewife.The
feeli
ngwasoutoft hisworld.Hiscardoor
openedandhi sey esshift
edt othatdirecti
on.
Hegav eheraknowi nglook.
Hay
den:
MrsSmi
thhi
..
Shesti
llhadtheheadwraponasshesmi l
ed
shyl
y.Herli
pswereclearoft
helipsti
ckshe
woreearli
eronandtheywerejustsmearedwit
h
whathesuspectedwasherfavourit
elipbal
m.

Hay
den:
Sitont
opofme.
Masa:
B-
Thelookhegav ehertol
dherthatsheknew
bet
terthantoarguewithhi
m.Shesatont opof
hi
m andhi shandssl
ippedunderneat
hthedress,
ashest ar
tedstr
oki
ngherthighs.
Hay
den:
You'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Hay
den:
Andmi
ne.
.al
lfucki
ngmi
ner
ightangel
?
Masa:
Yes.
.
Hay
den:
Good.
Masa:
Ikn-
knowt
hatl
ook.
Hay
den:
Whi
chl
ook?
Masa:
Thatone(
swal
l
owi
ng)
Haydenchuckledashesoftl
ykissedherli
ps,
sherespondedsametimehismemberj er
ked
andMasat ri
edtomov ebuthequi ckl
yhel
dher
waistashisarmsfel
tli
kesteel
ar oundher
waist.
Hay
den:
Fuck!CanIatl
eastf
eel
it?
Masa:
H..
Hayden:
Babeitwon'
thur
t,Ipr
omi
se.
.sal
eke
i
tshwereforawhol
eyearkesaut
lwebokhukhu
j
oo..
.hmm. .
.
Masa:
Nother
ebabe.
.
Haydenleanedback,
hishandsl
i
ppi
ngbet
ween
herthi
ghs.
Hay
den:
Masa?
Masa:
Rra?
Hay
den:
Iwon'
ttakel
ongaomma.
.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
77*

I
nsi
det
hecar

Masal
ookedi
ntohi
sey
esandki
ssedhi
sli
ps.
Masa:
Ali
tt
lebi
tmor
epat
iencel
ove.
Haydencouldseethatshedi dn'
twanttoeven
compromise.Hewascl osey etsofar
,heknew
hecouldmov eherpant
iesasi deandfuckher
sensel
essinthecarbutshesai dno,innotso
manywor ds.Hehadtor espectthat
.
Hay
den:
Okay
.
Masa:
Gakegane.
Hay
den:
What
every
ousayangel
.
Masa:
Arey
ouangr
y?
Hay
den:
Sexual
l
yfrust
ratedandnoIdon'
twant
abl
owjoborahandjob.Thankyou.
Masa:
Ba-
Hay
den:
It
'sokay
,I'
l
lwai
t.
..
Masa:
Hay
-
Hay
den:
Hav
eyout
ouchedy
our
sel
f?
Masa:
Asi
n..
.
Shet
rai
l
edof
fbef
orei
tfi
nal
l
ycl
i
cked.
Masa:
No.
Hay
den:
Keepi
tthatway
.
Masa:
Eer
ra.

Sheshouldpr
obablysi
tonherseatbecausehe
wasgett
inghardandherbei
ngont opofhim
wasn'
tevenhelpi
ng.
Masa:
You'
renotangr
ywi
thme?
Hay
den:
No.Notatal
l
..
Hepickedherupandpl acedheront heseat.
Thesexualtensionsti
ll
v erymuchpal pable
betweenthem.Masal ookedathi m asherey es
sl
idtothetentinhispant s.Haydenopenedt he
windowt ot
ryandbr eat
h.Howl ongwoul dhe
havetowait?Heaskedhi mself.Meanwhile
Masacount edthemont hs.Wi l
lhebeabl eto
waitforanextr
amont hort wo?Justthat?
Masa:
Ithi
nkIshoul
dgetgoi
ng.
.
Hay
den:
ofcour
se.

Heki
ssedhercheekbef
orepecki
ngherl
i
ps.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyou.
Masa:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.

Shegotoutofthecarast
heli
ghtwi
ndwhipped
thest
randsofherhai
rasshel
ookedar
ound.
Haydenlookedather.Hewil
lhavetowai
t.
Hopeful
lynottool
ong, hewasn'
tgoi
ngtofuck
upbucheating.Heknewshewoul dwal
kaway
wit
houtasecondglanceandhewoul dl
oseher
for
ever.

Hewait
edf orhertowal
kbackt
othey
ard
bef
oredri
vi
ngof f.

Masawal kedtotheyar
d.Itseemedasif
ever
ythi
ngwentwel l
andthef ol
lowi
ngweek
shewasgoi ngtogotohishomev il
l
age.

Shewalkedint
ot hehouseandheadedstrai
ght
toherbedroom whereshesatonthebed.The
dooropenedandshef r
ownedseeingKesa.
Masa:
HowmayIhel
pyou?
Kesa:
Icamet
oapol
ogi
se.
.
Masarai
sedaney
ebrowandKesahadt
o
mai
ntai
nahumbleexter
ior
.
Kesa:Isai
dsomeof fensi
vethi
ngst
oy ou
unnecessari
l
yandt herei
stensi
oni
nbetween
uswhenwear esupposedtobefamil
y.
Masaf
lashedabr
ightsmi
l
e.
Masa:
Cool
.Apol
ogyaccept
ed.
Kesa:
Justl
i
ket
hat
?
Masa:Yes.Yousawt
heer
rorofy
ourway
sand
youapologi
zed.
Kesagr
inned.
Kesa:
Ahug?

Masasmeltherat
tir
eandhowi tr
eekedof
Hayden'
scol
ogne,sheal
sojustdi
dn'twantt
o
hugher.
Masa:
I'
drat
hernot
.Thanky
out
hough.
Kesa:
Nohar
dfeel
i
ngs?
Masa:
Noneatal
l
.

Kesawalkedout.Hadshefor
giv
enherorhad
sheseenthatherapol
ogywasnotsi
ncer
e?
Eit
herway,i
twasnotyetover
.

Att
heguest
house

Hay denlaidont hebedashescr olledt

hrough
theirpict
urestoget her.Sur
pri
singlyhow
i
nt i
mat ethei
rrelationshipwas,broughtabout
peace.Hesl oweddownwhenhegott othe
picturesofthem wi thfacemaskson.Hehadt o
admi tthatshepr acti
callyf
orcedhimt odothat,
thatexactday .Hej ustmadet hepictur
ehis
What sAppdp.
Hewentt oFacebookwherehepost
edthe
picturecapt
ioned' Gents,shemademedo
this.Iswear '

Hesmi ledandwentbacktohi sgall

ery.He
chuckledwatchi
ngthevi
deoMasahadsent
him ofSmithJrwit
hthebaby.Butt heygotused
tothebabyamdsoonal lhi
st hreesibl
ingswere
protecti
veofhi
m.Hissmallfami l
y.

Butnomat terhowmuchhet r
iedtodi
str
act
hi
mselfwiththepictur
eheneededrel
ease.
Quickr
elease,atthemerei
mageofherunder
hi
m andmoani ng,
hegothar
d.Fuck!
!
Hay
den:
whybabe?Why
?

Hecoul
dbef ucki
nghertoobl
iv
ionr
ightnow,
t
ear
inghispussyapar
t,t
hatsweett
hing
bet
weenherlegsbel
ongedtohi
m andr
ight
ful
l
y
soandmakingsurehel
eftamark.

Hegotoutofbedandheadedt othebat
hroom.
Hewassurehishandswer eti
redoft
hesame
r
outi
ne,hav
ingtojer
kof fi
ntheshowerand
t
hennosweetpussyf orhi
m.Yep.

Sheli
ter
all
yhadhi
m byt
hebal
l
sanddi
dn'
tev
en
knowit.

AtTessa'
spar
ent
s

ShepausedwhenshesawHay den'sl
atestpost
.
Oht hatwast hewomani nhi
slife.Shewas
pregnanttoo.Shecouldn'
texactlyseeherface
becauseoft hefacemasksbuty ah.They
l
ookedhappy .Shej
ustgotoffFacebookand
swi
tchedof
fherl
i
ght
s.

AtMasa'
spar
ent
s

Masast ruggledtosleepthatni
ghtandshe
endedupwaki ngupwi t
hherphonei nhand.
ShedialedHay denasshequi et
lymadeherway
tothekitchen.Sheopenedt hefr
idgeand
grabbedacanofj ui
ce.

Hisphoner angt i
lli
tsenthert ov oi
cemail.He
waspr obabl ysleeping.Masawal kedoutoft he
kit
chenandwasaboutt oreachherr oom when
shehear dhushedv oi ces.Shegotcl osertot he
room andl i
st enedcar efull
y.Shehadnot hing
bettert
odo.Shel i
stenedon, disappoint
edbut
notsurprised.Shedi dn'tknowwhatsheev er
didtothesecousi nsofher s.Shenev erstole
thei
rboy f
r i
ends, hel
l shewasn' tev ensmar ter
thanmostoft hem, shedidn'
tevenknowhow
shepassedherf ormf ivet
oo.Sheshookher
head.Ei
therway ,noneofherfamilymembers
weregoingtoent erherhouse,whystar
twhen
sheismarri
edwhent heynev
erdaredwhenshe
wasreal
lysingle?St upi
d.

Shegott
oherr
oom andcl
osedt
hedoorsof
tl
y.
Masa:
Ohsohel
pmeGod.
Shef
inal
l
yut
ter
edassheopenedt
hej
uicecan.
.
.
*
*
AWEEKLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
78*

AtBobonong

Masasatdowni ntheroom f ul
l ofelderl
yladi
es.
Tradi
ti
onal l
yshewasHay den'swi feandwas
expectedtoactaccordingly.Thel egalaspectof
themar ri
agewouldbedeal twi thinaweek
befor
et heyhadtodeal withtheact ualwedding
ceremony .Shehadhadt i
met oplant he
weddingsoev eryt
hingwasgoi ngaccor di
ngto
plan.
Aunt
:Wear
eher
easy
ouri
n-l
awsandpar
ent
s.
Masanodded.
Aunt2: Tot
angwanaka, marr
iageisnochi
ld'
s
play.Youaregoingtotakeav owtostandwit
h
thatmenf ortherestofhisl
i
fe.Thatmeansthat
youar enolongerasinglewoman, y
oupass
yourdeci
sionspasthi
m.Hei
stheheadoft
he
house.
Aunt:
Andifyourhusbandwant
stosleepwit
h
you,l
ethi
m.Itisyourdutyt
oensur
ethatheis
well
fedsinceyou'
rehiswif
e.
Masa'
sfaceheat
edasherauntsai
dthi
s.
Aunt2:Andyou'r
eal r
eadydoingastell
arj
ob
withtheki
ds,butjustdon'tl
etthenannyt
ake
overevery
thi
ng.Somemi ghtendupwantingt
o
takeyourhusband.
MaMasa:Andr el
atives.Somear er
eall
y
danger
ousthemi nutey ouletthem i
nsidey
our
matri
moni
al home, sober eall
ycareful
.
Theotheraunt
sspokeandMasa'
smot
her
l
ookedatherfi
nal
ly.
MaMasa:All
Icansayisthat,
ifitgetstoomuch
youknowwherehomeis.Ifhelaysahandon
you,
ourar
msar ewideopen.Don'tforgett
hat
youhavey
ourparentst
oo.
Thel
adi
esnoddedi
nagr
eement
.
MaMasa: Bei
ngmar r
ieddoesnotmeany ou
shoul
dst optakingcareofy oursel
faboo
i
tatl
helel
a.Mostwoment endtoputt hei
r
husband'sneedsabov etheirsandlose
themselvesinthemar r
iage,turni
ngt obe
peopletheyarenot.Masadon' tbet hatper
son.
Masa:
Eemma.

AhugepartofMasawasgladMaKesacouldn'
t
makeit
.Withwhatsheknew,shecoul
dn'
tbe
abl
etotol
erat
eher.
Aunty:
Anddonotwhol l
ydependonHay den.A
womanmusthav eherownt hi
ngsincase
thi
ngsgosouth.Notthatt
heywil
lbutthings
changebutj
ustincaseakerengwanaka?
Masa:
Eemma.
MaMasa:
Ket
seel
agor
eor
eut
lul
e.
Aunt
y2:
Shedi
dandy
our
aisedherwel
l
.
MaMasasmi ledlookingatMasa.Masahad
beenali
tt
lespawnofsat anbutshewouldn'
t
tr
adeherdaughterforanyt
hing.Thewayshe
hadgr
ownandmat uredwasr eal
lyremar
kabl
e.
MaMasa:
Thanky
ou.

Meanwhi
leoutsi
dethemental
kedt
oHay den
whowaspayingatt
enti
ont
oeveryl
i
ttl
ething
t
heyaai
d.
Uncl
e:AsIwassay i
ng,
mosadi
gabet
swe,
ke
gal
asewat hubega.
Uncl
e2:
Exact
ly,
omol
ayahel
asent
le.

Haydenwasr
eall
yamused,hehadt
ohi
det
he
amusementf
rom hi
seyes.
Uncl
e3:
Ifshei
sdi
srespect
ful
,waj
ewa.
Hay
den:
ohGod!
(t
ryi
ngnott
olaugh)
Uncle2:Whetheriti
sinthemor ni
ng,after
noon,
atwork, sheneedstoknowwhoherhusbandi s
atallt
imes.Woment endtothi
nkwear esof t
becausewel etthem getawaywitheverythi
ng.
Thatthingbetweenyourlegskeyonet hupaya
l
elwapa.
Hay
den:
Eer
ra.
Uncle:wheneveryouhaveprobl
emsy oufeelwe
can'
thandl e,
wear eal
lher
e.Asadvisorsand
possible.
mediator
sakereregonyadisi
tse.
Hay
den:
Eer
ra.

Uncle2:Well
Ithi
nkourj
obi
sdone,
heshoul
d
gethisbri
de.
Theyl
aughed.
Uncl
e4:
Leeneot
ser
eomont
leny
anegor
e.
Hay
den:
Iknow(
smugl
y)

Theydisper
sedastheyprepar
edt otakehi
s
wifetohim.Well
shehasbeenser vi
ngthem for
thepastfewdaysandtheyhavebeenkeeping
thetwoapart,
withnoi
nteract
ionswhatsoever.

I
nt heroom Masawasin,
thel
adi
eswalkedout
l
eav i
ngMasawi t
hhermother
.Masahugged
hermot her
.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
MaMasa:
Wehavetoprepar
eforl
ater
,takea
bat
handsmel
lgood.

Hermotherwasaboutt
owal
koutwhenMasa
cal
ledher
.
Masa:
Mom?
MaMasa:
Yes?
Shef
iddl
edwi
thherhands.
Masa:
Uhm.
..
MaMasawal
kedbackandsatnextt
oheron
t
hebed.
Masa:
Ihav
enev
ersai
dthi
sbutsext
err
if
iesme.
Hermot
hergav
eheraquest
ionabl
elook.
Masa:
AfterHudson'
sdi
ff
icul
tbi
rt
h,Ican'
tbr
ing
mysel
ftodoit.
MaMasa:
Hav
eyouexpl
ainedi
ttor
raagwe
Smi
th?
Masasi
ghed.
Masa:
Ijustt
oldhi
mI'
m notr
eady
.
MaMasa:
Tal
ktohi
m,I
'
m sur
ehe'
l
lunder
stand.
Masajustnodded.Haydenhadbeenwi thher,
moret
han24hour sofl abourcontract
ions.She
hadal
mostgonet hroughac- sect
ion.Almost.
Shehadbeenscar ed,atthet houghtofdyi
ng
knowingthatherkidsarey oungandHay den
havi
ngtor ai
seanewbor nonhi sown.She
cl
osedherey es.Andhowshecr i
edwhent hey
deci
dedforanepi siot
omypl usshehadt hehelp
ofanepidural
.Itwasr eal
lycrazyinthagroom.
MaMasasawMasa'
sface,
howitactual
l
y
scar
edt
hel
iv
ingday
li
ght
soutofher.
MaMasa:
Getready.It
hinkal
mostever
yonewi
l
l
bet
her
elat
erokay?AndImeanev er
yone.
Masanoddedashermot herwalkedout.She
walkedtothemi rr
or.Itwasn'tevenabouthow
herbodyhadbeenoutofshape, justhowitwas
ahor r
if
icexperi
encef orherinthelabourroom.
Aftershehadhealedf ull
ywhichi nhercase,she
tookmor ethansixweekst ohealbecausethey
foundoutshehadn' tbeenst i
tchedupcor r
ectl
y.

Shesentat
extt
oHay
den.
Masa:
Ilov
eyou.
Bi
gbear
:OkayMr
sSmi
th.Lookpr
ett
yforme.
Masa:
Yessi
r.

Shesmi ledabitplacingherphonedown.She
wil
l updateTi
l
yl ateroninregar
dstohis
cousins.Maybet heywillmeetatt
hewedding
ceremonyandgeton.

Meanwhi
l
eatFr
anci
stown

AtLet
ty'
shouse

Shewalkedoutoftheyardandshesaw
Regi
nah'shouse.Thegat
ehadbeenpadl ocked
andshewassur eli
vi
ngnexttothi
shousewas
goi
ngtobringmemor i
es.Morethan7yearsof
notseei
ngt
her
eal
wor
ld.Hay
denhadgr
ownso
much.

Hewashi sfat
her'sr
epli
caandthatscar edher,
nowt hathehadmat uredandhest i
l
l hatedher
withpassion.Evenmor enowthathischi l
dren
didn'
thaveamot her
.Wouldheallowhert o
meethi skidsatacertai
npointi
nherl i
fe?Or
shewoul dstil
lbethewickedwit
choft hewest ?

Noonehadbot heredt ocheckonheratpr ison

orevenatt heasy l
um.That '
showsheknew
theydi
dn'tcar e, thepastmont hshehadbeen
outshehadbeent ryi
ngt ogatherthecourage
toseehim andhet hrewheroutl i
keadog.Hi s
ownmot her .Shedi dn'thav
eany t
hingtoher
nameatt hispoi nt.Justtheclothesandthe
house.Lettywal kedinsidethey ardandclosed
thegate,pushi ngi ttocloseit.May behe
neededtocal
m downandshewi l
ltryagai
nto
reachout
.All
thoselonelyyear
sshowedhow
shewasactuall
ythevil
lai
ninthestory.

Att
heSmi
th'
s

Haydenspr
ayedhi scologneonhi
sshirtandhe
gl
ancedathi
sr ef
lecti
oni nthemi
rr
or.Hewas
goi
ngtobegivenhi swife.Hesmi
led.

Masawor etheleteiseandt heheadwr ap.Of

coursei twasadi ff
er entoneandf orthisone,
undersunset s,t
herewasaphot ographert o
capturet hemoment .Herblueheel shadbeen
madet omat chherl et ei
seandshewassur e
shedi dn'tneedt hatmuchmake- upbuti thelped
thattheyhadamakeupar ti
stt owor khermagi c.
Ifi
tfeltlikethisthenshedi dn'twantt oimagi ne
howt heact ual weddi ngdaywoul dfeel l
ike.
Sheglancedatherrefl
ecti
oninthemirrorand
smil
ed.Shet ooksel
fi
esofherselfandshe
gri
nned.Shewasbeaut i
ful
.Shereall
yfelt
beauti
fulandnotwhatpeoplecall
edher .

Shelower edherheadastheelder
scamet oget
her.Shedi dn'
tdar
eli
ftherheadtolookaround.
Shegr acefull
ywal
kedinthoseheel
sf ol
l
owi ng
theelders.

Haydensmiledsi
tt
ingdownashesawherf i
ne
l
egs.Blai
rwasbusykeepingtheki dsatbay
whenshesawMasaappr oaching.Shewas
beaut
if
ul.Tear
sblurr
edherey es.Aawman.
Theywereacutecoupletogetherandthey
madeacut ebabytoget
hertoo.
Haydenstoodupast heladi
esstart
edwiththei
r
ul
ulati
onsandMasabl ushedstil
ll
ooki
ngdown
astheladi
esshowedherar ound.Shecould
fi
nall
ysiti
nmeetingsbecauseshewasno
l
ongerasingl
ewomanandt hatmeantHayden
wouldtooandnotwor kli
ketheotherboyswho
wereyettomarry
.

Masacouldsmellhi
scologneast heymoved
cl
oserandinsecondshersofthandwasinhis
l
argehand.
Hay
den:
HeyMr
sSmi
th(
deepv
oice)

Herhear
tbeati
nhert
hroatandshel
ookedup
athi
m wit
hashysmil
e.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
79*

Att
heSmi
th'
s

Hay
densmi
l
edl
i
fti
ngherheadup.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyou.
Hercheeksheatedandhel
aughedpull
ingher
tohim andkissi
ngt
hetopofherheadasthe
peopleulul
ated.
Hay
den:
Final
l
ymywi
fe.
.Il
ovey
ou.
Masa:
Ilov
eyout
oo(
sof
tl
y)
Heheldherinhi
sarms.Masahel
dhim,
enjoyi
nghi
sarms.Heli
ter
all
ysweptherof
fher
feetashepi
ckedherupandshesqueal
ed.
Masa:
OhGod!
Hay
den:
Urgman!
Sheheldontohi
sneckwithagri
n.Shewas
happyandshewasgoingtoall
owhersel
fto
enj
oythis,
hermoment.Thei
rmoment.

WhenHaydenwalkedar
oundcarry
inghershe
hadt
ohideherf
aceinhischest
.
Hay
den:
CanIf
inal
l
yshowof
fmywi
fenow?
Masa:
Yes.
Hel
aughedki
ssi
ngherf
oreheadagai
n.
Hay
den:
You'
redi
ff
icul
twoman.
..
Ilov
eyou.
Masasawt heki
dsf
rom adi
stanceandshook
herhead.
Hayden:
Ican'
twaitt
ododget
hebi
gguy
sand
saymywi f
esaidno.
.
Masal
aughedhi
tt
inghi
schest
.
Masa:
Bat
hongH.
Heshruggedsti
ll
carr
yingher
.Heki
ssedher
l
ipsbefor
eheplacedherdownonherfeetand
sti
l
lhel
dherclose.
Masa:Thi
sisourwor seorforbet
ter
?Ourt
il
l
onetakesthei
rlastbreat
he?
Hay
den:
Ourhappyendi
ng.
.
Masagr
inned.
Masa:Wel li
t'
snotgoi ngtobeaneasyr oadbut
here,
justbetweenust wo,nowitnesses,under
theperfectsunsetblossomingwi t
hcolours.
Promisemet hatyouwi l
lbethereforme.I'm
notoneoft hebestpeopl eoutthereandIknow
atsomepoi nty oumighttir
ebutIwantt hat
assurance.
Haydenheldthebackofherneckandbrought
hi
slipsdownonher s,
gentl
yrubbi
ngherback
wit
ht heot
herhand.
Hayden:Thi
siswherethest
oryst
art
s.Iwant
you,al
lyourpret
tymomentsandnotso
f
latt
eri
ngoutbursts.
Shel
aughedandhi
thi
schest,
harderthant
he
l
astt
imeandhepret
endedtowince.
Hayden:Youhav emyword.IloveyouMasa.I
fI
hurtyouitwon'tbei
ntent
ionalbutIwi
l
lst
il
lbe
thereforyou.
Hedi dn'
tdaresayitwi
l
l bef
orev
erandalways.
Lasttime,helostaper
sonwhenhet houghtl
i
ke
thatbutheknewhel ovedMassandhehoped
sheunderstoodtoo.
Hay
den:
Dar
eIsay
,you'
respendi
ngt
heni
ghti
n
mybed?
Masaner v
ouslylaugheditoffasshef acedthe
sunsetandHay densensedherdi scomfort
.He
heldherfr
om behind.Atthi
spoi nt,t
heyhad
for
gottenther
ewasaphot ographerwhohad
alr
eadytookcountlessofphotosoft hem.
Hayden:
Somethi
ngi
sbot
her
ingy
ouSunshi
ne.
Tal
ktodaddy.
.

Hesai
dashi
svoi
cecar
essedher
.
Masa:
Not
hing.
.
Hay
den:
Masa?
Masasi
ghed.Whenhest
art
edcal
l
ingher
name.
..
Masa:
Rra?
Hayden:
Letmein.What
'sgoi
ngoni
nthatpr
ett
y
mindofyour
s?
Masa:
I'
m sor
ry.
Hef
rownedst
il
lhol
dinghi
swi
fe.
Hay
den:
Whatf
or?
Masa:
Ideniedy ouuhm..
sexandyouwai
tedthe
whol
eyear.I-
Ijustcoul
dn'
tbri
ngmysel
ftodoit
.

Haydenwentsi
l
entf
orawhi
l
ebef
oreshewent
on.
Masa:
Aft
erHudson'
sdi
ff
icul
tbi
rt
handj
ust
-
Hay dencl osedhisey es.Hehadbeenscar ed
there, hethoughthewasgoi ngtol oseherri
ght
i
nt hel abourroom andhecoul dn'tfat
hom that.
Atthatpoi ntwat chinghercryont hebedwi th
nosi gnoft hebabycomi ngoutforover24
hour s,ithadjustfinishedhim.Hehadbeen
startingtothinkthathewascur sedandt hat
anywomanwhocar riedhischi
ldwasgoi ngto
die.Hesqueezedherhand.
Hay
den:
Iheary
ou.
.af
teral
mostl
osi
ngy
ouand
seei
ngy ougothroughal
lthat
,I'
m notget
ti
ng
youpregnantagain.
Masa:
Cont
racept
ivesar
enota100%saf
ean-
Hayden:
BabeIknow.Tr
ustme.I
'
m sor
ryyou
wentthr
oughthatt
obri
ngmybabytoear
th.
Masa:
Yourbabyi
sjustsomet
hingel
se.
Hay
den:
Hehasy
ourey
es.
Masa:Nohedoesnot.Idespi
seyourgood
genes,hei
sli
ter
all
yyoursecondcopyaft
er
SmithJr.
Hay
den:
Arey
ouonanycont
racept
ives?
Masal
eanedagai
nsthi
m.
Masa:
We'
regood?Gakedi
rekabomuH.Sor
ry.
Hay
den:
Wear
e,nowanswermyquest
ion.
Masa:Thei
njecti
on.Iwantt
oinser
tthel
oopt
oo.
I
sitcoolwi
thy ou?
Hay
den:
Iti
s.
Masa:Doyout
hinky
ou'
l
lbeabl
etoweart
he
condom wi
thme?
Hay
denshookhi
shead.
Hayden:Hel
lno!MasaI
'm notwear
ingr
ubber
wit
hy ou.You'
remywif
eMasa. .
.
Shesi
ghed.
Masa:
Butweknowallcont
racepti
onisnot
100%saf
eandImightfal
lpregnant
.
Hayden:
I'
m sti
ll
notusi
ngacondom wi
thyou
MasaandI '
m notgoi
ngtof
urt
herdi
scussthat
.
Shesighed.Maybeshemightt
iehertubes?Urg
she'
ll
talktohi
m asti
megoesonbutGod
knowsshedoesn'twantababyinthenextfi
ve
year
s.

Lat
ert
hatcool
eveni
ng
I
twasasmallcel
ebr
ati
onandthefest
ivi
ti
es
wer
eoutsi
dewhenMasamadeherwayt oher
r
oom.ShefoundAri
sprawl
edonthebed.
Masa:
sweet
ie?
Ar
iel
l
ewokeupheari
nghermother'
svoi
ce,
she
wasabi
tdi
sor
ient
edassheti
redlyr
ubbedher
ey
es.

Masajustwal
kedtoherandpickedherheav
y
body
,placi
ngthebackofherhandonherhead.
Shewasburni
ngup.
Masa:
Arey
ouokaybaby
?
Shepl
acedherheadonhermot
her
'sshoul
der
weakl
y.
Masawal
kedoutandshebumpedi
ntoBl
air
.
Masa:
Hey
,hasshebeenf
eel
i
ngl
i
ket
his?
Bl
air
:Wet ookhert
ot hecli
nicandtheygav
eher
medicat
iontotakeforthefever
.It
'sst
il
l
per
sist
ent
?
Masal
ookedatherf
ir
stbor
ninherar
ms.
Masa:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Blai
r:
Becausey
ou'redoi
ngwhaty
ou'
redoi
ng
now.You'r
eworry
ingMasa.
Masasi ghedasshewal kedt
othekit
chen,
spotti
ngHay denholdi
ngHudson.Haydenj
ust
walkedtowher eshewasheadingandHudson
l
ift
edhissmal lhandswhenhesawhismot her
.
Masa:
Sorrybaby
..
Yoursi
sterneedsmy
at
tent
ion.
Hay
den:
Issheok?
Masa:
Gatweafev
er.Iwanthert
oeat
somet
hingt
hengetthemedicat
ionf
rom Bl
air
.

Sher
ubbedAr
i'
shead.
Hay
den:
Shel
ookedf
ineear
li
er.
Masa:
Yeah.
.Hopef
ull
yshewi
l
lbeokayby
t
omorrow.
Hay
den:
Ihopeso.
.heypr
incess.
Shel
if
tedherheadwit
hal
i
ttl
esmi
l
eandMasa
j
ustl
ookedatHayden.
Masa:
Shedi
dn'
tsmi
l
eatme.
Hay
den:
What
ever
.You'
l
lbef
ineokayhoney
?
Shenodded.
Hay
den:
Bri
ngherher
e,t
akey
ourson.

MasajustletAr
iel
lesl
iddownherasshegot
Hudsonfrom Haydenandherbabyboybeamed
t
ouchinghercheeks.
Masa:
wenakana.
Hegi
ggledmaki
nghi
sbabysoundsandMasa
hadt
olaughabi
t.
Hay
dengent
lypi
ckedAr
iel
l
eandwal
kedaway
wi
thher
.
Hay
den:
Cuddl
esandsnuggl
es?
Shenoddedpl
aci
ngherheadonhi
schest
meanwhil
eint
hekit
chen.
.
Masa:
Wenawhatam Isupposedt
odowi
thy
ou?
Hudsonj
ustsmiledreveal
i
nghi
stwot
eet
hand
t
ouchedherfaceagain.

Onceev eryt
hinghaddieddownandMasal et
thekidsstaywithhermother,whowasonl ytoo
happytobesur roundedbythefourki
ds.Av er
y
andSmi thJrhadwentont otell
hermot her
everyt
hingthathasbeenhappening.Avery
beingtheonewhoseemedt ospill
moret ea.
Masa:
Aver
ywabuabat
hong.
Av
erywav
edherof
f.
Av
ery
:MamaI
'
llt
ell
yout
omor
row.
.
Masa:
Lankoba?
Smi
thJr
:By
emom.Gr
amsaswewer
esay
ing.
..
MasawalkedawayasHudsoncrawledtohi
s
bi
gbrot
herandlai
donhisbacknexttohim.

Masawalkedoutoft
her
oom andf
eltar
ms
ar
oundherwaist
.
Masa:
Howi
sshe?
Hay
den:
She'
sokayandasl
eep.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Hel
ookedov
erhershoul
derandl
aughed.
Hayden:Theyal
way
shav
esomet
hingt
otal
k
about.
Masa:Tel
lmeaboutit
.Theyki
ckedmeoutand
gotcomfort
abl
etal
ki
ngtomom.
Hay
den:
Thenl
etmewhi
sky
ouof
f.
.come.
Heheldherhandandtheywalkedoutsi
det
he
house.Heledhert
otheback,asacastl
ecame
i
ntov i
ew.Sheknewitwashis,heal
ways
pref
erredhi
sspacebutshehadneverbeen
i
nside.

Haydenopenedthedoorandl
edheri
nsi
dest
il
l
hol
dingherwai
st.
Hayden:
Thennextweeky
ou'
rel
egal
l
y
mine?t
hankyou.
Masat
urnedt
olookathi
m.
Masa:
Forwhat
?
Hay den:
Lovi
ngme,mykidsasiftheywere
yoursevenbefor
ewegott oget
herandaft
erI
fuckedup.Youneverl
etourdif
fer
encesaff
ect
ourkids.Il
oveyouMrsSmi t
h.

Hesai
dlet
ti
nggoofherandl
ocki
ngt
hedoor
.
Masa'
shear
tski
ppedabeat
.
Masa:
We'
real
one?
Hay
den:
yesmam.
.comeher
e..

No.Nott hatvoice.Sheduti
ful
lywal
kedtohim
andhel i
ftedherheadupbef oreheki
ssedher
l
ips.Eachsecondoft heki
sswasgetting
heatedandhej ustranhi
shandsbehindher
back.Hepi ckedherupmaki ngherwrapher
l
egsar oundhi storso.

Awhol eyearwit
houtsex?Wi t
houtfeeli
ngher?
Hewasgoi ngtomakei tcount.Eachandev er
y
secondofit.Hewalkedintohi
sbedr oom and
hesatdownwi thheront opofhim,theydidn'
t
breakthekissashesli
ppedhishands
underneat
hherdressandhef elttheshudder.
Haydenf
inal
l
yt or
ehislipsawayandlookedat
hernowswell
ingli
ps.Hehadt ogivehera
choi
ceandnotcoerceherintodoingwhathe
wantswhenshedidn'twantthesame.
Hay
den:
Shoul
dIorshoul
dInotl
ove?

Shelookedi nt
ohisey esandtouchedhischeek.
Hehadbeensopat ientandhadn'tpushedher.
Theel ders'advi
cerungi nherhead.Thelonger
shewi thholdsit,
hemi ghtgoforsomeoneel se
thi
nkingt hathedoesn' twantt
obot herherwit
h
thatandwho' shear
tisgoi ngt
obreakwheni t'
s
l
ikethat ?
Hay
den:
Baby
?
Sheclosedhereyesandki
ssedhi
m backand
hegroanedinhermouth.
Haydenheldhercheeks,
tur
ningt
hem andshe
wasunderneat
hhim.
Hehel
dherhandsabov
eherandl
aughed.
Hay
den:
You'
rebeaut
if
uly
ouknowt
hat
?
Shenodded.
Hay
den:
Yourbodyi
sformypl
easur
eangel
?
Hepurredwi
thadeepv
oicet
hatsentchi
l
lsdow
herspi
ne.
Hay
den:
Hmm.
.IcandoasIpl
ease?
Shedidn'
tl
ikethatt
one.Shedi
dn'
tl
ikei
tatal
l
butshenodded.
Hay
den:
thanky
ouangel
.

Hekissedheragain,
sl owly,
thei
rtongues
touchi
nginbetweent hetonguekiss.Heletgo
ofherhandsandwentf orherzi
p.Hehelpedher
shimmyoutoft hedressandsmi ledindeli
ght
l
ikealionhappyabouthi snextmeal.Masa
swall
owedahugel ump, unabletobreat
hwhil
e
herbodysentadiff
erentreacti
ondownt oher
mostsensit
ivepart
s.Shewaspr ay
ingitwas
thesweetl
overwhomadel ovetoherwhenshe
waspregnantbecauseshedi dn'
tli
kethatgl
i
nt
i
nhiseyes.Notatall
.

Hisfi
nger
stracedhermidri
ffandcir
cledt
here.
Teasi
ngtogol owerbutt
henmov ingupagai
n,
shegasped,
shehasn'tbeentouchedinayear.
Hay
den:
Beaut
if
ull
ookatme.
(deepv
oice)
Shedi dashi
sf i
ngerscarel
essl
ypulleddown
herlacepanti
esdownhersmoot hyell
owlegs
andshekeptherey essolel
yonhi m.Hayden
crumpledthesmal l
pieceandthrewitonthe
matbef or
elookingather.
Heopenedherl
egswit
honehandandchuckled
seei
nghisf
avour
it
epartofheranat
omygl
i
sten.
Hehasn'
tevenst
art
edyet.
Hisfingersj usttrai
ledi
nbetweenherthi
ghs
andst oppingj ustwhenhewasaboutt otouch
her.Masar eleasedasof tmoanandhelooked
ather.Hewasal readycontr
oll
i
nghimsel
fasit
str
ainedhispant s.

I
nsecondshehadpul
l
edhert
otheedgeoft
he
bedand#EXPLI
CIT
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
80*
AtTheSmi
th'
s

Masacr i
edsoft
lyasshetr
iedtowalktot
he
bathroom i
nhi
sroom butfai
l
edaraf ewsteps.
Shesatbackdownont hebed.Shehadduties
aroundthehometoperfor
m butherachi
ng
bodywasn'tal
l
owingit.
Masa:
Fuck!
(underherbr
eat
h)
Shepausedf oramomentandl ookedatt he
prickwhomadeheri mmobi l
esl eepi
ng
peacef ul
lywithhishandsomenakedsel fouton
display.Shebreathedinandoutbef oreshe
tr
iedagai n.Herthighshurtsobadbutshehad
towakeup, shedidn'tevensleepawi nkbut
her eshewas.Shewant edtosuf focat
ehi m and
whi l
eshewasgl ari
ngathissl eepingfacehe
openedoneey e.
Hay
den:
Mor
ningwi
fey
..
Shewantedtopunchhi
m butthewayhi
s
morningvoi
cecar
essedher
,sendi
ngti
nglesal
l
overherbody.
Hay
den:
Easywoman,
don'
tki
l
lmei
nmysl
eep.
.

Hesai dr
eachingf
orthesmall
ofherbackand
pushingheri
ntohismuscul
arbody
.Hekissed
herli
pssoftl
yandshefel
thi
m gohard.
Masa:
No!No!Ineedt
obemaki
ngbr
eakf
astf
or
t
hepeopl
e.
Hayden:
Stayi
nbed.I
'
llt
alkt
othem ony
our
behal
f.
Masa:Idon'
twantt
obel
abel
l
edt
hel
azy
daughteri
n-l
aw.
Hay
den:
Cany
ouwal
k?
Heaskedr
unni
nghi
sknuckl
esunderherey
e
bags.
Hay
den:
Andy
oul
ookt
ir
ed.Youshoul
dn'
tev
en
besl
avi
ngov
erast
ove.
Masa:
I'
l
lmanage.
.
Haydenchuckledandgotoutofbed,pickedher
upandheadedt othebathr
oom.Hepl acedher
onthetoi
letseatandranwarm wat
erf orher
.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Masa:
Ilov
eyou.

Whent het ubwasfull

hepour edbat
hsalts
beforehegentlydeposit
edherinsi
de.The
warm wat erpl
ussalt
sst ungherandshe
wincedashehel dhershoulderssothatshe
doesn'tgetoutofthewat er
.
Hayden:
Sor
ryangel
,si
tint
her
e.I
'
lluset
he
shower.
Hekissedhernecksoft
lysucki
ngoni
tasshe
f
inal
l
yr el
axedinthewater
.
Hay
den:
Comf
ort
abl
e?Doy
ouwantmet
ohol
d
y
ourhandbabe?
Shel
aughedsof
tl
yandl
ookedupathi
m.
Masa:
Got
akeashower
,I'
l
lbeokay
.
Hepeckedherli
psonemor
eti
mebef
ore
headi
ngtotheshower
.

Haydenwastheonewhocarr
iedheroutoft
he
bat
hrubandtothebedr
oom.Shefel
tbett
erbut
i
tsti
llhur
t.
Hayden:Ist
il
lsay,l
etmedeal
wi t
hthem.You'
ll
dothosemeasl yduti
est
omorrowortheday
af
terthat.
Masa:
Babe.
.

Hay
denr
aisedhi
shandsi
nsur
render
.
Hay
den:
OkayMrsSmi
th,
cal
lonmei
fyouwant
metobai
lyouout
.
Masa:
Iwi
l
l(smi
l
ing)

Shel
ookedatHay
dent
henf
rowned.
Hay
den:
Ihady
ourcl
othesmov
edher
e.
Masast oodupandshef eltthatachebetween
herlegsandheralreadypai nfult
highsbutshe
walkedthroughthepainmaki ngherwaytothe
wardrobe.Haydenjustraisedaney ebr
ow.She
wasi npainalr
ight
.
Hay
den:
Yourwal
ksar
efunny
.
Masa:
Iknowdar
li
ng.
.

Shepi
ckedoutthedressandaheadwrapto
wear
.Haydencaref
ull
ywatchedhergetdr
essed
asheworehi
steeandsi l
kpant
s.
Hay
den:
Eatf
ir
stbef
orey
oul
eav
ethehouse.
Masa:
It
'sal
mostsev
en.
.
Hay
den:Waytooear
lyi
fyouaskme,weshoul
d
bel
ayi
nginbedandchi
ll
ingbabe.
Masapeckedhi
sli
ps.
Masa:
Somet
hingwemi
ghtdol
ater
?
Hay
dennodded.
Hay
den:
Eatsomet
hingt
hen.
.

Shesmi ledandsl owlywalkedout .Hayden

foll
owedcl oselybehi ndher.Sheopenedt he
fri
dgeandl ookedar ound.Nothingseemed
appetizingf orher .Haydendidn'twantt olisten
tohislibidor ightnow, babygirlneededabr eak
butdamnshewasgoodandst i
lllookedgood.
Hemov edhi sheadi nherdirecti
onasshe
optedf orwat er .Tryi
ngtoeaset hepr essure,
Masal eanedagai nstthecounterandcur iously
l
ookedatherhusband.Herhusband.She
blushedandl ookeddown.
Hay
den:
Masa?
Masa:
Rra?
Hej
ustwalkedt
oherandt
rappedheragai
nst
t
hecount
er.
Masadr ankherwaterl
ooki
ngathimf r
om her
l
ongl ashesandHayden'
shandsmov edtoher
boobsandt hefactt
hatheblat
antl
ydidso
crackedherupandshekissedhisl
ips.
Masa:
AsmuchasI'
mi npai
nrightnow,I
pr
omiset
hatIwi
l
ltendtoyourneedslat
er.
Hay
densl
i
ppedhi
swar
m handi
nsi
de.
Hay
den:
Oh?
Masa:
Ye-
uuh.
.
Hef
li
ckedheral
readyhar
dni
ppl
e.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eseei
ngy
oul
i
ket
his.
..
Masaj
ustnodded,
unabl
etof
orm wor
ds.
AdoorknocksoundedonthedoorandHayden
appl
i
edmor epressur
eonherareol
asandshe
moanedsoft
ly.
Voi
ce:
Ko-
ko?
Hay
den:
Dumel
ang.
.
Voi
ce:
Hay
den?
Hay
den:
Ma?

Theper
sonout
sidepausedasMasabi
tdown
herl
i
p.

Haydensli
ppedhishandinsi
deherski
rt
,hi
s
handsli
ppinginsi
deherpant
iesandhefel
tthe
warmf l
esh.Shemustbesoretoo,t
hatheknew.
Histhumbf l
i
ckedonhercli
tandshemoaned.
Voi
ce:
Hay
den?
Hay
den:
Ma?
Voi
ce:
Isournewbr
ideup?
Hay
den:
Yes.Shei
sint
heki
tchen.
Voi
ce:
Masa?
Masadidn'tknowhowshewast oanswerwi
th
Haydenrubbinghercl
itasshewasaboutto
answerheplungedhistwofinger
sinsi
deand
shemoanedal i
tt
lel
ouder.
Masa:
M-aaah.
..
m-
Voi
ce:
You'
reneededi
ntenmi
nut
es.

Theauntdeci dedtowalkawayasHay dendid

quickwor kofwhathewasdoi ng.Hersweet
j
uicesfi
lledhishandandheki ssedherlipsas
helookedi nt
oherdazedey es.Okay.Heshould
probabl
ygi vebabygi
rlabreak, shesai
dshe
hashousedut iest
otendt oandhej ustwants
herbesideshim.Nowher eelse.Heck,hedidn'
t
evenwantanyoft hem totasteherfoodandget
anyi
deasabouthi
swi
fe.

Masaopenedhereyesandherhusbandki
ssed
herl
i
psagain.Hegri
nned.Hecoul
dsmellher
comeal
loverherandhewassureshecould.
Masa:
Ishoul
dchangef
ir
st.
.
Hayden:
Youcansti
ll
dot hatt
omor
row.I
'
llsay
you'
reti
redorsomet
hing..

Shejustlookedathi m andgentl
ypushedhi m
awayfrom her .ShewalkedoutandHay den
fol
lowedher .Therewasnowayt ochangeher
mind?Herwat chedherchangeherunder wear
andclothes.Heheadedt othebathroom to
washhishandsbef orereappl
iedhiscolognei
n
thebedroom.
Masa:
Seey
ouf
orbr
eakf
astatt
hemai
nhouse.
Hay
den:
Okay
..
Heki
ssedherandl
ookedi
ntoherey
es.
Hay
den:
Icanbai
lyououtangel
.
Masar
ubbedhi
schest
.
Masa:
Byel
ove.
.

Shewal
kedoutandhesmi
l
edal
one,
grabbi
ng
hi
sphone.

Att
hemai
nhouse

Masaawkwardl
ylookedar
ound.Notevery
one
wasupandshehadt omakebreakf
astfor
ev
eryone.
Aunt
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Masa:
Yes.
.
Theauntlookedatherandwalkedaway
.What
di
dHay dendotothepoorchi
ld?Shesti
fl
eda
l
augh.

AtUni
ver
sit
yOfBot
swana

Tessacheckedhersocialmediaasshewas
gett
ingr
eadyforherlessons.

Shehadwantedt
ounfr
iendHaydenbutshe
coul
dn'
tbri
ngher
sel
ftodothat
.Hisrecentpost
wasareasonwhysheshoul
d'
vedonet hat
.

Shescroll
eddownt hepict
ureshejustposted
andshelaughedindisbeli
ef.Thewomanhe
hadtol
dhernott oworryabout.Apparent
lythey
wereco-parent
ingandnowshei stheMr s
Smi
th?Shechuckl
edr
eadi
nghi
spost
.

'
Icanfi
nal
l
yint
roduceMr
sHay
denSmi
tht
othe
publ
ic '

Pict
uresofhi m andMasal ookingsoi nloveand
shehadagoodguesswhowasMasa' sbaby
daddy.Him.Soshewaspr egnantwhent hey
weretogether?Hecheat edonher ?Wow!Such
abastard.Ithappenedov eray earandahal f
agobutithur tt
hathehadal readyf ounda
repl
acementorbet teryetthereplacementhad
beenwai t
ing.Onewr ongmov efrom herand
sheclawedont ohim.Justbecauseshewas
goodwithki dswhichwer en'
tev enherownki ds.

ShewenttoMasa'sprofi
leandther
ewas
not
hingonherpartaboutherbei
ngengaged.
Sheshookherhead.Wow!
ShewentoffFacebookandjustgr
abbedher
school
bag.Shehadal essontoat
tend.

AtTheSmi
th'
s

Masaser vedHay denhisfoodbefor

eshe
walkedoutoft hedi ningr
oom andheadedback
tothekitchen.Ignoringhowitseemedasi f
everyoneknewaboutwhathappenedl astni
ght
.
Evenhermot herlaughedatherfacejust
becauseshewal kedwei r
dly.
Uncle:
Canshecookev er
yday?Bathongngwet
si
yaronaeit
segoapay a.(
ourdaughteri
n-l
aw
knowshowt ocook)
Hayden:Shewon'
tbecooki
ngever
yday
,lebat
la
golapisamosadi
wame? (
youwanttomakemy
wif
et i
red?)
Theyl
aughed.Her
eal
l
ywashappyt
ohav
ehi
s
wif
e.

I
nthekit
chenMasasi ppedonthecoff
eeasshe
t
houghtaboutwhattomakef orl
unchforheri
n-
l
aws.Shewillf
igur
eitoutri
ght?
.
.
*
*
*
AMONTHLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
81*
AtMasa'
shouse

MasasatdownasMat i
l
dawal
kedi
nsi
deher
bedr
oom wit
haglassofwi
ne.
Masa:
Don'
tgetmedr
unkbef
oret
heweddi
ng
t
lhemma.
.
Til
y:
Marr
iedwoman.I
'
m sohappyf oryou.You
havecomealongwaythoughyoustil
ll
etwhat
peopl
esaygettoy
oubuty ouhav
ecomeal ong
way.
Masa:
I'
veaccept
edt
hatpeopl
etal
kan-
wel
lI'
l
l
l
iv
e.
Ti
ly
:Dri
nkupanddr
ink.Spendy
ourl
astni
ghtas
abachel
oret
te.
Masal
aughedf
lashi
ngherhandbef
oreherf
ace.
Masa:
Techni
cal
l
yIam mar
ri
edMat
il
da.
Ti
l
y:What
ever
..
Masa:
Imi
ssmybabi
es.
Til
y:Don'
tbeamother,
justfort
hesecoming
weeksandenjoyyour
self.Youhavebeenwi
th
thosekidsf
orthel
ongesttime.
Masa:
Iknow.Iknow.
.

Herphonerangandshefrownednot
r
ecognizi
ngthenumber.
Masa:
Hel
l
o.
Therewassi
l
encef
orawhi
l
ebef
oret
heper
son
spoke.
Voi
ce:
Wow!
Masa:
Tessa?
(abi
tsur
pri
sed)
Tessa:
Youwer
esl
eepi
ngwi
thHay
denwhi
l
ehe
waswithme?
Masa:
I'
m sor
ry.Excusey
ou?
(cal
mly
)
Tessa:
Justwai
ti
ngforustobr
eakupsot
hat
youcanusetheki
ds,real
l
yMasa?
Masa:
Stop!Whatt
hehel
lar
eyout
alkingabout
?
Getmyprett
ynameoutofy
ourmouth.
Tessa:
AndIcan'
tbel
i
evel
i
keaf
ool
Ifel
lfori
t.
Masa: Babygirl
,cal
m down.Dri
nkwaterand
study.Oldermenbr i
ngbabiesandyoudon'
t
wantt hat,j
ustgetmynameoutofy ourmouth
anddon' tcall
meagai nokaysweet
heart
?Nwa
met siandrestnana.

Shehungupandbl ockedhernumber .Tessa

wasaboutt ospeakandshedi aledt henumber
againbutitdidn'tgothrough.Shesoundedso
concei
tedandr ude.Thatsweetactt hatsheput
upwasf akeinot herwor ds.Heri nsti
nctswere
ri
ghtbutHay denst i
llhasn'tcal
ledherupabout
thatof
fer.May beshecoul dr emindhi m.A
wholemont hshet r
iedtoacceptt hatitwas
Masa.Someonehetoldhernottoworryabout
andsheispr
egnantwhent heyar
etogetherand
shewasamedst udentsoshesureknewMasa
hadl
ongbeenpregnant.Justwow.

Meanwhi
l
eMat
il
dal
ookedatMasa.
Ti
l
y:Wher
edi
dthatcol
dchi
l
lcomef
rom?
Masa:Peopl
eareannoyi
ng.I
'
m aniceper son
Til
ybutnowbo'youstol
emyman' reall
y?Can't
apersonrel
axwit
houtpeopl
ethr
owi ngwor ds
herway?

Shesai
dsi
ppi
ngherwi
ne.
Ti
l
y:Youar
eri
ght
..
mor
ewi
ne?
Masa:
Yespl
ease.

AtLet
ty'
shouse
Shesawt hepict
uresofhergrandkidson
Masa'sFacebookprofi
le.Thewomanhewas
mar r
yingwasbeauti
fulandshewasy oung.
Youngerthanhim.Thatwassur pr
isedherat
fi
rstbuttheni
tsetthaymay beReginahhad
beenaphaseandherwant i
ngtoteart hem
aparthadonlymadehim wanttopr ovet hati
t
wasn'taphase.

Hergrandki dswer ebeauti

fulandtheboy
l
ookedal otli
keHay den.LikeHayden'sdad.The
questi
onsheaskedher sel
fwaswhowast he
l
itt
legirlwhol ookedlikeHayden'
sf i
ancee?
May beshecamewi ththekidbutshelooked
famili
ar.Shesi ghed.Shewasgoi ngtoneeda
l
otofcour aget ofaceHay denonceagain.

Askf
orf
orgi
venesst
houghshecan'
tact
ual
l
y
forgi
veCane, hetookherdown.Thatcompany
wasn'thist obegi
nwithandshest i
ll
hatedhi
m
forit
.Shewonder edhowshewasgoi ngto
makehi m paybutnotl
eadi
ngany thi
ngtoher
.
Shebr oughtherhandstogetherandshe
couldn'tcomeupwi thanyt
hingatthemoment .

Att
heof
fi
ce

Lunasatinhersmal loffi
ceasshecl earedher
boss'sschedul
ef orthenextcomingweeksand
makingsuretor eschedulet
hei mportant
meetings.Thel
astt i
meshenear l
ylostherjob
becauseuninvi
tedpeopl ewalkedinsidehis
off
ice.

Herphonerangandshequi
ckl
yst
oodupwi
th
heplanneri
nhand.
Shewal
kedt
oHay
den'
sof
fi
ce.
Luna:
Sir
,youcal
l
edf
orme?
Hay
den:
Yes.
.

Hewentontoexpl
ainwhati
tisheneededand
shenodded.
Luna:
Atherhouse?
Hay
den:
Yesandcall
thedri
vert
opicktheki
ds
upt
oday
.Dropthem of
fatmyplace.
Luna:
Oni
tsi
r.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ouLuna.
Shestoodupandwal kedout.Peoplewi
th
moneycanjustsnaptheirfi
ngersand
ever
ythi
ngwil
ljustappear.Lucky
.

Hay
dencl
osedhi
sfi
l
eaandl
eanedbackdi
ali
ng
hi
swife.I
tfeltsogoodtosaythatandtothink
heworkedtil
lthever
ylastdaybefor
etheir
weddi
ng.Shewasnothappyaboutt hat.Notat
al
l.
Hay
den:
MrsSmi
th.
Masa:
Hel
l
oyou.
..
Hay
den:
Arey
ougood?
Masa:
Youdoknowy
ou'
remybestf
ri
end?
Haydenf
rownedbef
oreasmi
l
eappear
edonhi
s
l
ips.
Hay
den:
Yeah.
.
Masa:
Ilov
eyou,
Ilov
eyou.
..
Ilov
eyou.
Hay
den:
Arey
oudr
unk?
Masa:
Ihad1,2.
.uhm i
sitf
ourgl
asses?Ti
l
yke
f
ourkanafi
ve?
Hay
den:
OhGod!
Masa:
Iusey
ourshi
rtasapi
l
lowcase.
Hay
den:
Weshar
ethesamebed,
youdonot
.
Masa:
Wear
elov
ers?Orshoul
dwebel
over
s?
Hay
den:
You'
redr
unkdr
unk.
.
Masa:
I'
m not
..
Ilov
eyouHay
den.
.by
ee

Shehungupandhelaughed.Hewast
heone
whocall
edfi
rstt
hough.

Lat
ert
hatday

AtHay
den'
shouse

Thekidswalkedupstair
stothei
rroom and
Ariel
l
ejustwalkedt
ot heki
tchenwhereshe
foundthenannywit
hherl i
tt
lebrot
her.The
nannyfrownedseei
nghowpal eAriel
l
el ooked.
Nanny
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Ar
i:
I'
m col
d..

Thenannyboi
ledwaterint
hekett
leandwalked
outholdi
ngAr
iel
le'
shand.I
twasreall
yhot
outsi
deandshesaidshewascoldplusher
handwaswarm, l
ikeshewasheati
ngup.
Nanny
:Okaybaby
..

Sheputthebabyi
nhiscotandledAr
iel
l
et oher
room wher
eshejustt
oldhert
ogetundercov
er.
Nanny
:I
'm cal
l
ingmommyordaddyokay
?
Ari
ell
enoddedassheweakl
ypulledt
he
bl
anketscloset
ohersmal
lchestandcl
osed
hereyes.

Thenannydi
aledMasa'
snumber
.
Masa:
Hel
l
o..
Nanny
:Ar
iel
l
eisn'
tfeel
i
ngwel
l
..
Masasober
esupi
mmedi
atel
y.
Masa:
Ari
?I'
m o-
onmyway
..

Thenannynoddedasshehungup.

AtMasa'
shouse

Masa:
Cal
lHay
denandCane.
..
Shehandedherherphone.
Ti
l
y:What
'swr
ong?
Masa:
Ari
isn'
tfeel
i
ngwel
l
..
Ti
l
y:Whati
fit
'sacommonf
lu?
Masa:Well
it'
sper
sistentashel
lbecausewe
havebeengivi
ngherfevermedici
neandsheis
okaythentwodayslateri
t'
sworsethenshei
s
l
i
kef
ine.
.
Til
y:
Andyoudidn'
ttel
lme,
I'
m dr
ivi
ngy
ourdr
unk
assany
way..
Masa:
Oh.
.y
ou'
readoct
or.If
orgot
.
Ti
l
y:Fucky
ou,
let
'sgo.
.
Masa:
Okay
..

Masast
oodupandhel
dont
othet
abl
east
he
wor
ldst
art
edspi
nni
ng.
Masa:
Shit
!Youalwaysmakemedr unkwhi
l
e
youdr
inkasingl
eglass.Sat
anwena!
Ti
l
y:I
'
mther
esponsi
bleonedumbhead.
Masa:
Fucky
ouagai
n!

Mati
ldawal
kedtothedoorandMasaf
oll
owed
t
ryi
ngtobebalanced.
Theywal
kedt
oTi
l
y'scarandl
ucki
l
yMat
il
da
openedt
hedoorforher
.Onceshewasbuckl
ed
upshecal
ledHay
den.
Hay
den:
Baby
..
Masa:
Ari
issi
ck.
.
Hay
den:
I'
m onmyway
.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
.

Shehungupanddial
edCane.Hehadt
oknow,
hewasthebabydaddy.
Masa:
Hel
l
o?

Ther
ewasal
otofbackgr
oundnoi
seandcr
ying.
Masa:
Hel
l
o?
Cane:
Hey
..
Masa:
Ari
ell
eissi
ck.
.
Cane:
Alr
ight
..
Masapausedandt
ri
edt
ost
ophersl
ur.
Masa:
Alr
ight
?
Cane:
I'
m onbaby
sitt
ingdutythissi
deandhe
j
ustwon'tst
opcr
ying, y
ou'
llupdat
emeakerele
wenaommaagweAr iel
le?
Masa:
Mhmm.
.
Cane:
Sendhermybestwi
shesandI
'
llcome
soon.
Masa:
Ok.

ShehungupandleanedbackasTi
l
ydr
ovet
o
Hayden'
shouse.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
82*

AtHay
den'
shouse

Masachewedonsomemi nt
sasshewalked
outofthecar
.Fi
rstthi
ngshedidwasheadtoth
kit
chenforacol
dglassofwatersot
hatshecan
regai
nhermarbl
es.

Af
tert
hatsheslowlymadeherwayupst ai
rst
o
Ar
i'
sroom.Shefoundt hetoddl
ersl
eepi
ngwith
aheavybl
anketoverher.
Nanny
:Shesai
dshei
scol
dbutshei
shot
.
Masa:
Mati
ldai
sdownst
air
s,cany
ounar
rat
e
t
hattoher
?She'
sadoct
or.
.
Thenannymadeherwaydownst air
sasMasa
peel
edtheblanket
soffherbabyandpi
ckedher
up.Shetouchedherf
orehead.
Masa:Okaysweet
hear
t,wear
etaki
ngy
out
othe
hospi
tal
..

Shewalkeddownt hest
air
shol
dingAr
iel
l
eand
shesawHay den.
Hay
den:
Issheokay
?
Masa:
Shei
sheat
ingup.
Hay
den:
Shi
t,l
et'
sgo.

Hegotthechildfrom Masaast heywalkedout.

Mati
ldalookedatAr iell
eandshookherhead.I t
coul
dn'
tbe.Coul dit?Sheshookherhead.
Maybetestswillproveot her
wise.Thenanny
hadtol
dheraboutAr iel
le'
ssympt omsthispast
monthandwel lshepr ayedtoGodi twasn't
whatshewast
hinki
ngof
.
Til
y:
Wheny ougett
othehospi
tal
,askt
hem t
o
runtest
s.
Masa:
Doy
ouhav
eanyi
deawhat
'swr
ongwi
th
her
?
Til
y:
Itmightbeacol
d..
kidsgetf
ever
sev
erynow
andthen.
Masasensedabutandshecoul
dseet
hat
Mati
l
dadidn'
twanttot
alk.
Masa:
Okay
.Thanks.
.

Masagoti
nthebackseatwithAr
iel
leand
pl
acedt
hechil
d'
ssmal lheadonherlap.
Masa:You'
l
lbeokaybaby
..
hmm.
.mommyl
oves
you.Wealll
oveyou.

Hay
denr
ever
sedandspedof
f.Hekeptgl
anci
ng
att
hebackwhi
l
ehedr
ove.
Hay
den:
Remai
ncal
m angel
..
Masa:Ican't
.NowIfeel
likeabadmot
her.She'
s
beenhavingonandofffever
sandIdi
dn'
tread
muchmor eint
oit
..

Tear
scl
oudedherv
isi
on.
Masa:
Ifeel
li
kei
t'
smyf
aul
t,Ishoul
d'
ve.
.
Hayden:
Hey.
.nott
heblamegamenow.Our
pr
incesswi
l
lbef i
neokay?You'
reagr
eat
mother.
.
Masa:
Bu-
Hay
den:
Don'
tdot
hatt
oyour
sel
fbabe.
.

Hearr
ivedatthepr
ivat
ehospital
.Itbr
ought
backmorememor i
esbuthepushedt hem down
ashequickl
ygotoutofthecarandwenttopick
Ar
iel
l
e.
Masaj ustl
ookedagAriel
l
ewhowasnowpal e.
Hay densawthesadnessandgui
l
tinhereyes.
Ther ewasnowayhewasgoi ngt
oconvinceher
thatitwasnotherf
ault
.

AtLet
so'
spl
ace

Sheansweredherphone.Shedidn'
tknowwhen
andhowsheandKat sobecamef ri
endsbut
sur
pri
singl
ytheywere.Goodfr
iendsatit
.
Kat
so:
Hel
l
o..
Let
so:
Hi.
.
Kat
so:
Sowell
,we'
vebeeni
nvit
edtot
he
weddi
ngandIwaswonder
ingify
ou'
regoi
ng?
Let
so:I
'
drathernot
.Ididt
ellyouaboutmy
hi
stor
ywithMasaandal t
houghshesayswe'r
e
good,
Ican'thel
pbutfeelgui
l
tyespeci
all
ysi
nce
sheissogoodt ometoo.Imeanshehelpedme
wit
ht hi
sbusinessi
deaandyouwell
,youwere
hel
pingmet oo..
Kat
so:
Please.
Let
so:
Soy
ou'
vegi
venup?
Katso:ThemomentIf oundoutsheisseei
ngmy
brother'sassoci
ateandwel l
Idi
dn'twantt
oget
onHay den'
sbadsi de.
.appar
ent
lyhehasanot
soni cesideandI'm suremybrotherwoul
dlet
megetdamnedbyHay den.

Let
sol
aughed.
Let
so:
Yourbr
otheri
snott
hatbad.
Kat
so:
Wellyoudon'tknowhim, hi
ssoftspoti
s
Maddyandheloveshi ssi
bli
ngsinaweirdway.
Heisj
ustacomplicatedhumanbei ng.
Let
so:
Wel
li
fyousayt
hat
..
.
Kat
so:
Arey
oucomi
ng?
Let
so:
Huh.
.
Kat
so:
Huh.
..
shi
t,ur
garey
ouat
tendi
ngt
he
weddi
ngasmydate?
Let
so:
I'
l
lsee.
Kat
so:I
'
llbebored,atl
easty
oucankeepme
companyLetso..

Sheshruggedassheclosedherbooks.Her
onli
necoursewasgoingwellandmaybe, j
ust
may beshemightgett
ostudylaw.Asshe
wishedbutnowshehadt otakebabysteps.
Let
so:
I'
l
ltel
lyoul
aterokay
?
Kat
so:
CanIbr
ibey
ouwi
thdi
nnerl
ater
?
Let
so:
Okayboyby
e..

Shehungupandchuckl
ed.
Att
hehospi
tal

Hay
denhel
dashaki
ngMasai
nhi
sar
ms.
Hayden:
Baby,
yourhear
t.
.sheisgoingt
obe
okay.We'
repr
obabl
ywor r
yingovernot
hing.
.
Her
ubbedherback.
Masa:
Theyar
etaki
ngsol
ong.
.
Hay
den:
Lett
hedoct
orsdot
hei
rjobangel
..

Heplacedherheadonhi
schestandr
ubbedher
backgentl
y.Tr
yingt
ocal
m her
.
Hayden:
Babyi
t'
sokay
,shei
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine
angel
..
Shebreat
hedint
ohischest,
sobr
ietywasher
cur
rentst
ateatt
hemoment .Hayden'
swarm
embracewascomfort
inginaway .
Thepedi atri
cianmadeherwayt othem and
Masai mmedi at
elystoodup.Haydenfol
lowed
andheldheri nhi sarms.Heneededhercalm,
hedidn'tforgetthatshealsohasaheart
condit
iont hatcankillheroneoft
hesedaysifi
t
getsoutofcont r
ol.
Doct
or:
Wel
l
...
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
83*

Att
hehospi
tal
Doctor
:Wel
lwerantestsandt her
esult
swi
llbe
outonTuesdaysi
ncet omorr
owi t
'st
he
weekendandourl
abt echni
ciansdon'
twor
kon
weekends.
Masa:
Sowhatdowedoi
nthemeant
ime?
Doctor
:Herfeverhassubsi
dizedandwewi
l
l
keepherovernight
.
Hay
den:
Canweseeher
?
Doct
or:
Ofcour
se.
Masasi
ghednoddingandt
hedoctorwal
ked
away
.MasalookedupatHaydenwhoheldher
..
Hay
den:
Wear
enotget
ti
ngwor
ri
edangel
.
Masajustnoddedandl
ethi
mleadtotheroom
wher
eAr i
ell
ewas.Theywal
kedinsi
deand
Masaquickl
ywenttohol
dherbaby'
shand.
Masa:
pri
ncesshey
..
Ar
iel
lel
ookedatherwi
thasmi
leandMasakept
wonder
ingwhatwaswrongwi
thherdaught
er.
Ari
:
Mommywi l
lIbeherefor
ever
?Tomor
rowwe
havet
oat
tendthewedding.

MasalookedatHay
denaboutt
hat
.Woul
ditbe
wisef
orthem t
osti
ll
hav
eaweddingwhenher
babyi
sunwell?
Ar
i:
Yougett
olookl
i
keapr
incessmommy
..
Masa:
Soonokay
?
Ar
i:
Tomor
row.
.

Shesatupr
ightandl
ookedatHay
denwho
smil
edather.
Ar
i:
Sot
omor
rowwear
egoi
ngt
otheweddi
ng.
.
Masa:
Ari
e-
Ar
i:
please.
.
Masaj
ustr
ubbedhersmal
lhand.
Masa:
okaybaby
.

Shesai
dwithasigh.Hay
densmi
l
edwal
ki
ngup
tohi
sstepdaughter
.
Hay
den:
Heysweet
ie.
Ari
ell
esmiledsweet
lyathim.Masahadto
smil
e.Thesetwohadar eal
lygoodr
elat
ionshi
p.
Haydenwasr eal
l
yperf
ectandgoodforher.
Masa:
Ilov
eyou.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyoumor
eangel
.

Masarubbedherhandstogetherasshesl
i
pped
herphoneoutofherpockett
ocallhermom.
MaMasa:
Hel
l
o?
Masa:
Heymom.Ar
iisi
nthehospi
tal
an-
MaMasa:
Issheokay
?
Masa:
Sheseemsbet
terbutwe'
l
lonl
yknow
what
'swr
ongwit
hheronTuesday
MaMasa:
Oh.Okay
.
Masa:
Idon'
tknowi
ftheweddi
ngwi
l
lgoon.
.
MaMasa: Justt
rytocheckwi t
hthedoctorifi
t'
s
okayforhertobedischargedtomorr
owand
you'
ll
dealwithwhethertheweddingshouldgo
onornotfrom t
here.
Masa:
You'
rer
ight
.
MaMasa:I
'
m alway
sri
ght
.By
eandt
ell
Ari
ell
e
t
hatIl
oveher
.
Masachuckl
edasshehungup.

HaydenrubbedAr
iel
le'
scheekasshecl
osed
hereyestosl
eepagain.
Hay
den:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
heygav
eherbutshe
seemst
obef
ine.
.
Masa:
Besi
deswear
enoti
nanyr
ushf
ort
he
weddi
ng.
.
Hay
den:
Youwant
edasunsetone.
.
Masa:
Sunsetsar
ebeaut
if
ul,
Iwoul
d'
vepr
efer
red
i
tonthebeachbutt
hevenuewehavewi
l
ldo..
I
l
oveyou.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyoumor
e,comeher
e..

Shewal
kedtohi
m andsatonhi
slapashehel
d
Ari
'
ssmall
hand.
Masa:
Shedoesn'
that
ehospi
tal
sasmuchasI
do.
.
Hayden:
Youdidn'
twanttobeherewheny
ou
gav
ebi r
thbutyouhadtobehere.
.
Masa:Asachi
ldIal
waysendeduphere
becauseofmyheartpr
obl
em al
mostever
y
week.Itwast
ort
ureburIl
ear
nttocont
rol
iti
n
myt
eenagey
ear
sandi
ntoear
lyadul
thood.
Hayden:
Til
lImessedupandy
ouendedupher
e
agai
n.
Masa:
We'
repastt
hat
.Don'
tbeaty
our
sel
fov
eri
t.
Hayden:Ican'
thel
pbutf eel
gui
l
tyt
hatIst
ressed
youtothepointoflosi
ngHudson'
stwi
n.I
'm so
sor
ryangel..
Masa:
wemov
edf
rom t
hat
.
Hesi
ghed.
Hay
den:
Iknowbut
..
.
Masa:
Nobut
s.Babe?
Hay
den:
Yeah.
.
Masa:
Thekidsar
ealmostei
ghtnow,
don'tyou
t
hinki
t'
sti
mey oushowthem t
hei
rmother'
s
t
ombstone.
.
Hay
dentensedandMasaf
elti
t.Shet
urnedt
o
l
ookathi
m.
Masa:Iknowitwashardtel
li
ngthem about
Regie,
mayhersoulrestinpeacebutt heyhave
toknow.I'
m sur
einthei
rsmal l
inquisi
tiveminds
theyarewonderi
ngbuttheywon'tvoiceitout.
Hay
den:
Theyar
est
il
lyoung.
Masa:
Buttheycanknowandthem bei
ngyoung
i
sanadvantagebecauset
heywon'tdwel
ltoo
muchonitwhentheyareol
der.
.H
Hay
den:
I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
Masa:
Ify
ouwantmet
otal
kwi
tht
hem wi
thy
ou.
.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
.
Masa:
Okay
..
Hay
den:
DoesCaneknowAr
iei
sinhospi
tal
?
Masa:
hei
sbusybutheknows.
Hay
den:
Okay
..

Her
ubbedhert
highandshel
ookedathi
m.
Masa:
Obonawena?
Hayden:
Angel
awholeweek?Out
lwanal
ego
nt
imakukuakere?
Masal
aughedandhi
thi
sshoul
der
.
Masa:Wehav
eahoney
moont
opr
epar
efor
kant
e?
Hayden:
andy
oudon'
tev
enknowwher
ewear
e
goi
ng?
Masa:
Tel
lme,
tel
lme.
.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lhi
tit
?
Masa:
Tshek.
.
Hay
denshr
ugged.
Hay
den:
It
'sagi
veandt
akewi
fey
..
Masa:Iwantt
owalkt
hef
oll
owi
ngday
,thank
youverymuch..
Hayden:
Andyoual
sohav
etoser
vey
our
husbandMrsSmit
h.
Masa:
Pat
iencebabe.
.
Hayden:
You'
remysecondchanceathappi
ness.
It
houghtIl
ostt
hatf
orever
.
Masa:I
'
llal
way
sbether
efory
ouf
orasl
ongasI
exi
stonthi
seart
h.
HaydenglancedoveratAr
iel
l
ewhowas
peacef
ull
ysleepi
ng.
Hay
den:
Ther
e'saf
ewt
hingsIhav
en'
ttol
dyou.
Masa:
Oh.
.
Hayden:
It
'salot,I
'
llt
ell
youwhenwe'
renoti
n
hospi
tal
.Sleep.
Masa:
I'
m notsl
eepy
.
Hay
den:
Youwer
ehal
fdr
unkear
li
eron,
sleep.
Masa:
Youar
en'
tsl
eepi
ng?
Hay
den:
Iwi
l
l.
.

Masaj
ustl
eanedonhi
m,f
eel
i
nghi
sst
eady
hear
t.Shecl
osedherey
es.

Anhourlat
ershewasf astal
seepandHayden
pi
ckedherupgentl
yplacingheronthebedwi
th
Ar
iel
le.He'
l
lbebackinanhourorso. .
.

Hekissedthei
rfor
eheadsandwal
kedout
.Hi
s
phonerangandheansweredit
.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o?
Tessa:
Hav
eyout
houghtaboutmyof
fer
?
.
.
*
*
*
Mer
ryChr
ist
masev
ery
body
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
84*

Att
hehospi
tal

Haydenchuckl
ed.Hedi
dn'tseeTessaast
he
bei
ngobsessedanddesperatet
ype.
Hayden:
TheresaI
'
m notint
erest
ed.Howmany
t
imesshouldIsaythi
s?
Tessakeptqui
et.
Tessa:
IsitMasawhopoi
sonedyouagainstme?
Iknewshet ol
dyou,
shehasbeenwait
ingfor
ourrel
ati
onshipt
ogosourbef
oreshesunkher
cl
awsintoyou.
Hayden:
Kid,
car
efulhowyouspeakaboutmy
wif
e.Gagopalesepegor
ekegol at
elekego
bel
etsaMasa.
Tessa:
Okay
.I'
m sor
ry.
.
Hay
den:
Tessa?

Herheartski
ppedabeat.Hesai
dhername
sof
tl
ylikeheusedtosayit.
Hay den:
Imov edon.WhoImov edonwi thi
s
noneofy ourbusinessany more.Idon'thaveto
explainmy sel
fast owhyImar ri
edMasa.Mov e
ont oo,I
'm nottheonef oryouandev enthough
youhav ethehear toft
hewomanIst il
l l
ove
dearly,y
ouar enotherandev enifyoubehav ed
l
ikeher ,i
twouldhur tl
i
kehel l
becauseshe
herselfi
snother e..

Tessakeptqui
et.
Hay
den:Stopcal
li
ngmeandmov eon.Do
t
herapyagai
n,don'
thur
tyour
sel
fli
kethi
s.
You'restil
lyoung,youshoul dbeoutt here
exploringli
feandnotbehunguponaf amily
manl ikeme.Ilivedand( chuckled)mywi f
ehas
l
ivedhert eenagey earsandwear enowcont ent
witheachot her,don'tdr
awy oursel
fbacklike
thi
s.Thatsecondwi fenonsense, eraseit
.Meet
coll
egeboy s,partyandlivey ourli
fetothe
ful
lestTessa.
Tessa:
Okay
.
Hayden:
Event
uall
ythelovey
oufeel
formewill
evapor
ateandyou'l
ll
ookbackandl
augh.Hav
e
agoodlif
eTheresa.Bye.

HehungupandTessasi ghed.Shepickedher
diar
yandpen.Shest ar
edatt heblankpages
thought
ful
ly.Shewil
lmov ethough.Maybeshe
shouldapol
ogisetoMasaagai n.Sheshould
j
ustleaveit
.
Tessa:
Gety
our
sel
ftoget
her
.Gett
hatdegr
ee
whi
l
stenj
oyi
ngy
ourl
i
fe.

Shepagedbackandwentt hroughherl i
fegoal
s
andl istofpr i
orit
ies.Sheexhal ed.Sheshould
nott ieher sel
ftoamanwi t
hki dsbecauseshe
her selfhateskids.May beshedodgedabul l
et
ther ebutt herewast hatpar tofherthat'
s
j
eal ous.Jeal ousofMasawhoseemedt oglow
l
ikenoone' sbusiness.Sheknowshowgoodhi s
dicki s,i
thasbeeni nheranddonepl easurable
things.Thewayhesmi ledlazil
yafterahot
sessi onandwoul dst i
l
lwantmor e.Hewas
i
nsat i
ableandshewasj ealous.ThatMasagot
thatal ltoherself,Masawasshor tandki dli
ke
andTessaher selfwast al
lerthanher .Howshe
handl edt hatinsati
ableappet i
teofhis..

Shesighedassheputonheadsetsandl
aidon
thebedplay
ingLabr
int
h'sJeal
ous.
Tessa:
"Iwi
shedy
out
hebestof
,al
lthi
swor
ld
coul
dgive
AndItol
dyou,
wheny
oul
eftmet
her
eisnot
hing
tof
orgiv
e
ButIal
waysthoughty
ou'
dcomeback,
tel
lme
al
lyoufoundwas..
Hear
tbr
eakandmi
ser
y
I
t'
shardf
ormetosay,I
'
mj eal
ousoft
heway
y
ou'r
ehappywi
thoutme"

Alonet eardroppeddownhercheek.Shewillbe
alr
ight
.Shet ri
edandshehadhi tbri
ckwall
sin
theprocess.Therewoul dbenoHaydenand
Tessaany mor e,
thatscenar
iowil
lstopl
i
ving
rentfr
eei nhermind.

AtHay
den'
shouse
Heunlockedt hedoorandmadehi sway
upstai
rstothekids'r
ooms.Theywer equiet
ly
sleepi
ngandhesmi l
ed.Bei
ngafatheris
probabl
yoneoft hebestthi
ngsthathas
happenedtohi m.WhenhegottoHudson' s
room,hewal kedtothecri
bandfoundhim
awake.Hej ustl
if
tedhishandst
ohi sfat
herand
hechuckled.
Hay
den:
Heyl
i
ttl
emany
oushoul
dbeasl
eep.
Hudson:
pa-
pa.
.
Hay
den:
Yesbuddy
..
let
'sgosi
ncey
ou'
reawake.
.
Hewal
kedoutoft
her oom car
ryi
nghi
m down
t
hest
air
stotheki
tchen.
Hayden:
Whatwoul
dyoul
i
keasal
ateni
ght
snack?

Theel
evenmont
hol
dboyl
ookedathi
sfat
her
andHay denshookhi shead.Howt heseboy s
l
ookedl i
kehim wasst il
lsomehowunbel ievabl
e.
Het ouchedhissofthairandhesmi l
ed
reveal
inghistwobabyt eeth.Hehadtoappl aud
hiswifeforrai
singallhiski
ds,t
heyallturned
outgood.Hewentt hroughwhatwasi nthe
fri
dgeandl ookedatthebabyonhi shipwhose
eyeswer ecuri
ouslylookingatt
hecont entsin
thefri
dge.
Hay den:Mommydoesn'tletyouseewhat'si
n
thef r
idgedoesshe?Iunderstandbuddy
,sheis
alsodeny i
ngmeni cet
hingstoo.
Henoddedasi
fheunder
stood.

AfterHay
denplacedHudsoni
nhischai
rhe
pickedwhatt
heywouldhaveasalat
enight
snack.
Hay
den:
Andamovi
etoo?Yourmom woul
dki
l
l
mesayi
ngt
haty
oushoul
dsleepandI
'm
di
stur
bingy
oursl
eepi
ngpat
ter
n.
Hudsonj
ustgr
innedandHay
dent
ookt
hatasa
yes.
Hayden:
Ihopey
oursi
bli
ngsdon'
tsni
tchonus
l
it
tl
eguy..

Hewentt oplacethetr
ayonthetabl
ebef
ore
comingbackf orHudsonandhelai
ddownon
thecouchplacinghi
m onhischest
.
Hayden:
Tshwararemotemona,gabankebago
eneelaaker
e..
(hol
dthi
sremote,t
heynev
ergi
ve
i
ttoyou)
Hudsonheldt
heremoteinhissmal
lhandsand
j
ustpressedr
andom but
tons.
Haydenpr
essedapar
ticul
arbut
tonagai
n
scr
oll
ingt
hrought
hechannel
s.
Haydenwasaboutt
ochangewhenHudson
l
ookedathi
m wit
htear
sinhisey
es.
Hay
den:
Thi
sisokay
?Let
'swat
cht
henbuddy
..
Hudsoncuddl
edint
ohisf
atherashesuckedon
t
hegrapewatchi
ngtv.

Thetwinsheardsoundsdownstair
s.They
yawnedandr ubbedt
heireyeseachinthei
r
rooms.Averyworehersli
ppersandwalkedout
.
Shebumpedi ntoSmit
hJr .
Av
ery
:Mor
ningorwhat
ever
.
Smi
thJr
:I
'l
ltaket
hemor
ning.
.
Av
ery
:I
sdad,
mom andAr
ihome?
Smit
hJrshruggedandtheybot
hwalked
downstai
rsf
indi
ngthei
rdadonthecouchwi
th
Hudson.
Hay
denl
ookedatt
hem i
nthei
rpy
jamas.
Hay
den:
Aren'
tyouguy
ssupposedt
obei
nbed?
Smi
thJr
:Wher
eismom andAr
i?
Hay
den:
Sti
l
latt
hehospi
tal
,they
'l
lbeokay
.
Av
ery
:You'
regoi
ngback?
Hay
den:
Yes.
.
Theysatont
hecar
petandl
ookedatt
het
v.
Av
ery
:Hudsel
ect
edt
hemov
ie?
Hay
dennodded.
SmithJr:
That
'swhywenev
ergi
veababyt
he
remote.
.
Hay
den:
Hedi
dn'
tpi
cki
tfory
ouguy
s..
lethi
m be.
.
Hudsonconcent
ratedonthetvandhi
ssibl
ings
j
ustsatther
ewatchingi
tsincet
herewasno
waytheyweregoingtosl
eepnow.Hudson
gi
ggledashechewedont hebananasl
icenow..
Hi
ssi
bli
ngsshookt
hei
rheadswi
thasmi
l
e.

Anhourlat
er,
Hudsonwasfastal
seeponhi
s
chestandhebreat
hedi
nasighofrel
i
ef.
Hay
den:
Final
l
y..
Thet
winswer
esti
ll
wi deawakeandAv
ery
wal
kedbackt
otheloungewit
habowlof
i
cecr
eam.
Hay
den:
Ify
ourmom f
indsou-
Av
ery
:Who'
sgonnat
ell
her
?
Theyl
ookedamongt
hemsel
ves.
Avery
:she'
snev
ergonnaknow.
.Anot
hermov
ie
daddy?
Hay
den:
Suur
e..
Smi
thJr
:Gr
eat
..

Theywat
chedanot
hermovi
ef orthenexthour
andahal
fbefor
ehehimsel
ffeltsl
eepy.
Hay
den:
Okay
,It
hinkweshoul
dsl
eep,
thewe-
(
yawni
ng)
Hegotuphol
dingHudsonandswi
tchedof
fthe
t
v.
Hay
den:
Guy
s.

Smi
thJr
:O-
okay
..
.
TheystoodupandHaydenj
ustwal
kedtohi
s
room andtheki
dsf
oll
owedhimtot
heroom.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Hay denopenedhi seyesandsawal lt

hreekids
fastasleep.Theywer eter
ribl
esleepers.Allf
our
oftheki dswer eandMasaknewi tver
ywel l
.He
mov edHudson' shandsf r
om hisfaceandSmi t
h
Jr'
sl egfrom hisneck,ki
dcould'
vechokedhi m
i
nhi ssleep.Hedi dn'
tli
kethefactthatAv er
y'
s
l
egswer eonhi sstomach.Heswor ethey
want edtokil
l him.
Hedidn'
twantt owakeanyofthem upbuthe
hadtogobackt othehospit
alnow.Hehoped
theywil
ll
eavehisroom peacef
ull
y.Di
dhehave
ti
met oeventakeashower?

Hej
ustchangedt
heshi
rtandwor
eat
ee
i
nst
ead.

Att
hehospi
tal

Masawokeupandl ookedatAri
ell
e.Sheplaced
herhandonherbabyfaceandhertemperatur
e
seemednormalnow.

ThedooropenedandHay
denwal
kedi
n.
Heki
ssedhercheekandr
ubbedsl
eepi
ng
Ar
iel
l
e'scheek.
Hay
den:
Ibr
oughtachangeofcl
othes.
Masa:
Thanky
oubabe.
.

Thedoct
orwalkedi
nandshegreetedt
he
coupl
ebefor
eshecheckedAr
iel
le.
Doct
or:
Shei
sokay,wecandischar
geherinan
hour
.Thel
abresul
tswi
llbeoutbyTuesday.
Masa:
Oh,
okay
.Thanky
ou.
Doct
or:
I'
l
lbr
ingt
hedi
schar
gef
orms.
Masanoddedandt
hedoct
orwal
kedout
.
Hay
den:
Youcanchangenow.
.

Anhourlatert
hethr
eeoft
hem wal
kedoutof
thehospi
talandMasal
ookedatHayden.
Masa:
Lat
erwe'
redoi
ngi
t?
Hay
den:
Arey
ouner
vous?
Masa:
Yes.
HaydenrubbedherhandasAri
el l
ejustwat
ched
t
hem.Shewasf eeli
ngbett
erplusshedidn'
t
wanttoabandonherfl
owergir
l duti
es.
Masa:
Yougoodbaby
?Doy ouwantt
osl
eep
whenwegethome?Whatdoyouwantt
oeat?
Ar
iel
l
e:I
'
llsl
eepandeat
(sof
tl
y)
Masa:
Okaysweet
ie.Wel
ovey
ou.
Ar
iel
l
e:Il
ovey
ou.
.
Masasmi
l
edandl
ookedbackatHay
den.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyoumor
e..
Masa:
Sav
ethev
owsf
orl
atermyl
ove.
.

Theyarr
ivedatMasa'
spl
aceandwel
lthey
foundalotofcar
s.
Masa:
Astheprepar
ationprocessbegi
ns.My
mom wil
lcomepickthekids.Don'
tcal
lme..
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyout
oowoman.

Masast eppedoutofhi
scarandopenedthe
doorforAriel
l
e.TheywavedHaydenoffand
walkedtothehouse.
MaMasa:
Issheokay
?
Masa:Fornow,we'
reoutofthewoodsbutwe'
l
l
gett
her esul
tsonTuesday
.
MaMasa: Okay.Yougetr eady,soaky our
sel fin
thebathtub.Themakeupar ti
stwillbeher elater.
Yourdressi sintheroom.Theki ds'atti
reisal so
i
nt hei
rrooms.Uhm f oryourchangi ngattire,at
thelust
rousv enueyouguy srented, y
oucan
changether e.Thehair
dresserwi l
lbeher ein
twohour s,gatweyourhusbandhi redher .
.
Masa:
Youhav
eev
ery
thi
ngf
igur
edout
.
MaMasasmi
l
edasshel
edAr
iel
l
eaway
.
Masagri
nnedasshewalkedtoherr
oom.She
f
oundthewaterr
eadyandsteamy.

Shegotr
idoft
hecl
othesandsl
i
ppedi
nsi
de.
Masa:
Rel
axbabygi
rl
.

Aft
erwhatseemedl i
keanhourshehear d
Avery'
sv oice.Al ltheki dswer eherealri
ght.She
gotoutoft hewat erandwal kedt
ot hewat drobe,
hereyesl andedonabl acklacypieceshehas
neverwor nev er.Shewor eitandsmi l
edl ooking
atherreflect i
oni nt hemi rr
or.Shewor eher
bl
ackheel sandsnappedaf ewpi ct
ures.Shedi d
l
ooksexyi nl ingerie,may besheshouldweari t
underneat ht heweddi ngdress.Somet hing
whiteandsi nf ul
?

Sher
emov
edt
hepi
eceandwor
ehergown.She
satonthebedandsentHay denatextbef
ore
shesentapict
ure.Thi
rstt
rapalr
ight
.

Meanwhil
eHaydensatonthebed.Hi
sphone
beepedandhepi
ckeditup.Amessagef
rom
Masa.
Babywi
fe: Ev ent
hough,
I'
m wi
feyy
oucanhi
t
i
tli
keasidechi
ck.
Hi
sey
esl
andedont
hepi
ctur
e.
Hay
den:
Masaf
ucky
ou!Don'
tdot
hist
ome
Babywi
fe:
Cany
ouf
uckmet
il
lmor
ning?
Hayden:Icancomerightnowandt
aket
hatof
f
youwithmyt eet
h..
Babywi
fe:
Okayby
e.
Hayden:Youseethi
ski
ndofteasi
ngshoul
dbe
i
ll
egal,
who'sgoingtot
akecareofmyboner?
Babywi
fe:
You'
reabi
gboy
.
Haydenl
ookedatt
het
enti
nhi
spant
sand
gr
oaned.
Haydenvi
deocalledherandsheanswer
ed,
she
l
ookedtooinnocentf
orherowngood.
Masa:Heybabe,ar
ey ouokay
?I'
m soner
vous
andthehai
rsty
li
stisn'
the-
Hay
den:
Cany
oudomeaf
avour
?
Masar
aisedaney
ebr
ow.
Masa:
Okay
.
Hay
den:
Headt
othebat
hroom f
orme.
.
Masal
ookedathi
m bef
oreshel
aughed.
Masa:
OhmyGod!Seey
ouatt
heal
terbabe.
.

Shehungupandbur stoutlaughi
ngsomemor e.
MeanwhileaflusteredHay denlookedather
sexypi
ctureandgr oaned.Hemassagedhi s
dickl
ookingatit.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
85*

AtHay
den'
shouse

Hay denlookedinthemirroratthefreshhai
rcut.
Her ubbedhischinashef ixedhissuit.Ont
his
veryimportantdayCanewashi sbestman.He
wasn'tamanofmanyf r
iendsandsoi twas
easyt oknowt hatt
herewon' tbealotof
bri
desmai dsandgr oomsmen.Theybot hdi
dn'
t
hav
ealotoff
ri
endsandt heysuremadeupf
or
i
tbybei
ngeachother
'sbestfr
iend.

Hesmi l
edashespr ayedhiscologne.Hewas
honest
lynervous.Shewasgoi ngtowalkdown
theai
sle.Towardshi m.Anotherblessi
ng.The
motherofhiskids,hisbestfr
iend.Herubbedhi
s
chest
.Apar tofhimf eltl
i
kehedi dn'
tdeserv
e
suchanangel.

ThedooropenedandCanewal kedinsi
de.They
hadtal
kedaboutAr iandhepromisedtokeep
hi
m updated.Theyunderstoodhealsohas
anot
herchil
dtot akecareof.
Cane:
You'
rer
eady
?
Hay
den:
Canoneev
erber
eadyf
orsuch?
Cane:
Yout
woar
eal
readyl
egal
l
ymar
ri
ed.
Hay
den:
Iknow,
justt
hat
..
.i
tissur
real
.Li
kea
dr
eam Imi
ghtwakeupf
rom.
.
Caneheldhi
sshoul
derasHay
denl
ookedatt
he
mir
roragai
n.
Cane:
Sheisnotgoi
ngany
wher
e..
.shoul
dwego
waitf
oryourbr
ide?
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hay
den:
Ithi
nki
t'
sti
me.

Att
heweddi
ngv
enue

Theguestsstoppedast heyt ookinthewhole

desi
gn.Everythi
ngseemeddel icateandsoft
,
shadeofli
lacandwhi t
epl ayedar ound.Thesun
wassetti
ngleavinghuesofor angesandpinks
makingitall
seem ethereal.

Let
sol
ookedar
oundasKat
sohel
dherhand.
Let
so:
Thesi
mpl
i
cit
yint
hisi
sbeaut
if
ul.
.
Kat
so:
Simpl
eyetnotsi
mpl
eagai
n..

Theylookedaroundoncemor eandthey
spott
edtheband, f
arfr
om thepeopl
eandLet so
nodded.Theydecidedonaliv
ebandi nst
eadof
adjandanev eningweddi
ngorwasi tanight
wedding?Whicheveronemightbe,i
twas
beauti
ful
..

Katsoledthem t
ot hei
rdesi
gnat edseatsand
theysatdownwai t
ingasshel ookedupahead
atthealter
.Awhitecarpeti
nsteadofar edone.
Thealterwasatapestryofpinkr osesandwhite
roseswithatouchofbeautif
ul daisi
esfor
vari
ety.

Thecanopywhi
chwasdeemedt
heal
ter
seemedsopr i
v at eandsacr ed.Likei twasj ust
forthet woandt hepr iest.Thepr i
estst oodby
thealt erinhisuni for
m andhesmi ledatt he
guest s.Ev er
ythi ngwasdel icat
elypl annedt obe
simpley etspeakv ol
umes.I tfel
tlikeasof t
fai
rytal eweddi ngaswhi tebowsador nedt he
chairs, theguest sthemsel veswer edr essedt o
kil
landonemi ghtev enassumet heywant edt o
outshi nethebr idewhohasn' tarri
vedy et.Ev en
thegr oom wasnother eyet.Let
sosi ghed
wistfully.May beonedayshemi ghtgett o
exper i
encet ruel ove.Shewashappyf orMasa
andLet sostil
l feltapol ogeticf
orwhatshedi d
toMasa.Masahasnev erdoneherwr ongor
dir
tyandmay beGodsawherpur ehear t
.Whi t
e
asther osest hatador nedtheout doorv enue.
Kat
sogl
ancedathersi
de.
Kat
so:
Doy
ouneedaj
acket
?
Sheshookherheadasadel
icat
ewindbl
ew
pastandt
hescentsoft
herosesgotmor
e
st
ronger
.Letsol
ookedatt
hesunsetandshe
smil
ed.Thi
swasgoingtobeanicewedding.

AtMasa'
shouse

Masablinkedsever
alt
imest
ryi
ngnottocry
aft
erhermakeupwasdone.Hermotherbent
downtof i
xherheel
s.
MaMasa:
Youarebeauti
ful
.Remembert
hat
t
imewhenyousaidyouwantedt
obeaprincess
wheny
ouweresix?
Masanodded.
MaMasa:
Youar
eone.
.

Shecar
eful
l
ypi
ckedt
hegoldent
iar
apl
aci
ngi
t
car
eful
l
yonMasa'
shead.
MaMasa:
Beaut
if
ul.
Shedeli
cat
elyf
ixedt
hefl
owerembr
oidedcape
vei
landMasaheldbackt
ear
s.
Mass:
I'
m notdr
eami
ng?
MaMasa:
Notatal
l
..

Thebodi ceofthedressaccentuatedherhi ps
beforet hedressstartedtobeloosef r
om there,
maki ngi tt
heperfectdress.Thelengthwas
perfect.Shewasn' tperf
ectbutherweddi ngday
was.Sj ewasn'tgoingt owearthev ei
lthat
coveredherey esbecauset hehistorybehind
thatwasn' twhoshewasorwhatherpast
showed.

Masatur
nedtolookatherref
lect
iononcemore.
Shel
ookedsoregalandpri
ncesslike,
thet
iar
a
madeevery
thi
ngperfect
.
MaMasa:Weshouldgetgoi
ng,yourhusbandis
pr
obabl
ywai t
ingf
oryouatthealt
er.Yourdadi
s
al
sowait
ing.Hecan'
tcont
ainhisexcit
ement.
Masa:
I'
m ner
vous.I
sthi
sme?Theteenager
whoatonepointwasboundt
ofai
latever
ythi
ng
i
nli
fe?
MaMasa: Godhasplansforeachoneofus,
don'trui
nt hemakeupssweetness.Yourdri
ver
andescor tarewai
ti
ngoutside.Til
l
ylonglef
t
withthekids.Noonehasseeny ouint
his
exceptmeandy ouareperf
ectangel.
Masa:
mamaI
'
mfarf
rom bei
nganangel
..
MaMasa:
Youar
emi
ne.Il
ovey
ouokay
?

Theyshar
edahugt hatl
astedf
ormor ethana
minut
e.WhenMasabr okethehug,hermother
ki
ssedhercheeksoft
lybef
orewalki
ngaway .
Thebr
idet
urnedandshetouchedt
hemi
rr
or
l
ooki
ngatherengagementr
ing.
Masa:
Lor
dthanky
ou!

Thatwasal lshesai dbeforeshewalkedtothe

l
oungeandf oundt hedri
verandaladyescor t
waiti
ngf orher .Theladyescorthel
pedholdher
dressandv eilastheyledhertothecar.She
thankedt hem asshegoti nsi
deandt hedr
iver
closedthedoor .

Masaplacedherhandsi
nherlapastheh
becameclammywi t
hnervousnesski
cki
ngi
n.

Thecarstar
tedmovingandshel eanedback,
alr
eadyhervowshadleftherhead.Shethought
thatshehadmemorizedthevowsshehad
writ
tendownbuthermindwasal readyamess..
.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
86*

Att
heweddi
ngv
enue

Thesof tmelodystart
edpl ayingminutesafter
theimpor t
antguestssatdown.Thef ami l
ywas
presentforthishugemilestoneintheir
chil
dren'sl
ives.Theyall
knewt hatthestepthe
twot ookwasnotgoi ngtobeaneasyone.The
i
mpor t
antbusinessassoviatesgracedthe
weddingwit
hthei
rpr esenceandHay densmi
led
asRebakeptaseriousf acel
ist
eni
ngt ohi
s
babbli
ngwif
e.Theywer epolaropposit
esbut
workedli
keawelloil
edmachi ne.

Hecoul dn'twaittowrit
ehisownl ovest or
ywi th
thewomanwhowasgoi ngt owalkdownt he
aisl
e.Canewal kedfi
rstbeforeHaydenf ol
lowed.
Someoft heladieskepttheireyesgluedont o
him,hewassosi mpl
ebutsomewhowhewas
attr
acti
v e.Pit
yhewasget t
ingmar ri
ed.Kesa
shif
tedinherseatasshewat chedhim wal k
downt heai sl
e.HowMasahadal lofthatstil
l
baffl
edher .

Theguestskeptthei
reyesonthegroom who
unbutt
onedhissuitj
acket.Hay
den'suncl
es
chuckl
ed.Hewasnott heconventi
onalty
peand
theyhadalr
eadygottenusedtothat.Hayden
tal
kedwithCaneastheywait
edforthel
adyof
theeveni
ngtoshowup.Shewast hegoi
ngto
bethecentr
eofatt
entionassoonasshe
showedup.

Hay
denshi
ft
edhi
sfeetwai
ti
ngf
orhi
sbr
ide.

Masaarr
ivedandherfat
herhadmetherr
ightat
t
heentr
ance.Hesmiled.
RaMasa:
You'
vegr
ownsomuch.
.
Masa:
Dad.
..
RaMasa:
You'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Masa:
Thanky
oudad.
..

Shehel
dherf
ather
'shandandl
eanedagai
nst
hi
m.
Masa:
Thanky
oudad.
.Il
ovey
ou.
RaMasaj
usthel
dher
.

Meanwhi l
et hebandstar
tedpl
ayingDan+Shay'
s
Speechless.Haydenstoodupri
ghtashisbaby
gir
lstart
edmaki ngherwaytowardstheal
ter
thr
owi ngpinkrosepetal
sandpeopleaawwed
seeingAv er
y.Averysmil
edatherfat
herasshe
satinthef r
ont.

Ari
ell
efoll
owedasshethrewwhiter
osepetal
s.
Shesmiledlooki
ngatHaydenandherdadand
wenttositnextt
oAvery
.

Til
yasthebestladywalkeddownt heaisl
eand
that
'swhenpeopleknewt hethatt
hebr i
dewas
onherway .Haydencl
earedhisthroatasthe
songstopped.Thebandst ar
tedpl
ay i
ngasoft
melodyast heywai
tedforthebri
det oshowup.
Masanerv
ouslyhel
dherdad'
shandast
hey
wal
kedtothealt
er.
Masa:
Dadmywal
ksar
efi
ne?
RaMasa:
Youar
eangel
.

Masacoul dhearthesoftmelodyast hey

approachedthealter
.Shebowedhercr owned
headassoonasshecoul dseet hewhi tecarpet
.
Shedidn'tknowhowHay denwasgoi ngt oreact
toseeingher.PeoplegaspedasMasa
graceful
lywalkeddownt healt
erholdingher
father
'shand.Shestil
ldi
dn'twanttolifther
head.

Theyreachedtheendoft healt
erandherfat
her
handedherovertoHay den.Haydenwantedher
tolookathim butatt
hemomenthecoul dn't
fi
ndtheperf
ectwor
ds.Aqueeni
nhi
ski
ngdom?
Defi
nit
ely
.

Masaf i
nallyli
ft
edherheadandl it
erall
yknocked
thebreathoutofhislungs.Hereyesgl azed
withunshedt ear
sast heylookedintoeach
other'
seyes.Itwassosi l
entbuttheycoul dhear
i
tinthesilencethatt
heywer einlove,wor ds
werenotneededast hesunwasf inall
ygoi ngt
o
rest,
givi
ngr ei
gntonight.Thestarsthathad
start
edtof i
llt
hesky.

Haydenheldhersmallhandstightl
yinhissti
l
l
l
ookkngintohereyes.Whenhesay shedoesn't
deserveher
,hemeansexact l
yt hi
s.Shewast he
angelhethoughtheshouldn'
tdaretaint
.Today
shewasev eryi
nchanangel andprincess.Hi
s
heartr
acedast hewordsjumbledinhismout h.
Pri
est:
Wear egatherrdher
etowi
tnessthe
unionofMasaSundayandHay denSmith.I
f
anyoneobject
s,pleasedosayi
torfor
everhol
d
yourpeace.

Aboutofsi
l
encepassed.
Pr
iest
:Si
ncet
her
ear
enoobj
ect
ionswecan
pr
oceed.

Asthepriestsaidthat,t
heri
ngbear erbeing
SmithJrwal keddownt heaisl
ehol dingthe
ri
ngsonawhi tecushion.Masasmi ledast he
boypresentedt hem wit
htherings.Whata
shamehery oungestwasst il
lyoungbutshe
coul
dspothi m wi t
hhermother .
Masamout hedat hankyouatSmit
hJrasshe
pickedt
her i
ngandHay dendidt
hesame.They
facedeachotherandMasacouldn'
tmaint
ain
thatper
fecteyecontactasshel
ookeddown.
Herheartski
ppedsever
albeat
s.Her
eshewas.
Hol
dingthehandsofthemansheloved.She
wasgoingtosayIDoandbet i
eddownt ohi
m
f
oraslongasl i
feper
mits.

Pri
est:
Itwouldbesuchabor i
ngweddi
ngifthey
di
dn'thavethei
rownv owsthatmakeever
yone
bawlthei
reyesout.
.soovertoyouMrSmith.

Thecrowdchuckledbutthechuckl
essoondied
outasHay dencl
earedhi
sthroat
.Toomuch
emotionandhewassur ehecouldn'
tremember
asinglev
owhehadwr i
tt
endown.
Hay
den:
Lookatme(
sof
tl
y)
Masalookedathi
m andHaydensmil
ed,
the
smil
ereachi
nghiseyest
haycri
nkl
edatt
he
cor
ners.
Sil
encenowfil
l
edtheareaandthei
rlov
ewas
palpabl
eint
hesil
ence,evenwit
hnowor ds
exchangedt
heyfel
titandift
hatwasn'
tastrong
connecti
ont
heydidn'
tknowwhatwas.
Haydensquuezedherhandandpausedbefor
e
hespokewithastr
angelookonhisface.
Hay
den:
You'
remybestf
ri
end.
.
Masasmil
edtear
ful
l
ysti
ll
hol
dingont
ohisl
arge
hands,
sheknewwhati
twas,
heisinl
ove.
Hay den:
I-
I,t
hisl
it
tleMr shereispartoft
he
reasonwhyI '
m sti
llsane,uhm wemety ear
s
agoundersomer eall
yquestionabl
eterms.
.
Masachuckl
edl
ooki
ngatt
hegr
ound.
Hayden:Idi
dn'tknowshewoul dturnouttobe
mysecondshotatl ove.Sheselfl
essl
ygav e
moreofher selftoraisemyki ds.
.webecame
bestf
riendsbef orewewer eevenlovers.Ican'
t
exact
lyputmyf eeli
ngsi nt
owor dsbutut t
eri
ngI
l
oveyouwoul dnev erbeenough.I '
m notthe
bestpersonther
ebutshel ovesme.
Wholeheart
edly,
purel
y.Sheisamazing,an
angel
.Ialwaystel
lherthatandshenever
bel
ievesme..
Hehel
dherchi
nlooki
ngi
ntoherey
es.She
di
dn'
twantt
ocry.
Hay den:Shedoesn'tknowhowmuchshe
meanst ome, sheisanecessi tyIcan'tli
ve
without.Thereisnomewi thouty ou,Iswearon
myl astbreaththatIwi l
lli
vet ryi
ngt oshowy ou
whatl overeal
lyis,l
if
ty ouhi gh,suppor tyou
througheachandev erythi
ng.Al lowmet o
redefineyou..
Youar etheSunshi neinmyst orm,
thi
sbr okenhear tst
artedbeat ingf oryouagain
sogi vemet hechancet othoroughl yloveyouin
thebestwayIknowhow.

I
nthecr
owdsomepeopl
eshookthei
rheads.
Wow.Knowi
ngHay
den'
shist
oryandthefact
thathefoundsomeonewhom gav
ehim ashot
atloveonceagai
nwasbeaut
if
ul.I
twasa
beauti
fulsi
ghtt
osee.

Tear
srol
l
eddownMasa'seyesasshebl
i
nked
l
ooki
ngatthest
arsi
nthedarksky
.
Hay
denusedhi
sthumbt
owi
pehert
ear
saway
.
Hay den:Ican'
tpromi sey ouf oreverandalway s
butIcanpr omiseyout hatIwi llber i
ghtherefor
you, whereverl
ifetakesus, Iwillcomer unning
wheny oucallmyname.Iwi llbeher eforyou,at
theendoft hedayIwi l
l bey ourbi ggest
cheer l
eaderasy ou'r
eal readymi ne.Ipromi se
thatasl ongasy ouweart hisringt hat
symbol izesmyl ove,Iwillstandbyy ou,wil
l
weat hereverystorm withy oumypocket f
ul of
sunshine.MasaIdon-

Hi
swor
dschokedhi
m ashel
ookedatMasa
whowassi
l
ent
lycr
yingl
ooki
ngathi
m.
Hayden:Idon'
tknowhowt otellyouthatIlove
you,Il
ovey ousodamnmucht hatthethought
ofnothav i
ngy ouhurtsandleavesahol l
ow
acheinmychest .Takethi
sringasapr omi seof
mylovet oyou, knowthatIl
ov eyoutothe
moonandSat urn.

Hehel
dherhandandsli
dther
ingonherf
inger
wi
thMasaalr
eadycr
ying.
Heusedhi
shandst
owi
pehert
ear
s.
Masa:
uhm.
.ohGod!
(cr
ying)
Haydenj
ustl
ookedatt
hepri
estbef
orehe
pul
l
edhiscry
ingbr
idei
ntohi
sembrace.
Hauden:
angel
breat
h..
.
Masa:
Uhm.
.
Shecri
edintohischestasherubbedcir
cleson
herback.Theguestsdabbedthei
reyesabitas
theyl
ookedatthecoupleattheal
ter
.
Hay
den:
You'
regoodsweet
hear
t?
Shenoddedashebr
oket
hewar
m embr
aceand
hel
dherhands.
Masa:I'v
el ovedy oui nsecr et
.Ididn'tknowi t
hadbeenl ovethef ir
stt i
meIsawy oubutat
thatti
meIhadnoty etmat ur
edintot hewoman
Iam.I nmysmal lmi nd, Iwasl i
keIdon' tdeserv
e
him.Hedeser vesaper sonwhohasn' tmade
mistakesbecausehehasbeent hroughal ot
andIcan' tgivehim whatheneeds.Buthe
provedmewr ong, heletmegoonl yt ocome
backtowhathef eltheneeded.Asmuchas
you'r
ehur t,i
ftheper sony ouloveishappy
withoutyout henl etthem behappywi thoutyou
evenifitkill
sy ouinside.
Hay
denhel
dhecheek.Hewast
empt
edt
oki
ss
hert
henandther
e.Hegav
eheral
ook,
meant
j
ustforher
.
Masa:Het
aughtmehowt olovehim wit
hthe
l
ovehegivesme.ForonceIletgoofthefear
s
andghost
sasingl
estep,notmuchbutitmeant
alot
.
Hay
denki
ssedherhand.
Masa: Ican'tputmyf eelingsintot heper f
ect
wor dsbutI '
mr eall
yt ryi
ng.Hel ovesme, he
l
ov esme, whythehel ldoeshel ovewhenhe
coul dhaveany oneel se?That '
swhatal way s
goest hroughmymi nd, howcanhel oveme
whenIcan' tbri
ngmy selft olovemef orme. .But
that'swheny ouknowt hati t
'sl
ov e,heshowed
mehowt olovemy sel fandIcanpr oudl
ysayt he
bestpar tofmei syoubabe.Il ov eyouHay den
Smi th.Andy es,Iwanty ourbadday sandgood
day s.Iwillweatherthest orm withy ou,Ithank
theLor dthatwedi dmeett houghwedi dn' t
knowt hattheroadwi l
lleadusher e.Icansay
you'veenthrall
edmei nyourspir
alofloveand
passion.Everydaywi thyoufeel
slikethefir
st
ti
me, everynightIlayinyourarmsi tfeel
sli
kea
dream becausey oulovemeandI 'veneverbeen
l
ov edthewayt hatyouloveme.Babyy ousee
thesky,thisnightissparkli
ngandIdon' tt
hink
I
'llev
erforgetthismoment ,whenwesai douri
dosundert hest arsinthi
sbeautif
ul ni
ght.

Haydenshuffl
edhi
sf eet
.Hedidn'twanttocry.
Helookedathergl
isteni
ngeyes,asthemoon
andthefair
yli
ght
sill
uminatedherperfectf
ace,
shesmiledwit
htearsinhereyes.
Masa:Babysosayy es,I'
l
lgi
vey ouev er
ything.I
will
beallyour st onight.Ipr
omiset obeal ways
berightbyy oursi de.Iknowy ou'renotokay ,I
promiseI'
llfixy ouwi thmylovef oraslongas
youweart her ingI '
m abouttoslipony our
fi
nger.I'
l
lbey ourwi fewholeheartedl
yandIwi l
l
alwaysbet her e,runtoy ouwheni tgetstough,
bey oursafespace.You' l
l besafeinmyar ms
l
ove, neverwillIj
udgey oubecauseI 'my our
ref
lecti
on.I'l
ltakey ourpai nalongwi t
hmi ne
andgi veitsomeki ndofmeani ng.Foraslong
aswear emar ri
ed, ortil
ltheendoft imeort i
ll
Godper mi t
sIwi l
l bey ournumber1f an.Ilov
e
youandwor dsar en'tenought opr ovemyl ove
toyoumyl ove.

Sheheldhi
shandandsl
i
ppedt
her
ingonhi
s
fi
nger
.
Masa:Withthisr
ing,Ipromi
set obeyourwife
andthemot herofyourchil
dren.Tobeyour
homemaked, giveyoupeaceandbey oursafe
space.Ipromisetoloveyouwi t
hever
yfibr
eof
mybei ngforaslongaswear einthi
smar r
iage
toget
her.
Shel
ookedupi
ntohi
sey
es.
Thepr
iestdabbedhi
sey
esbef
orehecl
ear
ed
hi
sthr
oat.
Pri
est
:Af
terthi
-t
hesev
ows. .
wow.
.Ipr
onounce
youashusbandandwife.Youmayki
ssthe
bri
de.

Hay denheldthebackofherheadgentl
yashis
tongueslidinsmoothl
y,f
renchki
ssingher
despitethetear
s.Hebroketheki
ssast hei
r
foreheadstouched.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouangel
.
Masa:
I-
Ilov
eyout
oo.
.
Hay dentippedherchi
nupwar dsandr av
ished
herlipsagaininamuchsl owerkiss.Masa
closedherey esasever
yemot iontheyhavefelt
thelastfewhour swassharedinthatseari
ng
kiss.Haydenbr oket
hekissandbi therl
owerli
p.
Hay
den:
You'
readdi
cti
veangel
.
Masasmi
l
ed.

Pri
est
:InowpresentMrandMr
sSmi
thl
adi
es
andgentl
emen.

Theguest
sst oodupandclappedt
heirhands
ashar
dast heycanwhenHay dencaughtMasa
bysur
pri
seandl i
ft
edher.
Masa:
oh!

Thiswasbeaut
iful
.Itr
eal
l
ywasbeauti
ful
and
theywer
egladtheywereher
efori
t.
Haydencarr
iedMasaal
ongtheal
terasshe
snuggl
edint
ohisshoul
der
.
Hay
den:
MrsHay
den?
Shebl
ushedanddi
dn'
tl
ookathi
m.
Hay
den:
Wehav
eappr
oxi
mat
elyanhourt
oget
readyf
orourweddi
ngr
ecept
ion,
wecanqui
ckl
y
passti
me..
Masabl
ushed.Thi
smant
hough.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
87*

Att
hev
enue

Haydencar
ri
edhiswi
feint
ot hebedr
oom.He
cl
osedthedoorandl
ockeditashesatdown
wi
thherst
il
li
nhi
sar
ms.
Hay
den:
You'
rebeaut
if
ul.
.
Masa:Andwehadt
oshar
ear
oom t
ochange
cl
othes.
Hay
den:
Asi
tshoul
dbe.
.

Hisstur
dyhandsr
emov edthecapeandcr
own
befor
eherubbedherbareshoul
ders.

Het
urnedherashest
art
edt
ount
iet
hebodi
ce.
Hayden:
Tradi
ti
onal
lythiswasf orthemant o
r
akehisti
met orav
ishhi sbri
de,deali
ngwiththe
manystri
ngsonthedr essandy oumadei tyour
missi
ontohaveadr essliket
hat..
(sof
tly
)

Heki
seedhernecksucki
ngoni
tbef
orehewent
t
oundoingt
hemanyt i
es.
Hay
den:
I'
m av
erypat
ientmanSunshi
ne.
Masa'
sbreat
hingsl
oweddownashi
svoi
ce
car
essedher
.
Hayden:
Itf
eel
sli
keunwrappingagift
,
somethi
ngpreci
oust
hatyouwantt osav
ourt
he
momentandnotrushtheprocess.
.

Hecont i
nuedwithwhathewasdoi ngtil
lhewas
doneandt hebodicewentdown.Hest oodup
withherandslowlypull
edthedressdown
taki
nginherwi t
hherwhiteli
ngeri
e.Hehas
neverreal
lyseenherinli
nger
ieinpersonandi
t
wasasi ghttobehold.
Hay
den:
Stepoutoft
hedr
essangel
.
Shedi
dashesai
dandher
ubbedhercheek.
Hayden:
Agoodhusbandwouldwaitt
il
lthe
ni
ghtisoveranddonewi
thbutwebothknow
I
'm notagoodhusbandr
ight
?(smi
rki
ng)
Hay denheldthebackofherneckashefrench
kissedher,t
astingher,hi
sbl
oodrushi
ng
throughhisveinsandofcoursehi
sbigboywas
alreadyr
eadyf oract
ion.
Masakissedhi
m backassheheldhi
scheek.
Haydenbroket
hekissandbr
eathedi
ntoher
neck.
Hayden:Yousmel
lni
cet
ooangel.It
hinkt
hey
wil
lhavetowaitf
ort
hebri
deandgroom,we
cantakeallt
heti
meweneed.
.(
kissi
ngher
j
awline)

Hepausedandsmil
ed.Masast
art
edt
o
unbut
tonhi
sshi
rtandhel
aughed.
Hay
den:
YouseewhyImar
ri
edy
ou,
let
'sgo.
.

Hesai
dashehuggedherf
rom behi
ndwal
ki
ng
t
othebat
hroom.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouwoman!
Masa:
Ilov
eyout
oobutdon'
trendermyabi
l
ity
t
owalk.
.
Hay
den:
We'
l
lseebabygi
rl
.
Masaturnedt
olookathim andhelaughedas
hegotri
dofhiscl
othes.Masatookinhim,he
waswholesomealr
ight.
Hay
den:
Likewhaty
ousee?
Masashruggednonchalant
lyandhej ustpi
cked
herupgett
ingintheshowerwithher.He
openedthewaterandMasagaspedl aughingas
i
twetherhairandwellthel
inger
ieshewas
weari
ng.
Masa:
ohmyGod!Hay
den!Myhai
r!
!
Hay
den:
I'
l
lhel
pyouwi
thi
t.
.

Hesaidasheusedhi
steet
htotakeof
fthe
l
inger
iet
hatcl
ungtoherwetbody
.
Hay
den:
Inev
ergobackonmypr
omi
ses.
Masashudder edashi steethscr
appedagai
nst
herski
n.Hay dencrouchedbef or
eherashis
warm breathhitherthi
ghs.Hestil
lusedhi
s
teet
htot akethethongof fandhegri
nnedas
shesteppedoutofi t
.

St
il
lcrouchi
nghishandsgri
ppedhert
highsas
hestart
edtoli
ckherinnert
highs.
Masa:
uh.
.
Hayden:
Wedon'
thav
etor
ush.
.west
il
lhav
e
t
ime..
Hestoodupr
ightandgr
abbedherneckpull
i
ng
heri
nforaki
ssandhekepthiskneebetween
herl
egsashe#EXPLICI
T

Att
her
ecept
ion
Theguestlookedatt
hei
rwat
ches.Thebri
de
andgroom were30minut
esl
atealr
eadybut
theywerepati
ent.

Meanwhi
lei
nthebedr
oom Haydensuckedon
Masa'
sneckasshetr
iedt
osty
leherhair.
Masa:
Youpr
omi
sedt
odomyhai
r.
.
Hay
den:Ihai
rdr
yedi
tbabe,
gaket
lego
t
shwengwanna..
Masashookherheadashemov edfrom her
andshelookedatherneckinthemir
ror.Pink,
ver
yverypinkwi
thveryvisi
blel
ovebi
tes.
Hay
den:
Wel
lI'
m doneandwai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.
MasajustbrushedtheBrazi
l
ianweav
eback,
st
yli
ngtheedgesonl y
.Shewasn'
tgoingt
ost
yle
i
twellunderpressur
e.

Shest
oodupandwor
ehershoes.
Hay
den:
Heel
s?
Masa:
Trustmedearhusband.

Heraisedhishandsashesl i
ppedhi shandsin
hisbl
ackdresspant s,t
heshirtcol
l
arobv i
ousl
y
matchedherdr ess.Funnyt
hingtheywere
weari
ngt r
adit
ionalclot
heswithherdungaree
kneelengt
hdr ess.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Masa:
Mmh?
Hayden:
Leav
etheheel
stl
hemmaot
lor
e
gol
ega.
Hejustopenedt
heboxt
hatMasahadbeen
i
gnori
ng.
Masa:
Mat
chi
ngsneaker
s?
Hayden:
Weart
hoseandIt
hinkt
heymat
cht
he
out
fit
.
Masa:
Okayf
ine.
.

Shesatdownandgotr i
doftheheel
sweari
ng
thesneakershegotf
orher
.Shestoodupand
twir
ledforhi
m.
Hay
den:
Nowwecango.
Het
ookherhandast
heywal
kedout
.

Minut
eslatert
heyar
ri
vedandt
heguest
s
cheer
ed.Theytookt
hei
rti
mealr
ight
.

Mc:Fi
nall
y.Thepeopl
ewe'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
or
hav
ear r
ived.
.
Masasatnextt
oTi
l
lywhof
inal
l
ygav
eouta
si
ghofrel
ief
.
Ti
l
y:Aboutt
ime.
Masa:
I'
m her
eandt
hat
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s.
Mc:Wecanstar
tourcel
ebrat
ionf
orthenight
andladi
esandgent
lemenknowthatthenighti
s
sti
l
lyoung.

From ther
eontheyst artedwithspeechesf r
om
Til
y,Cane,Masa'spar entsandofcour sethey
gavethekidsachancet osayt hei
rpiecebefor
e
thei
rbedti
me.Thepeopl ecooedast heyl
ooked
atthei
rfourchi
ldren.Toocut eandj ustperf
ect.

MasakissedHudsoncheekwhodidn'
tseem
bother
edthathehasn'
tbeeni
nhismother'
s
armsformorethanhal
ftheday.

Hay
den:
Okayt
heki
dsar
egone.
.
Mc:
Befor
ethedancef
loori
sopenandthecake
i
scutcanwehaveaspeechfr
om ourcoupl
e?
Masa:
Uhm.
.
Ev
eryonechanted"Speech!Speech!Speech!
"
Ti
llt
hecouplegavein.
Masa:
It
'sgoi
ngt
obebr
iefaspossi
ble.
..

Hay
denl
ookedatMasa.
Masa:
Hei
snotasshyandqui
etashel
ooks.
Hay
den:
Yoh!Yoh!
(shaki
nghi
shead)
Masa:Okaythanky ouguysforattendi
ngour
weddi
ng, showingupf or
bourrecepti
onandwe
werepret
t yl
ate,t
heblameisonhi mthough,
I'
m
i
nnocentont hatpart
.

Theychuckled,
ofcourseever
yonenot
icedt
he
hickeysonherneck.Haydenr
ubbedhi
schin
keepingonehandaroundherwaist
.
Masa:
Tlher
rabuasengwemme.
.
Shef
acedt
hecr
owdasshesmi
l
edandwenton
t
alki
ngear
ningl
aughsher
eandt
her
e.
Shefacedherhusbandwhoj
ustkepthi
shand
aroundherwai
st.
Masa:
Babe?
Shestoodonhert i
ptoesashebentdownf or
hert
owhi sperinhi
sear.Aslysmi
legracedhi
s
l
ips,
reveali
nghisperf
ectteet
h.Hest
raight
ened
upandfacedt hecr
owd.
Hayden:
Wellt
hankyouguysandt
hist
iny
humanbeinghassai
dital
l
.
Hisdeepv
oicerever
ber
atedint
her
oom wi
thi
t
bei
ngamplif
iedbythemic.
Theywal
kedawayf
rom t
hest
age.
Masa:
Til
ythedj i
sready
?Tsadicaker
etl
adi
bonabazakes.
.gr
ooveebot
lhokwa.
.
Mat
il
daj
ustgav
eherat
humbsup.
TheDJpl ayedShaniaTwain'sFrom Thi
s
MomentOn.MasaandHay denheldhandsas
theymadet heirwaytothedancefl
oorandhe
placedhishandsonherwai stassheplacedher
headonhi schest.Shesoft
lybreat
hedagainst
him astheysl owdancedtot hesongthat
openedt hedancef l
oor.MasalookedatHayden
mout hi
ngt hewor dsofthesongast heymade
eyecontact .
Masa:"
You'r
ethereasonIbel
ievei
nloveand
you'
retheanswertomyprayersfr
om upabove"
Sherest
edherheadonhischestasthey
dancedti
ll
thesongended.Haydenki
ssedher
l
ipssoft
lyoncethesongended.
Hay
den:
Youwantt
odance?
Masa:
Wit
hagl
assofwi
nei
nmyhands.
Hay
den:
Justonegl
ass.
Masa:
Justone,
dancewi
thme.
.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lsi
tdown.
.
Masa:Youar
egoi
ngtodancemothowa
Modimo.Kamme(cr
ossi
ngherfi
nger
s)
Haydenlaughedashewenttopourwineforher
,
hehandedhertheglassbef
orehesatdown.
Masa:
Thef l
oori
sopenanddj
canweswi
tch
t
helanguage?

TheDJpl
ayedt
heThandolwet
husongby
Mafi
ki
zol
oandLoapi
lookedatDan.
Loapi
:
Your
emember?Thi
ssongbri
ngsbacka
l
otofmemori
esNnaMrI
'm goi
ngt
odance.
Dan:
Iknewi
t.
.
Loapi
:
Must
,must
..

Meanwhi
l
eMaduol
ookedatReba.
Reba:
FineMr
sKgosi
.Fi
ne!
Sheki
ssedhi
m ont
hecheekasshest
oodup.
Maddy
:That
'swhyIl
ovey
ousi
r.
.
Heshookhi
shead.
.

Masagotdownont hefl
oordancingholdi
ngher
wineglassastherestoft
heladi
esj oi
nedher
.
Shewasdanci ngl
ookingatherhusbandwho
gri
nned.Aslongasshewashappy .

Whenthesongfinal
lyendedt
hel
adi
esl
ooked
ateachot
heragain.
Masa:
Okayt
hatwashel
l
ani
ce.
Madou:AndIdi
dn'tmanagetosay
congr
atul
ati
ons.Youtwoarecutet
oget
her
.
Masapushedherhai
rbackwi
thasmi
l
e.
Masa:
Thanky
ousomuch.
Loapi
:
Congr
ats,
wear
est
il
ldanci
ng?
Masa:
Yeah.
.

Mati
ldaandsomeofthegent
sjoi
nedt
hedance
f
loorasthedjpl
ayedDj
Obza'
sMangDaki
we..
.
Masapl
acedherwi
negl
assdown.
.
Ti
l
y:Okay
,yoursong!
!(
hypi
ngherup)
Masa:
Ngwanaka!
!

Masadi dhermoves,f
lexingherf
lexibi
l
ityon
top.Afewmi nut
esint
ot hesong,every
onewas
hypingherup.

Shewasn'tev
enawarethatt
hesmallci
rcl
ethey
hadmadepar t
edandshegaspedseei
ng
Hayden.
Masa:
Gosh!Okaybabydaddyar
eyekooMr
..
Hayden:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveI
'
m doi
ngt
his.
.(
shaki
ng
hi
shead)
Masa:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
.

Theydancedinoneaccordasev er
yonegasped.
EvenCanewassur pr
ised.Haydencoul
ddance?
Bett
eryet
,theydancedtogether
.
MaMasa:
I'
m shooket
h..
Uncl
e:Same.Same.
.

Masa:
"I
'm sur
eifIdi
dyouwr
ong.
..
"

Theydancedandwhent
hesongendedhehel
d
herwai
st.
Masa:
Youdancedi
napubl
i
cspace.WenaMr
CEO!
(l
aughi
ng)
Hay
den:
Shutup
Masa:
Babytheni
ghti
sst
il
lyoung,
aswepr
ess
pl
aytoanot
hersong.

Sheescapedhi sgr
aspasshedancedto
anothersong.Shesatdownshor
tl
yaftert
hat
oneassomepeopl egotdownont he
dancefl
oor.

Masa:
Ashor
tbreak.
.AsIeatsomet
hingbefor
e
wedancemore,
youarejoi
ningmeagain.

Theytal
ked,Masadoingmostofthetalki
ngas
Haydenli
stenedtoherrambl
ingaboutGod
knowswhat .Af
terhal
fanhourwhenshef el
t
l
ikeshewasf ul
lshestoodupastheDjplayed
anot
hersong..
Masa:
Babyt
hisonepl
ease!
Hay
den:
Wal
api
sa.
..
Thesonggotmor ethan80%oft hepeopleon
theirfeetastheyswitchedtodiscolights,some
holdingtheirbeerbott
lesandwi neglasses.
Obv iousl
ythenightwasst i
lly
oungasHay den
stoodupandj oi
nedMasa, whodancedal ong,
slowl y
..
waiti
ngf ort
hebeatchangesot hatshe
canmov eherhips.Thedj i
ncreasedt hevolume
ofMshay i
&MrThel a'
siPart
ysoundt r
ack..

Masa:
I'
m enj
oyi
ngt
his.
..

Whent hebeatfi
nall
ydroppedshedidt hat
dancemov ewher eshemov edherhipsandshe
wassmi l
ing.Haydenchuckl
edashi swif edi
d
herthing,atthi
spointever
yonewasdoi ngthei
r
ownt hing..
Whenitendedpeopl
eexhal
edandMasal
eaned
i
ntoHayden'
schest.
Masa:Thelastpar
t,It
hinkev
ery
onef
orgot
aboutthecakeebil
e.
Hay
den:
Whi
chi
s?
Masa:
Thef
ir
ewor
ksbabe.
Hay
den:
Youenj
oyedy
ourweddi
ngday
?
Masa:Our!YesIenj
oyedourweddingday.A
wholelot
.ThisisonememorythatIwil
lalway
s
cher
ish.Forev
erandever
.
Haydenki
ssedherforeheadasMasscall
edthe
MCov ert
ot el
lhert
hattheyst
il
lneededt
osee
andshootthefi
reworks.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouMr
sSmi
th.
Masa:
Ilov
eyout
ooMrSmi
th.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
88*

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

AtHay
den'
shouse

Haydenwokeupfi
rstandhelookedathiswife
whowasdeadwithsleep.Hejusttookafew
pi
ctur
esofher
,howdi dhegetluckywit
hher?
Masaturnedandhej ustwrappedhishands
ar
oundherbar ewaist.Hekissedherchestand
hegotundercover
swi tht
hei nt
enti
onof
muf f
ingherbuthewasmetwi t
haswol l
enpink
pieceofmeatandheknewhecamei nsideof
hercountlessoftimesdur ingthecourseofthe
night.I
nsteadhewentt okissherli
psandshe
j
ustmur mur edinhersleep.Apar tofhim
wantedt olethersleepbecausehedi dn'
teven
l
ethispoorwi fegetanysl eepaftert
he
recepti
onbutshewast empt inganditwasso
muchsweet erwheni twasswol l
en.

Hekissedherneckbef
orehesli
dinsi
dehe
warm sof
tnessandhegroanedassheopened
hereyesbli
nki
ngacoupleofti
mes.Allshef
elt
washisdickfi
ll
i
ngherupashewentslow.
Hay
den:
Mor
ningangel
..
I
nst
eadofutt
eri
ngt
hesamegr
eet
ingshe
moanedhi
sname.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyout
ooangel
..
Andhewenthar
derasshegr
abbedt
hesheet
s.
Hayden'
ssemenf
ill
edherupshortl
yaf
tershe
cameunderhi
sexpertgui
dance.
Hewentsti
lli
nsi
deofherashewat chedher
comedownf r
om herli
tt
lemorninggl
orycli
max.
Haydensl
idoutofherandpull
edherbody
towar
dshim,pushi
ngherhairawayfrom her
sweatyf
ace.
Hay
den:
You'
ref
ull
yawake?
Shenoddedstil
lbr
eat
hingheav
il
yagai
nsthi
s
chest
.Shedidn'
tknowhowmuchofhisdick
shecantakenow.

Haydenkissedthetopofherheadasshe
cl
osedherey es.Shewant
edtosleep.Nosex,
not
hing.
.
Hay
den:
You'
regoi
ngbackt
osl
eep?
Shenoddedasshef
ixedherheadcomf
ort
abl
y
onhi
schest.
Hesighedandletherbe.I
twashi
sfaul
tand
shewastir
ed,shewast i
nyandhehadt
okeep
hi
sli
bidoincheck.

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana

Tessascroll
eddownt hepi
ctur
esoftheir
weddingandsomeonehadr ecordedthei
rvows.
Theywerebeautif
ulandevenasitwentquiet,
shecouldfeelt
heirl
ovetoointhesi
lenceand
thr
oughthescreen.Asmuchast hetwower ein
l
ovehermi ndkeptaskingwhyMasa?Whyher ?

Someoft
hequest
ionsshe'
l
lnev
ergetanswer
s
to.

Shegrabbedherbagandwalkedinsi
dethe
hospi
talf
orherregul
arr
otat
ions.Shehat
edthat
i
twasalway spacked,
shej
ustwantedacal
m
envi
ronmenthencewhenshewasfreeshe
al
way svol
unteer
edatherf
avour
it
epriv
ate
cl
ini
c.

AtMasa'
spar
ent
s

Theotherchildrenplay
edasAriell
eslepti
n.Ma
Masamadesur et ocheckhert
emper atur
eand
giv
ehert hemedi cat
ionsheneededforher
fever
,hermot herhadsaidtheresul
tsfrom
Ari
ell
e'sbloodwor kwouldbeoutonTuesday
anditwasonl yaSat ur
day.

Shesmiledasshet houghtabouttheweddi
ng.
Herdaughterwassohappyandi tmaddher
happywhenshewashappy .Whoknewt hat
year
slat
er ,
nicethi
ngswoul dhappeninher
daught
er'sli
fe.ShewantedtocallMasabutshe
probabl
yshouldnot,
sheshoul
dspendti
me
withherhusbandandsheshoul
dn'
ti
nter
rupt
thenewlyweds.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Masaf i
nall
ywokeuptoanemt pybedasshe
str
etchedherbodyandyawned.Thebedroom
doorandinwalkedherhusbandi
nshortsand
not-shi
rt
.
Hay
den:
Goodaf
ter
noon.
.
Masa:
Aft
ernoon?
(yawni
ng)
Hay
den:
Yessweet
hear
t.
.Icooked.
Masa:
Thanky
ou,
it'
sjustt
het
woofusr
ight
?
Hayden:
Yes.Ipost
ponedourf
li
ghtt
o
Wednesday.Wehavetowaitt
il
lwegetAr
i'
s
bl
oodworkresul
ts.
Shesmi
l
edsof
tl
ypushi
ngherhai
rback.
Masa:
Thanky
oul
ove.
Hay
den:
Andy
ou'
rest
uckwi
thmet
il
lthen.
.
Masalaughedabitasshepeeledt
heduvetof
f
andstret
chedherbodyagai
n.Sherai
sedan
eyebr
owl ooki
ngatHayden.
Masa:Don'
tthi
nkabouti
t.Ineedabat
handt
o
getcl
ean.Anyplansf
ortheday?
Hay
den:
Wel
lwehav
esomewher
etobe.
.
Masa:
Comepi
ckmeup.
.(
li
ft
ingherhands
t
owardshi
m)
Hay
den:
You'
resuchababy
.
Masa:
Yourbaby
.Nowpi
ckmeup.
..
Hej
ustpi
ckedherupwal
ki
ngt
othebat
hroom.
Hayden:
Howl
ongi
sitgoi
ngt
otakey
out
oget
r
eady?
Masa:
Anhour
.
Hay
den:
Yourhourst
art
snowMr
sSmi
th.
.

Heplacedheront
het
oil
etseatandki
ssedher
cheekwalki
ngout
.

Masaf
il
ledt
hebat
htubbef
oreshesl
i
dinsi
de.

Haydensatonthecouchashewentthr
ough
hi
ssocialmedi
a.Heupdatedoncei
nawhile
buthewassurpri
sedwhenheopeneda
Facebookmessagefr
om Tessa.
Tessa:
Congrat
ulat
ionsont
heweddi
ng.She
wasbeauti
ful
Hay
den:
Thanks.
Tessa:
Wel
come.

Her
eadi
tandwentof
fl
ineashedi
aledhi
a
mot
heri
n-l
aw'
snumber
.
MaMasa:
Hel
l
o.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
ouhm howar
etheki
ds?
MaMasa:Ari
ell
ejustwokeup,
ther
ehasbeen
nosi
gnofthefever.
Hay
den:
ThankGod!Hudsonbehav
ing?
MaMasa:
Thatonei
sasweetbaby
..
Hay
denl
aughed.
Hayden:
May
bet
oyou.Tel
lal
lfouroft
hem we
sai
dhi.
MaMasa:
Wil
ldo.

Hesaidhisgoodby
esandhungup.Hehadt
o
wai
tfortheMrstogetr
eadynow.

AtLet
ty'
shouse
Shesawpi ct
urefrom Hay den'
sweddi nganda
partofherwasj ealousthathedi dn'
teven
acknowl edgeherashi smot her.I
ftherewasa
personwhowasv eryseri
ousaboutcut ti
ng
peopleof fi
twasHay den.Shereall
ywant edt
o
bepar tofhisli
fetofixherwr ongs,herpast
mistakes.

Shethoughthar
dabouti tandf i
guredthatt
he
onl
ypersontogetthrought oamanwashi s
wif
e.May besheshouldfindhiswife'
snumber
andtrytoaskhertotal
kt oHay denonher
behal
f.Thatwasasol i
dpl an.

AtHay
den'
shouse

Masamadeherwayt
othel
oungeandHay
den
gr
inned.
Hayden:
Final
l
y.Letmewearat
-shi
rtandwe
cango.

Whenhewasdonehehel
dherwai
stl
eadi
ngher
outoft
hehouse.
Masa:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Hay
den:
You'
l
lsee.
.

Haydenopenedt
hecardoorf
orherbef
orehe
j
oggedtohissi
de.

Hegoti
nsideandstart
edthecar
.Masajust
hel
dherphonebeforeshepl
aceditdownand
l
ookedathim smi
l
ing.
Hay
den:
Iknowyou'
reobsessedwi
thme,
don'
t
l
ookatmeli
ket
hat.
Masa:
Likewhat
?
Hayden:
Likey
ou'
regonnaki
l
lmei
fIdar
ehur
t
you.
.
Masa:
Oht
rustmedearhusband,
Iwi
l
l.

Thenshefacedt heotherwaywit
hasmil
e.
Haydenrever
sedt hecarbefor
ehedr
oveoff
andthegateclosedit
self.

Ont
her
oad

Haydendrovealongholdinghi
swife'
sot
her
hand.Hestoleglancesatherasshehel
dher
phonewit
ht heotherone.
Masa:
Mmegonewher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Hay
den:
You'
l
lsee.
.
Hedr ov eti
llhejoi
nedanotherroadthatl
edtoa
street.Masal ookedatthehousesinthearea
andi twaspr ett
yfancy.Ofcourseherhouse
wasgr eatandallbutshewasn'tmakingmoney
thatallowedhert oli
veinsuchaplace.

Hay denpressedther emoteandthegateofan

unfami l
i
arhouseslidopen.Masagaspedas
shekeptherey esgluedont othedoubl
estor
ey
house.Ithadadi f
ferentdesignfr
om hi
shouse
andi twasbettert
hanhi shouse.
Masa:
Whatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?
Hayden:
Walapi
sawenawai
tse.
(you'
reannoy
ing,
youknowthat
?)

Heparkedthecaroutsi
dethecloseddouble
doorgarageandhegotoutfir
st.Masadidn'
t
waitf
orhimtoopent hedoorforher
,shejust
gotouti
mmedi at
elyandHaydenheldherwaist
wal
ki
ngtothedoor.Heunl ockeditandopened
t
hehouse.Masa'seyeslookedaround,not
ici
ng
t
heplast
iconthefur
niture.I
twasnew.
Hayden:MrsSmi
thwel
comet
oyournewhouse
sweethear
t.
Masa:
It
'smi
ne?
Hay
den:
Yup.Whendoy
ouwantust
omov
ein?
Masat
urnedt
olookathi
m.
Masa:
Thi
shousei
smi
ne?
Hay
den:
All
your
sMr
sSmi
th.
(ki
ssi
nghercheek)
Masa:
Uhm.
..
okay
.Wow!
Hay
den:
Let
'sexpl
oreshal
lwe?
Hepi
ckedherupandj
oggedupt
hest
air
s.
Masa:
Ify
oudr
opmeIswe-

Hekissedhert
oshutherupandhebr
oket
he
shor
tkiss.
Hayden:
Lady,i
fIdropyouwearebot
hgoi
ngt
o
beonwheelchair
saftert
hef
all
.

Heputherdownonherfeetassoonashe
steppedi
nsi
det
hebiggestbedr
oom i
nthe
house.
Hay
den:
Guesswhoser
oom i
sont
het
opf
loor
?
Masa:
Our
s?
Hay
den:
It
'st
heonl
ybedr
oom ont
het
opf
loor
..
Masal
aughed.
Masa:I
'
m goingtomisssayinggoupst
air
sto
yourr
oom andthinkaboutwhatyoudi
d..
Hay
den:
Bat
hong,
ourpoorki
ds.
.
Masa:
Spoi
l
tbutt
heyhav
egr
eatpar
ent
s.Us!
Hay
den:
Ithasenoughspace.
Masa:
Etonagor
e.ImeanIcanf
iti
napol
e
t
here.
.
Hay
denpul
l
edhert
ohi
m.
Hay
den:
Str
ippi
ngf
orme?
Masa:
Idon'
tknow,
may
be.Depends.
Hay den:Iwouldli
ket hatandy ouwearred
thongsandshi talongwi tht hoseredbottoms
ofyour s.I
'l
lthr
owmoneyony ouwhil
ey ouwor
k
i
tont hepol efordaddy ,shakingthatassand
doingthet hi
ngsf orme. .
I'
llevenlookforred
l
ightsfory ourspecialshow. .
Masal
aughedandpushedhi
m back.
Masa:Kagoi
tebat
sanakodi
ngwe.
(It
endt
o
f
orgetsomet
imes)
Hay
den:
Itmi
ghtwor
k..
.
Masa:
Fosek.
Hay
den:
Oray
anna?
(youmeanme)
(l
aughi
ng)
Masa:
Eeaker
eret
wohel
a..
(yes,
it'
sjustt
het
wo
ofusher
e)
Hejustpul
l
edhert
ohi
m andki
ssedherasshe
gi
ggled.
Hayden:
TlagaoswabammeMasa.
(You'
re
goi
ngtoregreti
tMasa)
Masa:
Bat
hongHay
den.
Hay den:
You'
reluckyI
'
ml et
ti
ngy ourest
,we
bothknowgor eokallagonejaana.Aker
eo
tshabadickMmaSmi th.
(webot hknowy oucan
startcry
ingr
ightnow.You'
rescaredofdick)
Masa:
Shutup!
Hay
den:
Comeher
ekwaa.
.
Heheldt hebackofherheadpul l
i
ngheri nf ora
ki
ssthatqui cklyt
ookadifferentt
urnbecause
shewasagai nstt
hecoldsur f
aceoft hewal li
na
minute.Shebr eat
hedheavilyagainsthim as
l
ift
edherdr essandpushedherpant i
esasi de,i
n
secondshesl i
dhisdi
ckinsideofherand
ki
ssedherasshemoaned.
Hayden:
Neor
engbabe?
(whatwer
eyousay
ing
babe?)
Masa:
H-uh-
ahhh
Hay denfuckedheragai
nstthewallasshe
screamedhi snamewi t
hherlegswrapped
aroundhistorso.Hewatchedhercomewi t
hher
l
egsshaki ngbeforehi
sseedfil
ledherwomb
andhesl i
ditout.Masalai
dherheadonhi s
shoulderweaklyasshetri
edtocatchherbreat
h.

Aft
erafewmi nutesshel ookedathi s
handsomefaceandchuckl ed.Howt hehell
doeshedot hat?Onemi nutet heyaretal
ki
ng
andthenexttheyarefucking,likehow?
Hay
den:
Yougoodangel
?
Shenodded.
Hay
denmov
edhi
shandandhef
eltt
hewet
ness
onherpant
ies.Hi
ssemen.
Hayden:
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hatangel
..
(chuckl
i
ng)
I
l
oveandhateyoursmartmouthattimes.

Hemovedfrom t
hewal
landwal
kedtothe
pl
ast
iccov
eredbedandsatoni
thol
dingher
.
Hay
den:
Sur
eyou'
reokay
?
Masa:
yeah.
.
Hayden:
IfIt
ouchyouafterthi
spl
easesl
apme.
Ineedtoser
iousl
ylety
our estmyl
ove.
..
Hehadfellal
ri
ght
.Hook,l
ineandsi
nkerandt
he
sweetpussywasanextr
a.
Masa:
You'
regi
vingmeper
missi
on?Iwi
l
l
sj
ambokyoukana.
Hay
den:
You'
rebei
ngext
ra.Whatdoy
ouwant
ust
odotomorr
ow?
Masa:
Stayi
ndoor
sandNet
fl
ix.
Hay
den:
You'
repi
cki
ngt
heshow?
Masa:
Obv
iousl
y.
..
Hay
den:
Wel
lIhav
eonemor
esur
pri
sebef
ore
wego.
.

Hewalkedoutoft
hebedr
oom andmadehis
waydownstai
rswi
thherl
egssti
ll
wrapped
ar
oundhistor
so.I
t'
snotl
ikeshewasheavy.

Hegott
othegar
ageandMasahel
dbackt
ear
s.
Masa:
OhmyGod!
Hay
den:
It
'sy
our
s..
Masa:
Youdi
dn'
thav
eto,
mycari
sst
il
lnew.
.
Hayden:wasy
ourcur
rentcarboughtbyy
our
husband?
Masa:
N-no.
Hay
den:
Exact
ly.Okayt
hisonei
syour
sbabygi
rl
.
Masajusthi
dherheadinhi
schestandhe
smi
ledbefor
ehefrowned.
Hay
den:
You'
recr
ying?
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
.
Hayden:
Youdon'thav
etot
hankme.Idi
dthi
s
becauseIl
oveyou.
Masa:
Buty
oudi
dn'
thav
eto,
anewhouseand
car
?
Hay
den:
Wel
lyoudeser
vemor
e..
Heki
ssedt
het
opofherhead.
Hayden:
We'
l
lmoveinaf
tery
ougiv
emeadat
e,
shoul
dweseemoreoft
herooms?
Masa:
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dputmedown.
.
Hay
den:
Ithi
nknot
,you'
remybi
gbaby
..
Masa:
Youst
il
lhav
etodr
iveansy
ourar
mswi
l
l
t
ir
e.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lbeokay
.I'
m notpl
aci
ngy
oudown.
Hewalkedoutoft
hegarageastheywalked
ar
oundthehouseexpl
ori
ngotherrooms.
.
.
*
*
*
AFEW DAYSLATER

y
ouguy s?Marewhydidn'
tyouguystel
lme
t
hatBr
idgert
onisthi
sniceandthatweall
need
t
heDukeofHastingsinourl
iv
es?
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
89*
Att
hehospi
tal

MasaandHay denweren'
tsureiftheyshould
bri
ngAriel
l
ealongbutwhatifthedoctors
wantedtorunmor et
est
sonher ?Masapl aced
thechi
ldonherlapassheslept.Howherbaby
wassuddenlypalewasamy sterytoher
.
Hayden:
I'
m sur
eit
'snot
hing,
don'
tst
ressabout
i
t.
Masa:
I'
mtr
yingnott
o..
heybabyhowar
eyou
f
eel
ing?
Ari
ell
ejustmov edherheadget
ti
ngcomf
ort
abl
e
onhermot her
'slap.
Hay
den:
Let
'swai
tfort
hedoct
orokay
?
Masanoddedki
ssi
ngAr
iel
l
e'shead.
Thedoctorwalkedinandgav ethem af
aint
smil
e.Haydenhel dMasa'shand,hewassure
shewaswor r
yingov ernot
hingandthei
rchi
ld
wil
lbeokayri
ght ?Shewor r
iedt
oomuch.

Thedoctortookherseatandremov edher
gl
asses.Masacareful
lytooknoteofthe
doct
or'
sgest ur
es,wasthedoctornervous?She
coul
dn'
ttell
butwhydi dsheremov eherglasses?
Doct
or:
Goodmor
ning.
Hay
den:
Mor
ningdoc.
.
Thedoct orpausedandshecouldseet heworry
etchedinMasa'seyes.Howwasshegoi ngto
breakitdownt othi
swonderfulmotherthather
chil
dwasnowgoi ngtogothroughmul ti
ple
proceduresinaquestforhertogetbetter
.

Shel
ookedatt
hepal
echi
l
dinhermot
her
's
armsandi tbrokeherheartwhent heygot
casessuchast hisone.Itusual
lycatchesmost
parentsbysur pri
seandshehasseeni nstances
wher eparentscannol ongerfundthet r
eatment
andt heyswi mindebt.Wel li
nthesetwo'scase
moneywasnotgoi ngtobeapr oblem butitwas
sti
llgoingtohur t
.
Masa:
D-doc?I
sther
eany
thi
ngwr
ong?
Doctor
:Idon'
tknowhowt
obr
eakt
hist
oyou
guys.
.
Hay denwasnowgetti
ngwor r
ied.Whatwasit
thatthedoct
orwantedtotel
lthem.He
squeezedMasa'shandinhisownt ol
ether
knowhewaswi thher.
Doctor:
Accordingtothebloodworkfrom thelab,
l
itt
leAri
ell
euhm. .herbl
oodwor kr
ev eal
edt hat
thereweretoomanywhi t
ebloodcells,
not
enoughredbloodcel l
sandplatel
ets.Alsowe
notedsomebl astcell
s..
Shepausedandl
ookedatt
hepar
ent
s.
Hay
den:
Whatdoest
hatmean?
Doctor
:Fr
om theresul
tswe'
vegather
edandher
cur
rentsymptomswhi char
efl
u-l
i
keshehasa
commonchi l
dcancerknownasacute
l
ymphocyticl
eukemiaorALL.
Masa'
seyeswell
edwi t
htear
slookingatt
he
doct
orbef
oreshelookedatHayden.
Hay
den:
Cany
our
epeatt
hatdoct
or?
Doctor:
Ari
ell
eSmit
hhasleukemi
awhichi
sa
bloodandbonecancermostcommonin
chil
dren.

Hay denleanedbackasMasal etgoofhi

shand
withherownshaki ngastear
sst r
eameddown
herclearface.Theremustbeami st
akei
nthe
test
st hey'
vedoner i
ght
?Herbabywasf i
ne.
Theygott
hewr
ongbl
oodsampl
esr
ight
?
Masa:
D-
Wor dsf ail
edherasherl i
psquivered.Hayden
wasst unnedandhel ookedatAr i
ellewhowas
sleepingi nhermother'
sar ms.Heswor eunder
hisbreat h.Thi
swasal readybreakingherand
they'v
eknownaboutt hisforli
kewhat ?Two
mi nutes.
Doctor:
Sincethebl
oodworkhasestabli
shedthe
centr
alcourseofherfever
,thatwasacommon
symptom.Mostoft hem aflu-
li
kemakingit
hardtonoticeandfat
igueisoneofthesigns.

Ther oom wassi l

entasMasausedherhandt o
thesaltywaterthatwoul dn'
tstopfl
owingdown
hercheeksnomat terhowmuchshet ried.Her
heartracedatthet houghtofital
l.I
twas
beati
ngatamuchf asterrat
ethannor mal and
shehadt otryandi gnoreit,
thestabinherchest.
Doctor:
Sinceshei shere,wehav et ocar ryouta
bonemar rowt est.Duri
ngbonemar row
aspir
ati
on, aneedl eisusedt oremov easampl e
ofbonemar rowf rom thehipbone.Thesampl e
i
ssentt oal abf ortest
ingtol ookforl eukemia
cel
ls.Doctorsi nthelabwi l
lclassifybloodcells
i
ntospecifict y
pesbasedont hei
rsi ze,shape
andotherfeat ures.Weal solookf orcer t
ain
changesint hecancercel lsanddet er mine
whetherthel eukemi acell
sbeganf rom theB
l
ymphocy tesorTl ymphocy tes.This
i
nformationhel pst hedoctordev el
opa
tr
eatmentpl an.

Theywerelostbyt
hej
argonbutMasaj
ust
shookherhead.
Masa:
Aneedl
eonherhi
p?(
shakyv
oice)
Thedoct
orsadl
ynodded.
Doct
or:
Iti
stodet
ermi
neapr
opert
reat
ment
planandduri
ngthecour
seoftheweekwewi l
l
carryouti
magingt
estsandspi
nalf
lui
dtest
s.
Doct
or:
Iknowthi
sisnewt
oyoual
lbutIassur
e
you,
shewill
befi
ne.
Masa:
Howl
ongdoest
-t
-t
rea-
tr
eat
mentl
ast
?
Doct
or:
Bet
ween2t
o3y
ear
s..
Masa:
OhGod!
(cr
ying)
Hayden:
Andthet
estyoujustt
alkedaboutwhen
ar
ey oupl
anni
ngtodoit
?

Thedoct
orgl
ancedatherwat
ch.
Doctor:Thisi
sal l
newtoy ouguy sandI
understandbutIwast hi
nkinginanhourt o
carr
yt hebonemar r
owtestbutfrom hereoni
t
won'tbehandl edbyme.Ahemat ologi
stwil
lbe
deali
ngwi thi
t.Ahemat ol
ogistisadoctorwho
speciali
zesintreati
ngcondit
ionsanddiseases
ofthebl oodandbonemar r
ow.Soshei sthe
onlyonewehav einthehospit
al.Shewil
lbe
assisti
ngyouandshewi ll
becarryi
ngthebone
mar rowtestsothatshecansendthesamples
tothelabtoestabli
shacleart
reatmentpl
anfor
her.

Shekeptquietandsilencefel
l uponther oom.
Shehadsaidt oomuchi nashortspaceoft ime
andtheysti
l
l hadtopr ocessthattheirchil
dhad
cancer
.Shecoul dsl
owl yseehowi twaskill
ing
themotherthatherchi l
dwassi ckandt he
fat
herhadanemot i
onlessfaçadeon.
Doct
or:
I'
l
lgi
vey
ouguy
sspace.
.
Shestoodupandwal kedout
.Thedoorclosed
wit
houtneitheroft
hem t
urni
ngtolook.Masa'
s
mindwasi naspin.Howcouldshehavenot
knownthis?Whyherchil
d?Whodi dshewrong
todeserv
et hi
s?
Haydensl
i
ppedhi shandi
nher
ssi
l
ent
lyandshe
l
ookedathim si
l
ently
.
Hay
den:
We'
l
lgett
hrought
his(
mout
hingi
ttoher
)
Masanoddedweakl
y.

Anhourlat
ertheywerebythewaiti
ngbenches
astheymetthenewdoctor.Onewhowasgoi ng
tobeherchil
d'
sdaughter
.Shelookedl
ikeshe
wasinherlat
ethir
ti
es.
Her:
Hi,
I'
m DoctorKer
aandi
t'
smysur
name,
my
nameisJasmine.
Masanoddedl eaningagainstHaydenwhowas
rubbingherback.Shehasbeensi l
entl
ycr
ying
forthepasthourandj ustt
enminutesago
Ariel
lehadbeent akentoprepar
eherfort
he
nexttest.
Masa:
Canweseeher
?
Jasmi
ne:
Arey
ousur
eit
'sapr
ocedur
eyouwant
t
osee?
Masa:
Idon'
twanthert
obescar
edi
nar
oom
f
ull
ofstr
anger
s.
Jasmi
ne:
Fol
l
owme.
.

Theyst
oodupandf
oll
owedhertot
hepediat
ri
c
car
ewardwher
eherbabywasinahospi
tal
gown.
Ari
ell
e'
seyesmethermother
'sandMasaletgo
ofHaydenwal
ki
ngov ert
oher.Sheki
ssedher
for
ehead.
Masa:
Ilov
eyoubabyokay
?You'
l
lbeokay
.
Ar
iel
l
e:Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
Masa:
I'
l
lbef
inebaby
..

Thenur
seswal
kedinandMasaswall
owed
seei
ngt
hehugeneedl
eandtear
schokedher
.
Nurse:
Mam,shewi
l
lbeokay
,it
'snotal
ong
pr
ocess..

Theyseparatedherf
rom Ar
iel
l
eastheyl
i
fted
thehospi
talgown.Haydenhel
dMasaasshe
watchedcareful
l
y.

Theothernursehel
dAr iel
lestil
lastheother
l
owerherpant yel
ast
icandappl i
edasteril
i
sing
l
iquidonacot t
onbal
l andlightl
ywipedherhi p
whereherhipbonewasl ocated.Asmal l
colour
edsubstancewasappl i
edbeforethe
doctorhel
dtheneedle.
Jasmi
ne:
Heysweet
hear
t,
thi
swon'
tbel
ong.
.
Ar
iel
l
ealar
mi ngl
ylookedathermot
herwi
thf
ear
i
nhersmalleyes.
Ar
iel
l
e:Mama(
smal
lvoi
ce)
Masawant
edt
omov
efor
war
dbutHay
denhel
d
her
.
Hay
den:
Theyar
edoi
ngt
hei
rjobl
ove.

Jasmineinser
tedt
heneedl
esl
owl
yasAr
iel
l
e
screamedcryi
ng.
Masa:
Shei
shur
t.
.t
hey
'r
ehur
ti
ngmybaby
(cr
ying)
Hay denheldhert i
ghterasAr i
ell
e'
spierci
ng
screamsf i
ll
edther oom andMasacr i
edmor e.
Hay denbli
nkedhi stearsbackast hei
rlit
tl
egi r
l
cri
ed,scr
eami ngfort hem tohel pherandt he
nursesconstrai
ningherast hedoct orcoll
ected
enoughbonemar r
owt ofil
lthehugeneedl e.
Hersmal lgaspsandcr iesweakenedasshe
l
ookedatherpar ents,hermot hercryingfi
ght i
ng
Hay den'
sgriparoundher .
Masa:
they
'r
ehur
ti
ngh-
her
(cr
ying)
Haydenjusthel
dMasaasshecr
iedwi
thhi
m
hol
dingback.
Oncetheywer edone, t
henurseswipedthear ea
andplacedapl asterthere.Haydenfi
nall
yletgo
ofhiswifeassher ushedtoherbedsideto
shushher,hol
di ngheri nherar
msandpushi ng
herhairback.
Masa:
It
'sokaybab-
baby
(cr
ying)
Mommyi
sher
e..

Thedoct
ornoddedandt
hankedHay
den.
Jasmi
ne:
I'
l
lcheckuponherl
ater
.

Theypackedt hei
rst
uffbei
ngv er
ycarefulwit
h
thebonemar rowsampledtheyjustcol
l
ected
from t
helit
tl
egirl
.TheywalkedoutandHay den
walkedtothebedwher eMasawasacr y i
ng
messt r
yingtocomfortAri
ell
e.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
90*

Att
hehospi
tal

Hay dencov eredbothMasaandAr iel

lewit
ht he
blanket.Itwast ooli
ghtandMasawashol ding
Ariell
etightl
yasi fshewasgoi ngtodisappear.
Itwasst il
laft
ernoonbuti tfel
tli
keithadbeen
weeksl ookingathowl ongthemor ni
ngwas
andt heemot ionalrol
lercoast
ertheyhad
experienced.
Jasmi newalkedinandsi ghed.Helookedli
kea
verysuppor t
ivehusband,hiswif
ewasbeaut i
ful
andsowashi sdaughter.Shesighed.Shecould
onlywi shforsuchbutitwasaf arfet
ched
dream.Shecl earedherthroatandHay den
turnedt ol
ookatherasheputhi shandsinhis
pocket s.
Jasmine:Iwantedt
or unafewthi
ngspasty
ou
guysb-butifi
t'
snottheri
ghtti
methen-
Hay denlookedbackatMasaandhi sstep-
daughtert hensighed.Hehat edwhent hi ngs
hurt,hedidn'twantherhur t.Shewashur ti
ng
toomuchandheknewher ,shewasgoi ngt o
blameher selfandwi thdrawfrom everything
andev eryone.Her anhi shandthroughhi s
fadedhairashi sshirtsleevesroseupr ev eal
i
ng
histatt
oosandJasmi nesecretl
ywat ched.
Hejustki
ssedMasa'
sfor
eheadansAr
iel
l
e's
f
orehead.
Hayden:
I'
l
lbebackmyangel
sokay
?Il
ovey
ou
guy
s(soft
ly)

Hestraightenedupandt ur
nedtolookat
Jasmine.Hemi ghtaswel l
li
stenandbr eaki
tal
l
downf orMasai nal essharshway .Heknew
doct
orswer esupposedt obedirectbutthen
agai
nhi swi f
esuf fer
edaheartproblem toosoi
t
wasn'
tt hateasyf orhertobecalmeddown
whenshewasst r
essed.Hewonder edhowshe
wasgoi ngtobesane. .
.
Haydennoddedandf
oll
owedJasmi
neov
ert
o
heroff
ice.

Hecl
osedthedooraf
terherandheplummet
ed
i
ntot
heseatandwait
edforhertotal
k.
Jasmi
ne:WellIwantedtogot hr
oughevery
thi
ng
fr
om t
hebasicstothet r
eatment.Thet
reatment
i
ngeneralnotthepersonal
treat
mentplanthat
wi
l
lst
artaf
terwe'
ver
anal
lthet
est
s.
Hay
den:
Okay
.Goon.

Jasminewenttoexpl ai
nevery
thi
ngtohi
m as
heaskedquestions.Shenotedhowhebrought
hi
shandst oget
herandhowni ceandstr
onghis
handslooked.
Hayden:Iheary
oudoc.Sobasi
call
ymy
daughterwil
lbeinhospi
tal
unt
ilal
lthet
est
sar
e
run?
Jasmi
ne:
Yes.
Hay
den:
Amidtr
eatmenti
sitcompul
sor
yforher
t
obecoopedupinahospi
tal
?
Jasmine:
Inmostcasesunlessshehasa
personal
nurseathomeandsomeoft he
equipmentwehaveherecanbepr ov
idedat
home.
Hay
den:
Okay
.I'
l
ltal
ktosomeoneIknowt
ogi
ve
meal istoft
heequipmentneeded,
drawupa
l
isttoosoIcancompare.I'
llf
indaqual
if
ied
nurseprefer
abl
yoneregist
eredwit
hthe
Minist
ryofHealt
h..
.
Jasmi ne:
Areyousuresi
r?Theequipmenti
s
ratherexpensi
veanditwouldsav
ecoststoo
l
ooki ngatthefactt
hatyouhavetopayfor
treatment.
Hay
den:
It
'snot
hing.
.I
'
llhandl
eit
.Ist
hatal
l
?
Jasmi
ne:
Yessi
r.
.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ouandexcuseme.

Hestoodonhisfeetandwal kedtothedooras
Jasminegazedathisperfectback.Shesi
ghed
wist
ful
lyasthedoorclosedandhi scol
ogne
scentremai
nedinheroffice.

Meanwhi
l
easHay
denwal
kedt
oAr
iel
l
e's
hospi
tal
room hedi
aledhi
ssecr
etat
y'
snumber
.
Luna:
Aft
ernoonSi
r.
Hayden:Lunacanyoutel
lHRt osignoffan
unpaidleaveformywif
et i
llf
urthernoticeand
cancelthatfl
i
ghttoPari
s.(
sighing)I
'
llbe
workingfrom homeandwillonlybepr esentfor
meetingsthatcan'
tbedonet hroughSky pe.
Lunapausednot
ingdownev
ery
thi
ngt
hather
bosssai
d.
Luna:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokayboss?
Hayden:
Hopeful
l
yi twi
l
lbeokay.Reschedul
e
mymeet i
ngsagainandseei
ftheycanmanage
Sky
peandgetbackt ome.
Luna:
Oni
tsi
r.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.
Luna:
ofcour
se.Hav
eagooddaysi
r.
Hay denreall
yhopedi twasagooddaybuti t
wasn' t
.Hehungup.Wel lt
heirplanst obuil
d
thathospitalhadt akenf li
ght.Theywer e
halfwaythrought hel argebuildingandhehoped
i
nt womor eyearsi twoul dbecompl eteandit
willbeastateoft hear thospital.Hopef ul
ly
oncebabygi rlwasbet tershewoul dcutoutt he
redr i
bbon.Hehadt obehopef ul t
hatAr iwas
goingt ogetbetter.Hi swifewasbr eaki ngdown
andhehadt obet hebackboneoft hef amily
.
Keepi tal
ltogether ,f
ort hei
rsakesi fnothis.

Heopenedt hedoorandl
ookedatthem
sleepi
ngpeaceful
l
yasifwhathadhappeneda
fewhoursagohadn'tmadethem weep.He
call
edthenanny.
Nanny
:Hel
l
o..
.
Hay
den:
Hello,canyoupackAri
ell
e'
sclot
hesf
or
me?Andincludeherf
avouri
tebl
anket
.
Nanny
:Ofcour
sesi
r.
Hay
den:
I'
l
lbet
her
einaf
ewt
opi
ckt
hem up.
Nanny
:Ofcour
se.

Haydenhungupandr ubbedMasa'shand.They
neededfoodandhewasgoi ngtogetthem a
fr
eshsetofclot
hes.Howt heywer
egoi ngtotel
l
cl
osefamilywasbeyondhim.Itwasdiffi
cul
tto
speakabouti
twhil
eit'
sstil
lanewissue.

Hewalkedout
.Hehadaf ewhour
stof
ini
sh
whatwashewasdoing.

AtCane'
spl
ace

Caneplacedhisfor
kdownashewat
chedJoy
feedt
heirli
tt
leboy.
Cane:CanAri
comeover?Shehasn'
tbeen
feel
i
ngwellandwel
lquali
tyt
imeherewon'tdo
heranyharm.
Joy
:I
ssheokay
?
Cane:
Justf
lu.
.
Joy:
Isn'
titbet
tersheiswit
hhermot herwhen
sheissick,mostki
dswantt obebesidest
hei
r
mothersmostespeciall
ygir
ls.
Canesi
ghed.
Joy:
I'
m notref
usi
ngj
ustsay
ingbesi
desdeal
i
ng
wit
htwoy oungki
dscanbeti
ri
ng.
Cane:
Shei
sal
most8.
.
Joy:Samediff
erencel
ove..
sayaah(
tot
hey
oung
toddleront
hehighchair
)
Hecl
appedhi
shandsasheopenedhi
smout
h.
Cane:
YoudoknowthatAr
iel
l
ehadt
oknowher
br
otheratsomepoi
nt.
Joy
:Whyobuaeketekeganangwanawagago
atl
akwanokante?
(whyareyouphrasi
ngiti
na
waythati
mpl
iesIdon'
twantyourchi
ldvi
sit
ing)
Cane:Wel
lthepastyearyouhavebeengi
ving
nothi
ngbutexcusesandt heonlyt
imeAr
iell
e
seesherbr
otherisatfamilyev
ents.
Joy:I
joo.I
t'
sfine.Iwasn'
tev enfi
ghti
ng.Ilov
e
Ari
ell
el i
kemyownbutIj ustcan'
thandletwo
chi
ldrenatonce..besi
desshehasot hersibl
i
ngs
i
t'
snotasi fthisbabyisheronlysibl
ing.
.

Canesi
ghedashepushedthefoodasi
de.Joy
l
ookedatthepl
ate.Hebar
elyt
ouchedhi
sfood.
Joy
:Youdi
dn'
tev
eneaty
ourf
ood.
Cane:
Ihav
etogobackt
owor
k.

Canejustpi
nchedhisson'
scheekandJoygav
e
hi
m hercheekasalwaysandhejustwal
ked
awaywit
houtki
ssi
nghercheek.She
embar
rassi
ngl
yconti
nuedtofeedthei
rson.

Att
hehospi
tal

Masawokeupf i
rstandashereyeslandedon
Ari
ell
eshecl osedhereyesagainhopingitwas
al
ladr eam.Abadoneshewoul dwakeupf r
om
anysecondf rom nowbuttoher
di
sappoi nt
mentitwasn'tandi
thurt.Thecut
sti
l
lfresh.
Masa:
Ist
her
eaGodi
nheav
en?

Shesoft
lyaskedher
sel
fasshehel
dthechi
l
din
herar
ms.

Shelookedar
oundtheroom andHaydenwasn'
t
ther
e.Maybehegotti
redofhercr
yingand
hysteri
csanddecidedtotakeabreather
.She
sighed.Ahollowholedev
elopedinthedepths
ofherhear t
.Shewasusedt odeal
ingwith
thingsaloneanyway.I
twasn'tany
thingnewto
her .

AtHay
den'
shouse

Theki
dsmetHay
denatthedoorandhugged
hi
m.Theywer
esti
ll
int
heiruni
for
ms.
Av
ery
:Wher
eismom andAr
i?
Hay densighed.Hedidn'
tknowhowhewas
goingtobr eakitdowntothem whent
hey
haven'tbrokenitdowntoAriel
l
eandMasawas
sti
l
l indenial
.
Hay
den:
theyar
einhospi
tal
.
SmithJr
:I
ssomet
hingwr
ong?Canwegosee
them?
Hayden:
Butyouwer
ewi
tht
hem y
eat
erdayand
t
hismorning.
.
Av
eryshr
ugged.
Aver
y:Wejustwantt
oseet
hem dad.
.wear
e
fami
lyremember.
Shesmi
l
edathi
m andhesmi
l
ed.
Hay
den:
Idon'
tknowifyourmotherwil
lper
mit
metobr
ingyouguystothehospi
tal
.
Smi
thJr
:Wewi
l
lbehav
e..
Hayden:
Letmeheadtothebedr
oom,
I'
ll
beback
andgochangecl
othesguys.
Av
ery
:Yesdaddysi
r!
Shesal
utedandhel
aughed.

Whenhegottothebedr
oom hepackedsome
ofMasa'
sclot
hesinanover
nightbagandsome
toi
l
etr
ytoo.Whenhewassurehepacked
everythi
nghewalkedoutandplacedt hebagon
thecouch.Hejoggedupstai
rstoAr i
ell
e'
sroom
andhef oundthebaglayi
ngont hebed.He
pickeditupandhejustwentdownst ai
rswhere
hef oundthet
winswaiti
ngallchanged.
Hay
den:
I'
mret
urni
ngy
ouguy
sinanhour
.
Av
ery
:Wai
t.
.

Shewalkedupthest
airandcamebackwi
th
Ari
ell
e'
siPad.
Aver
y:Ourf
avour
it
edr
essupgameandwor
d
gameisonhers.
Hayden:
Let'
sgoguy
s.We'
regoi
ngt
ogetf
ood
f
ir
stthough.

Att
hehospi
tal
MasakissedAriel
le'
scheekasshegotoutof
bedandheadedt othebathroom wher eshe
spl
ashedwateronherf ace.Shealreadylooked
hor
ribl
e.Shepinchedherselfst
il
lhopingitwas
adream buti
twasnot .Toherdismay .

Sheheardchat t
eri
ngintheroom andsbe
paused,l
isteni
ngin.Shefi
nall
yopenedthe
bathroom dooropenandshef oundHayden
wit
ht hekids.Aver
ybeingachattermouthwas
wakingAriell
eup.
Masahel
dherhear
t.Hay
denwal
kedupt
oher
.
Hay
den:
Justdon'
tpushmeoutl
ove.Pl
ease.
Masanodded.
Masa:
Ithoughty
ouwer
eti
redofmean-
Hay
den:
I'
l
lnev
erbeangel
,we'
rei
nthi
stoget
her
..

Ar
iel
l
ewaswi
deawakeandAv
eryhandedher
thei
Padasshest ar
tedtell
ingheraboutwhat
happenedatschoolwhi
l
eshewasn' tt
here.For
afewmi nutesAr
iel
l
eforgotthepainshewasi n
andHay denhel
dMasacl ose.
Masa:Theyaredoi
ngabet
terj
obofcheer
ing
herup(t
eary
)
Hayden:
That
'swhatsi
bli
ngsdo,
somethi
ngwe
bot
hnevergotgr
owingupbutourki
dshave.
Masanodded.
Masa:
Dot
heyknow?
Hayden:
No.I
t'
sst
il
ltooear
ly.Let
'sgi
vei
ta
week.
Masa:
Wise.
.

Al
lthreeoft
hem sharedthechipsandSmithJr
i
nterr
uptedAvery
'stal
ki
ngj ustt
odecl
aresome
pi
ecesofinfor
mat i
onsharedbyAveryasfal
se.
Av
ery
:Andnobodyaskedy
ouSmi
th.
Smi
thJr
:Gi
rl
s!
Ar
iel
l
e:boy
s!
Av
ery
:Twoagai
nstone.
.
Smi
thJr
:Hudwi
l
lbeonmysi
deoncehei
sol
der
.
Thegirl
sshookt hei
rheadsandAr i
ell
etr
iedtk
situpr
ightbutherbonehurtsobad.Shelooked
atherparentsandHaydenj ustl
etgoofMasa
togotoher .Hegentl
ypickedherup.
Hay
den:
I'
m nothur
ti
ngy
ouaker
e?

Sheshookherheadandhepl
acedheronhi
s
l
apgentl
y.
Hay
den:
Comf
ort
abl
epr
incess?
Shenoddedandlookedathersibl
i
ngswho
handedherthemil
kshakewhichshehel
dwit
h
bothhands.
Hay
den:
Sweet
hear
t?
Masa:
Yes?
Hay
den:
Herbl
anketi
sinherbag.
.

Masapushedherhai
rbackandwalkedtothe
bagsandsheopenedthem t
otakethebl
anket
.
Shegaveitt
oHaydenandhecov er
edAri
ell
e
wit
hitandshel
eanedintohi
m.
Hay
den:
Yousti
l
l havetoeatproperf
ood.
I
ncl
udi
ngyourvegies.Yourmotheri
samonst
er.
Masa:
NoI
'
m not
(smi
l
ing)
Smit
hJr:
Mom j
ustwant
sthi
ngdonet
her
ight
wayri
ghtmom?
Masa:Thankyoumyboy .Youunder
standme
bet
terthantheset
hree.I
'l
ll
etyoudr
ivemycar
oneday.

Hepunchedt
heai
rwi
thahugesmi
l
e.
Ar
iel
l
eandAv
ery
:Boy
s!
Masa:
OhGod!
Ari
ell
esmiledabit.Shestil
ldi
dn'
tknowwhat
waswr ongwithhersinceherpar
entsnev
er
expl
aineditt
oherbutf ornowshecansmile.

ThedooropenedandJasmi
negasped.
Jasmi
ne:
Ohandi
t'
saf
ull
house.
Masar
egr
ett
abl
ylookedather
.
Masa:
Wel
li
sital
l
owed?
Jasmi
ne:I
t'
snotbutitdoesn'
tmatt
er,beaut
if
ul
ki
dsbytheway..
(pausi
ng)aret
heytr
iplet
s?They
l
ookthesameage..
Masa:
No.
.t
het
winsar
eol
derbyf
ourmont
hs.
.
Jasmi
ne:
Oh.Howi
smypat
ientdoi
ng?
Hay
den:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
pri
ncess?
Ar
iel
l
e:I
tst
il
lhur
ts.
Jasmi
ne:
Real
l
ysor
ryaboutt
hatl
i
ttl
eone.
Ar
iel
l
ejustnodded.
Jasmi
ne:
I'
l
lpassbymuchmor
elat
er.

Shewal kedoutandMasaj ustst

uff
edfive
fr
enchf ri
esintohermout
h.Sheshouldtell
Canemay betoni
ght,
shewasn'tsur
eifthi
stime
hewillshowuporhewi ll
bebusybaby si
tt
ing
yetagain.
Av
ery
:Mom!
Masa:
Don'
tst
artAv
e..
Av
ery
:I
t'
snotl
adyl
i
ke.
.
Masa:
Youwat
cht
oomucht
v.
Hayden:
Tel
lherpri
ncess,
whatsheisdoi
ngi
s
notwhataproperl
adyshoul
ddo..
Masat
hrewaf
renchf
ryathi
m andhel
aughed.
Av
ery
:Andy
ou'
rewast
ingf
oodmama.
Masa:
BathongPrincessAveryoftheSmith
r
oyalf
amilywalapisa.(
goshPrincessAver
yof
t
heSmithRoyalfamilyyou'
reannoy i
ng)
Av
erypausedandsmi
l
ed.
Aver
y:Pr
incessAv
eryoft
heSmi
thr
oyal
fami
l
y?
Il
i
kethatmom.
Theyall
laughedandMasacont
inuedt
olazi
l
y
st
uffherfacewit
hthef
renchf
ri
es.
Masa:
Guy
sandl
etHudwat
cht
vtoo.Smi
th?
Smi
thJr
:Sur
emom.
.

Andtheroom wasfull
ofchat
terandli
ght
heart
ednessasMasaandHay dentempor
ari
l
y
for
gotthesil
entki
l
lert
hatwasinthei
r
daughter
'sbl
ood.
.
.
*
*
AMONTHLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
91*

Att
heSmi
th'
snewf
ami
l
yhouse

HaydensighedasMasatookaf
ewbi
tesbef
ore
shepushedtheplat
easi
de.
Hay
den:
Baby
..
Masa:
I'
m okayl
ove.
.
Haydenpi ckedtheplat
eandwentt oputi
tat
theki
tchenbef oreheforcedhertosi
tonhisl
ap.
Masal eanedintohiminhali
nghiscol
ognemore
eventhoughsomet imesi tf
eltl
i
keitmadeher
nauseous.
Hay
den:
You'
rel
osi
ngwei
ghtangel
..
Shej
ustkeptqui
et.
Hayden:
Babygir
lIdon'
twanttof orcefeedyou
l
ikeIdosometimeswit
ht hekidsbutIwi l
lhav
e
to,
Iknowthatasafamilywe'r
ef acedwith
somethi
ngthat'
ski
ndofhar dtodeal wit
hbut
babyeatdon'
tnegl
ectyoursel
ftoo.
Shenodded.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Masa:
Ilov
eyouat
ri
ll
i
onMrSmi
th.
Hay
den:
Smi
l
eforme.
.
Shegri
nnedbef
orehet
ickl
edherandshe
l
aughed.
Masa:
ohGod!St
op!
(l
aughi
ng)
Shesli
doffhislapont
othef
loorashe
cont
inuedti
ckli
ngherti
ll
hef
ellontopofher
andsheblinkedafewtimes.Hewasjustabout
tokissherwhenAriel
l
ewalkedinsi
dethe
kit
chenholdinganemptyglassofmil
k.
Ar
iel
l
e:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Masa'
scheeksr
eddenedandHay
dencl
ear
ed
hi
sthr
oat.
Hay
den:
Play
ing.
Ar
iel
l
e:Oh.

Shest oodonherti
ppytoest
oplacetheglassi
n
thesinkandshewalkedoutunbot
hered.Masa
burstoutlaughi
nghi
tt
ingHayden'
schest.
Masa:
Mphol
oge,
you'
reheav
y.
Hay
den:
Andt
hewayshewassounbot
her
ed.
Masa:
I'
m shooket
h..
Hay
den:
LikesomeoneIknow.
Masa:
don'
tst
art
..
Hegotof
fherandhel
pedherst
andonherf
eet
.
Hay
den:
You'
renotget
ti
ngcol
dfeet
?
Masa:
Thehai
rcut
?No.
..
Hay
den:
You'
reamot
herandahal
f.
.
Masa:I
'm notandwebot hknowit.Ican'
t
bel
iev
et heyfi
nall
yhavemadet hetreat
ment
pl
anandherf ir
stsessi
onistomor r
ow.
Hay
den:
Thef
ir
stst
ep.
Masa:
Thesi
deef
fect
sandal
l
..
Hay den:
Wehav eapr i
vatenurseandwear e
surroundedbyfami l
y,don'
tputtoomuch
pressureonyourself
.Ariel
l
ewi l
lbefineand
somedaywewi l
llookbackandr efl
ectonthi
s.
Sippingsomecoct ai
lsinabeachfaraway.
Masa:I
'
m sor
ryaboutnotbei
ngabl
etogot
othe
honey
moon.
Hay
den:
Fami
l
yfi
rstmybaby
..
let
'sgo.

MasaandHay denwal kedoutandHay den

cli
mbedt hestepsheadi ngt ot hebedr oom t o
getthecut ti
ngmachi newhi l
eMasawal kedt o
Ariel
le'sbedr oom.I twasaSat urdayandt o
thinkshehasn' tbeenany wher eot hert hant he
hospi t
al eversi nceAr iell
e'sdi agnosi s.Di dshe
evenshopf orpads?Shepaused.Wasi t
i
mpor tant?Shehasbeensost ressedt hispast
mont hshemostpr obabl yforgotorshehad
extraones?Hermi ndwasj ustal lovert hepl ace.
Shewasj ustinbl ackt ightsthatwer en'tev en
ti
ghtandal ongsl eev edov er sizedsweat er.She
foundAr i
ellewi thal lf
ourofhersi bli
ngsand
shehadt oadmi tt hatt hehtooki tbettert han
herorwasi tthei ry oungnaí v emi ndst hat
all
owedt hem t oseebey ondt hepr esent ?She
didn'tknowbutal lsheknewi st hattheywer e
therefort heirsi ster .Hudsonsl owl ytri
edt o
st
andupwhenhesawhi
smotherbuthefellon
hi
sbut
tbutgi
ggl
edandt
her
estturnedt
ol ook.
Av
ery
:Ohhi
mom.
Smi
thJr
:Whycan'
tyouhomeschool
ust
oo?
Masar
oll
edherey
es.
Masa:Becauseyouguysareablet
ogot o
schoolandyoursi
stercan'
t.Somedayssheis
si
ckandcan'tgetoutofbedbecauseofthe
l
umpssheget saroundtheneck,i
t'
sbett
ershe
stay
shomeguy s.
Avery:
Weunder st
andmam,
shesay
syou'
rea
bett
erteacher
.
Masa:
Ial
wayshel
pyouguy
swi
thhomewor
k.
Mathhomewor
k.
Hay
denwal
kedi
n.
Hayden:
AsIdon'
tknowmat
h,Idi
dcal
cul
ust
oo
MrsSmith.
Masa:
Bat
tl
eoft
hedegr
ees?
Hay
den:
Youcan'
twi
n..
Masa:
Financi
alengi
neer
ing.
.
Hay
den:
Civ
ilengi
neer
ingbabygi
rl
..
Masa:
Ideal
wit
hmoney
.
Hay
den:
Idev
elopedt
hishouse'
shousepl
an.
Masa:
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme?
Hayden:
WhywouldI?Andki
dst
hat
'swhyy
ou
shoul
dstudyhar
d.
Masa:
Real
l
yhar
d.

Theyj
ustnoddedandshi
ft
edthei
rat
tent
ion
backt
owhatt heywer
edoing.
Masa:
Ari
arey
our
eadyl
ove?
Ar
iel
l
e:Wi
l
litgr
owback?
Masa:Onceyou'r
edonewithtr
eat
mentitwil
l
.
You'
reaprincessbaby
,you'
ll
bebeaut
if
ul.
Sheslowlygotoutofbedandf
oll
owedt
hem as
thet
wi nsfol
l
owed.
Masamadehersitonthepi
ll
owbet
weenher
l
egsasHaydenconnectedt
hemachi
ne.

Masa:
CanIcuty
ourhai
r?
Ar
iel
l
e:I
twi
l
lgr
owbackr
ight
?
Masa:Ipromi
se.
.Weexplainedtoyouwhatwi l
l
happenifwedon'
tcuti
t.Itwill
star
tfall
ingon
i
t'
sownandi twon'
tbenicet owakeupwi th
chunksofhai
ronyourpil
lowsweet ness.

Ari
ell
enoddedandMasabl inkedacoupleof
ti
mesassher ant
hemachineonAr i
ell
e'
shead,
thehairf
alli
ngdownhershoulder
s.Shekept
cutt
ingti
llshewasbal
dandshest opped.
Masa:
All
donebaby
..
Ar
iel
l
est
oodupandwal
kedt
othenear
bymi
rr
or.
Masa:
You'r
estil
lapri
ncessbabyl
ove.Abr
ave
oneandyoulookbeauti
ful
.
Av
ery
:Pr
incessessmi
l
eAr
i.
Masal
ookedatHay
denasshesatont
hepi
l
low.
Hay
den:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveI
'
m cut
ti
ngmywi
fe'
shai
r.
Masa:
Dir
akabonakobef
oreIchangemy
mi
nd..
uh.

Hay denmovedthemachi neofMasa'shead

watchingherhai
rfal
loffateverystr
oke.She
didthissoAri
ell
edoesn'tfeeli
ndi
ff
erent.She
want edhert
ofeelasnormal aspossibl
e
alt
houghMasadi dn'
tknowhowshewasgoi ng
tolookwithabaldhead.

Masawat chedherlonghai
rfall
downandshe
si
ghed.Shewi l
lcutherhai
reveryt
imeti
l
lAri
ell
e
i
sbetter
.Shedidn'twanthertofeell
i
keshe
di
dn'
tl
ookl
i
ket
her
est
.
Hay
den:
All
done.
.

Masapl
acedherhandonhernowbal
dhead.
Masa:
Wei
rd,
howdoIl
ook?
Hay
den:
Wantmyhonestopi
nion?
Masa:
Yeahbef
oreIgot
othemi
rr
or.
Hay
den:
Likeanal
i
en.
Masapushedhi
m backl
aughi
ng.
Masa:
Mxm.Ihat
eyout
oo.
.
Hayden:You'r
ebeaut
if
ul anddon'tl
etany
onet
ell
youotherwiseort
hey'
lldealwit
hme.
Av
ery
:CanIal
socutmyhai
r?
Hay
den:
Youwantt
ocuti
ttoo?

Shenodded.
Aver
y:I
twi
llgr
owback.
(t
aki
ngadeep
br
eath)
Yeahcuti
t.
Hay
den:
All
ofi
t?
Shenodded.
Hayden:Oh!Af
tert
hisy
ouguy
sneedt
otake
photos.
Masa:
Ij
oo.
.

Haydendi
dqui
ckworkofAv
ery
'shairandwhen
hewasdoneshewal
kedtot
hemirror.
Av
ery
:Notbad.NowAr
iwear
elookt
hesame.

Theyal
ll
aughedandshedi
dtoo.
Hayden:Nowy
ouguy
scanchangeandI
'
llt
ake
photos.
Masa:
Rel
axH.Rel
ax.
..
letmegochange,
Iwant
t
ogobuysomethi
ng.
Hay
den:
Icangoony
ourbehal
fandy
oust
ay.
Masa:
You?You'vebeenpest
eri
ngmeabout
goi
ngoutsi
dejustf
orafew.Iwon'
tbel
ongj
ust
l
ike30minut
es.

Shecli
mbedt hestair
st ot hebedr oom andshe
changedi ntoadr ess.Thatwaswhenshe
noti
cedhowgaucheshel ooked.HowHay den
tol
erat
edseei ngherliket hiswasasur pr i
se.
Shelookednot hi
ngl i
ket heheal thywomanshe
hasbeenov erthey earsandj ustamont hof
Ari
'sdiagnosisnowshel ooksl ikethi
s.She
removedt hedr essandt r
iedj eansandt hey
seemedbi ggerthanher .Shewoul dratherwear
adresst henandshedi dn' tlookhalfasbad
withbaldhai r
.

Shegott
hecarkey
sandwal
keddownt
he
st
air
s.
Masa:
Whatshoul
dIbr
ing?
Smi
thJr
:Any
thi
ngi
sfi
ne.
Masa:
Okay
.Wi
shmel
uck.
Hay
den:
Youdon'
tneedi
t.

Shewal
kedout
.

Att
hemal
l

Masast eppedoutofhercarandwal kedi

nto
theshop.Peoplestart
edstari
ngatherand
whisper
shadnowst art
ed.Shepickedthe
basketandcont i
nuedwalki
ngunawar eofsome
ofhadfinall
yrecogni
zedwhoi twasandwer e
taki
ngphot osofher.

Masaj
ustpi
ckedupt
hepacketofpadsand
wental
ongot
herai
slest
otakesnacks.

Shewalkedt othet i
l
landj oinedthequeue
wheremur mur sstart
eduponherar ri
v al.Some
stol
eglancesatherandchuckl edwhilesome
j
ustshookt heirheadsinpi ty.Masaignor edthat
asshesear chedherpur sef orhercardbut
i
nsteadofitwasHay den'scar d.Shesi ghedand
gaveitt
ot hecashier.Shecal l
edhim ast he
cashi
ergav eherthemachi ne.
Masa:
Babywhat
'sy
ourpi
nagai
n?
Hay
den:
Yourbi
rt
hyear
.
Masa:
Ohokay
.Thanky
ou.

Sehungupandpunchedt
hedi
git
s.
Cashi
er:
Plast
ic?
Masa:
Eemma.
Shewasgiventhecardbackandalongwit
hher
twopl
ast
ics.Shewalkedoutoftheshop.

Att
heSmi
ths

Masathr
ewhersel
fonthecouchnextt
o
Haydenwhor
ubbedherhand.
Hay
den:
Howwasy
ourf
ir
stout
ing?
Masa:
Wei
rd.Ev
ery
onewasl
ooki
ngatmeand
al
l
.
Hay
den:
Don'
tmi
ndt
hem.
Masa:
Mhm.
.
Sher
ubbedhert
ummyabi
t.
Hay
den:
What
'swr
ong?
Masa:
Probabl
ydi
pp.
.
Hay
den:Andy
ougetgr
umpyt
hatt
imeoft
he
month.
Masa:
Idonot
.
Hayden:
I'
m al
waysattherecei
vi
ngendofal
l
yourmoodswings.Doyouneedaheater
?
Masa:
Noo.
..

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana

TessawenttoFacebookandshehalflaughed
whenshesawMasa' spictur
estr
ending.She
l
ookedhori
rbl
eandt hat'
sforst
eal
ingone'sman.
Shereadt
hecomment swithasmil
e.
Comment1: mar
ri
ageal
readyshowi
ngher
fl
ames?
Comment2:Bathongont
semaswej ang,
ist
hat
howthewifeofapromi
nentbusi
nessman
shoul
dlook?
Comment3: Ij
ustthi
nkpeopleinthecomment
sect
ionarebeingunnecessar
il
yrude.Shedi
dn'
t
evenpostthepict
ureshersel
fsobathoshoul
d
mindthei
rown.
Comment4:Marr
iagei
snotever
ythi
ngl
adi
es
LookatMasahereasanexampl
e.
Comment5:Sheusedtobetheschoolwhore
backinseni
orschool
,
guessherwhori
ngways
caughtupwit
hherandthehusbandsawthathe
cannotmakeoutofawhore.
..
Tessal
aughedassher eadmor ecomment s.
Theywereroast
ingherandwellshewoul dn'
t
bl
amethem.Lookathowhor r
ibleshelooked.
HowHay dentol
ereat
edthiswasbey ondher.

Maybemar r
iagewasi
ndeedshowingher
fl
amesorshewasdy i
ng.Hmm. .
.i
fshediedand
shi
tthenshewouldbether
eforhim,comf ort
hi
m blahbl
ahandtheywill
betogetheragain.
Sheloggedof
fandl
oggedi
nwi t
hafake
accountwher
eshecommentedont
hepost
.
Tessa: whati
fshei
saboutt
odi
e?Howt
ragi
c.

Ther
ewer
eaf
ewr
epl
i
esonhercomment
.
Repl
y1:
Ver
ytr
agi
c.Lol
Tessa:
Ihear
dshesleptwi
thhi
m whi
lehada
gi
rlf
ri
endandfel
lpr
egnant
.Imagi
nehel
a.The
audaci
ty.
Repl
y2:Karmathen i ti
sadarnbit
ch,you
can'
tbuil
donthetearsofanot
herandexpectt
o
l
ivehappi
lyev
erafter
.
Tessa:
Exact
ly Shedeser
vesi
t.
Reply3:
Youguysdon'tknowherpersonal
l
yto
sayallt
hat Disappoi
ntinghowwomenbr eak
otherwomen.Tlhel
ebaloibasadi
.
Reply4:
Stopbei
ngafeel
i
stwena wecomet
o
Facebooktoj
okeandweuseourown
data.
.mxm

Tessal
aughedasshewentt
oreadmor
e
comments.

AtMat
il
da'
shouse

Tilyscrol
l
edt hr
oughsocialmedi aandsawt he
trendingt
opic.Shegaspedwhenshenot i
ced
thatitwasMasa.Whenwi l
lsheev ercatcha
break?Sheshookherhead.Shehopedand
prayedAriel
l
ewi ll
pullt
hrough,thatli
tt
legirl
washermot her
'spri
deandj oy
.

Att
heSmi
ths
Masawentt hr
oughhersoci
alsandt
ears
bl
indedhereyesasshesawhersel
ftr
ending.
Theyhadtakenphot
osofher?Shereadthe
commentsandshejustswall
owedtearf
ull
y.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Hejustgott
hephoneoutofherhandsandhe
sawwhatshewaslooki
ngat.
Masa:
Kant
ehowdi
dIwr
ongt
heuni
ver
se?
Hayden:
Don'
tmindthem myl
ove.
.t
heyarebi
tt
er
andhavenot
hingt
odowi tht
hei
rli
ves.
Masa:
Iwasjustt
her
etobuy
,Idi
dn'
tof
fend
any
one(t
ear
y)
Hay
den:
angel
..
.

Shecr
iedonhi
schestasher
ubbedherback.
Hay
den:
I'
m sor
ryokaybaby
?
Masa:
Somear
ecal
l
ingmeawhor
e,t
hey
br
oughtupmypast
..
Hay
den:
Babe.
.
Masa:
I'
l
lnev
erbegoodenough.
.
Hayden:
You'r
egoodenoughf
orme.Skal
ela
t
lhemma...
Her
ubbedherback.
Hayden:
thi
swillpasstooandtheywil
lfor
get
abouti
t.You'
rebeauti
fulandper
fectf
orme.
Hej
usthel
dherl
i
keababy
.
Hayden:
Wehav eeachother,
afamil
ythatlov
es
andadoresyou.Thechi
l
drenloveyou,Il
ove
youandthat
'sallt
hatmatter
sli
tt
leoneokay?
Shenodded.
Hayden:Mati
ldaist
her
e,yourmom anddadare
ther
emyf ami l
yist
her
e.Don'tst
ressy
oursel
f
unnecessar
il
y ,
wehavealottodealwi
thatthe
moment .
Masa:
Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llbeabl
etogooutaf
tert
his.
.
Hayden:That'
ssti
l
l okay,Iknowyouhate
f
ighti
ngwi t
hpeopleandy ouwouldr
ather
r
etreatandnotretali
ate.You'r
eanangelokay
?
Shenodded.
Hay
den:AndIl
oveyouMr sSmit
h.Sl
eepbabe,
wehavealongdayaheadofus.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
92*
Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Att
heSmi
ths

Masawast hef i
rstonet owakeup.Sheheaded
tothebat hroom wher eshecheckedherpant y
foranybl oodst ainorsi gnofherper i
od.The
crampshadgot tenbaddur ingthecour seofthe
nightandshehadf ail
edt osleep.Theyhad
nev erbeent hi
sbadandshedi dn' thavet he
ener gytowakeHay den.Ther ewasnoneand
shesi ghed.May bedur i
ngt hecour seoft heday,
i
twasnot hingmaj or.Af ewmont hsaftergivi
ng
birt
ht oHudsonherper iodhadf allenrightback
i
nt oit'
smundanecy cl
e.Shewasnev eraday
l
at eorear l
ysot hiswasal arming.Justabi t.
Shecan' tbepr egnantr ight?Bett ershegett hat
IUDdev iceassoonaspossi blesot hatshe
shoul dstopwor ryingaboutherper i
odsandt he
possi
bil
it
yoffal
li
ngpregnant
.Shedr
eadedt
hat
wit
hallofherhear
t.

Shewal kedoutminuteslatertohelpthenanny
preparetheki
dsforschool .Thedri
verwould
pickthem upint
wohour stotakethem to
schoolandshewoul dfinall
ygetAriready.
Beingbusyfornowwi ll
distracthermindfrom
mostofwhatwasaboutt ohappenlateron.

I
nanhourt hetwinswer edoneandt heysaid
morningtoadrowsyAr i
ellewhohadbar el
y
l
ift
edherheadt osaythesamebef oret heyran
upstai
rstotheroom togreett
heirfather.I
thad
beensomet hi
ngtheyhadgot t
enusedt oevery
morning.Sayi
nghiandIl oveyoutothrf amil
y,
nottoboastoranythi
ngbutsheguessedt hey
werebeingrai
sedright.
Theyatethei
rbreakfastpeacefull
ywit
hli
ght
banter
ingandtheybot hki
ssedt hei
rmother'
s
cheekwhentheirdriv
erarri
ved.Theygrabbed
thei
rbagsandwal kedout.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Nanny:Theyareadel
i
ght
ful
bunch.Shoul
dIget
Ari
ell
er eadymam?
Masa:
No,
I'
ll
doi
t.Thanky
ou.

Thiswast het i
menowf orall
themedi cal
equipmentHay denhadshi ppedheret owork
now, thepriv
atenur sealongwi t
hadoct or
woul dsetitall
upf orAr i
ell
ewhiletheywentto
thehospitalforherf i
rstsessi
on.Theyhadbeen
war nedaboutt hesideef f
ectsandsheknewi t
woul dn'
tevenbepr etty,shejusthopedshewas
goingt obestrongt hroughoutthewhol e
process.Thosedr ugsbei nginhersy st
em.She
sighed.
Haydenwokeupf ull
ynotfeel
inghi
swi f
eathis
si
de.Shewasprobablykeepingher
selfasbusy
asshecouldpossibl
ycan.Masa'sphonerang
andhepickedi
tup.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o..
Cane:
Hi,
canIt
alkt
oMasa?
Hay
den:
CanIpassamessage?

Canesi
ghed.
Cane:
I'
l
l bealit
tl
elat
eforAr
iel
l
e'sf
ir
st
chemotherapysessi
on.
Hay
den:
Ican'
tsayI
'
m sur
pri
sed.
.
Cane:
Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
Hayden:You'
respendi
ngfarl
esst
imewith
Ari
ell
e,questi
onwouldbewhyyouaren'
t
spendi
ngt i
mewi t
hher?
Cane:
I'
vebeenbusyan-
Hayden:
Thatwhenyoudospendt i
mewi t
hher
shedoesn'
tcal
lyoudadwitht
heexcitement
sheusedtohaveatf
ive?Nooffensebutgao
sabatl
engwanabuaMr ..
Cane:Becar
eful
howy
out
alkt
ome,
I'
m st
il
l
youruncl
e.
Hayden:
Andy ou'
rest
art
ingt
obecomeashi
tt
y
dadtoAri
ell
e.
Cane:
Kanaot
lany
elaHay
den.
Hay
denchuckl
ed.
Hayden:
Thetrut
hhurtshmm?St
il
ldoesn'
t
makeitri
ghtonyourpart
.
Cane:
Justbecausey
ou'
rel
egal
l
yfucki
ngmy
babyma-
Hayden:
Stopi
trightt
her
e.Familyornot,Masa
i
smywi feandsheshouldberespected.Idon'
t
car
eifsheisyourbabymamaorshef ucked
youfi
rst,she'
smywi f
eandyou'
reoverst
eppi
ng
boundari
es.Treadcar
eful
l
yuncl
e..
.t
readreal
l
y
car
efull
y.

Hi
svoi
cehadhi
m bl
i
nki
ngacoupl
eoft
imes.
Hayden:
Ithi
nkt
hisconv
ersat
ioni
sov
er.You
knowwhattodo.

Hehungupandthr
ewMasa'sphoneont
hebed
asheheadedt
othebat
hroom.

AfterhewasdoneMasafi
nall
ywal
kedinsi
de
theroom andsatont
heedgeoft
hebed.
Hay
den:morni
ngangel
.Gotakeabat
h,Ir
an
wat
erfory
ouinthebatht
ub.
Masa:
Myper
iodi
slat
e.
Sheblur
tedout
.Hay
denpausedasheplaced
hisl
oti
ondownandleanedagai
nstt
hedressi
ng
tabl
e.
Hay
den:
And?
Masai
ncr
edul
ousl
ylookedathi
m.
Masa:
Myper
iodi
slat
eHay
den!
Hayden:Idon'
tseewher
eyou'
reheadi
ngwi
th
t
hispoint.
Masa:
Wow!
Hayden:
You'r
enotbei
ngdir
ectMasaanddon'
t
r
aiseyourvoi
ceatme.Don'
tdothat
.

Sheunconsci
ousl
ytr i
edtotuckherhairbehi
nd
herearbef
oresheremember edthatshewasa
bal
dheadnowandt herewasnohairtopush
back.
Hay
den:
Masa?
Masa:
Rra?
Hayden:
War
ebot
hat
akeeng?
(what
'st
he
pr
oblem)

Shewi
l
ledher
sel
ftocal
m down.
Masa:
Myperiodl
ateandit
'snev
erlat
eunless
of
..
.whatI
'
m basi
call
ysay
ingisthati
t'
slat
ean-

Shecouldn'
tev
enf
athom t
het
houghtofbei
ng
pregnant
.
Hay
den:
And?
Masa:It
'sneverl
ate,whenIwaspr
egnantwit
h
Hudsoni twassti
llt
hereonti
meti
llIst
art
ed
showingan-it
'sl
ate.
Hay
den:
Andy
out
hinkpr
egnancyi
sapossi
bil
i
ty?
Masa:
Idon'
tknow.
.
Hay
den:
Wasi
thar
dtogety
ourpoi
ntacr
oss
wi
thoutr
aisi
ngy
ourv
oice?
Masa:
No.
Hayden:
Ify
ouhav eanyqual
ms,takea
pr
egnancytestt
oelimi
natethef
ear.Si
mpl
e,y
es?
We'r
edoner i
ght
?
Masa:
Yes.
Hay
den:
Yourwat
eri
sgoi
ngt
ogetcol
d.

Shestoodupandheadedt othebathroom
whereshecl osedthedoor
.Haydenjustf
ini
shed
gett
ingdressedbef or
ehewal
kedoutoft he
room andwal keddownthest
air
stoAr i
ell
e'
s
bedroom.
Hay
den:
Mor
ning.
Hebentdownt
oherl
evel
wit
hasmal
lsmi
l
e.
Ar
iel
l
e:Mor
ning.
..
Shel
ookedathi
m wi
thquest
ion.
Ar
iel
l
e:Wi
l
lithur
t?
Hayden:
Whent heyi
nserttheneedl
eitmight
sti
ngali
ttl
e.We'l
lbetheretoholdyourhand
thr
oughital
lokay?
Shenoddedandslowl
ygotoutofbedand
huggedhi
mt i
ght
.
Ar
iel
l
e:Thanky
oudad.
.
Hay
denhi
dtheshockonhi
sfacewi
thasmi
l
e.
Ar
iel
l
e:Ipr
eferdadt
hanuncl
e..
Shesai
dwi
thal
i
ttl
esmi
l
est
il
lhuggi
nghi
m.

Hay
denst
ooduppi
cki
ngherup.
Hay
den:
I'
m honour
edpr
incess.
Ar
iel
l
e:Il
ovey
ou.
.
Hayden:
Ilov
eyout
oopr
incess.
.di
dyoueat
somethi
ng?
Sheshookherhead.
Hay
den:
Let
'sgety
ousomet
hingt
oeatt
hen.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
93*

Att
hehospi
tal

MasaandHay densatonei t
hersi
deofAri
ell
e
ast hedoct
orsett
hedrip.Theydi
dn'
tknowhow
Ariell
e'
sbodywasgoingtoreactt
othedrugsso
theywereyettofi
ndout.
Jasmi
ne:
All
done.
.
Masa:
Itt
akeshowl
ong?
Jasmi
ne:
Atl
eastt
hreehour
sfort
hatdr
ipt
obe
empty
.
Masaj
ustnodded.
Masa:
Sowewai
t.
Jasmi
ne:
Yesmam.
Hay den:
Canyoukeepcontactwi
tht
hepri
vate
nurse?Isther
eanywayy oucangodoinhouse
cal
ls?Forchemo?Wer eall
yhaveev
ery
thi
ngwe
needf ori
t.
.
Hesaidlooki
ngatAriell
e.Asmuchastheywer
e
atthepedi
atr
icward,therewassomet
hing
unsett
li
ngabouthospital
s.

Jasminenotedhowt heywer
etheluckyonest
o
haveresour
cesatthet i
poft
hei
rfi
ngersThey
al
readyhadeveryt
hingandhowtheygotthe
r
esour
cesbaf
fl
edher
.
Haydensawt
hedoubtpl
ayi
ngi
nthedoct
or'
s
eyes.
Hayden:
Icanassurey out
hatDrRomanoknew
whatshewasdoi ngwhensheaskedf orthe
r
ightmedicalsuppl
iestobedel
iver
ed.We
wouldn'
ti
ntenti
onal
lyputourdaughteri
nharm'
s
way.
Jasmi
ne'
sey
eswi
dened.
Jasmi
ne:
DrRomano?Angel
Romano?
Hay
den:
Theoneandonl
y.
.
Jasmi
ne:
H-how?
Hay
den:
Wehav
eourway
s.

ThedooropenedandCanewal kedin.Ar
iel
le'
s
eyesli
tupasshesawherdad.Shehadal otof
questi
onsbutshefeltdr
owsybutshewas
goingtokeephereyeswideopen.
Cane:
Hel
l
olov
e.
Ar
iel
l
e:Hi
i
..
Hay
denst
oodupandwal
kedt
oMasa'
ssi
de.
Hay
den:
Let
'sgi
vet
hem space.
Masa:
Bu-
Hay
den:
l
et'
sgo.
.

Shest
oodupandsmi ledatCanewhofail
edt
o
l
ookatHayden.HaydenheldMasa'
swaist
l
eadi
ngheroutoftheroom.
Masa:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
Hayden:
Pull
edmywei
ghtar
ound.Wher
ecanwe
f
indadoctor?
Masa:
For
?
Hay
den:
toseei
fyou'
rei
ndeed"
pregnant
"
Masa:
Okay
..

TheydidfindoneandshejustgaveMasaa
pregnancytestst
ickwhi
l
eHay denwai
ted.

MasawalkedoutandsatnexttoHaydenast
he
doct
orwalkedt
othesmallbathroo.
.
Masa:
Sor
ryf
ormyout
bur
sti
nthemor
ning.
Hay
den:
Don'
tdot
hatagai
n.
Masa:
Iwon'
t.
Hay
den:
Thenwe'
regood.

Sherubbedherhandst oget
herasshepr ayedi
n
herhear
t.ShebeggedGodt ot
akecareofAr i
andforhernottobepregnant.Shewillnev
er
haveunprot
ectedsexwi thHaydeneveragaini
f
i
tturnsoutnegati
ve.Sheshould'
vefastedtoo.
Shecan'
tdealwi
thapregnancywhenher
daught
eri
salsosi
ck.
Haydenjustlookedatherpani
ckingandhe
chuckl
ed.Somuchdr amaoversomethingt
hat
i
snothighlypossibl
e.Shesaidshewasont he
depover
ainjecti
onri
ght?

Minutesl
atert
hedoctorwal
kedbacki
nsi
det
he
of
ficehol
dingthepr
egnancyst
ick.
Masa:
And?
Thedoct
ort
urnedthepr
egnancyst
ickand
Masa'
shear
tpounded.
Masa:
D-doc?
Doctor
:Twolinesmeansi
t'
sposi
ti
veanda
negati
veisshownbyoneli
ne.
Haydenr
ubbedhi
sfacebef
orehel
ookedat
Masa.
Doct
or:
Butt
her
esul
tscanbei
naccur
ate.
Masa:
Soi
not
herwor
dsI
'
m notp-
uhm t
hat
?
Doct
or:
Wecanf ul
l
yconfi
rmthatwi
thascanor
bl
oodtest
s,ascanbei
ngfast
er.
.
Hay
den:
Okay
.

Hel eanedbackdef eat

ed.Nowheunder st
ood
whyMasawasf reaki
ngout.Hudsonwasbarel
y
ay earold,
theyhadt obetheref
orArianda
pregnancy?Wi t
hMasa?Sosoon?Hewasn' t
aboutt odealwit
hhermoods.OnGod.

Doct
or:
Ithi
nkascanshouldbesuit
abl
e.When
wasthel
astti
mey ou'
veseenyourper
iod?
Masa:
Sixweeksago.
Doctor
:Youdoknowy oucanst
il
lgety
our
per
iodwhilepr
egnantri
ght?
Masanodded.Sheknewt
hatpr
ett
ywel
l
.
Doctor:
Ineedy outol i
edownont hebedmam,
i
tcanbeear lydayst houghandif,
abi gi
fyou'
re
pregnanttheheartbeatwon'tbeaudibl
e.We
canonlyspott hegestati
onalsac,
Irecommend
wegety ourbloodwor ktoo.
Masa:
Okay
.

Shejusthopedi twasaf al
seposit
ive.She
wouldn'tbeabletodeal wi
thapregnancy .On
God.Butwhati fittur
nsoutthatshe'spregnant
?
Shewoul dn'
tkil
l i
nnocentbabi
esthatwer e
madewi t
hlove.Shesighedandhopedt he
pregnancytestwasl yi
ng.

Thedoct ormov edthewandov erMasa'sfl

at
tummyandshewasabi tconcernedseei
ngher
ri
bst hatvi
sible.Ifi
tturnsoutthatsheis
pregnantsheshoul deat .Shecouldn'
tspot
anythingvi
at heul t
rasound.Itmightst
il
lbe
ear
lyt
odet
ectany
thi
ng.

Shel
ookedatt
hecoupl
e.
Doct
or:
Well
Ican'
tseeany
thi
ng,Irecommend
comi
ngheretomorr
owaft
erIcol
lectedt
he
bl
oodworkr
esul
ts.
Masa:
Okay
.

I
nAr
iel
l
e'shospi
tal
room

Ariel
lesmil
edf aint
lyasherey
eli
dsfl
utter
ed
shut.Canerealisedhowmuchhemi ssedinher
l
ifeandherlikesanddi sl
i
keshadchanged.

Hisphonerangandhetol
dhiasecr
etar
yto
cancelal
lhi
sappoi
ntmentsf
ortheday.
AtLet
ty'
shouse

Shefi
nall
ygotMasa'
snumber
.Itwasabithar
d
togeti
tbutmaybeshewi
ll
getthr
oughto
Hayden.

Shewal kedtothebedroom wheresheopened

rhewardrobeandt heboxshehadkepthi ghup
camet umblingdown.Thepaper sandphotos
i
nsidefellonthetil
eandshebentdownt opick
upthephot os.Shelookedataparti
cul
arphoto
thenshepaused.Sheswor eshewasgoingto
takethi
ssecr ett
othegr av
ebutwhatifit
'sher
onechancef orhertogetHay dent
otalktoher?
.
.
*
*
Myapol
ogi
esf
oral
atei
nser
t.
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
94*

Att
hehospi
tal

HaydenandMasawal kedi
nsi
deAr i
ell
e's
hospi
talroom andshewasst il
lout.Theywere
goi
ngt okeepherher eforwhatthesideeff
ect
s
mightbri
ng.Her ubbedMasa'sar msandshe
si
ghed.
Masa:
Someti
mesIf
eel
li
keIwr
ongedGod
somehow.
Hay
den:
Don'
tsayt
hat
.
Masa:
Ican'
thel
pit
.
Canewal kedbackinsi
deandHay dennodded.
Hesatdownashi sphonerang.Joy'
sname
fl
ashedonhi sscr
eenandhei gnoredit
.He
wasn'tinthemoodt odeal
wi t
hhernonsensical
behaviouratt
hemoment .
Cane:
Shei
sst
il
lout
?
Haydennoddedpull
ingMassclosert
ohis
muscledbody.Heknewshewasscar edandhe
wasfeeli
ngthesame.Haydenbenthisheadt
o
whi
sperinherear.
Hay
den:
Hear
tbeatokay
?
Masa:
Yes.
Hej
ustpl
acedhiswar
m pal
m ov
erherbr
eastt
o
f
eel
herheart
beat.
Hayden:
Let
'sgogetyouaglassofcol
dwat
er,
i
t'
snotbacktonormalangel
.Areye.

Thet
wowal
kedoutandCanesatdown.Hehad
pretendednott onot icethatMasahadcuther
hairlikeAriell
eandt hatalonet ouchedhi m.She
sacrificedherbeaut yj ustfortheirdaught erto
feelokay .Ifthatisn'
tamot herandahal fhe
didn'tknowwhatwas.Her ubbedAr i
'
shandas
hewat chedhersl eep.Shewast ooy oungt obe
fi
ght i
ngasi l
entdeadl ykill
erlikecancer .Way
tooy oungandi tpainedhi mt hathehadn' tbeen
spendi ngenought imewi t
hherwhenshewas
healthy .Hedi dn'
twantt othi
nkaboutt he
possi bil
it
yofherhav inglimitedtime.Hewoul d
behur tandliveal i
fef ul
lofwhati f
sbutt hat
womanwhoj ustleftwoul dbeshat t
eredf orl
i
fe.
Cane:
Youhavet
obeatt
hissweet
ie.You'
re
st
ronglov
e.

Meanwhi
leoutsi
deAri
ell
e'
sroom Haydenasked
oneoft
henurseswherethecaf
eter
iawas.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Hay
den:
Wel
come.

Whent
heyar
ri
vedhegotheri
cedwat
er.
Hay
den:
Dri
nk.
Masa:
Okay
.

Shedr
ankt
hewat
ersi
l
ent
ly.
Masa:
Doy
out
hinkI
'
m pr
egnant
?
Hay
den:Babel
et'
str
ytonotst
ressaboutt
hat
mylov
e.
Shesi
ghedandnodded.

AtLet
ty'
shouse

Shesuckedi
nadeepbreat
handdecidedt
ocall
Masa.Thephoner
angunanswer
edforawhil
e
bef
oresheanswer
ed.
Masa:
Hel
l
o..
.
Let
ty:
Uhm hi
.

Meanwhil
eHaydensti
l
lkepthi
shandsar
ound
herwai
stasshetal
kedtothephone.
Masa:
Hel
l
o..
.
Cal
l
er:
Don'
thangup.Canwemeet
?
Masa:
Whoam It
alki
ngt
o?
Thecal
l
ersi
ghed.
Cal
l
er:
Let
ty,
Hay
den'
smot
her
.
MasagaspedandHay
denpausedt
olookather
.
Let
ty:
Canwemeet ?Ij
ustwantt
otel
lyou
somethi
ng.Hedoesn'
thavet
oknow.

Masahadt
ost
opher
sel
ffr
om l
ooki
ngupat
Hay
den.
Masa:
I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
Lett
y:Please.Iwon'
ttaket
oomuchofy
our
ti
me...pl
ease!
Masa:
Okay
.Hav
eagoodday
.
Let
ty:
I'
l
lsendt
hedet
ail
s.Thanky
ou.Thanky
ou
somuch.

MasahungupandHay denlookedather
expect
inghertotellhi
m abouthercal
lbutshe
keptquietandheletherbe.

Sheshoul
d'
vedecli
nedt
hatmeet
ing.I
fHay
den
fi
ndsouthei
sgoingtof
li
p.

AtCane'
spl
ace
Joyfedthebabyasshet r
iedtocallCaneagain
buthisphonedidn'
tgot hr
oughnow.Wasshw
wrongtowanthersont ogetallhi
sfather
's
aff
ecti
onlikeAri
ell
edidgrowi ngup?It'
snotli
ke
shehatestheli
ttl
egir
l,shei sasweetchil
dbut
i
twasherson' stur
n.Wast hatsohardtosee?

Shecal
ledMasa'
sphoneanditsenthert
o
voi
cemail
.Why?Shefi
nal
lyt
ri
edHay den'
s
numberandi
twentthr
ough.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o?
Joy
:Hi
.Iwant
edt
oaski
fyou'
veseenCane.
Hay
den:
He'
swi
thhi
sdaught
er.
Joy
:Oh.
Hay
den:
Youcancal
lhi
mify
oudon'
tbel
i
eveme.

Hecutthecal
landsheleanedback.I
nthe
morni
ngheleftear
lyandsheassumedhewas
goi
ngt
owor
kandhei
sst
il
latt
hehospi
tal
?

Att
hehospi
tal

Blai
rfi
nallycoul
dgetawayfrom Masediand
nowshehadt ocometoatleastshowher
support.Mother
hoodhasbeenqui t
etr
ickyon
herpartandshewonderedhowMasadi ditwi
th
fourchi
ldrenasyoungassheis.

Blai
raskedbyt herecepti
onandshemadeher
waytothepedi at
ri
cwar d.ShefoundHayden
andMasaont hebencheswi t
hMasasilent
ly
l
yingonhislap.
Bl
air
:Hel
l
o.
Hay
den:
Hiandy
oudi
dn'
thav
etocomeov
er.
.
Bl
air
:Iwant
edt
o.
Masa:
Hey
..
Bl
air
:Masai
t'
sokaynott
obest
rong.
Masakepthersi
lence.Shehasbrokendown
moreti
meathanshecancountandhonest l
y
t
hingsweregoi
ngwr onginherl
if
e.

Blairsatdownandshejusthopedthatt
heypul
l
through.Theyl
ookedsosadandi twas
hear t
breaki
ngt
oseethem inthatst
ate.
.
.
*
*
Yest
erday
'si
nser
t.Myapol
ogi
esy
etagai
n.
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
95*
Lat
ert
hatev
eni
ng

Att
hehospi
tal

Canefinal
lywalkedoutofAr
iel
le'
sroom and
foundMasasleepingonHayden'schest
.His
heartf
eltheav
yal l
ofasudden.Didhehavea
l
apseinjudgement ?
Hay
den:
Shei
sst
il
lasl
eep?
Cane:
Yeah.Andwhatyousai
dthismorningy
ou
werer
ight
.Myapologi
esfordi
srespect
ing
mmaagweAr i
ell
e.
Hay
den:
Wat
erundert
hebr
idge.
Cane:
Ihav
etogo.
.
Hay
den:Okay
.Andi
fyouwantt
ovi
sitAr
iel
l
eshe
i
salway
shome..
Cane:Thankyoufor
(pausing)
forl
ovi
ngmy
daughterevenwhenIfai
ledher.
Hay
den:
Iregar
dherasmychi
l
dtoo.
Cane:
Yourdadwoul
d'
vebeenpr
oud.
Henoddedr
ubbingMasa'
sarm.Canesai
d
goodby
eonceagainandwal
kedout.

Minut
eslat
erMasawokeupandlookedat
Haydenwhil
erubbi
ngherey
es.
Masa:
Isbabygi
rlup?
Hay
den:
Noty
et.
..
Masa:
Ineedt
hebat
hroom.
Shestoodupandl ef
t.Haydenheadedt o
Ari
ell
e'sroom andstoodbyt hedoor way.He
al
mostl osthi
sf amil
ywi t
hhisrecklessness,he
onlyhopedtheygetthrought hi
s.Ariel
leopened
hereyesandtriedmov i
ngbutherbodyf elt
heavy.Haydenrushedt oherbedsideashehel d
herhand.
Hay
den:
He-
Beforehecoul dcompl etethesentenceshewas
al
readyv omi t
ingandsomeoft hev omitlanded
onhisshi r
t,herbodyshooki nsmal l
convulsi
onsandhepr essedt heemer gency
butt
on.Appar entlypeopl ereacteddif
ferentl
yto
chemoandwi thherbei ngoutforsolong.The
dri
pwasempt yandt hedr ugswer enowset tl
ing
i
nhersy stem.

Thedoct
orandnur
ser
ushedi
n.
Jasmine:
Herbody
'sr
eact
ioni
snotwhatwe
expect
ed.
Hay
den:
What
'shappeni
ng?
Jasmine:
Theconvul
sionsandhervomit
ingat
once?Notgood,shemightchokeonhervomit
anddie.
.
Haydenswal
lowedast
henur
sehur
ri
edwi
tha
bucketasAr
iel
l
evomit
ed.

Masawal
kedi
nsi
det
her
oom andl
ookedat
t
hem.
Masa:
What
'swr
ong?
Hayden:
Shei
sawakeandt
hedr
ugsf
inal
l
y
ki
ckedin.
The8yearoldvomi
tedforwhatseemedl
ikean
et
erni
tybef
oreshestoppedandwashandeda
gl
assofwater.
Jasmi
necheckedhert
emper
atur
eandi
twas
l
ow.Tool
owt obedeemednormal.
Jasmi
ne:
Arey
ouhotorcol
d?
Ar
iel
l
e:h-
hot
..

Thi
swasgoi
ngt
obeal
ongj
our
neyt
il
lsheget
s
better
.Hay denusedthet i
ssuet owelthenurse
handedhi mt owipehisshirtasMasar ubbed
herarms, worrygnawingatherandsheknew
thatnomat terwhatshesai dherchildwas
goingtobei npain.Tearsblindedherasshe
j
ustwat chedt hedoctorandnur sesdowhat
theyweret rai
nedfor.

AtCane'
shouse

Canearri
vedandhewasnotsur
pri
sedwhenhe
foundJoywait
ingf
orhi
m.
Joy
:Ot
swakae?
(Wher
ewer
eyou?
)
Cane:
From t
hehospi
tal
.
Joyhumphedf
oldi
ngherar
ms.
Joy:
AndI '
m supposedtobel
iev
ethat
?Youwer e
notansweringyourphoneandyouwerenotat
theoff
ice.
Cane:
Arey
oumoni
tor
ingmymov
esnow?
Joy:
I'
m si
mplyaski
ngtheappropr
iat
equest
ions
Caneandyou'
renotansweri
ngme.
Cane:
Iwentt
othehospi
tal
..
.
Joy
:Hospi
tal
visi
tyat
hewhol
eday
?
Cane:
Yes.
..

Heattempt
edtoproceedt
owalkt
othe
bedr
oom butJoyst
oodup.Shest
oodi
nfr
ont
ofhi
m.
Joy
:Iwantt
het
rut
hCane.
Cane:
Andt
hat
'st
hedamnedt
rut
h.
Joy
:Noi
t'
snot
.Masa'
sphonewasnotont
oo.
.
Canechuckl
ed.
Cane:
Andhowi
sthatmyconcer
n?
Joy
:Andhesay
sny
ospi
tal
visi
tfort
hewhol
e
day
..
Cane:
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Joy:Iknewit.Thechil
dissi
ckandit'
sjust
fuckingchemot her
apyandyou'
regonethe
whol eday.
.
Cane:
Joyy
ou'
reov
erst
eppi
ngt
hel
i
nes.Don'
t
pushmewoman!
Joy
:Orwhat
?
Cane:
Youwil
lregr
eti
t.Ihaveadaught
erandI
havet
ofat
herheraswell.
..
Joy:
Doesitgiveyouanexcusetonotanswer
mycalls?Jasonneedsyoutooashisfat
heri
n
caseyou'r
etryi
ngtofor
getyouhaveason.
Cane:You'r
ebeingpet
tyandi
nsecur
eandi
t
doesn'tsui
tyou.
Joy
:Iam not
..
.
Caneshookhi
shead.Hedi
dn'
tev
enr
ecogni
ze
hi
sownwi f
e.
Cane:
Masai
samuchbet
termot
hert
hany
ou.
..
Asl
apl
andedonhi
scheekandhel
ookedather
.
Joy
:Don'
t.Don'
t.
Shewasabouttol
andanot
herwhenhet
ight
ly
hel
dherhand.
Cane:
JoybehaveorIwi
llt
eachyouhowt o
behav
e.Don'
tyoudaretr
ytolayyourhandson
me.Icanbeaty
out ooi
fIwantedto.

Heheldherar m abi
ttootightasshe
whimperedinpain.Heletgoofherarm and
walkedtothebedroom wher ehegothi
spil
low
andproceededtowalkout, headi
ngtot
heguest
room.Hedi dn'
twanttohav etodealwi
thher
nonsense.Honestl
y.

Joysatdownont hecouchasshecr i
ed.She
knewit
.Hermar r
iagewasover,al
lofasudden
thechi
ldhascancerandhedisappearsthe
whol
edayandsay
shewasatt
hehospi
tal
.
Real
l
y?

AtLet
ty'
spl
ace

Shestewedoverhersecr
et.WhatifHayden
hateshermore?Wil
lMasar eal
l
yshowupt othe
meeting?Shewasbeingsi
ncerethist
ime
aroundandshehonestl
ymeantnohar m.No
harm atal
l.

Sheclosedhereyesl
ett
ingsleept
akeov
er.She
wil
lseetomorrowmorning.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Att
hehospi
tal
Masawokeupal oneonthechairandshe
yawnedl ookingatAri
ell
e.Theyslepti
ntheearl
y
hoursoft hemor ni
ngbecausesheseemedt o
beget t
ingwor seatever
ygivenmoment .She
sighedandr ubbedhereyesasHay denwalked
i
nhol di
ngt wocupsofcof f
ee.Hehadchanged
hisshir
ttoo.
Hay
den:
Mor
ningangel
.
Masa:
Mor
ning.
.

Hehandedhert heothercupandsheal
lowed
hersel
ftoindul
getherichcaf
fei
nat
edscentof
thebeverage.
Hay
den:
We'
rest
il
lgoi
ngt
omakei
tthr
ought
his.
Masa:
Ihopeso.
Haydenkeptqui
etast
heysil
entl
ysi
ppedon
cof
fee.Thedoct
orwasabouttowal
kinwhen
shepausedatt hedoor, t
akinginHayden'
s
magni fi
centbacksi
de.Ifonlyhewasn'ta
mar ri
efmanwi thawifeandki ds.Sheopened
thedoormuchwi derandfixedhercheerf
ul
voice.

Jasmi
ne:
Mor
ning.
Bot
h:Mor
ning.
Jasmine:
IfImayaskagai
nist
henur
se
qual
if
ied?
Hay
den:
Shei
s,shei
sgoi
nghome?
Jasmi
ne:
Ifshei
sconst
ant
lymoni
tor
ed.
Masa:
Shewil
lbe,I
'
m alway
sathomeandt
he
nur
seisal
sohir
edful
lti
me..
Jasmine:You'
l
l havet
osignafewf
ormsand
we'l
ltakehertherewit
htheambul
ance.
Masa:I
t'
sokay
..
justasl
ongassheget
sthehel
p
sheneeds.
Ev
eni
fitki
l
lsheri
nsi
de.

Thedoctorwal
kedoutandHay denjustheldher
.
Masalethim.Hi
slovelanguagewast ouchand
i
tgavehim comfor
ttobealwaystouchingher.
Shel
eanedagainsthi
m.
Hay
den:Whil
eshe'
sst
il
lasl
eepcanwegocheck
t
heresul
ts?
Masa'
shear
tstoppedforal
it
eralsecond.She
di
dn'
tevenwanttothi
nkabouti
t.
Hay
den:
It
'sbet
ternowt
hanl
ater
..
Masakeptqui
et.
Hay
den:
angel
?
Masa:
Ok(
smal
lvoi
ce)

Hequi
etl
yledheroutoft
her
oom ast
hey
wal
kedt
othedoct
or'
sof
fi
ce.

Thedoct
orsmi
l
edabi
tast
hecoupl
esatdown.
Doct
or:
Justint
ime.Iwasaboutt
ocall
youguy
s.
Ihav
etheresul
tsf
rom thebl
oodwor
kwithme.
.

Shel
i
ftedt
heunseal
edenv
elope.
Doct
or:
Uhav
en'
topenedi
tasofy
et.
Shesai
dasshehandedMasat
heenv
elope.
Doct
or:
Openi
t.

Masa'shandsshooksl ightl
yassheopenedt he
whit
eenv elope.Shepulledthepaperoutand
herheartcrackedinherchestast hepieceof
paperfel
l outofhershakyhands.Hay den
qui
etl
ypi ckeditupandr eadtheresult
s.100%
posi
ti
ve.Shewaspr egnant.OhLor d!
.
.
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
96*

Att
hehospi
tal

Thedoct orwentonaboutwhatMasashoul ddo,

highli
ghti
ngherweightespecial
l
ywhil
eMasa's
mi ndwasblank.Shewaspr egnant
?The
i
njectionfai
l
edherandt hi
swast heworstt
ime
tohav eababyletal
onedeal wit
hapregnancy.

Af
tert
hedoct
orwasf
ini
shedshel
eftt
her
oom
t
ogogetpi
l
lsf
orMasa.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Masadi dn'tanswer.Thiswashar dand
compl icated.Real
lycompl i
cated.Hayden
sighedwhent hedoct orret
urnedt enmi
nutes
l
at erandhandedhi mt hepil
ls.Theyweret
o
comef orascant womont hslatertomoni
tor
thegr owthoft hefoetus.

HaydenledMasaout.Heunder st
oodwhatt hi
s
meant.I
fatal
lAri
ell
ewasokaymay bei
t
would'
vebeenconvenientandmay beajoyf
ul
pr
egnancybutnow...
thetimingwasallwrong.
Hay
den:
We'
l
ltal
kabouti
tokayl
ove?
Shenodded.

Thataf
ter
noon
Aft
erAri
ell
ewascomf ort
ableathomeandt
he
nur
sewassur eshewasokay ,
Masaand
Haydenwalkedoutofherroom.

Haydenl
edMasat ot
hei
rroom andt
heysat
downonthecouch.
Hay
den:
Babe?
Masa:
Yes.
.
Hay den:Iknowy oudidn'texpectthi
spr egnancy
andami dstall
thatwe'regoingthroughi t
's
goingt ostressyou.Alotcangowr ong, youhad
atraumat icbir
thingexperiencelessthanay ear
ago, Isawhowbadi twasandweal mostl ost
you, Ari
ell
eissickandy ou'restr
essed.

Masali
ft
edherheadt
oli
stent
ohim.She
want
edtoknowwherehewasheadi
ngwith
t
hatpoi
nt.
Hayden:Iwassuggest
ing(
paused)
wegetasaf
e
abort
ion.
Masasl
owl
yletgoofhi
shand.
Masa:
What
?
Hay den:Babewecanstil
lhavemorekidsin
future,wit
hallt
hat'
shappeningi
t'
snottheri
ght
ti
meandIadmi tI'
m atf
ault,
weshould'v
eused
protecti
on..
Masa:
Youwantmet
oa-
kil
l
?
Hay
den:BabeIhat
esuggest
ingt
hisbutt
hisi
s
f
orthebest.
Masashookherhead.
Masa:Ineverexpect
edthatf
rom y
ou.YesI
knowr hecir
cumstanceswe'
rei
nbutan
abor
ti
on?
Hay
den:
Thi
nkabouti
t.
Masamov
edawayf
rom hi
m.
Hay
den:
Babe.
..
Masa:
Iwoul
dnev
erHay
den.Ican'
tki
l
l,I
'
m sor
ry.

Shest
oodupandwalkedtothedr
essi
ngt
abl
e
wher
eshepi
ckedhercarkey
sandphone.
Hay
den:
Masa!We'
rest
il
ltal
ki
ng.
Masa:
You'
ret
alki
ngandIl
i
stened.Ineedf
resh
ai
r.
Hay
den:
Wher
ethehel
lar
eyougoi
ngnow?
Masa:Aplacewherenoonewi l
laskmet obea
murderer
.It
'sgoi
ngtotakealotfort
his
pr
egnancytosinkinbutI
'm notabor
ti
ng.
Haydenst
oodupandhel
dherhandasshewas
aboutt
owalkout
.
Masa:
Letmego,
wampol
aya.
Hay
den:
You'
rei
nnost
atet
odr
ive.
Masa:
Arey
oumyf
ather
?
Hay
den:
I'
myourhusband.
Masa:Andmyhusbandwoul
dnotaskmet
odo
such.

Sheusedherot
herhandt
ohi
thi
schest
.
Masa:
ntl
ogel
ewampol
aya.
Hay
den:
Masast
opi
t!
!
Masa:
Hay denl
etgoofmeorel
seI
'
m
scr
eaming.
Heslowl
yletgoofherandsherubbedherwrist
whi
chwasst ar
ti
ngtogopink.Helookedather
wri
standhewasabouttoapologi
sewhenshe
j
ustrandownthestai
rs.

Hef ol
lowedherdownstair
sbutshewas
al
readyinhercarandrever
singi
toutoft
he
garage.Hecoveredhi
sfacewithhi
shands.
MeanwhileMasaheldbackt
ear
sasshedrove
outoftheyar
d.Sheneededt
othi
nkeveni
fit
'
s
j
ustforanhourorso.

Sheconnectedherphonetothecarbl
uetoot
h
system anddrov
eoff.Al
ongthewayshe
parkedbyat r
eebytheroadsi
deandcall
ed
Hay den'
smotherback.
Let
ty:
Hel
l
o?
Masa:
Youwant
edust
omeet
?
Let
ty:
Ismyhouseokay
?
Masa:
senddi
rect
ions(
sighi
ng)

Shewil
lhearheroutandjustt
rytofi
nda
secl
udedplacetoprocessal
lheremoti
ons.
AtCane'
shouse

Joysatonthecouchst ewing.Canedidn'
t
speaktoherwhenhel eftthi
smor ni
ngeven
whenshet r
iedtoapologiseforl
astnight
.He
wasn'thav
ingitatal
l
.

AtLet
ty'
shouse

Masareal
i
seditwasnextt oReginah'shouse.
ThewomanHay dentrul
yloved.Theonehe
woul
dneversuggestanaborti
ont o.She
l
aughedbi
tter
lywipi
ngthetearsthatfell
.

Shegotoutofthecarandknockedont hedoor
.
Lett
yopenedthedoor.Althoughsheknewwhat
thi
swomandi d,shefel
tsosor r
yforher
.She
wassothinandt hecl
othesshewaswear i
ng
madei tsowor se.I
twassosadt oseewhatshe
haswi t
heredto.AsmuchasHay dendidn'
twant
toforgi
vethiswoman, shel
ookedl i
keshe
mightdieanyti
meandsayherf inalgoodbyes
yetshewasn'tev encl
oseto50.Itwassadt o
watch.Sheunconsciouslyr
ubbedhertummyas
shesmi l
ed.
Let
ty:
Nicet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ou.Masar
ight
?
Masa:
Yesandhi
.
Let
ty:
Evenbal
dyou'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Masal aughedabitasshesteppedinsi
det he
house.Itwasunkempt .Fr
om r
ichestorags?
Wast hishowthestorywasgoingtoendf orher
?
Let
ty:
Forgi
vethemessandI
'
m sor
ryIcan'
t
off
erteaoranyt
hing.
Masa:
It
'sokaybutt
hanky
ouf
ort
heki
ndness.

Shel
edhert
othecouchandMasamov
edt
he
paper
sont
hecouchandsatdown.
Lett
y:Therei
salotIwantt
otel
lyouand
congratul
ati
onsonyourweddi
ngtoHayden.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Let
tytol
dMasaever
ythingandtrut
hful
l
y.She
hadnothi
ngt
oloseatthispoi
nt.

Masali
stenedandatsomepointwasappal
l
ed
bywhatLettyhaddonebutt
henmoneyhadthe
powert
obl i
ndpeople.
Let
ty:
Iwasathisof
fi
cemor
ethanamont
hago
andhekickedmeout.
Masa:Heissti
l
lhur
t.Youki
ll
edthel
oveofhis
l
if
eandy ouhadahandinhisfat
her
'sdeat
h.
That
'salotoftr
aumatodealwit
h.
Let
ty:
Theacci dentwasahugemi stakeandI
pai
df ort
hat.Iwasinjai
lthenament al
i
nsti
tuti
on.Noonecamet ovisi
t.I
twaspain
enough.
Masasi
ghed.
Lett
y:Butt
her
eissomet
hingIal
sowant
edt
o
tel
lyou.

Shestoodupandwal kedaway.Masawait
ed
tr
yingtoputHayden'spasttoget
herf
rom what
sheknew,whatHay dent ol
dherandfr
om what
hi
smot hertol
dher.

Lett
ywalkedbackhol
dingt
hephot
osi
nher
hands.
Let
ty:
Idi
dsomet
hingt
err
ibl
e.
Masa:
Hmm?
Let
ty:
WhenHay
denwasbor
n..
.

Masasatupr
ight
.Let
tyhandedMasat
he
photosandshel
ookedattheblackandwhi
te
pi
cturesoft
wobabies.Thebabiesl
ookedl
i
ke
Hudsonwhenhewasst il
lanewborn.
Let
ty:
Hay
denhadat
win.
Masabl
i
nkedbef
oreherey
eswi
dened.
Lett
y:Whent heywerebot hbor nthi
sother
couplehadjustlosttheirchil
d.Atthatti
meI
wasn'tt
hatmot herl
yandIdi dn'
tknowwhatI
wasgoingt odowi thtwoki dsbecausethe
scansnevershowedt hatwewer egoingtohav
e
twokids.Ihavethem t heotherone.
Masa:
Didhi
sdadknow?
Lett
y:Hewasn'ttherewhenIgav
ebir
th.He
cameadayl aterbecausehewasoutofthe
countryonbusiness.

Let
tyhandedMasamor
ephot
os.
Let
ty:
Thecoupl
esentpi
ctur
esoft
heboyup
unt
ilhewasayearoldwhenIt
oldthem t
ost
op
andthatIwi
l
lneverdemandhi
m back.
Masachockedonherspi
t.
Masa:
Yougav
eawayababyj
ustl
i
ket
hat
?
Let
tynodded.Shehadswornt
ohersel
fthatshe
wasgoingtotaket
hissecr
ett
othegrave.

Masat
urnedt
hephotar
oundandthenameof
t
hetwi
nwaswr i
tt
enatt
heback.
Masa:
Noul
ter
iormot
ives?Formoneymay
be?
Letty
:No.Theyl
ookedsadandIwasr
atherki
nd
thatti
mewhenIgav ehi
m away.
Masa:Wow!Emapel
ejustl
iket
hat
?Tsatanki
ngwanakeyoo?Awholehumanbei
ngyou
pushed?
Let
ty:
Yes.
Masa:
whatawow!
Lett
y:It
oldt henursesnottotel
lanyoneandthe
coupleregister
edt hechi
l
dast hei
rsandIlef
t
thehospitalwithonlyHayden.
Masacoul
dn'
tqui
tepr
ocessLet
ty'
slogi
c.
Let
ty:
Youcantel
lhi
m, he'
l
lhat
ememor
ebut
i
t'
sokay.I
'
m usedtoit
..
Masasi
ghedandl
ookedar
ound.
Let
ty:
Ineverdidr
ightbyRegi
nah.Shewasthe
womanhel ovedandIthoughtshewasaf
ter
money.Imean..
Masa:Well
I'
m surpr
isedbyt
heamountof
i
nfor
mationyoujustgaveme..

Masal
ookedar
oundt
hehouse.
Masa:
I'
l
lbebackokay
?
Let
ty:
You'
recomi
ngback?
Masa:
Inanhour
.Besi
desIneedsomet
hingt
o
dot
othi
nk.
Lett
yjustnoddedasMasawal
kedout
,leav
ing
thepict
uresonthesof
a.

AtSi
rSer
etseKhamaI
nter
nat
ional
Air
por
t

Tessawal
kedt
hrought
hehal
fful
lai
rpor
twhi
l
e
tal
ki
ngtot
hephone.
Tessa:
Fri
endIcan'
tseeyou,can'
tbel
iev
eyou
camehereall
thewayfrom Canada.
Her
:Bel
i
evei
tgi
rl
..

Tessabumpedint
osomeoneandherphonef
ell
down.Shescr
ambledt
opicki
tupandshe
l
ookedup.
Tessa:
Hay
den?
Whatwashedoi
ngatt
heai
rpor
t?
.
.
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
97*

AtSi
rSer
etseKhamaI
nter
nat
ional
Air
por
t

Themanl
ookedatTessa.WhowasHay
den?
Him:Excuseme,
Idon'
tknowwhoy
ou'
ret
alki
ng
about.
Tessa:
Hay
den?Youal
sodon'
trememberme?
Tessa?
Hi
m:Womant
hismustbeacaseofmi
staken
i
dent
it
y.
Tessa:
What
?
Hi
m:Myapol
ogi
esf
ort
hephone.

Het
ookouthi
scar
dandhandedi
ttoher
.
Him:
Ify
ouwantyourphonef
ixed.Excuseme
andhaveagoodday.

Tessaf r
ownedandr ubbedherey es.I
twas
broadday l
ightandHay denj ustactedasifhe
wasseei ngherforthef i
rsttime.Hewal ked
awayandshewant edt of oll
owhim butshe
remember edshehadt opi ckupherbestf r
iend
from Canada.Shemadet heefforttocome
checkonhersoshehast o.Shewi l
ldealwith
thisl
ater.
AtLet
ty'
shouse

Masaret
urnedwi
thcl
eani
ngsuppl
i
esandsome
f
ood.
Let
ty:
Youdi
dn'
thav
etodot
hat
.
Masa:
It
'snot
hing.

Shegott hecleani
ngsuppl
i
esfir
st.Sheshoul
d
probablystar
tcleani
ngbef
oreshecanputthe
groceri
esinthepantry.
Lett
y:Idon'
twantt
omakey
ouguy
sfi
ght
,you
shouldprobabl
ygo.
Masa:It
'sokay.Ishoul
dgetst
art
edwit
hthe
kit
chen.Will
youbeabl et
odothebedr
ooms
though?
Let
ty:
Yes.
Masa:
Alr
ight
.
ThreehourslaterMasalayexhaust
edonthe
couch.Shetookabi teoutoft
hepieshehad
boughtearl
ier.Whattimewasitanyway
?She
exhaustedherselft
otheboneandshewassure
hermindwascl ear
ed.Bl
ank.

Meanwhi leinhercarherphoner ang

unanswer edforthe20thtimeasHay denhung
upy etagainasherphonedi r
ectedhi mto
voicemail.Hewasact ual
lyworri
edt hat
somet hi
ngmi ght'
vehappenedt oher .Heknows
shedidn'tagreewithhissuggestionbutshe
couldatleastanswerherphonet olethi
m know
thatshewasbr eathingwherevershewas.

FornowAriwassti
llsl
eepi
ngandhewaswi th
theki
dsint
helounge.Hehadr ocov
erupfor
whythei
rmotherwasn'tar
ound.Hejustwi
shed
shewoul
danswerherdamnphone.

Masafel
lasl
eeponLetty'
scouchandLetty
si
ghedseei
ngheroutont hecouch.Shewas
cl
eani
ngwithsuchfer
ocit
yasi fshewant
edto
er
asesomethi
ngfrom hermind.

Lettyjustmadeherwayt oHay den'soldroom.

Funnyt hi
ngwast hatitwasi ntact
.Shenev er
touchedany thi
ngev ersi
ncehehadst opped
stayingtherefr
om thet i
mehewas19.She
walkedt ohiswardrobeandgotoutt hespare
blanketsthathadawhi ffofhisoldcologne.
Shewal kedoutwi t
ht heblanketandcov ered
Masawi t
hit.Shehadhersmal lhandsov erher
stomachandshewonder edifshewaspr egnant
orwasi tsomet hi
ngsheal wayadi d.

Shehonest
lydi
dn'
thav
etodoal
lthi
scl
eani
ng.
Shewast oogoodt oher ,forsomeonewhohas
hurtpeopl eHayden'swifewast oogood.Too
perfect.May beatfi
rstthat'swhatirkedher
aboutRegi nah.Shewast oogoodt obet r
ue.
Tooper f
ect.Shesighedinr egret.I
twasofno
use.Hay denwoul dn'
tforgiveherandshewoul d
neverseehergr andkids.Hel lshedidn'teven
exi
stt oHay den.Shelookedathi swifeonce
again,may beitwasabl essi ngthathegotgood
womenandnotwomenwhower el
ikeher.

Masasl eptpeacefull
yandLet t
yjustwal
kedt o
thekitchen.Herfri
dgehadf oodandherpant r
y
hadfood.Hel lshehadofferedcashandsaid
thatregardl
essofaper son'
spastsinseveryone
deservedhumandecency .Hadarguedthatshe
wasn'ttheonet ojudgeandwoul dn'
tthr
owt he
fi
rststone.
Shelit
eral
l
yforcedt
hemoneyinherhandso
thatshecaneatandatl
eastbuycl
othest
hatf
it
her.

Att
heSmi
th'
s

Haydenwasgetti
ngworri
ednowashet r
ied
cal
l
ingherfort
hethousandtht
ime.Shest i
l
l
wasn'
tansweri
ngherphone.Whatifherheart
wasfai
li
ngherwherevershewas?

Hedi
aledt
het
racki
ngcompany
.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o.
Hi
m:Si
r.
.
Hayden:
Ineedy
out
otr
ackt
hel
ocat
ionofmy
wif
e'scar
.
Hi
m:Oni
tsi
r.
Hay
den:
Sendt
hel
ocat
ion.
Hi
m:Ofcour
se.

Hehungupandheadedt oAr i
ell
e'
sroom.She
l
ookedbetterthanl
astnight.Theywere
cer
tai
nlygoingtofi
ghtthis.

Hekissedhercheekandwal kedt othet

wins'
room beforeheadingtoHudson' sroom.All
his
kids,
sleepingpeacefull
y.Hejustneededtofind
thequeenoft hecastle.Theyfoughtbutshe
hasnev erdonethi
sbef ore.

Hisphonebeepedandhesawt helocati
onthat
thetracki
ngcompanyj ustsent.Hefrowned
confused.Thi
slocati
onwast oof amili
ar.He
grabbedhiscarkeysandcel l
phoneashe
walkedoutofthehouseandl ockedt hedoor
usi
nghi
sownkey
.

AtGabor
one

Tessatookacabt oschool af
tershehadmade
sureherfri
endwasset t
ledinaguest house.She
j
usthadaweekbef oreschool
scl soedandt hey
hadtowai tfort
henextacademi cy ear.Her
gradeslookedposi
tiv
elygoodsof arsoshe
waswi nni
ngi nt
haydepartment.

Shepai dthedri
verasheparkedinf
rontofher
block.Shewassaf eandnowshehadt ounrav
el
themy steryt
hatwasHay den.Whywouldheact
asifhedi dn'
tknowher?

Shequickl
ymadeherwaytoherdorm and
for
tunatel
yherr
oommatewassti
llawakeso
shedi
dn'
thav
etouseherkey
.
Tessa:
hey
.
Her
:Hi
i
...

Shesatdownonthebedandlookedatt
he
busi
nesscar
d.MrDavi
s?Int
eresti
ng.

AtLet
ty'
shouse

Hay den'scarparkedoutsideandhel ooked

throught hegate.Yep.Thatwashi swife'
scar.
Whatt hehellwasshedoingher e?Her ei
gnedin
histempert hatwasbur st
ingatt heseamsat
thef actthathiswif
e.Hisfuckingwifewashere
knowi ngv er
ywellhowhef el
t.Whatthehelldo
youcal lthat?
Hepr
essedt
hei
nter
com hopi
ngi
tst
il
lwor
ked.

InsidethehouseLet tyf
rownedast heint
ercom
sounded.I twaslateandopeningt hegateat
thistimewoul dberiskyespeci
all
ysi nceitwas
onlyt wof emalespresentinthi
shouse.She
wasn' tconcernedaboutherownwel far
ebut
ratherMasa' s.Ifanythi
nghappenedt oher,
she
woul dn'tbeabl etoli
vewithherselfanditwould
addont ot helongli
stofwhyHay denwoul d
nev erforgiveher.

Haydenpressedtheint
ercom againandhesaw
thedooropening.Gr
eat!Thepersonhehad
complet
elywritt
enoff.

Let
tywalkedt
othegat
eandnoticedi
twas
Hayden.Shei
mmediat
elyr
etr
acedhersteps
andpressedt
hebut
tontoopenthegat
e.
I
tsl
i
dopenandHay
denwal
kedi
n.
Let
ty:
H-
Hay
den:
I'
m her
eformywi
fe.

Shegav eupandopenedt hedoorwiderashe

steppedin.Hispresencef il
l
ingthewholeroom
andmaki ngitfeelsmallerthanitr
eall
ywas.He
foundhersleepingont hecouchwi thasmall
pout.Hegent l
ypickedherupandunawar es
Masasnuggl edintohischest ,
asifherbody
automatical
lyknewwhowascar ryi
ngher.

HaydenlookedatLettyoncemor eandaround.
Henot i
cedMasa'scarkey sonthetabl
eandhe
tr
iedtopickthem upwithoutdr
oppingheror
di
sturbi
ngherpeace.Whenhegott hekeyshe
walkedout.Hewillbebackforhercarfi
rst
t
hinginthemor
ningsi
ncei
twaspar
kedi
nsi
de
t
hey ar
d.

Hewal kedtohiscarandopenedt hedoor,

lai
d
herdowngent l
yinthebackseatandclosedthe
door.Hejoggedtothedr i
ver'
sseatandgot
i
nside.Helookedathiswi f
eonemor eti
me.
Shehasal otofexplai
ningtodo.

Hedr
oveof
f.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
98*

Att
heSmi
ths

Masawokeupandshestretchedherbody
bef
oreshewasfull
yawar
eofwher eshewas.
Herweakhear
tpoundedi
nherchest .Howdi
d
shegethome?Didshedr
ivehersel
f?

Shedoesn'
trememberdri
vingher
sel
fdoi
ngso,
thel
astti
meshecheckedshewasatLett
y's
houseandHaydendi
dn'tknow.

SheglancedatHayden'
ssideoft
hebedandi t
wasempt y.Shepl
acedherhandoverherhear
t,
si
lent
lyprayi
ng.
ThedooropenedandHay denst
oodbythedoor
i
nonlyhi
sboxers.Helookedathergui
l
t
st
ri
ckeneyes.Ah.Theywerenotgoi
ngtosway
hi
m,shehadal otofansweri
ngtodo.
Masa:
M-m-
mor
ning.

Shestutt
eredwhenshewasnervousabout
anythi
ngandshecouldn'
tqui
tefor
mt hewords.
Heonceaskedheraboutitandshesaidher
tonguegotheav
ysoshehadt ofor
cet hewords
out.
Hay
den:
Mor
ningi
ndeed.

Shewaswai ti
ngforhimtoaskquestionsor
anyt
hingbuthesmi l
edandmadehi swayi nsi
de
theroom,headingtothebat
hroom.Shegotout
ofbedandmadeherwaydownt hestai
rs
headingst
rai
ghttothegarage.Onl
yherother
carandoneofhi scar
swasi nther
e.Sherubbed
hertempl
esheadi
ngtoAri
ell
e'
sroom.The
nursewasnextt
oherbedsi
de.
Masa:
Mor
ning.
Nur
se:
Mor
ningmam.
.

Itseemedasi fwhil
stthedrugswer einAriell
e's
system shewasgoi ngtobedr owsy.Diff
erent
sideeffect
sfordi ff
erentpeople.Shejustkissed
Ariel
leonthef oreheadbeforeshewal kedout
andmadeherwayt othekit
chen.Howwasshe
goingtoappr oachthismat t
er.How?She
couldn'
ttel
lifHay denwasangr yorhappyor
j
ustanyemot ion.

Shelookedatthefoodonthetableandshook
herhead.Shewasn'ti
nthemoodf orfoodnot
whenshehadal ottothi
nkabout.Orshecan
eatandthink,
shestar
edatherflatt
ummy .
Masa:Icandoi
tfory
ousi
ncey
ourf
atherwant
s
youdeadhmm..

Shedidn'
thearhim approachingwhenshehad
sai
dthatlastst
atement .Gui
ltwashedoverhi
m
asMasaopenedt hef r
idge.
Masa: SoIdon'tknowifI'
m car
ryi
ngoneort wo
orev enthreeofyouherebecausey ourdadhas
wildgenesbuty ouhav ef
oursibl
ings.Two
brothersandt wosist
ersyousee..
Idon'tknow
whyIt alktomyst omachwhenI '
m pregnantbut
i
t'
ssoot hing..
.

Hay
denj
ustl
i
stenedt
oherr
ant
ingt
oherf
lat
t
ummy.
Masa:I'
m sti
llhurtyouknow,yourdadifhewas
wit
hthel ov
eofhi slif
ekabogosat weabor t
ion.
Butsi
ncei t
'sme, yourmotherkefokfok
hel
a.(
laughing)ButI'
m notabort
ingyou,Iwould
rat
herdi
ethankil
lyou..ever
ychi
ldisspecial
.No
mattert
hecir
cumst ances.Weshouldli
ghta
candlef
oryoursi
sterorgobackt ochurch.I
'm
notmuchofachurchper sonb-

Shet urnedt ofindHaydenstari

ngather.Her
tonguebecameheav yaswor dsfai
ledtoleav
e
hermout h.Hay denl
ookedatMasaagai n,she
beli
ev edhedi dn'tl
oveher.Forsureshewasn't
Reginahheknewt hatbuthelovedherforher
andhenev ercomparedthetwo.Hehat edhow
shedoubt edhisloveforherandthathi
sown
wordsmadeherdoubthi sloveforher.
Masa:
uh-
uhm.
.

Shelookedathi
m bef
oreshesuckedi
nadeep
breat
h.
Masa:
I'
m sor
ryforgoingtoseey
ourmother
wi
thouti
nfor
mingy ou.I
twaswrongofme
especi
all
ysi
nceIknowhowy
ouf
eel
abouther
.

Shefinal
l
ysaidasshepickedherpl ateand
walkedoutl
eavi
nghim standi
ngt here.Ther
e
wast oomuchtensi
onbetweent het woofthem
andshewasn'tspoi
li
ngforafight.
Hay
den:
Masacanwet
alkaboutt
his?
Masa:
(si
ghi
ng)
sur
e.

Hefoll
owedhertothecouchandshesatonthe
couchopposi
tehi
sinsteadofsi
tt
ingnextt
o
hi
ml i
ketheyal
waysdowhent heytal
k.
Masa: CanIgof i
rst?Thanky ou.Uhm y our
mot hercal
ledthedaybef oreyesterdaywanti
ng
totalkandIwasl ikesure.Soy ester
dayafter
ourf i
ghtIwantedt obreathesoIcal l
edherand
Iwant edtohearwhatshehadt osay.
Shepaused.

Masa:Shetoldmebasical
lythesamet hi
ngs
youtol
dmeandIhear dher,
sher egr
etsher
act
ionsbutthat'
snotthepoint
.Shetoldme
somethingthatwasshocki
ng.(l
ookedathim
befor
etwiddli
ngwithherfi
ngers)
Apparentl
yyou
haveatwin.

Haydenrai
sedaskept
ical
eyebr
ow.Masawas
gul
l
ibleal
ri
ght.

Masa:Bel
iev
emeornot ,Isawt hepict
uresbut
that
'si
t,y
ouhaveatwin.Allinallmysincer
e
apol
ogiesMrSmit
h.Itwillneverhappenagain.

Shel
ookedattheplat
eshewashol
ding.She
l
ostherappet
it
ealr
eady.
Masa:AndI'm notabort
ingt
hechi
l
dHay den.I
hat
ethef actyouevensuggest
edthatt
o
me(chuckli
ng)Ihavetogoli
edown.

Shewalkedoutandheleanedback.Heshoul
d
probabl
ygogethercar
.

I
nt hebedr
oom Masalieddownandr ubbedher
tummyasshecl osedhereyes.Hay
denwal ked
i
nsidethebedr
oom andlookedathercradl
ing
herstomach.

Hewal
kedoutashedi
aledhi
smot
heri
n-l
aw.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o..
MaMasa:
Hay
denhi
..
Hay
den:
Cany
oucomeov
er?
MaMasa:
Isany
thi
ngwr
ong?
Hay den:
Ihavetodosomethi
ng,
canyoutake
careofMasaf orme?Makesuresheeat
sand
takesherpil
l
s.Shehaslostabi
tofwei
ght.
MaMasa:
I'
l
lbet
her
e,how'
sAr
i?
Hayden:
Shei
ssti
ll
underobser
vat
ionhereat
homebutyoucancomecheckonher.Thank
yousomuch.
MaMasa:
It
'snot
hing.By
e.

Hay
densai
dhi
sgoodby
esandwal
kedout
.

AtLet
ty'
shouse

Thetaxist
oppedi nf
rontofthehouseandhe
gotout.Hepressedtheint
ercom andt
hegat
e
opened.Hesteppedinsi
detheyardandhe
want
edtogetthecarbutwhatMasasai
dabout
hi
m havi
ngatwinstoppedhi
m.Therewasno
wayhehadoneright?Thi
swomanwasjust
bl
uff
ing.

Heknockedont
hedoorandLet
tyopenedt
he
door
.
Wit
hnogreet
ingorany
thi
ngl
i
ket
hathewent
st
rai
ghtt
othepoint
.
Hay
den:
DoIhav
eat
win?

Lett
yjustpi
ckedthephot
osMasalef
tandgav
e
them t
oHay den.Hedi
dn'
twantt
obeli
evei
tat
all
.
Lett
y :
I'
m sor
ry.Youcanhatememor enowbut
I'
mt heonewhoaskedMasat omeet
,don'
ttake
outyourangeronherr at
hertakei
tal
louton
me.Shei sagoodper son.ToogoodandI
guessthat'
sgood.I'
m sor
ryforwhatIdidal
l
theseyearsandIknowsorrywon'
tfixanyt
hing
butIreal
lyam.
Haydenshookhishead.Howev ilwasshe?He
separ
atedtwochil
drenatbir
th.Lett
ylethi
m
thi
nkallhewant
ed.Sti
llwon'
tchangeat hi
ng.

Lett
y:Hi
snameisatt
hebackofoneoft
he
photos.
(si
ghi
ng)

Hay
denlookedatheronemoreti
mebefor
ehe
wal
kedtoMasa'scarandgoti
nsi
de.Hest
art
ed
t
hecar,
rever
sedanddroveoff
.

AtGabor
one

Tessacheckedt
hetime.Thi
scert
ainMrDavi
s
waslat
e.Ofcoursesheusedtheexcuset
hat
herphoneneededrepai
ri
ngandt
hatshewasa
student
.Al
lthatcr
ap.

Hesatdownnextt
oherandTessacaref
ull
y
l
ookedathi
m.Helookedl
ikeHaydenbut
..

Shelookedathisarmsandtheywer ecl
ear.
Haydenhadtattoosador
ninghischest,
back
andarmsmaki nghimlookedruggedandsexy.
Tessa:
Whoar
eyou?
Themanchuckl
ed.
Hi
m:I
'
m Chr
ist
ianDav
is.
.
Tessa:
Wow!

Shepressedherphoneandwentt
oHay den'
s
prof
il
ebeforeshowinghi
mthephonescreen.
Tessa:
Youl
ookl
i
ket
hisman.
.
Christ
ianf
rowned.Helookedli
kehi
mt hough
theyhaddif
fer
encesifyoulookcar
eful
ly
.
Tessa:Any
howt hat'
snoneofmybusiness.
Sorr
yformi st
aki
ngy ouasHayden.Youmust
betwinsorsomet hi
ng.
Chr
ist
ian:
May
be.

HehadasmoothAmer i
canaccent.Reall
y
smoot
hbutherfri
endwaswaiti
ngf orher.She
wasaboutt
ostandupwhenChr i
stianstopped
her
.
Chri
sti
an:
Youseem t
oknowthi
sHay
denwel
li
f
youcancall
mebyhisname.
..

Tessachuckl
ed.
Tessa:
Ever
yonei
nthiscountr
yknowshi
m,
mostprpeopl
eprobabl
ythinkyouar
ehi
m and
i
tmightcr
eat
eascandal
sincehei
smar
ri
ed
andyouar
eherewi
thme..
.

Chri
sti
anlookedar
oundandforsur
eeveryone
waslooki
ngatthem.Itwasarat
herpubl
ic
spaceandhedidn'
tknowthi
scountr
ythat
much.
Tessa:
ButI
'm goingtoFr
anci
stownnextweek
wit
hmybestf ri
end.Youcantagal
ongand
meethimther
e.
Chri
sti
an:
I'
l
lthinkabouti
t.I
tseem abitt
oo
suddenbutthankyouforyourki
ndness.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Tessa:
Sur
eMrDav
is.Ihav
etogo.

ShewalkedawayandChr
ist
ianl
eanedback,
l
ost
i
nthought.
.
.
*
*
AWEEKLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
99*

Att
heSmi
ths

Masasatinfrontofthet
vwit
htheki
dsast
hey
al
ldebatedaboutthemoviet
heywer
e
supposedtowatchnext.
Masa:
I'
m choosi
ngt
henextmov
ie.
SmithJr:
Nofai
rmom.It
'ssupposedtogoin
order
.Ichoset
hef
ir
stone,thenAver
ythenAri
nowHudsongetst
ochoose.
Masa:
Whatdoesheknowabotmov
ies?
Avery
:Youal
way
ssayweshoul
dlett
hebaby
watchtv.
.
Masa:
Idon'
tl
ikey
ouguy
s.
Theyall
gri
nnedasHudsonlai
dont
opofher
for
cefeedi
nghert
hegrapes.
Masa:
Wenai
ket
e..
Hej
ustgi
ggl
edandMasapi
nchedhi
scheek.
Hudson:
mamaaah.

Shel aughedandopenedhermout
hashe
pickedmor egrapesfr
om t
hebowlt
hrowi
ng
them inhermout h.
Masasmi ledchewi
ngthem ast
hetwinsdr
ank
t
heirj
uice.Ari
ell
eat
etheorangeasshewent
t
hroughthechannels.
Hudson:
Mama.
..
Masa:
Hmm.
.
Hudson:
Aah.
.
Masalaughedopeninghermouthandbef
ore
Hudsoncouldfeedherthegr
apeshiswei
ght
wasoffofher.
Haydengr
abbedhi
m andplacedhim onhi
s
bar
eshoul
dersast
hechil
dgi ggl
ed.
Hayden:
Buddyt
hat'
smywi f
e,Igett
ofeedher
gr
apesnotyou(
laughi
ng)
MasalookedupatHay
denashesmi
l
edand
pl
acedHudsononthecar
pet
.
Hay
den:
CanIst
eal
yourmot
herf
orami
nut
e?
Av
ery
:Ev
eni
fit
'sanhour
,we'
recool
.
Hay
den:
Sweet
.Thanky
ou.

HaydengaveMasahi
shandandshetooki
tas
shestoodup.Hel
edheroutoft
hel
oungeand
walkedupt hest
air
sholdingherhand.Hel
ed
hertothebedroom wherehesatherdownon
hi
sl ap.Shewantedtoresistbywi
ggli
ngbuthe
wasn'thavi
ngit.
Hay
den:
Lookatme.
.
Shedi
dandhesi
ghed.
Hay
den: Yourpout
ingi
snotcut
eMasa,
weneed
t
otalk.Likeadul
tsnow.
Masa:
Wet
alked.
Hayden:
Wedidn't
.Nnasent
let
lhemma.
(si
t
downproper
ly)
Shel
ookeddownandr
eal
i
sedwhati
twasdoi
ng
tohi
m.
Hayden:Thanky outhoughi
t'
snotgoingtohel
p
butthanky ou.
(t
akinginadeepbreat
h)I
'm
star
tingoffwit
hanapol ogy
.
Shej
ustl
ookedathi
m bl
ankl
y.
Hay
den:
I'
m nott
ryi
ngt
ojust
if
ymy
sel
fbutIwas
l
ookingatourcur rentpr edicament s.Wehav ea
l
otonourpl at es,youhadadi f
ficul tbi
rthand
youalmostdi edMasa.Ihadt ot hinkaboutt hat
andweal soneedt oshi ftourat tent i
ont owar ds
Ariel
lewi t
houtmaki ngt heot herki dsf eel l
ike
theyaren'tbei nggi venenoughat tenti
on.Masa
thatdoesn'tmeanIl ov ey ouanyl ess, i
twasa
suggest i
ont hatIf eltIneededt or unbyy ou.
Youbr eakeasi lyandi twoul dbeonel esst hi
ng
towor ryabout .Thenwewi ll
hav emor eki ds
whenev eryt
hingi sl ookingup.I t '
sst il
lokayt hat
youwantt okeept hepr egnancy .I '
mt otally
downwi thitjustasl ongasy out akecar eof
yourself.Eatandt rynott ostress.
Herubbedherar
m asshet
houghtaboutwhat
hesai
d.
Hayden:
MasaIloveyouokay?Youdon'tneed
t
ocompar ey
ourselft
oRegie.Sheisnothere,
youareandyouarethewomanIl ove.
Masa:
IguessIov
err
eact
ed.
Hay
den:
Guess?
Masa:Iover
react
ed.I
'
m sorr
y.Andf
ort
he
vi
sit
ingyourmotheri
nci
dent.
.
Hay
den:
Tur
nsoutshewasr
ight
.
Masa:
Huh?
Hayden:
Thereisanart
icl
eofasi
mil
arguybei
ng
seeninGaborone.Hel
ooksli
keme.
Masa:
Howbi
zar
re.
Hay
den:
Yeah.
Masa:
Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odonow?
Hay
den:
Rightnow?I
'
mfocusi
ngonmyf
ami
l
y.
Masa:I
'm sor
ryonceagai
nandIunder
stand
yourpoi
nt.
Hayden:
Don'tcomparey
oursel
ftoRegi
e.Inever
dothatatal
lMasa,don'
tdothatt
oyoursel
f.
Whendidwest ar
tcompari
sons?
Shel
ookeddown.
Masa:
Uh.I
'
m sor
ry?
Hayden:
Wal api
sawai
tse(
you'
reannoy
ingy
ou
knowthat)
Hepul
l
edhert
ohi
m andhuggedher
.
Hay
den:
Wet
alkwoman,
don'
tpoutal
lweek.
Masa:
Iwasn'
tpout
ing.
.
Hayden:Youweret
houghIt
houghtwecoul
dput
t
hoselipstogooduse.

Shef
lushedandhel
aughedcl
oset
oherear
.
Hayden:Pr
omi semewe'
l
ltal
kthi
ngsouti
nst
ead
ofyouwalkingoutbl
owi
ngthi
ngsoutof
propor
ti
on.
Masa:
Ihat
efi
ght
ingwi
thy
ou.
Hay
den:
Thendon'
t,
it'
ssi
mpl
east
hat
.
Masa:
Andy
oudi
dn'
tgo.
Hay
denl
aughed.
Hayden:
YouthoughtI'
l
lleavey
ouaft
erasingl
e
fi
ght?Womanitwillt
akealotformetowalk
outonus,y
ouneedt herapy
.
Masa:Yout oo.
(si
tti
ngupright
)Kanababe,
hear
meout .Iknowy ourmotherdi
dyouwrongon
somanyoccasi onsbutyouneedtoletgofor
yoursanit
y.
Hay den:
It
'sdif
ferent.Shedi
dn'
ttakeanyt
hing
preciousfrom you.Shetookmyf at
heraway,
shet ookmyl i
feli
neawayan-
Hepausedashewat
chedMasaqui
etl
y
di
gest
ingi
t.
Hay
den:
MasaI
-
Masa:It
'sokay.Iunderstand.Iwasjust
suggesti
ng,forgi
vi
ngt hosewhodi dy ouwrong
giv
esy oursoulpeaceatt i
mes.Tr yitand
may bemeetingthatestrangedtwinwi l
lbe
somewhatr efr
eshing.Idon'tknowinwhat
sensebutitcandoy ouawhol elotofgood.
Hay
den:
Masa.
.
Masa:I
'
m notupset.Butdon'
tlett
heanger
dest
royyou,i
fIgettherapyy
oudot hesameor
el
sewe'regoi
ngtobot hexpl
odeandleavet
his
marr
iageinsmit
hereens.

Sheki
ssedhi
scheekandst
oodupwal
ki
ngout
.

Att
hehospi
tal

Tessaansweredherphonejustasshewas
st
eppingoutoft hetaxi
togothehospi
tal
she
wil
li
nglyv
olunteeredat.
Tessa:
Chr
is.
.

Hechuckl
ed.I
twasstrangethatshewas
t
alki
ngtoHayden'
sphotocopy.Si
milarbuty
et
sodi
ff
erent
.
Chr
ist
ian:
Idi
dmyr
esear
chont
heguy
.
Tessa:
And?
Chr
ist
ian:
Hei
sri
ch.
.
Tessal
aughed.
Tessagreet
edt
her
ecept
ioni
stasshewal
ked
i
nside.
Tessa:
Ever
yoneknowst
hat
.
Chri
sti
an:
AndI
'
m ner
vous.I
'
mjustasi
mpl
eguy
real
l
y..
Tessa:
Heal
sohadhumbl
eroot
s.
Chr
ist
ian:
Don'
ttr
ytomakemef
eel
bet
terabout
mysel
f..
Tessa:Heisn'
trudeorany t
hingofthatsor
t.He
j
ustkeepst ohimselfalotandhasar eal
ly
i
nti
mi dat
ingstare.Helookslikey
ouChr i
s.
Chr
ist
ian:
Doy
ouhav
ehi
snumber
?
Tessa:
Yepbuthebl
ockedme.
Chr
ist
ian:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
Tessa:Iwascrossi
ngboundar i
es.Let'
sleaveit
agthat.I'
l
lforwar
dy outhenumberorbet teryet
gotohi soff
icebui
ldings,
I'
m suretheywillhel
p
you.Ihavetogoandby eandgoodluck.
Chr
ist
ian:
Thanky
ou.Hav
eani
ceday
.
Tessa:
Iwi
l
l.

Shehunghungupandwal kedtotheof f
iceof
thedoctorshehumblyaskedtoshadow.She
openedherbackpacktotakeoutherlightpi
nk
scrubs.Shemightaswelll
earntheropesand
shewaspassi onat
eaboutthi
s.Reall
y
passionat
e.

Meanwhil
eChri
sti
an'
sphonebeepedandTessa
hadsentt
henumber.Hesuckedi
nadeep
breathanddial
edthenumberofhi
ssocall
ed
twin.Thephonerangforawhi
leandhewas
abouttohandupwheni twasanswer
ed.
Voi
ce:
Hel
l
o?
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
100*

Att
heSmi
ths

Hay
den:
Hel
l
o?
Ther
ewassilenceandhewasaboutt
ohangup
whenthecal
l
eranswered.
Cal
l
er:
Hel
l
o,y
ou'
ret
alki
ngt
oChr
ist
ianDav
is.

Haydenpausedast henamer unginhi

shead.
Whenthefamili
arit
yofthenameseti nhe
cl
earedhi
sthroat.Thi
swasf astert
hanhe
expect
ed.
Chr
ist
ian:
Hel
l
o?
Hay
den:
I'
m st
il
lher
e..
Chri
sti
an:
Igoty
ournumberfr
om someonewho
knowsyou.Myapol
ogi
esifIcor
neredy
ou.
Hay
den:
Okay
.

Hi
stonguesuddenlyf
eltheav
yashi
shead
whi
rl
ed.Hehadal ott
osaybuthewas
speechl
essi
fhecoul
dputi
tthatway
.
Chr
ist
ian:
DidIcal
latabadt
ime?
Hay
den:
I'
l
lcal
lback.
Chr
ist
iannodded.I
twasbet
tert
hannot
hing.

Hay
denst
aredathi
sphone.

Meanwhi leMasal eanedagai nstthecount erin

theki t
chen.Shecoul dn'thelpcompar eherself
toRegi nah.Hay denhel dheri nhighr egard.That
shei snother eandy ouar eher estatement
didn'tsitwellwithher .Ofcour sesheknew
Hay denl ovedRegi nahbutnoneedt oshowi tto
hert hatsheisjustasubst i
tutewhent her
ear e
manygi rl
shecoul d'vemar r
iedorbet t
eryetthat
onewi t
hRegi nah'shear t.Tearsfil
ledherey es
andsheusedherf i
ststowi pethet earsaway ,
sheshoul dn'
tevenbecr y i
ng.Theymadeup
r
ight
?

Herli
psquiver
edlight
lyasmor etearsr
andown
hercheeks.Whywasshest artingtodoubthis
l
ovemor eandmor etheseday s?Itwas
suddenl
yhardforhertobeli
ev ethatheloved
hernow.Wasshej ustamot hertot hechi
l
dren
andshecould'
velefti
tatthatinsteadof
commi t
ti
nghersel
ftohim?

Shedidn'
thearhi
sfoot
steps,
jusf
eltar
mswr
ap
aroundher
.
Hay
den:
Babe?What
'swr
ong?
Masa:
Not
hing.

Shepushedhi
m backandandwi
pedhert
ear
s.
Masa:
Justbei
nghor
monal
.It
'snot
hing.
Hecoul
dtel
lshewasly
ingandmostt
imeshe
want
edthet
ruthi
nst
eadofbeingf
edl
ies.
Hayden:
BabyIwantthet
rut
h.Let
'sst
artov
er,
whyareyoucry
ing?
Masa:
It
'sst
upi
dHay
den.I
'
m okay
.

Shewentontoopenthefr
idgebuthepul
ledher
backandpi
ckedherup.Pl
acingheront
he
count
er.
Hay
den:
Masa.
.
Het
rai
l
edof
f.
Masa:
Wej
ustmadeup,
weshoul
dn'
tbef
ight
ing.
Hay
den:
Thet
rut
hMr
sSmi
th.
Masa:
Ifeel
li
keasubst
it
ute.
Haydenlookedatherstunnedandheknew
whatshemeant.Wher ethehel
lweret
he
i
nsecuri
ti
escomingfrom?
Hay
den:
Whydoy
ouf
eel
thatway
?
Masasi
ghedandl
ookedupasHay
denkepthi
s
ey
esonher.
Masa:
I-
Ifeell
ikeyoumar r
iedmebecauseI 'm
her
eandshei snot.Yourwordsnotmi ne.That
makesmef eell
ikeasubstit
ute,
justhereforthe
ki
dsandthesex.
Hayden:DammitMasa!(
lowvoice)
andyou'
re
bl
owingt hi
ngsoutofpr
oport
ionagai
n,maki
nga
hugeissueoutofsomethi
ngsosmall.Why?
Masakeptqui
et.
Hay den:
You'
rey ourownwor stenemyher e.You
keepf i
ndi
ngtinyr easonstodowngradeyour self
.
Doy ouknowhowmuchIhur twhenyou
suddenlyaskmeoutoft hebluewhyy ou?Why
awhor eli
keyouwhenIcoul dhaveaper f
ectgi rl
.
Ithurtsmethaty ouseey our
selfassomet hing
notwor t
hyoflov eandIshowy ouMasa, ev ery
goddamndayt hatIloveyou.Thatyouarenot
yourpast .Youmademi stakesandgr ewf rom
them, you'r
eagr eatmot her,mylif
epar t
nerbut
youf ai
ltolov ey ourselffull
y.I'
m start
ingto
reali
set hatthewor dstheysai dabouty ouhada
biggerpsy chological eff
ectony out hanI
i
magi nedt ot hepoi ntthaty ounowquest i
onme?
Youcompar ey ourselftoaghost ?Someone
whodi edy ear sagoMasa, shewasgr own.
May beshehadapastandgr ewfrom it,we'l
l
neverknowbutt hisneedst ostopMasa.

Hestoppedandbreat
hedi
nlooki
ngatheras
shewipedtear
s.Nowshewascryi
ng.
Hayden:
NgngMasa.Sut
lhadi
kel
edi
tseo(
Wipe
t
hosetears)

Shedidastol
dandl
ookedathim wi
thshaking
l
ips.
Hehadbeenbabyi
ng(wor
ddoesnot
exi
st)
herfort
hel
ongestt
imenowandi nst
ead
hersel
fimagewentdown.
Hay
den:
Masa?
Masa:
Rra?
Hay
den:
Comeher
e.

Shej
umpedof
fthecount
ert
opandwal
kedt
o
hi
m.Hehel
dherinhi
sarms.
Hay
den:
Monday
.Ther
apy
.Deal
?
Masa:
Okay
.
Hay
den:
Keser
ious.
Masa:
I'
l
lat
tendi
t.
Hayden:
Good.Asmuchasy
ou'
reannoy
ing,
I
l
oveyouokay?
Masa:
okay
..

AtCane'
shouse
Inthespaceofaweekbot hCaneandJoywere
l
ivingli
kestranger
sinthehouse.Joyhad
apologisedandCanemer elynoddedhi
shead
everydayashewentt owork.Theywerenot
sleepi
ngi nt
hesamer oom ont opoft
hat.

ItwastheweekendandJoyhadwant edthem
tospendtimetogetherasafami
lyl
ikethey
alwaysdidbutinst
eadhesaidhewasbusyand
hadstufftodo.Anhourlat
erhehadlef
tthe
house.

Shesi
ghed.I
twasherfaul
t.Maybetheywi
l
lst
il
l
worki
tal
lout,i
nacal
mersi t
uat
ion.

Att
heSmi
ths
Masasatbet
weenHayden'
slegsasSmi
thJr
andHaydenwat
chedsoccer
.
Masa:Ihat
et hi
s.Grownmenr
unni
ngaf
terabal
l
.
Usel
ess.Utterl
yuseless.
Smi
thJr
:Mamawhi
cht
eam ar
eyousuppor
ti
ng?
Masa:
DidhehearwhatIsai
d?
Hay
den:
Boyshe'
ssuppor
ti
ngmyt
eam.
Smi
thJr
:Noway
..
.

Aver
yandAri
ell
estoodup.Theyhat
edfoot
ball
.
Whythei
rmothert
oler
atedi
twasbeyondthei
r
l
it
tl
eminds.
Hudsonl
aidonhisbackasheat
e.Itwas
r
eli
evi
ngthatt
heymadehealt
hysnacksfor
f
amilyt
imeother
wiseHudsonwoul
dbear eal
l
y
f
atbaby.
Smi
thJr
:No!No!
Hay
den:
Yes!
Masal
ookedatt
hem bot
hnshookherhead.
Masa:
Whi
cht
eam i
sn'
tpl
ayi
ngt
haty
oubot
h
hat
e?
Bot
h:Chel
sea.
Masa:IsupportChel
seaee,t
ell
mewhenitpl
ays
soIannoyy outhoughIknownothi
ng.
.

Shest
oodupandhel
pedHudsonuponhi
sfeet
.
Masa:
Tot
heki
tchenmi
ster
..

Shewalkedsl
owl
yhol
dinghi
shandashe
walked.

Thei
nter
com r
ang.
Hay
den:
Smi
tht
hegat
e..
Smi
th:
PapaI
'
m wat
chi
ng,
mom?
Masa:
Tswangmogonnal ona(
leav
eme
al
one)
(shout
ingf
rom t
hekit
chen)
Haydenpoi
ntedl
ylookedatSmi
thJrwho
r
elent
edandwentt opresst
hebut
tonst
oopen
t
hegate.

Canedr ovei
nsi
detheyar
d.Ari
ell
ehadanother
sessiontomorr
owandhewasher etocheckon
her.HeknockedonthedoorandSmithJr
opened.
Smi
thJr
:Hi
.
Cane:
Hel
l
obuddy
,youkeepongr
owi
ngt
all
er.
Smi
thJr
:t
hanks.
.

Canewalkedi
nandf
oundt
heguy
swat
chi
ng
foot
bal
l
.
Cane:
Hey
.
Hay
den:
Heyhey
..

Masawal
kedouti
nshor
tshol
dingHudson.
Masa:
Oh,
hel
l
o.
Cane:
Hel
l
o..
Theyal
llookedhappyandhisey
esl
i
nger
edon
Masalongerthannecessar
y.
Masawalkedawayandhedi
dn'
tknowwher
e
shedi
sappear
edto.
Cane:
Wher
eisAr
i?
Hay
den:
Inherr
oom orwi
thAv
ery
.
Cane:
Alr
ight
.

Hestoodupandwal
kedtoAr
iel
l
e'sr
oom wher
e
hef
oundherwithAv
ery
.
Cane:
Hel
l
o..
Ar
iel
l
esmi
l
ed.
Ar
iel
l
e:Hi
fat
her
..

Shelookedsomuchbet t
erbuttheyknew
tomorrowishersecondsessi
onanditmight
getwor seaf
tert
hat.

Lat
ert
hatev
eni
ng

HewasabouttogowhenMasaof f
ereddinner.
Shewasagreatcook.Theyall
satatthedini
ng
tabl
easheobserv
edt hei
rfamil
ydynamics.
Maybesomewhowhehadal apseofjudgement
whenitcametoMasa.

Thel
i
ghtchat
tert
hatt
ookpl
aceatt
hedi
nner
tabl
ewasrefreshingandt
herewasno
animosi
tyorsibl
ingri
val
ry.
Masa:Onceeveryt
hingissett
led,
youshould
br
ingJoyandt hebaby.Likeafamilydi
nner
.
WithBlai
rpr
esent.Familyisi
mpor t
ant.
Hedr
ankhi
sjui
cenoddi
ng.

MasawatchedAr
iel
l
eeat
ingbef
oreHay
den
nudgedather
.
Hay
den:
Eat
.
Masa:
Iwi
-
Hay
den:
Whatdi
dwet
alkabout
?
Masaj
ustr
oll
edherey
es.
Masa:
Eish.
Hay
den:
Eatwoman.

Shest
art
edeat
ingandl
ookedathi
m.Hay
den
l
aughedasheat
ehi
sfood.Thebothoft
hem
obl
i
vioust
ohowCanel
ookedatthem.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
101*

Att
heSmi
ths

AfterCanebidhi
sgoodby es,t
hecouple
decideditwasbedt
imef orthekids.Al
though
therewereafewobjecti
onsf r
om theoldest,
theyallr
elent
edandwentt osleep.Masamade
sureHudsonwasasl eedbeforeshewal kedto
thebedr
oom whereshefoundHaydensi
tt
ing
onthebed.Losti
nhist
houghts.
Masa:
Pennyf
ory
ourt
hought
s?
Hay
densmi
l
edashepat
tedt
otheempt
yspace.
Masasatdownkeepi
ngherey
esonhi
m and
shehel
dhishand.
Hay
den:
Thesupposedt
wincal
l
ed.
Masa:
When?
Hayden:
Today
.Ear
li
eron.Hewant
sust
omeet
andall
.
Masa:Letmeguess,yousaidyou'
ll
cal
lback
becausehecaughtyouoffguardandyouhat
e
bei
ngcaughtoffguard.
Hay
den:
(smal
lsmi
l
e)am It
hatobv
ious?
Masa:
Iknowy
ou.Whati
sthewayf
orwar
d?
Hay
den:
Ihav
enoi
dea.Honest
lyspeaki
ng.
Masasi
ghedandr
ubbedhi
shand.
Masa: Wel lIknowy oucanst ewov eritand
deci denott ocallt
heguyupbutt heny ouwi l
l
l
ivewi tht hewhatifs,whatifImethi m?Whati f
Ilostabr ot
herIdecidednott oforgea
relationshi pwith?Thosequest i
onswi llhaunt
you.I fy ouguy smeet ,youhonestlyhav e
not hingt olose.Youdon' tl
oseme, t
heki ds,
yourf ortuneorany t
hing.It
'sbett
erknowi nghe
existsanddeci dingifyouwanthi mt obepar tof
yourl ifeaf t
eryoumeethi m don'
tyout hink?
Hay
den:
I-
Iguessy
ou'
rer
ight
.
Masa:
AsIsaid,iti
ssol
elyupt
oyou.I
'
llsuppor
t
what
everdeci
sion.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.
Masa:
Wel
come.
Hay
den:
Car
eforamassage?
Masa:
I'
m good,
wehav
eal
ongdayt
omor
row.
Hay
den:
Andst
ressi
snotgoodf
ort
hebaby
.
Masalookedatherst
il
lfl
att
ummyt
henbackat
Hayden.
Masa:Iwi
l
lhavetomur
dery
oui
fI'
m not
car
ryi
ngonechil
d.
Hay
den:
Empt
ythr
eat
s.Comeher
e.

Hepul
l
edhert
ohi
m andki
ssedherhar
d.
Hay
den:
Ihav
ebet
teri
deas.
Masal
aughedasHay
dengotont
opofher
.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Att
hehospi
tal

MasaandHay denwereattheki
dswit
hAr i
who
keptf
idgeti
ng.Theywer
erepeat
ingt
hatawful
exper
ienceonceagai
nandshehatedfeel
i
ng
hel
plesst
ohel
pherdaught
er.

Canearr
ivedmoment slat
erandt heysmiledat
hi
m asHay denheldMasacl ose.Thewhati fs
hadbeenplay i
ngonhi smindthewhol enight
.
Shewasagr eatmot herandshehadsomuch
l
ovetogive,thefactthatt
hemor ehet hought
abouti
t,t
hemor ehereali
zedthatMasahad
usedhi
m asasubst i
tutef
orHay densinceshe
coul
dn'
thav ehim attheti
me.

AtTessa'
spar
ent
s

Tessagr
abbedherbagbef
oreheadi
ngt
othe
ki
tchenf
oranappl
e.
MaTessa:Eversi
ncey
ouarr
ivedy
ouhav
en'
t
beenspendi
ngt i
mewit
husathome.
Tessa:
MamaIj
ustv
olunt
eer
edatt
hishospi
tal
,
I'
m her
eforli
ketwomont
hssowehav
eti
met
o
spendtoget
her.
MaTessa:
It
'saSunday
.
Tessa:
Adoct
or'
swor
kisnev
ert
hrough.
.
MaTessal
aughed.
MaTessa:
Andt
othi
nkt
haty
ouwant
edt
obea
wr
it
er

Tessapaused,hermi
ndsuddenlyt
akingherto
thetenyearol
dherwhowasbr i
ghtandvery
bubbly.
Tessa:
Wellt
hingski
ndofchangedandIl
ove
whatIdo.
MaTessa:
Icanseet
hat
.Wel
lal
lthebest
.
Tessa:
Alr
ight
.

Shehuggedhermot
her
,ki
ssi
nghercheek
l
i
ght
ly.
Tessa:
Tiai
ssti
ll
asl
eep.I
'
llbehomeby
l
unchti
methoughsi
nceit
'saSunday
.
MaTessa:
Alr
ightbaby
.By
e.
Tessa:
Lov
eyoul
otswoman.

Shewal
kedoutoft
hehouset
ogocat
chat
axi
.

Att
hehospi
tal

Yetagai nMasawat chedAr i

ell
ereactdi
fferent
ly
tothedr ugsinhersy st
em.Thistimeitwasn't
thedr owsinessbutitwasaf evert
hatscared
her.Shedi dn'
tknowwhyherbabyhadt ogo
throughall t
hat.Masaclosedhereyesast ears
tri
ckleddownhercheeks.Hay denheldherin
hisarms.
Hay
den:
She'
l
lbeokay
..
okay
?
Masadi
dn'
tanswerbackasJasmi
nehelpedt
he
nur
sest
oregul
ateAri
ell
e'
stemper
atur
e.

Canej ustwatchedhelplessly.Hisowndaught er
wasgoi ngt hr
oughthewor standt hefunny
thi
ngwast hathiswif
edi dn'tcare.Shedi dn'
t
evengi veadamnandt hatmadehi m quest i
on
hisdecisions.Whathappenedt ot heJoywho
l
ov edAr i
ell
eandwoul dev enpl aywitht hel i
tt
le
gir
l?Meanwhi l
ehewasst arti
ngt odev elop
feeli
ngst hatwerenottheref orhisbabymama
anditwasn' tagoodsign.
Hay
den:
I'
mtaki
ngheroutoft
her
oom okay
?

CanenoddedasHaydenwal
kedoutwhi
l
e
rubbi
ngMasa'
sback.
Theygott
othebenchesandhej
ustpl
acedher
headonhi
slap.
Hayden:
Baby ?I
'
m here.Ar
iwillbeokay
.Our
l
it
tl
egirlwi
llbeheal
thyagain,
thisi
spartoft
he
t
reatmentokay?

Her
ubbedherbackasawayt
ocalm herdown
i
fhi
swordsdi
dn'tdot
hej
obforhi
m.

Meanwhi l
eTessawasonherwayt othe
cafet
eri
awhenshepaused.ThatwasHay den
andMasa.Whatwer et heydoi
nginthepediatr
ic
careunit
?Shestoppedanur seandaskedher
aboutthem.Shewassur et
heyhadn'
tseenher ,
hel
l t
heyweren'
tfocusedonherandi tseemed
asifMasawassobbi ng.
Nurse:
Oh.Thatcut
ecoupl
ether
e?Thei
rli
tt
le
gi
rlisonchemo.
Thatwaswhenreal
i
zati
ondawnedonTessa
andshefel
tthewei
ghtoft
heguil
t.Shej
usthad
tobetheonetodothewor
st.

Hay denjustkeptr ubbingherback, ever

yfew
secondswhi speri
ngi nherear.May beasaway
tocalm herdown.Shedi dn'
tknow.Asshe
l
ookedatt hem, shewentbackt othatFacebook
roastaboutaweekagowhenev eryonewason
Masa' scasei ncl
udingher .Wheni nactual
real
itytheirfamilywasgoi ngthrough
somet hingandshedi dn'
tf i
ghtback.Theyhad
themoneyt osueeachandev eryonewho
comment edev entheowneroft hepost
becauset hatwascy berbullyi
ngbuttheydidn'
t.

Shehadtoaskhersel
fwhyshealwayskept
bot
heri
nghersel
fwithMasa.Someonewho
di
dn'
tgi
veadamnaboutherandsomeonewho
di
dn'
tev
enseeitnecessar
ytochaseaf
terher
.

Shequi cklypassedbyt hecoupl e,havi

ngsur et
y
thattheydi dn'tspother .Shesighed.Apar tof
herwant edt oapol ogisef orherparti
nbashi ng
Masaonl inebutsheknewmay beitwasf orthe
besttheydi dn'tknow.Shesi ghed.Shesai da
small prayerf ortheirchi l
daskingGodt omake
herokay .Thatwast hel eastshecoulddo.I t
couldsuf f
iceasanal ologyt houghitstungthat
shehadahandi nbr eaki nganotherwoman.She
didn'
tev enknowt his.Tha- t
hatmay beshehad
cutherhai rbecauseherchi l
ddidandshewas
beingamot her.Somet hingshehadnoi dea
about.
.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
102*

Att
hehospi
tal

Haydensi ghedonceMasahadf al
lenasleepon
hischest.Het houghtaboutwhatshesai d
yester
day .Hehadt oadmi tthathewascur ious
abouthiat winbrotherandal l.Maybetheycan
meettomor r
owev eningbecausewel lhi
s
morningsandaf ternoonswer epreoccupied.
Theybothpr omi sedeachot hert
ostarttherapy
tomorrowandhenev erbackeddownonhi s
word.Ever .
Heki
ssedMasa'
sforeheadbef
orehedial
ed
t
hatnumbert
hathadcall
edyest
erday
.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
o..
Chr
ist
ian:
Hel
l
o..
Hay
den:
Ithoughtaboutwhaty
ousai
dandwhat
i
fwemeettomor r
ow?
Chr
ist
ian:
It
'sst
il
lfi
nebyme.
Hay
den:
Around6pm may
be?
Chr
ist
ian:
Okay
.Gi
vemet
henameoft
hepl
ace.
Hay
den:
Fir
stt
hingt
omor
rowmor
ning.
Chr
ist
ian:
Thanky
ou.
Hay
den:
Alr
ight
.Goodby
e.

Hehungupandsi
ghed.Hej
ustwi
shedt
hei
r
l
it
tl
egir
lwasgoi
ngtobefi
ne.
AtCane'
shouse

Canearri
vedl
atet
hatni
ghtaf
terhewassur
e
thatAr
iel
l
ewouldbefi
ne.

HefoundJoywai
ti
ngthedarknessthat
engulf
edt
heroom bef
oreheswitchedont
he
l
ights.
Joy
:Howi
sAr
i?
Canepausedandsswherswol
l
eney
es.
Joy
:I
sshegoi
ngt
obeokay
?Idi
dmyr
esear
ch
onl
eukemi
a..
Canejustunbuttonedhi
sshir
tashepassedher
bythecouchheadi ngt
otheguestroom wher
e
hehasbeensl eepingt
hesepastf
ewday s.
Joystoodupdef
eat
edandf
oll
owedCanei
nto
ther
oom.
Joy:
I'
m sor
ry.Iapol
ogi
sef
orwhatIsai
dthat
ni
ght.
Cane:
Okay
.
Joy
:Justokay
?Okay
?

Canewhirl
edtofaceherandshet
ookast
ep
back.Caut
iousl
y.
Cane:
Whatel
seam Isupposedt
osay
?
Joyletoutanexasper
atedsi
ghasshepushed
herhairback.
Joy:
Iletmyinsecuriti
esgett hebetterofme.I 'm
sorr
y.Junideservestoknowhi ssisterandI've
beenanobst acl
e.I'
m sor r
yifitcameacr ossto
youthatIhateAri
elle.Idon't
.Ijustwant edy our
att
enti
ontobeonJuni becauseAr ihadhert ime.
I'
m sorr
y.
Caneli
stened,
throwingtheshirtonthebedas
heremov edhi
sbelt.Joycouldtellt
hiswasa
topi
cthathedidn'
twanttolistento.
Joy:
I'
m sorr
y.Sor
ryt
hatIi
ndi
rect
lyaccusedy
ou
ofcheati
ngonmewi t
hMasa.Thatwas
uncal
ledforandsol
ow.

Shetookonelastlookathi
m andwalkedout.
Canesighedgett
ingoutofhist
rouser
s.He
cl
osedthedoorandt hr
ewhimselfonthebed.

Joyclosedhertear
yeyesasshesl
iddownthe
doorofthei
rbedroom.Sherui
nedi
t.I
twasover.
Shelookedattheri
ngonherfi
ngerandshe
removeditpl
acingitont
hecoldwhi
teti
l
e.

AtTessa'
spar
ent
s
Tessal
aughedoutl
oudandcov
eredhermout
h.
Tessa:
OhGod!
(l
aughi
ng)
Chr
ist
ian:
Itact
ual
l
yhappened.
Tessa:
uhIdonotbel
i
evey
ouMr
.
Chr
ist
ianshr
ugged.
Chr
ist
ian:
Arey
ouwor
kingt
omor
row?
Tessal
ookedatthenewlypl
ast
eredcal
endar
onherwal
l.Shewasfreetomor
row.
Tessa:
l
uckyf
ory
ouIdon'
thav
eany
thi
ng.
Chr
ist
ian:
Car
eforbr
unch?

Tessagri
nned.Whenwasthel
astti
meshehad
brunch?Morethanay
earagoatCanada.
Tessa:
Iwoul
dbedel
i
ght
edMrDav
is.
Chr
ist
ian:
Thanky
ouki
ndl
ady
.
Tessasmiledl
i
keafoolpushingherhai
rback.
ThedooropenedandshejustgaveTiaadead
star
e.Ti
aheldhersl
i
pwaistandgav eTessathe
samestare.
Ti
a:Mom sai
dyoushoul
djoi
nusf
oramov
ie.
Tessapl
acedt
hephoneonherchest
.
Tessa:
I'
m comi
ng.Gi
vemeaf
ewmi
nut
es.
Ti
a:Mom sai
dnow.
Tessar
oll
edherey
es.
Tessa:
Begonechi
l
d.
Ti
awal
kedout
.
Ti
a:Mama?Sheki
ckedmeout
.(
shout
ing)
Tessa:
Lit
tl
edev
il
.

Shepl
acedherphonebackonherear
.
Tessa:
Wher
ewasI?Sorryf
ort
hat
,thel
i
ttl
edev
il
deci
dedtor
uinmypeace.
Chr
ist
ianl
aughed.
Chr
ist
ian:
Whatdi
dyoursi
sterdo?
Tessal
aughed.
Tessa:
She'
sannoy
inggosh.Aheadacheanda
hal
f.
Chr
ist
ian:
Icannotr
elat
e..
Tessasi
ghed.
Tessa:
Didy
out
alkt
ohi
m?
Chri
sti
an:
Yeah.Thankyouf ory
ourhel
p.WhenI
camehereIwasn'texpect
ingtofi
ndoutIhada
twi
n.
Tessa:
Lif
ehasaf
unnywayofshowi
ngussi
gns.
Chr
ist
ian:
Huh?
Tessa:
huh?

Amomentofsi
lencepassedbef
oreChr
ist
ian
spokeawor
d.
Chr
ist
ian:
Goodni
ghtTher
esa.
Befor
eshecouldsaygoodnighthehungupand
thewayhepronouncedhernameplayedinher
mind.
Tessa:
NightChr
is(
sof
tl
y)

Shel
aidonherbedforawhi
lebefor
eshegot
upandwalkedout
.Tojoi
nherfamil
yint
he
l
ounge.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
103*
Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Masatookasi l
entshowerwithHaydenthat
earl
ymorning.Eachlosti
nthei
rownt hought
s.
Thesil
encewassomewhatcomf ort
ingandthey
al
lowedeachot hert
hatrepr
ieve.

Masagotoutf irstandHay denwast heonel ef

t
tocloset hewat er.Yester
dayhadbeena
stressfuldayandt odaywasadi ff
erentstor
y
alt
oget her.Apar tofhim wantedtobackoutof
goingf orther
apybutheknewi fhedidn'tt
hen
hiswi fewouldn'tgoandhewant edhert oget
better.Secret
lyhopi ngthathewillmov eon
fr
om t hepastf ull
y.

Wi
thdi
sti
nctsi
l
ence,
thet
wogotr
eadyand
Masati
edaheadscarfj
ustt
hisonce.They
woul
dhavetomakesurethagAriel
l
eisokay
andt
hatshewil
lbeokayfort
hefewhour sthey
woul
dn'
tbepresent
.

Hay
denf
inal
l
ybr
oket
hesi
l
ence.
Hay
den:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
?
Masapausedandpl acedthemakeupbr ush
down.Anexhaustedsighleftherpi
nkli
psas
hershoul
derssl
umpedf rom theproudand
str
ongstanceshehadpor tr
ayedsecondsago.
Masa:
Woul
ditbewr
ongt
osayIdon'
tknow?

Hay densatonthebedashepul l
edthepol ot-
shi
r toverhi
sheadashi ssi
xpacklayhi
dden
belowt hecr
ispwhit
et -
shir
t.Heranhi
sf i
ngers
overthesubtlest
ubblethathehadbeent oo
l
azyt oshaveoffthi
smor ni
ngandhedr ewa
si
ght
oo.
Hay
den:
It
'snotwr
ongsweet
hear
t.
Masanoddedmeekl yasshestaredathimfora
fewsecondsbef or
epickingupthemakeup
brush,faci
ngherref
lect
ioninthemirr
oronce
again.Sheranthebrushoverherpal
ef ace,
she'sbeenlooki
ngoddlypaleandshecoul d
onlyblameitonthepregnancyandstress.
Masa:
Hay
den?
Hay
den:
Yes?
Masa:
Wha-
nev
ermi
nd.
Hay
den:
Youcansayi
t.
Masa:
Whati
fthebabydoesn'
tsur
viv
e?
Hayden:
Don'tsayt
hatokay?Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbe
okayandthankyoufornotl
ist
eni
ngtomy
madness.
Masa:
huh?
Hayden:
Mewant i
ngy out
oabort
.Atsomepoint
Iwould'
veregr
ett
editandwhati
fircaused
fer
ti
li
tyi
ssuesmov i
ngforwar
d?
Masa:
Truebutwegott
hisr
ight
?
Hay
den:Wedef
ini
tel
ydo,
nowpl
easedoj
oinme
f
orabit
e.
Masasmi ledasshest oodupfrom t
hev ani
ty
tabl
eandt ookthehandheof f
ered.He
squeezedhersmal lhandabit
.Hewi l
lalways
bethereforherti
ll
thev er
yendortil
lli
fetakes
oneofthem.

Heplacedhi
shandont hesmallofherback,
l
eadinghi
swifedownthestai
rsandt othe
ki
tchenwher
et hehel
phadpreparedbreakfast
.
Masa:
Butnott
oomuchf
ood.Imi
ghtpuke.
.
Hay
den:
Mor
ningsi
ckness?
Masashr
ugged.
Masa:
Thi
spregnancyisweir
d.Li
ker
eal
wei
rd
mothowame..
Ihatevomit
ing.
Hayden:
May
bei
nthesecondt
ri
mest
ery
ou'
l
lbe
f
ine.
Masa:
Iwantt
hebabyoutal
ready
.
Hay
den:
Yout
alkt
oomuch.Eat
.
Masa:
Fine.
Hepassedhert
heoat
sandsomey
oghur
t.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.
Hayden:
Ihaveafeel
i
ngthatHudsonwil
lnotbe
happyoncehefi
ndsoutheisn'
tthel
astbor
n.
Masa:
boohoot
hechi
l
dwi
l
lheal
.
Hay
denshookhi
shead.
Hayden:
Nowondert
heycal
lyoudr
agonl
ady
someti
mes.
Masapl
acedt
hespoondown.
Masa:
Excuseme?
Haydencur
sedsi
l
ently.Ooh!Heletthename
sl
ipandnowshelookedathim expect
ingan
answer.
Hay
den:
Not
hing.Eaty
ourbr
eakf
astdear
.
Masa:
Youseeal
lfi
veofy
ou.Youandy
our
ki
ds.
..
Hayden:Cal
m down.It
'st
hehor
monesbabe.I
di
dn'tsayanyt
hing.
Masa:
Mxm.
.
Shet
hrewagr
apeathi
m.
Hay
den:
We'
repl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ood?
Masapickedanotheroneandt
hrewi tathi
m
agai
nandhegr i
nnedmakingherlaugh.
Masa:
mxm.Wal
api
sa(
you'
reexhaust
ing)
Hay
den:
Andy
oul
ovemef
ori
t.
Masa:
Sur
pri
singl
yso.
AtTessa'
spar
ent
s

Tessaworeadeni
m dressal
ongwithskme
gl
adiat
orsasshegotr
eadyforherbr
unchwit
h
Chri
sti
an.
Herphoner
angandshetorehereyesaway
f
rom themi
rrorasshewentt
opickitup.
Tessa:
Hel
l
o?
Chr
ist
ian:
Hel
l
o,Ij
ustsentt
hel
ocat
iondet
ail
s.
Tessa:
Alr
ightseey
out
her
e.By
e.
Shehungupandtiedherhai
rint
oaslickpuf
f
bef
oreshestar
tededgi
ngtheedges.She
l
ookedcute.

Shepi
ckedherphoneandsmall
bagbefor
eshe
wal
kedoutthedoorappl
yi
ngherli
pgl
oss.
Shepassedhermot
heri
nthel
ounge.
Tessa:
I'
l
lbeputf
oranhourorso.
MaTessa:
O-okay
.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
.
Tessaf
lashedacut
esmi
l
e.
Tessa:
thanky
oumom.Lov
eyouandby
e

Shewalkedoutt
heyar
dandmadeherwayt
o
thest
opwhereshehai
ledat
axi
.

Hour
slat
er

Tessasatopposi
teChr
ist
ian.I
tseemedt
hat
theyhadaloti
ncommon.
Tessa:
Youshoul
dpl
ayt
hegui
tarf
orme.
Chr
ist
ian:
Iguesswe'
l
lfi
ndadat
e.
Tessa:
Wai
tsol
i
key
ouar
egood?
Henoddedwithacatlikegri
nandshebl
i
nked
bef
oreregai
ningherbeari
ngs.

Theyhadbeenher efort hepastthr

eehours.
Theyhador deredt
heirbr unchandtal
kedthei
r
waythroughit.Shesti
rredt hecol
ourf
ulcockt
ail
wit
ht hestr
awandshesuckedont hestraw
l
ookingathim.Chr i
sti
ancaughtherst ar
e.
Chr
ist
ian:
What
?
Tessa:
Not
hing.Keept
alki
ng.
Helaughed,t
hedeeplr
umbleescapi
nghi
s
chestandshesuckedherst
rawsomemore.

Unbeknownstt ot
hetwo,Hay denandMasa
walkedinsidet
hesamepl ace.Haydenpull
ed
thechairforhi
swifeandshesatdownbef ore
hejustpulledt
hechairt
ositnexttoher.
Masa:
Bat
hong!We'
rei
nar
est
aur
ant
.
Hay
den:
DoIcar
ebabygi
rl
?
Masal
ookedar
oundasmostpeopl
ekeptt
hei
r
ey
esonthem.
Masa:
Nope.
Hay
den:
Exact
ly.Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?
Masa:
Any
thi
ngi
sfi
ne.Myt
hroati
sdr
y..
Hay
denl
i
ftedasl
eekey
ebr
ow.
Hayden:
Pit
yforyouMr
sHay
dennowi
nesor
cockt
ail
sforyou.
Masa:Mat
hat
aabotshel
ogaahel
e(Li
fe
pr
oblemsnev
ercease)
Haydenr
ubbedherf
lattummyandshepushed
hi
shandsawatl
aughing.
Hayden:
Aslongasy ou'
rei
nther
e,y
ourmot
her
won'tt
ouchalcohol
.
Masa:
It
'sy
ourf
aul
t.
.
Hay
den:
CanIor
derony
ourbehal
f?
Shenoddedandhesi gnall
edforawait
er.The
fi
rstsessi
onwasokay ,i
tfel
tdrai
ningf
orthe
fi
rsthoursbuti
ttur
nedokay .

Aft
erHaydenwasdonet
alki
ngtothewait
erhe
shi
ft
edhisatt
ent
iont
oherandplacedhi
shand
onhert
high.

From thereont heyv ent

uredintoconversat
ion
withstolenki sseshereandt hereandMasa
repri
mandi ngHay den.Hisverytouchyhand
wast hreateninghercur r
entstateofmind.She
didn'
twantt obeapuddl eofemot i
ons,hehad
thepowert odot hattoher.

Hay
denpai
dthebi
l
landl
ookedathi
swi
fe.
Hay
den:
We'
redoner
ight
?
Masa:
Arewe?
Hay
den:
Ithi
nkwear
e.

Hehel pedherstandupandwal kedt othedoor

holdi
ngherf r
om behind.Rightatt hedoor,he
passedChr i
sti
anandTessaandhepaused.
Masal ookedupandf rowned.Hay den'
s
breathi
ngchanged.Chr i
sti
anstar edatHay den.
Hisidenti
caltwi
n.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
104*
Att
her
est
aur
ant

Thetwobr ot
herslockedey
esasMasahel d
Hayden'shandsighi
ng.Chr
isti
antorehiseyes
awayfrom HaydenandHay denlookedathis
wif
e.Masar ubbedhishandwhilelooki
ngback
athi
m.
Thiswasunexpected.Theyhadagreedl
ater
todayanditwasn'
ttherightt
ime.Hehat
ed
beingcaughtof
fguardandMasacoul dseethat
.
Masa:
Excuseusf
oraf
ewseconds(
sof
tl
y)

Shepul
l
edHay
denawayandl
ookedupathi
m.
Masa:
Howar
ewef
eel
i
ngaboutt
his?
Hay
den:
It
'st
oosudden.
Masa:
Iheary
oubutl
ook.
.
Het
urnedandChr
ist
ianwasst
il
lther
e.
Masa:Youguy
scantalk,
I'
ll
beinthecarwai
ti
ng
fory
ou.Maybedest
inyhadotherpl
ansmylove
hmm. .

Shestoodonherti
ppytoestoki
sshisl
i
ps
sof
tl
yandhewr appedhishandar
oundhersl
i
m
wai
st.
Hay
den:
Stay
.
Masa:
It
'snotmypl
ace.I
'
llbei
ntr
udi
ng.I
'
llbei
n
t
hecarandgoodl
uck.
Sheki
ssedhi
scheekandwal
kedaway
.

Tessa'
sey esfol
lowedMasa.Thef actt
hatthe
shortwomanwasn' tbother
edbyherpresence
andHay denwasn'ttoo.Helookedli
kehehad
fal
lenforhiswif
e.Shehadnot i
cedthei
rqui
et
exchangebef
oreshel
ookedatChr
ist
ianwho
wasshocked.Notqui
tebel
i
evi
nghehadseen
histwi
n.
Tessasmi
l
edt
ight
ly.
Tessa:
Chr
is?
Hel
ookedather
.
Tessa:Youcandot hi
s.Fateworksi
n
mysteriouswaysandwehav enocontr
oloft
he
uni
verse, t
hisi
syourchance.Takei
twi
thbot
h
handsokay ?
Shehuggedhim bef
oreshequi
ckl
ybr
okei
t.She
smil
edagain.
Tessa:
I'
l
lbemovi
ngar
oundt
heshops.Ri
ng
whenyouguysar
edone,
he'
scoming.By
e.

Shewal
kedawayl
eav
ingChr
ist
iant
her
etodeal
wit
hHayden.
Hay
dencl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Hay
den:
Wecanf
indaqui
etspott
otal
k.
Christ
ian:
Ofcour
sebutIdon'
tknowt
hear
ea
thatwell.
.

Haydennot
edhi
sdisti
nctAmericanaccent
.He
di
dn'tgr
owupher
e,int
erest
ing.

Theybothlef ttherestaurantandTessast ooda

fardi
stancel ookingatthem.Shej ustwalked
awayandv enturedintothemal l
.Meanwhi le
Masapr essedherphonet odistracther
self.She
hopedandpr ayedthiswentwel l
.ForHay den's
sake.Hermi ndwonder edt oLetty.Wasshe
okay?Didsheknowt hatherot hersonwasi n
town?Wasshecopi ng?Di dshel osemor e
weightorwassheeat i
ngt herightfood?

Shest
oppedher
sel
ffr
om cal
l
ing.Hay
den
wouldn'
tli
kethat.Sheblamedhertr
easonous
heartf
orseei
ngt hebestinever
yone.She
l
eanedbackandscr atchedherheadthr
ough
theheadscar
f.Shegotf i
dget
yandshesi ghed.
Maybesheshoul dn'
twaitint
hecarorelseher
owncompanywasgoi ngtodriv
ehercrazyand
shedidn'
twantthat.

Shegotoutoft
hecarwit
hherhandbagand
l
ockedit
.Hewil
lcal
loncehei
sdone.

Meanwhi leChrisandHay def oundaqui etplace

withchairandsatdown.Si l
enceenv elopedthe
smallareaast het womascul inemal esfought
withthei
rownt houghts.Theirwor dsdyingin
theti
poft hei
rtongues.Mor eawkwar dsil
ence
passedbet weent hetwoandHay denrubbedhis
head.Whyhel istenedt ohiswi f
e,hehadno
i
dea.
Chri
sti
anwasthef
ir
stonet
obr
eacht
hrough
thesi
lence.
Chr
ist
ian:
I'
m Chr
ist
ianDav
is.

Haydenchuckled.Thiswasawkwar dashell.He
hasn'
tfel
tthi
sner vouseeversi
ncethetime
Masaslappedt hehelloutofhi
m andinsul
ted
hi
m.Shecouldbeaf i
eryl
it
tl
ethingi
fshe
wantedtobe.
Hay
den:
Hay
denSmi
th.
Chr
ist
ian:
Nicet
omeety
ou.

Theyweir
dlyshookhandsandqui
cklypull
ed
outoft
hehandshakebothshaki
ngtheirheads.
Hay
den:
Thi
sfeel
ssl
i
ght
ly-
Chr
ist
ian:
awkwar
d.Iknow.
Hay
denr
ubbedhi
sheadbef
oresi
ghi
ng.
Hay
den:
Sohowdi
dyouf
indaboutme.
Chr
ist
ian:
Sur
pri
singl
yTher
esami
stakenl
ysai
dI
wasyou.
Hay
den:
Wel
lwedol
ookal
i
ke.
Chr
ist
ianchuckl
ed.
Chri
sti
an:Thatwedo.AndIf ol
loweditupandI
wasquitemar vel
edthatIhadalookali
ke.Not
j
ustadoppel gangerbutsomeonewhoi syour
exactcopy.Howdi dyoucomet oknow.
Hayden:
Mymot
herf
inal
l
ytol
dmywi
fet
henshe
t
oldme.

Chri
sti
andi
dseet
hegol
dmet
alonhi
sri
ng
fi
nger.
Chr
ist
ian:
Iwouldli
ketomeetthi
sparti
cular
womanwhosepar atedusatbi
rt
h,notthatmy
par
entsarenotgoodpeopl
e.Real
lyki
nd
hear
tedandgoodci
vi
li
ans.
Haydenalmostsmi l
edsadly.Atleastoneof
them hadagoodchildhood.Hisfatherwas
goneandhismot herwasawhol ementalcase,
someonehewi shedhecoulder asefrom t
he
faceoftheear
t.
Hay
den:
Youwoul
dli
ket
omeether
?
Chr
ist
ian:
Ithi
nkso.Notnowthough.I
t'
stoo
ear
lyandit
'salott
otakein.
Haydensi ghedandleanedback.Hehada
brother,i
twasabi thardtobel
ieve.Nowonder
hehadt wins.Masahadbeencar ryingtwins
beforeshel ostt
heotherone.Hedi dn'
texactl
y
makeany t
hingoutofitbutnowitmadesense.
Theonl ysensibl
epersonwhohadt heanswers
toev er
ythi
ngwast heirbi
rthmother.

Thetwowentsil
ent,
givi
ngleewaytot hei
r
i
ndiv
idual
thought
s.Theyshouldn'
trushthis,
every
thingwasnewandt hey'
veonlyknown
aboutthisf
oraweek.Thatwashar dl
yenough
ti
mef oronetowrapthei
rmindaroundt hef
act
thatt
heyhav easi
bli
ngoutthere.

Att
hemal
l

Masaf oundher selfpi

ckingoutcl
othesof fthe
rail
s.Shewasj ustpassingbywhenacut e
dresst hatlookedl i
keithadbeensolely
selectedf orAv erycaughthereye.Nowt hir
ty
mi nuteslatershehadabasketf ull
ofclot hes
fortheki ds.All fourofthem.Shecouldn'tbuy
clothesfort hebabyi nhertummyasofy et.She
wasn' tsureifitwasagi rloraboyorifitwas
evenonechi ld.She' l
ldotheshoppi
ngmay be
whenshei sinhersecondt ri
mest
er.

Shest
oodbyt
het
il
last
hecashi
erl
ookedather
.
SherecognizedMasabutdi
dn'tshowit.She
wonderedhowshehandledthatFacebook
roast
.Therehadbeennothi
ngf r
om herorher
husband.
Cashi
er:
Shoppi
ngbag?
Masa:
Yesmam.Thanky
ou.

Thecashierl
ookedather
.Shehadasoftv
oice
andshelookedti
red.Asofsomet
hingwas
weighi
ngherdown.

Masapaidandthel
adyhandedhert
he
shoppi
ngbag.
Masa:
Thanky
ou.

Shewal kedoutanswalkedar
oundthemal
l.
Lookingaloofbef
oresheheadedbackt
othe
car.
Tessaendedhershortwalkaroundthemall
andsatbytheoutsi
dechairsoftherest
aur
ant
wherethehhadbrunch.Sheordereda
mil
kshakewhil
ewai t
ingforChri
s.

Halfanhourlatershesawhim wit
hHayden.
Thetwomenj ustsai
daquickwordtoeach
otherbefor
eHay denwalkedawayandcrossed
theroad.Chri
sti
anspottedTessaandsat
opposit
eher.
Chr
ist
ian:
Itwentbet
tert
hanexpect
ed.
Tessasmi
l
edshewasgl
ad.

Tessa:
I'
m happyf
oryou.Uhm y
ouonceasked
mehowIknewHay denri
ght
?
Chr
ist
iannodded.
Tessa:
Her
egoesbutdon'
tj
udge.
.
I
nthecar

Hay
dencl
osedt
hedoorandbuckl
edup.
Hay
den:
Itwasokay
.We'
l
ltal
kathomehmm.
.
Shenoddedy
awni
ngandHst
art
edt
hecar
.

AtCane'
shouse

Canefi
nall
ywalkedtothebedroom heusedto
shar
ewithhiswifeandhefoundherplayi
ng
wit
hJuni.Joyl
ookedupbutdidn'tsayaword.
Cane:
Wecant
alk.
.
Joy
:Letmeputhi
mtosl
eep.

Canenoddedandwal
kedout
.
Att
heSmi
ths

Thecoupl
echeckedonAr
iel
l
eaf
tergi
vi
ngt
he
ki
dsthei
rcl
othes.
Hayden:Ican'
tbel
i
evey
oudi
dn'
tbuyme
any
thing.
Masa:
Ohcal
m down.
Haydenshookhi
sheadastheywentqui
ett
o
checkuponasleepi
ngAr
iel
le.
Hay
den:
Itwi
l
lal
lbef
inewi
tht
ime.
Masa:
Ihopeso.
Hay
den:
Iknowso.
.
.
*
*
TWOYEARSLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
105*

Att
hegy
m

Haydenpunchedt heboxi ngbagacoupl eof

ti
mes.Heneededt i
meoutf rom hisfamil
yand
toal
lowhi mselftothink.Ev ery
thingwas
comingt ogetherandt heywer eamont haway
fr
om openi ngt henewhospi tal
.Somet hi
nghe
wasgr atefulfor.Hisinv estorswer ehappyand
wellhiswi f
ehadbeenpar tofthet eam wi
thher
ski
ll
si nfinance.Allinonet hatone.Thathouse
wasf ull
andhecoul dn' tbelieveitwashiskids
makingi tful
l.Shehadt winsagai n ‍♀
Wel lhebl amedhi sgenesf orthat
.Deal ingwith
twocr yingbabi eswasannoy i
ngashel l.He
l
ov edt het woboy sbuttheycr i
ed.Alway scryi
ng
theirsmal llungsoutwhent heywerey ounger
andt henHudsonwasj ealousthathewasn' tt
he
onlybabyi nthehouse.Madam dr agonl ady
didn'tcare, shesaidhewillgetusedt oi tj
ust
thewayhi sol dersi
bli
ngsgotusedt ohim being
present .Hel aughedatthat.Masabat hong!

Haydenstoppedandremovedtheboxi
ng
glov
es,pl
aci
ngthem i
nhisgym bag.Hewasn'
t
yetdonewithhi
sexerci
sesbuthehadanidea.

Hewi pedthesweatwithhiswettowel bef

ore
wrappingi
taroundhi
sneckandwal kingout
hol
dinghisbag.Theladiesatgym si
lentl
y
watchingt
heAdoniswal kout.Sofaryetso
neart
heymused.

Att
heSmi
ths

Masasmi ledasshel ookedatheraf ro.Shehad

l
etitgrowt hepastf ewmont hsandshewas
sureshewasn' tgoingt ochemi cal
lydamagei t
byusingrelaxer.Amont hagowasAr iel
le'
svery
l
astsession.Itwast hel astst epandt hehwere
prayi
ngthatshedoesn' trelapse.Theypai dlot
s
ofmoneyf orherst em cel l
t r
eatmentandi twas
notinthecount ry
.Any thingf orhertogetbet t
er.

Thepastf ewweekAr i
ell
ewasbetterandthat
chil
dlikeglowwassl owlycomingback.She
smiled.Thedooropenedabi tandher15mont h
oldtwinscrawledinside.Howthehelldi
dthey
makei tupt hest
airs?
Masa:
Bat
hong!

Theygiggl
edandhel
dthewal
lforst
abi
l
ity
walki
ngtowar
dsher.
Masa:
Whatdoy
ouguy
swant
?

Shegotupfrom t
hebedandwal kedtot hem,
holdi
ngthei
rsmallhandsl
eadi
ngt hem outof
thebedr
oom.

Sheslowl
ywal
keddownt
hestai
rswi
ththem
andfoundSmi
thpl
ayi
ngv
ideogamesonthetv
.
Masa:
Didy
oudoy
ourhomewor
k?
Smi
thJr
:yes.Al
lthr
eeoft
hem.
Masa:
Youhav
eanhour
.
Smi
thJr
:Ij
ustst
art
edpl
ayi
ngmom.
Masa:
It
'saschool
weekSmi
th.Youknowv
ery
wel
lwedon'
tpl
ayv
ideogamesonaschool
week.
Smit
hJrpressedthecontr
oller.I
t'
snotl
i
kehe
wasfai
l
ingatschooloranything.

Aver
ymadeherwayt
othel
oungeandpicked
oneoft
het
winspi
nchi
nghi
schubbycheeks.
Av
ery
:Hel
l
oyou.
.
Thechi
ldmov edhi
shandsov
erherf
aceand
shegri
nned.
Av
ery
:mom nextt
imehav
eagi
rl
.

Masa'
sjawdropped.Justl
i
ket
hat
?Wasthi
s
chi
l
dbeingseri
ous?Nextti
mehav
eagi
rl
?

ThedooropenedandHay
denwal
kedinsi
det
he
house.Hefi
stbumpedwi
thSmi
thJr
.
Hay
den:
Heychamp.Wheni
syourmat
chagai
n?
Smi
thJr
:Sat
urday
.
Hay
den:
Yourmom l
ety
oupl
ay?
Smi
thJr
:mor
eorso.
.
Haydenki ssedhiswi fewhowasst ill
looki
ngat
Avery.Hay denstaredatAv erywhowashol ding
herbabybr otherinherar mswhiletheotherone
cl
ungt oMasa' sleg.Thesesmal lhumanbei ngs
weresocl ingy.Thechi l
dletgoofMasa' sl
eg
andwal kedt oHayden.Hewassweat yandhe
di
dn'twantt opickt hechil
dup.
Hay
den:
What
?
Masa:
I-
uh.Yourchi
l
dren.
Hay
den:
Whatdi
dshesay
?
Masa:
gat
wenextt
imeIshoul
dhav
eagi
rl
.

Av
eryl
aughed.
Avery:
Mom Hudsoni
saboy,
Azr
iel
isaboyand
Antonyisaboyaomama.
Hay
den:
Thisdoesnoti
nvol
veme(
pul
l
ingMasa
t
ohim)j
oinmeforaqui
ckshower
.

Averywalkedoutholdi
ngAnt
onygi
vingher
parentspri
vacy.Azr
iel
fol
l
owedl
ett
inggoof
Hay den'
sleg.
Hay
den:
Hmm.
.

Hewrappedhisar
msaroundherwai
st,knowing
ver
ywellhewassweat
yandthatobv
iouslyshe
wil
lj
oinhim.
Masa:
Smar
t.Real
l
ysmar
tmov
eSmi
th.

Masakissedhi
sli
psandhepr
ompt
edhert
o
openhermouthforhi
m.
Hayden:Soaboutt
hatpol
eyouoncet
alked
about.
.
Masal
aughed.
Masa:
Osexaddi
ctwenawai
tse.
Hay
den:
Youmat
chmypassi
onSunshi
ne.So
t
hepol
e..
Masa:
We'
l
lsee.
Hay
den:
NgngIwanttoseey
ouwor kyourst
uff
ont
hatpol
eMr
sSmi t
h.Mypersonalst
ri
pper
.
Masa:
Mxm.

Theywal
kedoutwi
thhi
sar
mswr
appedar
ound
her.
TheypassedAr
iel
l
eont
hei
rwayt
othe
bedr
oom.
Hay
den:
Hel
l
oPr
incess.
Ar
iel
l
e:mom,
dad.
..
Hudsonwaswal
kingbehi
ndhi
ssi
sterandhe
l
ookedathi
spar
ents.
Hudson:
mama.
.dad.
Hay
denl
ookedatMasa.
Masa:
What
?
Hay
den:
Not
hing.
..

Theybothclimbedt hestair
sandoncet hey
weresafeinsidether oom.Hay denlockedthe
doorandpinnedherbehi ndit.Hishungryli
ps
foundhersasshesl ippedherhands
underneat
hhisv est
, feel
i
nghi shardmuscles
andplanes.
Hishandsslippedundert hedress.Thefactthat
shewearsmor edressesandski r
tsnow,
makingiteasyf oraquickiehereandthere.
Hay
den:
onj
esi
tsewai
tse.
.
Masal
aughed.
Masa:
Sebogal
ejangsej
esosat
eng.
Haydenkissedheragai
nashepulleddownher
pant
ies,
feeli
nghershavedpussy
.
Hay
den:
Kaboosashav
er.
.
Masa:
Why
?
Hay
den:
Iwant
edt
odoi
t.
.
Masa:
You'
rewei
rd.
Helaughedashemadeherwr
apherlegs
ar
oundhistor
soandwal
kedtothebathr
oom.

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana

Chri
sti
anparkedhiscarout
sideTessa'sbl
ock.
Shedidn'
tev
enknowhewascomi ng.Heknew
herhi
stor
yandt hatdi
dn'
tswayhim.
Meanwhil
eTessapanickedi
nsi
deherroom.
Shewasonly21forcryi
ngoutl
oudan-she
chokedonherowntears.

Herphoner
angandshequi
ckl
ywi
pedhert
ear
s.
Tessa:
Hey
..
Chr
ist
ian:
Arey
ouokay
?
Tessa:
Yes.Justst
ressedaboutschool
.

Sheknewhecameher esometi
mestovisi
this
brot
her.Hewasn'
tapermanentr
esi
dentofthe
countr
y.
Chr
ist
ian:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngnow?
Tessa:
Study
ing.
.
Chri
sti
an:
Canyoucomeoutsi
de.Isent
someonetobr
ingsomet
hing.
Tessa:
Okay
.
Shewipedhertearsandpattedhercheeks.She
woreherfl
ipfl
opsandwal kedoutofthedorm
i
nshortsandacr optop.Shetal
kedtoChr i
sas
shewalkeddownt hestai
rs.

Onceshewasout sideshepaused.Therewas
nothi
ng.Shelookedaroundanddroppedher
phonespotti
ngChrist
ian.Hewalkedtowar
ds
herandshebentdownt opi
ckherphoneup.
Whydidn'thetel
lherhewashere?

AtCane'
sof
fi
ce

CanelookedatMasa'sphotoswithAri
ell
eand
ther
estofherchil
drenwithhisnephew.So
maybeheoncet houghtshewast ooyoung.
Maybehewasnev erwasreadyandwatched
hergo.

Hel ookedatthecalendar
.Hisdivorcedat
ewas
fastapproachingandtheytr
ied.Theydidtr
yto
worki toutbutitdi
dn'
twork.Themar ri
agewas
over.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
106*

AtUni
ver
sit
yofBot
swana
Chr
ist
ianhel
dTessai
nhisar
msasshesobbed.
Hehadnoideawhyshewascry
ing.
Chr
ist
ian:
What
'swr
ong?
Shej
ustshookherheadsobbi
ngonhi
schest
.

Chri
sti
ansighedandr
ubbedherbackt
il
lher
sobsdieddown.
Chr
ist
ian:
Tess?
Tessabr okefrom hisembr aceandwi pedher
tears.Shest il
lhadal ottoaccomplishandshe
l
ookedatChr i
sti
an.Hewoul dbeshattered.She
doesn'twantt ohur thim.Shewoul dnev erhurt
him, shef oundherselfwhenshewaswi thhim
andhet ookherf orwhoandwhatshewas.Oh
God!Thr oughhi m shef oundoutthatshedi dn'
t
actuallyloveHay den.Itwasani nf
atuationthat
l
edt oanobsessi onthatshedeser vedhi m
becauseshehadt hehear tofthewomanhe
oncel oved.
NowChr i
s.Asweirdasitwas,
shesawhimf
or
hi
m.Shedi dn'
tseeHaydenbutjusthi
m.
Chr
ist
ianDav i
s.
Chr
ist
ian:
Tesst
alkt
ome.
.

Hepul
ledhert
ohi
m andl
i
ftedherchi
nup,
l
ooki
ngint
oherey
es.
Tessa:
I-
I.
.t
hisi
shar
d.
Chr
ist
ian:
Tess?
Tessa:
I'
m pr
egnant
..
Chri
sti
anbl
inkedsev
eral
timesbef
orel
ooki
ng
atTessawhowasnowpal e.
Chr
ist
ian:
Sayi
tagai
n..
Tessa:
I'
m pr
egnant
.

Thenewswhi
ppedt
hroughChr
ist
ianl
i
keacol
d
wind.Hewasn'texpect
ingt
hat.Notatal
l
.
Tessa'
stearsgather
edinhereyes,
hewasn'
t
happyatall
.

Shetookastepbackfrom hi
sembraceasshe
usedherhandst
owi pehertear
s.Chr
ist
ian
pull
edherbacki
ntohisembraceandshe
succumbedtohi
stouch.
Chr
ist
ian:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
abouti
t?
Tessal
ookedathi
m wi
tht
rembl
i
ngl
i
ps.
Tessa:Idon'
tknow.I'
m stil
last
udent,Ihave
thr
eey earsl
eftt
ofinishschool
.I-
kidsweren'
t
partofmyi mmediatefutur
e.
Chri
sti
annoddedst
il
lhol
dingheri
nhi
sst
eady
ar
ms.
Chr
ist
ian:
Whendi
dyouf
indout
?
Tessa:
Lastni
ghtbu-
Chr
ist
ian:
Tess?
Tessa:
hmm?
Chr
ist
ian:
Whydoy
ouf
earhav
ingki
dst
hismuch?
Tessa:
Idon'
tl
ikeki
ds.
Chr
ist
ian:
Ther
eismor
etoi
tthant
hatcupcake.
.
Tessa:
YouknowIhadahear
tpr
obl
em r
ight
?
Henodded.
Tessa: Whati fmyki dsi nheri
titandsuf ferfor
somet hingIcoul d'
vepr eventedthem from.Why
woul dIbr i
ngachi ldi nthewor ldforthem to
sufferthesamef ateIhad.Ial mostdied9y ears
ago.Iwi theredintonot hingandsawhowi t
sil
entlykill
edmypar entsthattheyhadt or esort
tothei l
lestofcrimest osav emyl if
e,Idon't
wantt obi ndachi l
dIbi r t
hedt othatsamef at
e.
Genet i
cspl ayav it
al roleandIdon' twantt o
passi tont omychi l
d. ..
Chr
ist
iannodded,heknewgenet
icssowellbut
i
tseemedast hi
slit
tl
emisshadatendecyof
f
orget
ti
nghisoccupat
ionandsawher
sel
fas
t
heonlydoct
or
Chr
isti
anhadt oagreet
hatshehadagood
poi
nt.Asplendidonebutwoul
ditki
l
lhert
obe
opt
imisti
c?
Chri
sti
an:
Woul
dhav
inghopeandf
ait
hbet
hat
bad?
Tessa:
Sciencehasav er
yfunnywayofmaki
ng
thatf
eelasitdoesn'
texi
st.
Chri
sti
an:Butwhi
l
ey ouwereil
lyouhadfai
th,
youbeli
evedyou'
llbebet
teroneday.Di
dyou
not?

Thattookherback.Shehadbeensoopti
misti
c
aboutli
fethatt
henowherwasaweak
comparisontoheryoungestv
ersi
on.Chr
ist
ian
sawthatfli
ckeri
nhereyes.
Chr
ist
ian:
Achance.Al
eapoff
ait
h?
Tessathoughtf
oraf
ewsecondsbef
orehe
spoke.
Chri
sti
an:
Justt
hisonce(
kissi
ngher
for
ehead)
andmor et
herapy.
Tessa:
Idon'
twantt
her
apy
.
Chri
sti
an:
Thental
ktome..
darebeli
evemethat
we'l
lbefi
ne.Ihav
eadecentj
ob,Icanpayy
our
tui
ti
onincaseyoufai
lamodule.
Tessamanagedt
olaughsof
tl
y.
Tessa:
Bei
ngasur
geoni
sadecentj
ob?
Christ
ian:
Yetyouthi
nky ou'
ret
heonlydoctor
.In
factyou'r
eyettogetyourmedical
degree.
Tessa:
Mypr
ivat
etut
or.
Chr
ist
ianl
aughedki
ssi
ngher
.
Chr
ist
ian:
Aver
ypr
ivat
eonecupcake.
Shelaughedint
ohismouth.Shoul
dshedare
dream andbeli
evet
hatshefoundherf
orev
er
andalways?

Att
heSmi
ths

Masawasl azilylayi
ngont hecouchwi t
hher
babiesclimbi ngt hecoucht oj oinherinher
rel
axedst ate.Theol dersi blingswer easl
eep,
theyhadschool tomor rowandshehadt oput
Azri
el,AntonyandHudsont osl eep.Tomor row
washerf irstdaybackt owor kaftertwoy ears.
Shehaddedi catedher selffull
yt omaki ngsur e
thei
rdaught er'
shealthwaswhatshef ocused
on,beingahousewi fewasal soni cesomet imes.
Knowingt hatay earago, Hay denst art
edtogo
backtot heof f
iceandwai tingf orhimt ocome
homewasal sonice.Hear ingwhathappenedat
theoffi
ceandal soev eryonet elli
ngherabout
whatmadet heirdaysinter
esti
ng.Home
schooli
ngAriel
l
ewasni cetoo,t
hey'll
lethergo
backtoschoolnex tt
erm.Soshewasgoi ngto
bestuckherewi t
hhery oungersi
blingsandthe
nanny.Herhouseholdwasr eall
yniceifshehad
toadmitthat
.

Thent herei sChr i

st i
an.Hehadbeent hebest
thingtohappeni nherhusband' sli
fe,Hay den
wasl essangr yi nr egardst ohismot her.She
stil
lhopedherper sonallygot oLetty'
shouse
andf orgiveher .Lifewasr eall
ytooshor tforone
toholdont oanger ynomat t
erhowj usti
fiedit
was.Ther apydi dthem awhol el
otofgoodand
theywertt heirhappi est,notlett
ingAr i
'
s
sicknessdampert hel ovei nthefamily,they
appreciatedeachot hermor eandtheiruni t
y
wasast ounding.Herf ami l
ywasokay .
Tessa?Wellshewasokay ,shedi dn'tholdany
grudgesagainstherandi fshewashappywi th
Christ
iant
heni twasokay .Everyonedeser v
eda
sl
iceofhappiness.Li f
ewasal laboutbei ng
happyandlivingittoy ourbest.Ev enLetty
deservedhappiness.Sheshoul dbr i
ngitupwi th
Hayden.Lettheol dladymeethergr andkids.

Hert
rai
noft
hought
swasdist
urbedbyHay
den
whocameandki
ssedher
.
Masa:
Ohhey
..
Hay
den:
Weshoul
dputt
heset
hreet
osl
eep.
Masa:
Wer
eal
l
yhav
esi
xchi
l
dren?Hal
fadozen?
Hay
den:
Bestbel
i
evei
t.Wantmor
e?
Masa:
Uhno.DoIlookl
ikeIwantt
obeint
hat
r
oom agai
npushi
ngyourchi
ldr
enout
?Nosir
.
Hay
denl
aughedshaki
nghi
shead.
Anhourl
atert
hehousewasent
ir
elysi
l
entand
shel
eanedagai
nsthi
m.
Masa:
Ilov
ey-
you(
yawni
ng)
Hay
den:
SodoI
.Let
'sgety
out
obed.
Masa:
You'
real
mostt
hir
ty.
Hay
denl
aughed.
Hay
den:
29wi
fey
.
Masa:
Sti
l
lol
d.
Hay
denr
oll
edhi
sey
es.
Hayden:
Sol
etmeshowy
ouwhatt
hisol
dman
cansti
ll
dot
oyou.
.

Hepickedherupandshegi
ggl
edashewal
ked
upst
airst
otheirbedr
oom.

AtLet
ty'
shouse
Shewasgr atefulf
orMasa'ssmal l
helphereand
ther
e.Shesentmoneyj ustsothatshecaneat
andbeokay .ShelastsawHay denwhenhehad
comet ointroducehistwinbrother
.Shewas
hopingthatt heanimosit
ybetweenherandher
sonhaddi eddown.Shehadn' texpected
Chri
stiantov isi
therwheneverhewasi ntown.
Itwassweetandshel earntt
oappr eci
ate
everyt
hinglifegaveher.

Asmallsmil
egracedherl i
psandshelai
ddown
onthebed.Ever
ywaki ngdayshewasgratef
ul
si
nceonecannev erbesurewhentheyare
goi
ngtotakethei
rlastbreath.

AtJoy
'snewhouse
Joylookedatt her i
ngont hedresser.Her
i
nsecurit
ieshadbr oughthermar ri
agetoit
s
kneesbutshewasn' tgoingt ocr yoverspi
l
tmil
k.
Shewasgoi ngt odobet t eri
nhernext
rel
ati
onship.Shel earntvaluabl
el essonsand
wasokay .Shewasn' tevencont esti
nghis
wealthoranything.

AtBl
air
'spl
ace

Blai
rwat chedMasedi sl
eeppeacefull
y.Shewas
fournowandwasherhappi ness.Event hough
thefatherwasanass, shewasgr at
eful forthis
smal lgif
tandthesupportshegotfrom her
brotherandhernephewmeantt heworldev en
thougheachhadhi sownf amil
y.Thepar tythey
hadar rangedforafamil
ywasgoi ngtobef un.
Obv i
ouslybecauseshewast heorganiser .She
wasf astapproachi
ngherforti
es,onlythree
y
earsshyf
rom t
hebi
gfor
ty.Shechuckl
ed.How
f
astti
mefl
ew.

AtMat
il
da'
spl
ace

Shegrinnedsendingt hesmsback.Wast hi
sit
?
Unli
keherbestf ri
end,shehadbeenl uckywhen
i
tcamet ol ovealwaysbeingtooheadst r
ongor
j
usttoomuchasherexesal waysputi t.The
ti
mewassl owlyti
ckingandhonest l
yt his
depart
mentofknowi ngyourwor t
hwasl onel
y
ashell
,somet imesshedi dn'
twantt obest r
ong
allt
hetimet houghsheknewherf r
iendwas
ther
ebutamal ecompani onwasof tenbet t
er
company .Shesighedandsentanot hert ext
.A
goodnighttextbefor
eshet urnedtohersi de
andclosedherey es.

Att
heguest
house
Tessalai
dinChri
sti
an'sar
ms.Theprospectof
bei
ngamot herwasdaunti
ngbutshedidn'
t
doubtChri
sti
anatall
.Herheadshotupcausi
ng
Chri
sti
antolookather.
Chr
ist
ian:
What
'swr
ong?
Tessa:
Mypar
ent
sar
egoi
ngt
omur
derme.
Chr
ist
ian:
Shi
t!
Tessa:
Howwi
l
lIt
ell
them?Yoh,
yoh.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
107*

Att
heof
fi
ce

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning

Haydenbr
ief
edLunaabouthi
sschedul
eint
he
nextmont
h.
Luna:
Well
Ithi
nkIcanmanaget
omaket
he
booki
ngandever
ythi
ng.
Hay
den:
Thanky
ou.

Lunanoddedandstooduphol
dingher
notebook.Heshoul
dgi
veherarai
seforher
hardwork.

Hi
sey
esmov
edt
ohi
slapt
opandhet
yped
away.I
thadevensli
ppedhismindt
hathi
swif
e
wasbacktowork,hehadbeenusedtonot
seei
ngherfacei
ntheoffi
cebutonl
yathome.

ThedooropenedandMasast
uckherheadi
n
wit
hacutesmi l
e.
Masa:
IhopeI
'
m notdi
stur
bing.
Hayden'
seyesranoverherout
fi
t.Okaysohe
l
eftabitt
ooearlywhi
leshewasintheshower
butshedi
dn'thavet
oolookthi
ssexy.
Hay
den:
Notatal
l
.Comei
n.

Wel l
hehadbeenexpect
inghertocomewit
h
foodorsomethi
ngbutshewalkedinsi
de
holdingaf
il
e.
Masa:
Iwentt
hrou-
Shel
ookedathi
m.
Masa:
MrSmi
th?
Hay
den:
MrsSmi
th.

Shetookaseatandopenedt
hef
il
e.She
showeditt
ohim.
Masa:
Thi
s..
.
Hay
den:
What
?

Shest
ooduppushi
ngbackt
hegl
assesand
st
oodnextt
ohi
m.
Herf i
ngerrandownt hefi
guresashersof t
scentinvadedhissense.Hewasn'teven
l
isteni
ng.Whatwasshewear ingunderthat
ti
ghtredskirt
?Hemov edhishandwi t
hthe
hopet otouchherassbutsheswat tedhishand.
Masa:
I'
m ser
iousher
e.Ther
eisapr
obl
em.
.
Hay
den:
Cany
ousor
titout
?
Masa:
Wel
lyes,
Iwant
edt
oruni
tpasty
ou.
Hay
den:
Nowi
t'
ssol
ved.Comeher
e.
Hepul
l
edhert
ohi
m andshel
andedonhi
slap.
Hay
dengr
innedandki
ssedherneck.
Masa:
We'
rei
ntheof
fi
ce.
Hay
den:
Evenbet
ter
(l
aughi
ng)

Att
heguest
house

Chri
stianf inal
lygotup.Whowoul d'v
et hought
hi
simpul sivetript
oBot swanatwoyearsago
would'ver esultedinthi
s?Thegodswer esur el
y
wit
hhi m andmay behewi l
laskhi
sbrot her
aboutthepr otocoltheyfol
l
owwheny ou've
i
mpr egnat edsomeone.Att hepar
tythatwas
bei
ngt aki ngplacet hi
sweekend.Hemi ghtbr i
ng
Tessaal ongi fshedoeswi shtocome.
Hi
sphoner
angandheanswer
ed.
Tessa:
OkaybigguyIwasscoldedforawhole
hourbeingt
oldaboutmebeingschoolsmart
andbeinganidi
otoutofschool
(l
aughi
ng)l
ong
stor
yshort,
theyaccept
edit
.
Chr
ist
ian:
Theyhadnochoi
ce.
Tessa:
Mxm!I'm comi ngov
eraf termylessons.
Plussi
nceyou'
reher e,t
her
ei sthispar
ticul
ar
modulethati
sgivingmypr oblems.
Chr
ist
ian:
I'
m anononsenset
utorcupcake.
Tessa:
Okaydaddysi
r.By
e!

Shehungupandheshookhi
sheadwi
thasmal
l
smil
eonhisl
ips.

Ast
heday
spassedt
hedayoft
hebi
gpar
tyhad
fi
nallyarr
ived.Hay denhadmetupwi t
hhis
brotherafewday sagoandheaskedaboutt he
protocolandall t
hat.Hewasgenui nel
yhappyto
help.Desti
nywaswor ki
nginmysteri
ousway s,
Tessahadnev erbeenhi sbutwasChr i
sti
an'
s.
Hesmi led.Ifeveryonewashappyhewashappy .

Chr
ist
ian:
Ithi
nkIhav
etogogetr
eadyf
ort
he
par
ty.
Hay
den:
Don'
tbel
ate,
youknowhowBl
airget
s.
Chr
ist
ian:
She'
sat
yrant
.
Hay
den:
Don'
tl
etherheary
ousayt
hat
.

TheyfistbumpedandChr i
stianwalkedaway.
Haydenwasdeepi nthoughtf orl
i
ket en
minutesorsobefor
ehest oodupandmadehi s
waytot hecar
.Hehadt obesomewher ebefor
e
hewenthome.Masawaspr obablygett
ingal
l
sixkidsr eady.Helaughed.Howshemanaged
alloft hem wassomewhatmy st
eri
ous.He
couldn' tbabysitallsixofthem withoutthe
youngeronesbr eakingstuffinthehouseand
theol dersi bl
i
ngsf i
ght i
ngov erwhohast o
wat chwhi chshowont v.Hewasabad
baby sitterbutMasamadehi m baby si
talone
any way .

AtRegi
nah'
sol
dhouse

Haydenunl
ockedt
hedoorandasadsmi
l
e
gr
acedhisl
ips.
Hewal kedinsi
deast hememor i
essil
entl
y
playedinhishead.Surpr
isi
ngl
yhewasatpeace
withwhathappened.May befatehadother
plans.ThesedaysMasahadhi m beli
evi
ngin
fateandmay beReginahwasn'thi
sfateorthe
ForeverandAlwayshehadal waysthoughtshe
was.Hehadbeenhappywithherandhewasat
hi
shappiestwi
thMasa,whohadappeared
whi
lehewaswi t
hReginahbuthenevert
ook
not
ice.

Hesi
ghed.
Hay den:SugarIloveyoubutIguesst hechapter
closedteny earsago.Thanky ouforthetwins
andt heyarewel lt
akenof ,ev
eryt
hingisfall
i
ng
i
nt oplace.Restineternalpeacesugarandf or
thatnudgei ntherightdir
ecti
on.Iwould'v
elost
Masaandmy selfi
nt heprocess.
(smil
ing)

Hecl osedthedoorandl
ockedthehouse,
feel
ingal i
ghtbr
eezewrapit
sel
faroundhi
m.
Fate.

Hegl
ancedatt
henei
ghbourandhecl
osedhi
s
ey
es.Hewasdoi
ngt
his.

Hewal kedtohismot her

'shouseandknocked
onthegat e.Thegateopenedandhestepped
i
nside.Hewal kedtothedoorandknocked.Hi
s
motheropenedt hedoor.Shewasstunnedfora
fewsecondsbef or
emov i
ngawaytoall
ow
Haydent opassthrough.
Hay
den:
Iwon'
tbel
ong.

Shenoddedandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS
*
108*

AtLet
ty'
spl
ace

Hay densatdownandl ookedathismother.I

t
hadbeent enyears,l
i
vingwiththeangerand
wasn'titper
hapstimet ol
etital
lgo.All
ofitso
thathecanbet r
ulyhappy.

Lett
ysatdownandl ookedatHayden.Waiti
ng
tohearwhatv enom hewill
spitonher.Shewas
usedtoitalr
eadyandi twassomethingshewas
sureheenjoyeddoing.
Hay
den:
Ifor
giv
eyou.

Shebl
i
nkedsev
eral
times.Shehadnot
expect
edtoheart
hosewor
ds.Noti
nthi
s
l
ifet
ime.
Hayden:
Formyownsake.SoIcanbeatpeace
wit
hmy sel
f.If
orgi
vey
ou.
Lett
y:Thanky
ou.I
tmeanssomu-
muchcomi
ng
fr
om y ou.
Hay
dennodded.Hepr
ecededt
ostandupand
wal
ktothedoor
.Hehel
dthedoorknobwhen
het
urned.
Hayden:
Ther
eisafamil
ypart
y.I
t'
supt
oyout
o
showupornotlat
ert
oday.
Let
tynodded.Hewasn'
ttel
li
ngheral
lthe
det
ail
softhesocal
ledpart
ybutthegest
ure
meantalot.
Let
ty:
Thanky
ou.
Haydennoddedandwal kedoutoft
hehouse.
Hi
schestsuddenl
yf el
tmuchmor eli
ght
er,
li
kea
wei
ghthadbeenlif
ted.Hestaredupatt
hesky,
t
hesunshi
ningbr
ightasev
er.

Att
heSmi
ths

Twent
ymi nut
eslat
erHaydenopenedt hedoor
ashi
soldestsatonthecouch.Theyf
ist
bumped.
Hay
den:
Ever
yonei
sdone?
Smi
thJr
:mamai
swi
tht
het
winsandHudson.
Hay
den:
Alr
ight
.

Hemadehiswayupst
air
stot
hei
rbedr
oom f
or
aqui
ckshower
.

Bytheti
mehewasdoneMasawasl
ayi
ngon
thebed.
Hay
den:
Exhaust
ed.
Masa:
Ineedashower
.
Hay
den:
Iwi
shIcanj
oiny
oubut
(shr
uggi
ng)
Masa:
Hel
pmeup.
Hay
den:
No.
Sheroll
edhereyesasshewat chedhim wear
hi
scal v
inKl
einbri
efs.Shehadhimf ora
husband?Shewasonel uckyperson.She
gri
nned.Oh!Whatshewoul dn'
tdoforthat
gorgeousl
ookingmani nal
l hi
shadext er
ior
.
Shegotoffthebedandwal kedtothebathroom.
Shehadagoodf eeli
ngaboutthepar t
y.
Hay
den:
Masa?
Masa:
Yesbabe?
Hay
den:
Iinv
itedmymot
hert
othepar
ty.

Masapausedi
nthebat
hroom.
Masa:
Youspoke?
Hay
den:
Yes.

Shegotouthal
fnakedandhuggedhi
m.
Masa:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
?
Hay
den:
Light
er.
Masa:For
giv
enessdoesthat.I
'
m pr
oudof
you.
..
(ki
ssi
nghisl
ipssof
tly)
Hayden:
Iknowyouhav
ehernumber
,youcan
t
ell
herthevenue.
.
Masa:MaybeI'
l
lpi
ckherup.Thi
sisahugest
ep,
youhavenoideahowproudIam.
Shekissedhi
m onceagai
nbef
oreshel
etgo
andrantothebathr
oom.
Masa:
Letmeshowerandwe'
l
ltal
k.

AtTessa'
spar
ent
s
Tessawai tedforChr i
stocomepi ckherup.Her
parent sgav eherwei rdlooks.Theyst il
lcouldn'
t
believeshewaspr egnantandTessawas
gettingusedt ot hef act.Shewil
l behappy .She
toldher selfov erandov eragai
n.Whent hedoor
knocksounded, itcameasar el
iefandshe
quicklyr ushedt ogoopent hedoor .Chri
sti
an
stoodi nf rontofheri nallhi
sbeaut y.Allcl
ean
andshav eninbl ackt r
ousersandabl acksil
k
shirt.Heki ssedhercheek.
Chr
ist
ian:
Heyy
ou.

Hehadcomebear i
nggift
sforherpar
ent
s.To
soft
enthem up?Maybebutsheopenedt
he
doorandhewalkedinsi
de.
Chr
ist
ian:
MrandMr
sMogor
osi

Hehadahardti
mepr onounci
nghersur
name
andt
heyunder
stood.Heplacedt
hebottl
eof
wine,t
hefl
owersandchocolatesdownont he
tabl
easheshookTessa'sf
at her
'shandand
gavehermotherachast
ekissont hecheek.

RaTessatoldhi
mt osi
tdownandt
heyl
i
ter
all
y
chasedTessaoutoft
heroom.

Minut
esl at
erherf
atherwasroari
ngwith
l
aughter.Al
lwaswell.Shesmil
edaloneasshe
camet oint
err
uptt
hemoment .
Tessa:
Mom,
dadwehav
etogo.
RaTessa:
Bri
ngherbackhomeDav
is.
Chr
ist
ian:
Ofcour
sesi
r.
Tessa:
Ilov
eyouguy
s.By
e.
Chr
ist
ian:
Goodni
ght
.

Het
ookTessa'
shandandt
heywal
kedout
.He
ki
ssedher
.
Chr
ist
ian:
Ilov
eyou.
Tessa:
Ilov
eyoumor
ethanl
i
fei
tsel
f.Weshoul
d
getgoi
ng..
Chr
ist
ian:
DidIt
ell
youhowgor
geousy
oul
ook?
Tessa:
Thanky
ouMrDav
is.
Chri
sti
ansmiled.Hissoont
obeMr
sDav
is.
.t
hat
soundedaboutright
.

TheSmit
hslef
tint
ocar
s.Hay
denwasr
idi
ng
wit
htheboy
swhi l
eMasawaswi
tht
hegir
ls.
Masa:
Wellbef
oreweheadt
othepar
ty,
wehav
e
t
opickupsomeone.
Av
ery
:Al
ri
ght
.Wewon'
tbel
ongaker
e?
Masa:
Nope.

Shedr
ovet
oLet
ty'
shouseandpr
essedt
he
buttons.Thegat
eopenedandshewalkedto
thecaranddroveinsi
det
heyard.Thegaye
closedagain.
Masa:
Youguy
sremai
nint
hecar
,I'
l
lbeback.

Shewalkedoutandknockedonthedoor
.Let
ty
openedthedoorandwassurpr
isedt
osee
Masa.
Masa:
Heyhey
,Icamet
opi
cky
ouup.

Shetookagoodlookatherdaughteri
nlaw
whowasi nasimpl
ewhitedresswhichhada
sl
itt
hatwouldhaveanyhotbloodedmale
seei
ngred.Herl
egsweregorgeoustoo.
Masa:
Ladyy
ou'
renotdr
essed?
Let
tyl
aughedasMasagoti
nsi
det
hehouse.
Let
ty:
Iwa-
wasunsur
eabouti
t.
Masa:
Resur
enow.Lookforani
ceoutf
it
.I'
m
sur
ewecanwai
tforl
ike20minut
es.
Let
ty:
We?
Masa:
I'
m wi
tht
hegi
rl
s.Theyar
eint
hecar
.

Letty'
shear tski ppedabeat .Shewasgoi ngt o
meethergr andchi ldren.Atlast.Shewas
eternall
ygr ateful.Sher ushedt oherroom and
wentt hroughherol dclotheslookingforanice
dressamongt heonessheusedt obuywhen
shewasswi mmi ngi nmoney .Shehopedshe
hadn'tsoldal lofherdr esses.Shefoundal ong
sl
eev edgr eenoneandshet ri
edi ton.I
tseemed
fi
ne.Shepai redi twithpumpsandshel ooked
aroundf oramat chingheadscar f.Shefound
oneandwr appedi tar oundherhead.Shewas
okay .

Shewal
kedoutandMasawasonherphone.
Let
ty:
Done.
Masalookedatherandasmi
l
egr
acedherpi
nk
l
ips.
Masa:
Thisi
sact
ual
l
yni
ce.Gr
eenl
ooksgoodon
youol
dlady
.
Let
ty:
Otl
aswabaMasa(
laughi
ng)
Masa:
Weshoul
dgetgoi
ng.

Theywal
kedoutandLett
ylockedthedoor.
Masatol
dhertotaket
hefrontseatandshegot
i
nthedri
ver
'sseat
.
Masa:
mybabi
es?
Bot
h:Yes?
Masa:
Thi
sisuhm.
.aunt
yLet
ty.
.
Shef
eltl
i
kei
twasHayden'
splacetotel
lthe
ki
dst
hatLet
tywast
hei
rgrandmothernother.
Masa:
Let
tymeetAr
iel
l
eandAv
ery
.
Av
ery
:Hi
i
..
Ar
iel
l
e:Hel
l
o..
Let
ty:
Hi.Ni
cet
omeety
ouy
oungl
adi
es.
Av
ery
:mamay
ouhear
?We'
rey
oungl
adi
es.
Masa:
Orebol
aisi
tsemot
hoy
ohy
oh.
Av
ery
:I
'm al
adymom.
Masa:
okayLadyAv
ery
..

Masa'
sphoner
angandsheanswer
ed.
Masa:
Hel
l
o.
Let
so:
Hey
,Masadi
dyour
ecei
vemyi
nvi
tat
ion?
Masa:Ofcour
seIdi
d.We'l
lbether
eand
congr
atul
ati
onsonyourweddi
ngsweet
hear
t.
Let
so:
Thanky
ousomuch.Thanky
ou.
Masa:
welcome.Youdeser
veasl
i
ceof
happi
nessLet
so.
Letsodidn'
tknowwhattosay
.Shewasact
ual
l
y
genuinel
yhappyforher
.
Masa:
I'
vegott
ogo,
I'
m dr
ivi
ngokay
?We'
l
ltal
k.

Letsosaidhergoodby
esandhungup.Masa
start
edthecar.

Att
hev
enue

Masaarri
vedal
mostanhourlat
erandthere
wasquit
eanumberofcarsther
e.Thegir
lsgot
outf
ir
standMasalookedatLet
ty.
Masa:
Weshoul
dgetoutnow.

Theysteppedoutaft
erMasafixedhermakeup
andthecoolbreez
ethreat
enedtoli
ftMasa'
s
whi
teski
rt
.
Masa:
Bathong!Wil
lyoubeokayorshoul
dI
i
ntr
oduceyoutothepeopl
e?
Let
ty:
It
'sokay
.You'
vedonesomuch.Thanky
ou.
Masahuggedher
.
Masa:Don'
tmindthem okay
?Hay
deni
nvi
ted
you.You'
ref
amilyma.

TheDJwasont hedecksplayingsomesof t
musicasMasasoughtoutaf terHay den.Thi
s
wasr efr
eshi
ng.Blairoutdi
dher self
.Itwas
stel
l
ar .Masapassedherpar entsandshe
huggedt hem bothandcont i
nuedi nherquestto
l
ookf orHayden.Shecr ossedpat hswi t
hTessa.
Tessa:
Hi.
.
Masa:
Hey
.Youl
ookgoodbyt
heway
.
Tessa:
Thanky
ou.Il
i
ket
heski
rt
.
Masagr
inned.
Masa:
Thanks,
I
'mi
nabi
tifar
ushokay
?
Tessanoddedandwat chedMasawal kaway.
Shewaski nd.Shedidn'tknowwhathadbeen
hervendet
taagainstMasa.Wel l
allwaswater
underthebridgenowsowhatmat t
eredwasthe
fut
ure.

Masafinal
l
yf oundHay
denandshewr
apped
herar
msar oundhim.
Hewashol
dingabot
tl
eofbeer
.
Hay
den:
Heysweet
hear
t.Al
lwentwel
l
?
Masa:
Yeah.
Heki
ssedherl
i
pswi
thal
cohol
tint
edl
i
ps.
Masa:
Okay
.TheDJneedst
ouphi
sgamewe-
ShepausedwhenBl
aircaughtev
ery
one'
s
att
ent
ion
Blai
r:
Hell
o..
welcomet othefamilypart
organi
sedbymwah. .i
t'
sapar tybutthenbef
ore
wegetstartedIwouldli
keust oacknowledge
theoneswel ostint
hepasty ears,
wishthei
r
soulswel
l.Justforaminute.

Sil
encef i
ll
edtheareaast heycl osedt heireyes.
Afterami nut
eelapsedBl airsmiled.Inemor e
thi
ng.Wehav efi
reworksinpl ace.Af t
eral lwe
areunity.Uni
tedwest andanddi videdwef al
l,
l
ett hi
sbewher ethebr okenr el
ationshipsar e
mended.Wear eoneandf ami l
yist hemost
i
mpor tantthi
ng.Wehav ebeent hroughal otthe
pastfewy earsbutthereisalsol i
ghtatt heend
ofthetunnel.

Manyagr
eedandnodded.TheDj
play
edUni
ty
byAl
anxWal
kerandSapphi
re.

Every onel
ookedupt heskyasthef i
reworks
started.Afreshbeginning.Ev
eryonehasbeen
throughal ot.Thelyr
icssaidalot.Theyare
unity.Theywer efamily.MasaheldHay den'
s
handasAr iel
lefoundherwayt ohermot herand
heldherot herhand.Theybeatcancerandt heh
wer ehere,standing.

Oncethesongended,t
hefir
ewor
ksst
opped
andtheycl
appedthei
rhands.
Bl
air
:Thepart
yandmi ngl
ingcanbegi
n.Ther
eis
pl
entyoffoodforev
eryone.Enj
oy.

PeopelcheeredandHaydenkissedMasa's
cheeksbeforegoingaway.Peopl
emi ngl
edand
Ari
ell
elefthersi
detojoi
nhersibli
ngs.Aglass
ofwinewon' tkil
lheratall
.Tothem Tilywas
familybutshecouldn'tmakeit,shehadother
commi t
ments.Shewal kedtothetableand
openedt hewinebot t
le,gr
abbi
ngt hemearest
glassandpour i
ngwi neinsi
de.Shetookasip
andcl osedhereyesast heDjplayed
Summer yomuthibyBlaqDiamond.Shebopped
herheadbackandf orth.
Masa:
"Angaz'
minangzoy
ithi
nlendaba.
"(
singi
ng
al
ong)

Tessaint
eract
edwi thever
yoneandt heyall
seemedtobeni ce.Shesmiled.Theplayli
stwas
onandshehadbeenwai ti
ngf oronepersonto
dareopenthedancefloorf
ortheiroutdoorpar
ty.

Masawant
edtodancebutnoonehadopened
t
hedancef
loor
.
Shepl acedherwineglassdownandl ooked
around.TheDj shouldchangethesongand
may beshewi ll
growsomebal l
stodance.
Haydengl ancedinMasa'sdir
ecti
on.Shewas
i
tching.Hecoul dseethat
.Let'
sseehowl ong
herresolvelast
s.Final
lyt
heDJchangedt he
songandpl ayedDj Kuchi
&Han-C'
sRejecti
on.

Masawal
kedt
oHay
denasshepi
ckedherwi
ne
gl
ass.

You'
resoi
rr
esi
sti
ble.Youmakemener
vous
Ipretendt
hatI
'
m notst
ari
ngbutI
'
m act
ual
l
y
stari
ng.
Themor
eIhi
demyf
eel
i
ngs,
themor
eIf
all
for
you.
Themor
eIdenyi
t,t
hemor
eIf
all
inl
ovewi
th
you.
ButI
'
m af
rai
dofr
eject
ion,
I'
m af
rai
dofr
eject
ion.
Ket
shabagot
hul
a,
ket
shabagot
hul
amabot
a.
Ketshabagot
hul
a,ket
shabagot
hul
a
mabota.

Atthesamet
imeevery
oneshout
edt
hel
yri
cst
o
thi
sveryf
amoussong.
Ev
ery
one: Nkarekamorekga!kga!
Tl
adi
mothwana!Nkar
ekamorekga!Kga!
Tl
adi
mothwana!

Theylaughedsi
ngi
ngalongasMasaki ssed
Hayden.Sherememberedthatti
meshehada
hugecrushonhim.I
thadbeensochildishback
thenbutnowtheyweremarried.

Masagav
ehi
m herwi
negl
ass.Thesongswer
e
onpoi
nt,
shehadt
odance.Shej
usthadt
o.

Welll
ucki
lyshewasn'
tal
onedanci
ngas
Jer
usalem byMast
erKgandNomceboplay
ed.

Outoft hebluet heyweredanci nginoneaccord.

Somer el
ati
vest ookouttheircamer astotake
videosandpi ctures.Canewat chedinthe
background.Masawashappywi thwhatshe
had, heshouldn'trui
nthatregardlessofthefact
thatthingswentsouronhi spar t
.

Masaheldtheskirtasshetur
nedaround
l
aughing.XolaMoy awamifol
lowedandshe
smil
ed.Shef el
tarmswraparoundherand
smil
edleaningint
ohishardchest
.

Tessal
aughedatChr
ist
ian.Herpoormandi
dn'
t
under
standawor
doft
hatsong.
Tessapl
acedherhandsonhi
sshi
rt
.
Tessa:
Wel
lIgotusedt
omyAf
ri
canr
oot
s,i
twi
l
l
taketi
mel
ove.
Chr
ist
ian:
I'
mlost
.
Tessa:
Justdancebabe.
.

Shesai
dassheki
ssedhi
scheekssof
tl
y
l
aughi
ng.

AndhowcouldtheDj hav
eaplayl
istwit
hout
anyofMakhadzi'
ssongs?TheDjplayed
Murahuassomepeopl eputt
hei
rprideasi
de
anddancedtothesong.
Masa:
OhGod!
(l
aughi
ng)
Hay
denshookhi
shead.
Thesongswentonandonwhi lesomepeopl e
satdowntoeatincl
udingthecouples.Theyhad
puttheki
dstobed.Thel i
tt
leoneswer eti
red
andtheyneededtorest.Nowitwasanal ladul
t
part
y.

Pink'sRaiseYourGl assplayedandtheyall
raisedtheirglasses.Thosethrowbacksplayi
ng
slowly,taki
ngsomeoft hem downmemor ylane.
Thegoodol 'days.Masagr i
nnedatHay denas
hebr oughtthef orktoherli
ps.Theatmospher e
hadcal meddownandi twaslatebutthenight
wasy oung.

Hay
den:
Yourf
avour
it
esongi
spl
ayi
ng.
Masa:
Ohgosh.
.I
'
m wai
ti
ngf
ort
hepar
tIknow.
Hay den:
WhenIr acedforfunyouwoul dsingi
t
formei nthecar.Likeali
ttl
echeer
leader.My
biggestcheer
leader.Hopi
ngIwi n(
laughi
ng)
Masa:
Ist
il
lam babyboy
.
Heki
ssedherhandandshef
lushed.
Masa: I
'myourbiggestfan,
I'
l
lfol
l
owy
ouunt
il
youl
ovemepapa-paparazzi
Babyt
hereisnoothersuperst
ar,
youknowt
hat
I
'l
lbeyourpapa-
paparazzi
PromiseI
'l
lbeki
ndbutIwon'
tst
opunt
ilt
hat
boyismine

Shel
ookedi
ntohi
sey
eswhi
l
esi
ngi
ngt
hatpar
t.

AttheothersideTessaandChr i
sgotl
osti
n
conver
sation.Chr
isti
anwat chedherbl
abber
away.Hewaswai t
ingfortherightmoment
befor
ehedi dthethingsthatneededtobedone.

Dj
:
Theset
wosongsar
efort
hecoupl
es,
tosl
ow
danceorgazei
ntoeachot
her
'sey
es.

Thepeopl
elaughedashepl
ayedJessi
eWar
e's
SayYouLoveMe.

Thecoupl
essawi
tfi
ttosl
owdancet
othe
songs.

Sayy
oul
oveme,
tomyf
ace
I
'
m needi
ngmor
e,t
hay
ourembr
ace
Justsayy
ouwant
,that
'sal
li
ttakes
Hear
t'
sget
ti
ngt
ornf
rom y
ourmi
stakes

CauseIdon'
twannaf
all
inl
ove,
ify
ojdon'
twant
totr
yit
Tessaplacedherheadonhi sshoul
derasthey
sl
owdance.Ther eweremor ethanfi
vecouples
dancingincl
udi
ngMasaandHay den.Thosetwo
sharedinti
nat
ekissesandjokesinbetween
whil
egazi ngi
ntoeachother'
seyes.

Asthesongr eachedi t
'spinnacl
e,Chri
sletgoof
Tessawhowassur pr
ised.Hewentononeknee
asthesongcont inuedt oplayandtear
sblurr
ed
hereyes.Shecov eredhermout hasheopened
ablackboxt hatcontainedawhi t
egold
di
amondr ing.

Ever
yonestoppeddanci
ngandt
hei
rat
tent
ion
shi
ft
edtothecouple.
Chri
sti
an:
Ther
esa,I
'v
eknowny ouf orli
ketwo
year
sandhonestl
ymyhear tisgettingimpati
ent
.
Iwanttowakeupbyy oursi
deev eryday,Iwant
tobetheonetocal
my ourf
ears,tocelebrat
e
yoursuccesswi thyou.I'
m notgoodwi t
hwords
butIlovey ouTheresa.Withever
yf i
breofmy
beingTheresa.Iwantt obethefatherofyour
ki
ds,y ourbiggestsupport
er,y
ourpartner,
your
fr
iend.

Att
hispoi
nt,
thet
ear
sfel
latt
hei
rownf
reewi
l
l.
Christ
ian:
WhenI'm ar
oundy ou,
I'
m al
ive.I
'
m at
yourfeetaski
ngforyourhandinmarri
age.So
thatIcanspendeverywakingdayshowering
youwi tht
heloveyouneed.Lovecontr
ols
everyt
hingsowilly
oudomet hehonoursof
beingmyDrDav is?

Tessawaspal eassheext endedherslender

hand.Itwasshaking.Shenev erexpect
edthi
s.
Heslidtheringontoherfi
nger ,
thecoolmetal
bei
ngf orei
gnandt heweightoftheringwas
unfamili
artoo.
Peopleclappedthei
rhandsashegotupand
huggedthel ov
eofhislove.Hi
sfor
everand
al
way s.
Hewhi
sper
edi
nherear
.
Chr
ist
ian:
Til
ldeat
hdoesusapar
tDrTher
esa
Dav
is.
Shenoddedhol
dingont
ohi
mti
ght
ly.

TheDjpl
ayedChr
ist
inaPer
ri
'sAThousand
Year
s.

Thenewl
yengagedcoupl
ehel
dont
oeachot
her
.
Thi
swasbeauti
ful
.
Hay
den:
Int
heendl
oveconquer
sal
l
.
Masa:
Yesi
tdoes.
Heheldherf
rom behi
ndwhi
l
edanci
ngal
ongt
o
t
heslowromanti
csong.

Athousandy
ear
sandbey
ond.For
everand
al
ways.
.
.
*
*
*
TENYEARSLATER
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
109*

AtFr
anci
stownI
nter
nat
ional
Air
por
t
SmithJrremovedhisheadphonesashe
answeredhisphone.
Smi
th:
Hel
l
o..
Av
ery
:Wher
ear
eyou?
Smit
hJr
:Chi
l
e.Cal
m down.Justl
anded.I
sthe
dr
agonl
adyhome?
Aver
y:Shei
saskingmewhyy
ourf
li
ghtwas
del
ayedandish.
Smi
thJr
:Ar
iokae?
(wher
eisAr
i)
Avery
:Pr
etendingt
osl
eepsoshedoesn'
t
answert
odr agonl
ady
.
Smi
thJr
:Wher
eisshe?
Aver
y:Uhodule.(shei
sout
)shepassedbywhi
l
e
onherlunchbreak.
Smi
thJr
:I
'm goi
ngt
odad'
sof
fi
ce.
Av
ery
:Okay
.Anypar
ti
cul
arr
easonwhyshei
sin
amood.
Aver
y:Bet
weenmeandy
ou,
Ithi
nkwehav
ea
si
bli
ngont heway
.
Smi
thJrshudder
ed.
Smit
hJr:Tshek!Don'
tmakemet
hinkofour
par
entsuhm..
Av
eryl
aughed.
.
Av
ery
:what
everdude.By
e!

Heshookhi
sheadasheputhi
sheadphoneson.
Hi
sdad'sof
fi
cefi
rst
.

AtHay
den'
sOf
fi
ce

Haydenlookedatallthepapersonhisdeskand
hewaslazytofinishital
lup.SmithJrjustsai
d
hi
sfli
ghtwasdel ayedbutdidn'
ttel
lthem when
hei
sl anding.Knowinghismot hershewas
worr
ied.Shest i
llt
reatshimlikeababyandhe
hat
est hatbuttol
eratesitbecauseit
'shi
s
mother.

Hisoffi
cedooropenedandi
nwal
kedhi
s
photocopy
.
SmithJrt
hrewhi
msel
font
hecouchand
gr
inned.
Smi
thJr
:Pops.
Hay
den:
Final
l
y.Howwast
heUS?
Smi
thJr
:Remi
ndmeagai
nwhyIgot
oschool
?
Haydenl
aughedashest
oodupt
ofi
stbump
wit
hhim.
Hay
den:
Tot
akeov
eral
loft
hisoneday
.
Hel
aughed.
Smi
thj
r:
SocanIbor
rowy
ourcar
?
Hay
dent
hrewhi
mthekey
s.
Hay
den:
Wer
eyouathome?
Smit
hJr
:Ij
ustarr
ived.IknowIdidn'
ttel
lany
one
butt
hef
ier
yladywillunderst
andakere?
Hay
den:
Yeah.
..
Smit
hJr
:You'
l
lfi
ndmeathomeoncey
ouknock
of
f.
Hay
den:
Andmycar
?
Smi
thJr:
Rel
ax.I
twil
lbeathome.Youcancal
l
mom t
opickyouup(
laughi
ng)

Hewal
kedouthol
dingt
hecarkey
swhi
l
e
Hay
denshookhi
shead.

Hay
dendi
aledMasa'
snumber
.
Masa:
Hel
l
o?
Hay
den:
Babewher
ear
eyou?
Masa:
Shoppi
ngaker
eI'
m onal
unchbr
eak.
Hay
den:
We'
l
lgobackhomei
nthesamecar
.
Masa:
Whathappenedt
oyour
s?
Hay
den:
repai
rment
ssweet
hear
t.

Masat
houghtabouti
t.
Masa:
Okay
.
Hay
den:
Whi
l
eshoppi
ngbuysomet
hingsexy
.
Masa:Wi
llt
hatsomet
hingsexyf
itaf
tert
wo
months?
Hay
den:
Justbuyi
t.
.
Masa:
Finey
ousexst
arv
edbeast
.
Hay
den:
Yourmoods.
Masaf
acepal
med.
Masa:
Whatar
eyougonnadoabouti
t?
Hay
den:
Gety
ourl
i
ttl
eassher
eandy
ou'
l
lsee.
Masaf
lushedandhungupwi
thoutawor
d.

Shegl
ancedatTessawhowasal
readybyt
he
ti
l
l.
Ofcour
seAver
ywasonbabysi
tt
ingdut
y.She
wasagoodcousi
nandol
dersi
ster
.
Tessa:
Ohedi
tse?
(ar
eyoudone)
Masa:
Almost
.

TessalookedatMasaagai
nbef
oresheshr
unk
hereyes.
Tessa:
ohGod!
Masa:
Skamphaphel
a!(
don'
tbet
oof
orwar
d)
Tessa:
Nowonder
.
Masa:
Tlagaobowakat
axi
Tessa!
(You'
l
lgo
backwi
thataxi
)
Tessal
aughed.
Tessa:
Empt
ythr
eat
s..
Masashookherhead,
asshepai
dfort
he
cl
othes.
Tessal
ookedatMasaagai
nandl
aughed.
Tessa:
Iwasaski
ngmy
sel
fquest
ionskana
wait
se.
Masagav
eheradeat
hgl
areandTessal
aughed.
Tessa:
Somostpr
obabl
yyou'
reuhm-
Theshoppi
ngbagalmosthi
therfaceandshe
duckedi
tandranf
orwardhol
dingherown
shoppi
ngbag.
Tessa:
Odi
moodgor
e(y
ou'
resomoody
)
Masar ol
l
edhereyesasshecal
mlycol
l
ected
hersel
fandhel
dthetwoshoppi
ngbagsandher
handbag.
Tessa:
Ify
oual
readywantt
oki
l
lmeIf
eel
fort
he
ki
ds.
(l
aughi
ng)
Masa:
Tessa!
!
Tessa:
I'
l
ldr
ive.Br
eat
hwoman.Br
eat
h.
Masalaughedasherheel
scli
ckedont het
il
e,
thetwoladi
eswal
kingoutoftheshop.Why
wouldtheyhat
eeachotherwhenthei
r
husbandswerebr
other
s?Thepastispast.

Tessa'
sphoner
angandsheanswer
edi
t.
Tessa:
Hel
l
o..
Av
ery
:Hel
l
oaunt
yTess,
wehav
eal
i
ttl
epr
obl
em.

TessaglancedatMasaandshespokein
hushedtoneswithAver
y.Shehungupandgot
thecarkeysfr
om Masa.
Tessa:Andyoust
il
lwantt
ogobackt
othat
room agai
n?
Masagr oanedassheopenedthedoorandgot
i
nside.Shehadsweetl
yaskedforpermissi
on
fr
om herhusbandtoti
ehertubesorforhimto
getav asect
omybutno,hehadtobebig
headed.
Masa:Tr
ustme,Idonotwi
sht
obei
nthi
s
si
tuat
ionri
ghtnow.
Tessa:
Thosehour
soflabournnaki
l
ledme.
Thosetwokidsar
eenough.
Masa:
Theyhav
esomedar
ncr
azygenes.
Tessa:
Tel
lmeabouti
t,outl
ulemother
sare
shewasatwi
nbuthertwindiedatbi
rt
h?
Masa:Nowonderwehadt
wins.Ihat
ethei
r
genes.
Tessa:
Same.
.goodl
uck.
Masal
aughed.
Masa:
Dri
ve,Ihavetobeatwor
kandar
eyou
goi
ngtothehospit
al?
Tessa:
No.
.
Masa:
Alr
ight
.I'
m st
arv
ing.
Tessal
eanedback.
Tessa:
Andy
oukeptqui
ett
il
lnow?
Masa:Youweretoobusymaki
ngf
unofmy
cur
rentpredi
cament
.
Tessa:
Youguysmightaswel
lmakeawhol
e
soccert
eam att
hisr
ate.
Masa:
Yohy
oh!
Tessa:
Let
'sf
eedt
hel
i
ttl
eonegr
owi
ngi
nyour
tummy.

Ont
her
oad

Smi
thJrdi
aledEsmer
alda'
snumber
.
Smi
thJr
:Hey
..
Esmer
alda:
Hel
l
o..
I'
m st
il
lbusyt
hough.
Smi
thJr
:I
'mi
ntown.
Shesqueal
ed.
Esmeral
da:
Whydidn'
tyousayso?OhmyGod!
Youneedtotel
lmeabouttheUSAandst
uff,
updat
emeony oursemesterandal
l
.Wait
se
goreUBohahelaandsh-i
sh..
.
Smi
thJr
:I
'l
lcal
lyou,
opasi
tsemme?
Esmeral
damel
ted.Hi
sdeepv
oicewas
ever
ythi
ng.
Esmeralda:
Uhm myCAl
ooksgoodbutt
he
resul
tsaren'
tout
.
Smi
thJr
:That4.
5pl
usGPAr
ight
?
Esmer
alda:
Yes.I
'
llcal
lkgant
eleokay
.
Smi
thJr
:okay
.By
e..
Hehungup.Hegri
nned.Hewasdefi
nit
ely
wai
ti
ngfort
hatyoungladyal
ri
ght
.Hewassur
e
hi
sparent
swil
llov
eher.Yi
keshisdadworks
wit
hheruncl
e.Hehitt
hehooteroncehearr
ived
att
hehouseandthegateopened.

Homesweethome.Hedrovei
nsi
deand
st
oppedt
heenginebef
orehest
eppedoutwi
th
hi
sbags.

Heopenedt hedoorandhewasmetwi t
halot
ofchatt
er.AveryandAri
ell
ebei
ngtheones
maintai
ningthepeaceamongtheunder
age
ki
ds.
Aver
y:Iunderst
andwhymom dr
inkswi
neev
ery
nowandt hen.
Ar
iel
l
e:Samesi
s.Same.
Smi
thJr
:Baby
sit
ti
ngdut
y.
Av
ery
:Mygu-
ohGod!You'
ref
inal
l
yher
e.
Ar
iel
l
etur
nedandt
heyst
oodupandhugged
hi
m.
Av
ery
:Wel
comebackhome.
Ar
iel
l
e:I
t'
saboutt
ime.
.

Af
terhehuggedt
hem bot
hhesmi
l
ed.
Smi
thJr
:Anypl
ans?
Av
ery
:Weal
way
shav
epl
ans.
Ar
iel
l
e:Weshoul
dfi
l
lhi
minnow.
.
Av
ery
:Her
eist
het
hing.
..
.
.
.
.
*
*
*
FOREVER&ALWAYS

*
110*

Att
heof
fi
ce

Hay denplacedhi
swifeont opoft hedesk
beforehesatdownandpl acedhi shandsonher
l
ap.I t
'sbeentwel
veyearssincetheygot
mar ri
edand20y ear
ssincet hey
'veknowneach
other.Theyweresti
l
lgrowingst r
ong.
Masa:
I'
mti
redandhungr
y.
Hay
den:
Fordi
ck?
Sher
oll
edherey
es.
Masa:
No.Idon'
tneedthatany
mor e.I
tgotme
pr
egnantat37andIhateyoufori
t.
Hay
den:
Youdonot
.
Masa:OkayIdon'
that
ey oubutaf
tert
eny
ear
s
ofpeacewe'l
lbedeal
ingwit
hbabies.
Hay
den:
Ah.Al
way
sont
henegat
ive.
Masa:
Yourgenesar
etoost
rong.
Hayden:
TheSmit
hgenesbaby
.Besi
des(
rubbi
ng
herfl
atst
omach)
you'
l
lal
waysbemynumber
onebaby.
Masat
ear
edup.
Masa:
That
'st
hecut
estt
hingy
ou'
vesai
dtome
t
oday.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyouMr
sSmi
th.
Masa:
Iknowyoudomyl
ove.Il
ovey
out
othe
moonandtoSatur
n.

Hest
ooduptokissherandl
aidherdownon
t
hedesk.Hel
aughedwhenshedidn'
tstophi
m.
Hay
den:
Iknewy
oul
owkeywant
eddi
ck.
.
Masa:
Let
'sseehowy
ou'
regoi
ngt
okeepupol
d
man.
Hay
den:
I'
m nott
hatol
dyoubi
gbaby
..
Masa:Whoisreachi
ngt
hei
rfor
ti
esf
ir
st?
Youuuuuuu.
.
Hay
den:
Ohemi
l
eMasa.
Masa:
Kissme.
.(
pout
ingherl
i
ps)
Hay
den:
You'
rel
uckyIl
ovey
ou.
Masa:
Kissmet
lher
ra.Ki
sski
ss.
..

Att
heSmi
th'
s

Tessawal
kedinsi
dethehouseanditseemed
asifAv
eryandArihadal
ltheki
dsundercont
rol
.
Av
ery
:Wer
opedSmi
thi
ntoourel
abor
atepl
an.
Smit
hJr:
Asl
ongasmom isn'
ther
efort
he
whol
etwoweeksI
'
m good.
Tessal
aughed.
Tessa:
Youallknowwhat '
stohappenl
ovies.
Operat
iongety ourpar
ent
soutofthecountr
y
fort
hei
r12thy earanni
ver
saryi
sunderway.
Smi
thJr
:I
'm sopr
oudofmy
sel
f.
Ar
iel
l
e:Ut
lwang.Youj
ustar
ri
vedkwaa.
.
Smi
thJr
:St
il
l.I
'
m par
tofi
t.
Avery
:Ar
idaddi
dn'
tnot
icey
ouhackedhi
s
phone?
Ar
iel
l
e:Iwoul
dn'
tbedamngoodatI
Tifhedi
d.
Av
ery
:Obonawena?Ost
arausi
.
Ar
iel
l
efl
i
ppedherhai
r.
Ar
iel
l
e:Iknowmyl
ove.
Tessashookherheadwi
thasmi
l
e.
Avery
:Soever
ythi
ngwi
l
lgoaspl
anned.Aunt
Tess,t
hankyou.
Shehuggedher
.
Avery:
Andf
ordi
str
act
ingmom wi
thshoppi
ng
too.
.
Tessa:Yout
hinkIwoul
dpassupt
heoppor
tuni
ty
ofafreebabysi
tt
er?No.
Smi
thJr
:Theyshoul
dbaby
sitmor
e.
Tessa:
Ihopet
heybehav
ed.
Ari
ell
e:Asl
ongasy
oufeedt
hem t
heybehav
e.
Thereisal
waysal
ogi
cbehi
nd.
Av
ery
:Techgur
uweunder
stand.
Ari
ell
e:Uhm ever
ythi
ngi
ssetandLunahaddad
payforthei
raccommodati
on.Wedon'thav
e
suchmoneyr ona.
Smi
thJr
:That
'swhyy
ouwer
easki
ngf
ormoney
mont
hsback.
Avery:
Everyoneofushadt ocontr
ibutefort
hei
r
fl
i
ghtticketandgift
sandthedinnerandthe
dressandt hesui
t.EvenAzandAnt onygaveme
thei
rcoi
ns.Hudsonpoppedi
nsomeofhi
s
savi
ngs.You'
l
lsaveagai
nbazakes.
Tessa:
Yourpar
ent
sar
esol
uckyt
ohav
eki
ds
l
ikeyouguys.
Ar
iel
l
e:Thanky
ouauntTess.
.

Theyallhuggedherbeforesheleftwi
th
Chri
stopherandDarl
ington.Therestwasi
nthe
ki
d'shandsnow.

AtLet
ty'
shouse

I
thasbeenyear
sandCanewascont entwi
th
hi
ssol
idar
ity
.Hewaitedf
orLett
ytocomeback
wi
thhertr
ayofteaandscones.
Cane:
Thanky
ou.
Let
ty:
Wel
come.
Thesedayshewasspendi ngti
mewi thhis
for
mersisterinlawandshewasnott he
monstershehadbeeny earsback.Hayden
managedtof orgiveherandshehadbot hsons
whocaredf orher.Shewasokayonceagai n.

Theyhadt eaandsconest al
kingaboutthi
sand
that.Joyhadremarri
edandshewashappi er
thanshehadev erbeen.Therehadbeennobad
bloodbetweenthem andCanehadr eal
i
sedthat
henev erdi
dloveMasa, hejustwantedwhat
Hay denhadanditwasv eryself
ishofhi
mt o
wantsuch.

Let
ty'
sphoner
ang.
Let
ty:
Excuseme.
Sheanswer
edt
hephone.
Let
ty:
Hel
l
o.
Av
ery
:Gr
andma.
.
Let
ty:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Aver
y:Bet
hebaby si
tt
erf
ort
henextt
woweeks.
ImeanChri
stopherandDar
li
ngt
on.
Chri
sandDarlwer
eTessa'ski
dswithChr
ist
ian
andsheador
edallhergr
andchi
ldr
ennow.
Let
ty:
Iwoul
dbedel
i
ght
ed.
Av
ery
:Gr
amswi
l
lgetAz,
Ant
onyandHudson.
Lettynodded.Fai
rfortheki
dsnott omakethei
r
grandmot her
'st
ir
edwithafullhouse.Sheand
Masa'smom wer edoingquit
ewel lwit
hthi
s
doti
nggr andmotherr
ole.
Let
ty:
Butwhy
?
Avery
:Theparent
sneedtimeforthemselves.
Scrat
chthat
,west aywi
ththeteenagerHudson.
Yal
lgett
heundert
eny
earol
ds.
Let
tyl
aughed.
Let
ty:
Okay
.We'
l
lpopi
nti
meandagai
n.
Av
ery
:Cool
.

"
Sayhi
tot
heol
dlady
"int
hebackgr
ound.

Av
ery:
Smit
har ehi.LeAmer
icalal
ona.By
e
Gr
andma.Vir
tual
hugsandkisses.

Shehungupandsmi
l
ed.

Att
heSmi
th'
s

Aver
y:Bazakes,uncl
eChri
sti
ani
staki
nghi
swi
fe
awaytoo.Ourjobisdone.
Ar
iel
l
e:You'
ret
heman.
Av
ery
:Iknowsi
s.Tr
ustmeont
heset
hings.
Smi
thJr
:Homeal
one?
Hudson:
Yep.
Smit
hJr
:Atl
easty
ou'
reat
eenagernow.Al
most
14.
Aver
y:Hi
sheighti
smaki
ngmebr
eat
hthr
ough
thewound.
Ar
iel
le:
Andpeopl
ewil
lbeli
kei
sheyourol
der
br
otherl
ikewha.
..
wai
twhat?I
'
m ol
dert
hanhi
m.
Hudsonlaughedashesatdownnextt
ohi
s
ol
derbrother
.
Hudson:
Gir
lswi
l
lbegi
rl
s.
Smit
hJr:Il
ongt
oldy
ouguysthatwe'
l
lbe
unst
oppabl
eonceheisabi
tolder
.
Ar
iel
l
e:What
everguy
s.
Theyhear
dthegat
eopen.
Av
ery
:Theyar
eher
e.Actnor
mal
orwhat
ever
.
Theboy
swatchedt
vwhileAri
ell
esatont
he
si
ngl
ecouchandpr
essedherphone.

Minutesl
aterthedooropenedandMasawas
hol
dingherlaptopbagandhandbagwhi
le
Haydenheldtheshoppingbags.
Masa:
Yourca-
Smi
th?
Smi
thJrgr
innedandwentt
ohughi
smot
her
.
Masa:
Final
l
y.Iwasget
ti
ngwor
ri
ed.
Hehuggedherandspunherar
ound.
Masa:Ngwanaobat
lagonti
gabat
hong(t
his
chi
ldwantstodr
opme)(
laughi
ngwit
htear
sin
herey
es)
Heputherdownonherf
eet
.
Smi
thJr
:Iknowy
oumi
ssedmemom.
Masa:
Yes.Whatmat
ter
snowi
sthaty
ou'
re
home.
Smi
thJr
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
.
Masa:
Don'
tmakemecr
ytl
he.
Smit
hJrchuckl
ed.Masalookedatt
heboywho
washoldi
ngher.Hewassomuchl i
kehi
sfat
her
,
heki
ssedhercheekandl
ethergo.
Hay
den:
You'
remaki
ngmywi
fecr
y..
Hesaidpul
l
ingMasat ohi
m.Heknewhow
muchshemi ssedalloft
hekidstoget
heri
none
pl
ace.Shel
ov edthei
rli
tt
lebundl
esofjoyt
oo
much.

Av
ery
:Wegott
her
euni
onoutoft
hewayaker
e?
Theyal
ll
aughedast
het
winswal
kedt
othe
l
ounge.
Masatear
edupagai
n.Al
lherki
dsi
noner
oom.
Al
lsi
xofthem.
Hay
den:
Happybabe?
Masa:
Ver
y..
Ar
iel
l
e:Mom!
Masa:
I'
m okayguy
s..
Av
ery
:Wehav
easur
pri
sef
ory
ouguy
s..
Masa:
asu-
sur
pri
se?
Ar
iel
l
e:Thatwasv
erybl
untAv
e.
Av
erywav
edherof
f.
Aver
y:Smit
hoverher
ewi l
lbet
hechauf
feurso
headtothebedr
oom dearpar
ent
s.

HaydenandMasasuspiciousl
ylookedatthe
ki
dsastheystart
edthei
rtrekupthestai
rs.
Whentheygottheret
heyfoundclothesonthe
bed.
Hayden:
Luckyfory
ou,wehadl
ongpushedt
hat
pol
einthewalkincl
oset
.
Masal
aughed.
Masa:Cl
othes?Whatar
eyoupl
anni
ngwenaand
yourki
ds?
Hay
den:
Iswear
,Iknownot
hing.Aqui
ckshower
?
Masa:
Sur
e.

Att
heDav
is'
house

Chri
sti
ankissedTessa'sli
psasshegotont op
ofhim.Fiveyearsagohemadet hedecisi
onto
rel
ocat
eandhecanpr oudlysayhedoesn'
t
regr
etitonebit.DrDavi
shereont heot
herhand
wastakingthekisstoanotherl
evel.
Hebroketheki
ssandwat
chedherpout
.She
wascute.Real
cut
e.
Tessa:
Whydi
dwest
op?
Chr
ist
ian:
You'
real
way
shor
nyt
heseday
s.
Tessa:
So?Babe.
.
Chr
ist
ian:
DrD?
Tessal
aughed.
Tessa:
Wel
lfeedDrDt
heD.
.
Chr
ist
ian:
Younaught
ythi
ng.
.
Shelaughedandrubbedher
sel
fagai
nsthi
m as
heheldherwaist
.
Chr
ist
ian:
Fuuck!Tess.
.
Tessa:
Mmhmm.
.
Hestoodupwithherlegswrappedaroundhi
s
tor
soasheheadedt othebathr
oom.Hewi l
ltel
l
heraboutt
hesurpr
isealit
tl
elateraf
tert
hei
r
sessi
on.

AtMat
il
da'
spl
ace
Til
yjumpedupanddownassher eadt
he
resul
tsonthepregnancyst
ick.Shewasfi
nal
l
y
pregnant
.Final
l
y.

Herhusbandsmi
l
edconf
used.
Hi
m:And?

Hisoceaneyespi
ercedi
ntoherhazel
browns
andshegri
nned.
Ti
l
y:I
'
m pr
egnant
.
Hi
m:We'
reexpect
ingababy
?
Shenoddedandhehuggedher
.
Hi
m:Nowy
oushoul
dst
opst
ressi
ng.
Ti
l
y:I
tfi
nal
l
yhappened.
Masahadt oldhernott owor r
yabouthav i
nga
chil
d.Itwil
lhappenoni t
'sown, shemustnot
rushtheprocess.Nowi tdid.Shewi l
lcal
lher
l
ateronandt ellherthenews, whenshewason
theedgeofgi v i
nguponl ov ethatl
itt
lel
adyt ol
d
hertostopt hinkingabout.What '
sherswillf
ind
herandv oi
lashemetherwonder f
ulhusband
whenshewasv olunt
eer
ingatDoct orsWithout
Bordersprogr amme.Shewashappynow.

Att
heSmi
ths

Haydenwal keddownt hestairswithMasawho

woreasi mpledinnerdress.Huggedal l
the
perf
ectplacesandi thadaslitthatshowedoff
hergorgeouslegs.Whatmor ecouldheaskfor
?

Ari
ell
ewashol
dinghercamer
asnappi
ng
photos.
Masa:
Guyswhat
'sup?we'
real
ldressedupand
wehavenoi
deawhat'
shappeni
ng?
Aver
y:Longstoryshort
,taket
imeof
fmypeopl
e.
Ledistaraker
elaitse?
Masal
aughed.
Avery
:SmithJrherewillchauff
eury ouguysto
andfrom therest
aurant.Wesav edupjustfor
youtoenjoythisni
ght.From al
ly oursi
x
chi
ldr
en.
Ar
iel
l
e:Av
oll
eybal
lteam i
fyouaskme.
Hudson:
Agr
eed.
Azr
iel
:
I'
ll
agr
eej
ustbecauseHudagr
eed.
Avery:
Yes.Therest
aur
antandt
hef
ood.Al
lon
us.Tel
lusy oul
oveus.
Smi
thJr
:Sayi
t!

Masa:
Guy
syoudi
dn'
thav
eto,
Ime-
mean.
..
Av
ery
:Wel
ovey
ouguy
s.Awhol
elot
.

Al
lsi
xoft
hem engul
fedt
hei
rpar
ent
sinahug.
Aver
y:mamakekopaper
fumey
agago.
.(
mom
canIhavey
ourper
fume)
Theyl
aughedandbr
oket
hehug.
Ar
iel
l
e:Don'
trui
nyourmakeupdi
mamzo.Aoao.
.
Masa:
Thi
sisni
ce.
.

Ar
iel
l
egl
ancedatherwat
ch.
Ar
iel
l
e:Ti
met
ogoguy
s.I
t'
sti
me.

SmithJrsear
chefhi
spocket
sforhi
sdad'
scar
key
s.
Smi
thJr
:Let
'sgoguy
s.
Av
ery
:Bat
ler
oleonel
astt
imehoo.
.
ThecamerasnappedandMasaandHay
den
l
aughed.
.
Theyf
oll
owedSmi
thJroutt
othecar
.

Heopenedt hedoorforbothoft
hem andt
hey
satatthebackofthecar.Hegotint
hedri
ver
's
seatandhestart
edthecar.
Masa:
Anyot
hersur
pri
ses?
Smi
thJr
:Asknoquest
ionshearnol
i
es.
MasaleanedonHaydenasherubbedherarm.
Hedidn'
tknowwhatwasgoingonintheseki
ds'
minds.

Att
her
est
aur
ant

Smi
thJrpar
kedt
hecarandgotoutf
ir
st.He
openedt
hedoorf
orhi
spar
ent
s.
Smit
hJr:I
'
llchauf
feury
ouguy
sback.Enj
oyy
our
ev
ening.
Thet
wowal
kedi
nsi
det
her
est
aur
ant
.Itwas
empt
y.
Masa:
Theybookedt
hewhol
epl
acef
orus?
Hay
den:
Wow!

Thewai
terledt
hem t
ot hei
rtableandtheysat
downasslowmusicplayedinthebackground.
Masa:
Itf
eel
ssur
real
.Theudi
dthi
sforus?
Hay
den:
Yes.

Hehel dherhandastheyor dered.Whenhe

offeredtopay ,
apparentl
ythebi l
lhadbeen
cov eredalr
eady.Hal
fwayt hrought hei
rdesser
t
theysawat heproj
ectorfi
nallybeingswitched
onandawai tercamebackwithanoteonatr
ay.
Haydenopenedt henot
ethatwasaccompani
ed
byplanet
ickets.

"Enj
oyy ourni ght.Vi
rt
ual hugsandkissesguys.
Youranni v
er saryiscomingupandy ouneeda
breakf r
om usandev eryonei ngener
al.Happy
anniversar
yourt wolovebirds.Yourl
oveis
i
nspiringandcel ebrateit
.Si gnedbyyour
voll
eyballteam."

Hay
denfi
nishedr
eadi
ngi
tasMasal
ookedat
t
heti
cket
s.
Hay
den:
Guesswhat
?
Masa:
We'
regoi
ngt
othedeser
t.
Hay
densmi
l
ed.

Av
ideost
art
edpl
ayi
ngasNat
ali
eTay
lor
's
Sur
renderpl
ayedont
hev
ideo.
Hay
den:
Whatt
he-

Somewer evi
deosthathadbeenonhi
sphone.
Masawatchedthev i
deowit
htear
yeyes.Fr
om
thatt
imewhenthet wi
nsandAriwher
esmall
andtheywer
ef r
iends.
Masa:
Iremember
..
Iwasl
i
keagoodf
ri
end.
Hayden:
Amdwhent hekidsweresi
xy ouwer
e
l
ikegetl
aidwhenIwantedtofuckyou.
Masal aughedwipi
nghertears.Therewere
videosoftheHudson'
sscans, whenhewasa
baby ,
whenhegr ewup,t
het winsandt heti
me
allthr
eeoftheladi
escutt
heirhair.Theydidn'
t
forgeytheweddingcl
i
ps.Itwasbeaut i
ful.

Masawaswi pi
nghertear
sasshewatchedt
he
vi
deo.Al
ltheseyear
s,whent
heyspentt
ime
together,
thoseHay denusedt ot
akeinthe
mor ningwhenshewasasl eepandherbored
selftaki
nguselessv ideosint
hemorning.
Hay densmiledtearfull
y.Heknewwhohacked
hisphonebutt hiswast oobeaut
if
ultoeven
scoldher.Masawasacr yi
ngmesswhent he
videoendedwi ththem kissi
ngonthei
rwedding
day .
Masa:
Th-
thi
-t
hisi
sbea-
beaut
if
ul.
.
Hay
den:
Babecomeher
e.

Shestoodupandsatonhisl
apashei
ndi
cat
ed.
Heplacedherheadonhi
schest
.
Masa:
12whol
eyear
s..
ohGod!
Hay
den:
Babe.
.
Herubbedherbackkissi
ngherli
pssof
tlyas
Per
fectbyEdSheeranplayedi
nthebackground.
Hemadeherst anduptowal
tztothesong.She
restedherheadonhischest
,l
ist
eni
ngtohis
steadyheart
beat.

Dar
li
ngj
ustdi
ver
ighti
namdf
oll
owmyl
ead
If
oundagi
rlbeaut
if
ulandsweet
.
Inev
erknewy
ouwer
ethesomeonewai
ti
ngf
or
me
Causewewer
ejustki
dswhenwef
ell
inl
ove
Notknowi
ngwhati
twas
Iwi
l
lnotgi
vey
ouupt
hist
ime

Dar
li
ngj
ustki
ssmesl
ow,
yourhear
tisal
lIown
Andi
nyourey
esy
ou'
rehol
dingmi
ne
BabyI
,I
'm danci
ngi
nthedar
k
Wi
thy
oubet
weenmyar
ms
Hay
den:
You'
reper
fectbabe.
Hepeckedherl ipsandt heysil
entl
ydanced,
theyknewt heywer ei nt hedeependoft helove
andi ftherewasanot herlevelt
hensur elythey
haver eachedi t.Hay denhel dhisforev
erand
alway sinhisar ms.Theonewhom hewi lll
ove
ti
lldeathdoest hem apar t
.Hisveryown
perfectionfoundi nav eryimperfecthuman
beingwhowascutj ustf orhim.Whent hesong
ended, hehel dheri nhi sarmsasshewr apped
herar msar oundhi st orso.Theirli
fechapt er
wasdoneandwr i
tt
en.I twast i
mef orthem t o
mov eont oy etanotherdecadeandage,
together ,
strongerthanev er.
Masa:Remembert
hismoment
,int
hebackof
yourmind.
Hay
den:
Allourmemor
iesar
efor
ever
r
emembered.
Masasmil
edasshekissedhim agai
n,t
heyar
e
st
art
ingy
etanot
herchaptert
ogether
.
Masa:
Ihadtheti
meofmyl i
fef
ight
ingand
sl
ayi
ngdragonswit
hyou.
Hay
den:
Promi
set
haty
ou'
l
lst
andbymef
orev
er.
Masa:
Forevert
il
ldeathusapart.Wearesti
ll
goi
ngtohav et
hetimeofourliv
et oget
her
.To
morehappymemor iesmylove.
Hayden:Tomor
ehappi
ermoment
sand
mil
estones.
.

Theyki
ssedint
ot henight,asitt
winkl
ed
bri
ght
eroutsi
dewi t
hthef ullmoonoutandt
he
const
ell
ati
onsil
l
umi nati
ngt heci
ty.
.
.
.
*
***
THEEND*
***
FOREVER&ALWAYS

EPI
LOGUE

AtDubai

Theyell
owJeepcoursedt
hroughthesandas
Micasa’
sMamelaplayedi
ntherentedcar
.
Get
away
,get
away
I
sal
lIwannado
Al
i
ttl
eget
awaywi
thy
ou,
ohbabyy
eah

Aung’
mamel
e,aung’
mamel
e,aung’
mamel
e
Lov
eywami
,l
oveywami
Cel
’
ung,
babi
sandl
aSami
Si
hambe,
sihambe

Theysangal
ongasHaydenhel
dhiswife’
shand,
heli
ft
editt
ohisl
ipsandki
ssedhersof
thand.
Hay
den:
Ilov
eyou.
Masa:Il
ovey
oumor
e,t
hisi
sli
keasecond
honey
moon.
Hay
den:
iti
s(l
aughi
ng)
Masa:Idohopet
heki
dsar
eokayandt
heyar
e
behav
ing.
Hayden:
Yourmot
herassur
edmet
hatt
heyar
e
okay.

Masasmi l
ed.TheywereinanAr abstateand
theyhadtodowhattheAr absdo,itwasfun
explor
ingacul
turedi
ff
erentfrom t
heirsand
seeinganoasi
sandall
that
.Theywer
esol
i
d.
ForeverandAl
ways.

AtPar
is

TessaandChr i
sti
anlockedthepadlockthat
hadthei
rini
ti
alsonthebr i
dgethatwassaidto
beforecoupl
es.Theythrewt hekeyint
othe
dam andsharedasearingkiss.
Tessa:
Ilov
ethi
s.
Chr
ist
ian:
andIl
ovey
ouamour
.
Tessagri
nnedashewr appedhishandsar
ound
hernowslim waist
.Wel l
hehadbeenr i
ght
,they
wereexpecti
nganotherbundleofjoyandto
thi
nkshewasl aughingatMasa.Shehatedhow
fat
eworkedbutwel ltheywerehappy.
Chr
ist
ian:
weshoul
dwal
kback.
Tessa:
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Chr
ist
ian:
Myoneandonl
y,
myl
i
fel
i
ne.
..
Tessa:AndI’
ll
nev
erforgetyearsagowheny
ou
sai
dy ou’l
ll
ovemeti
l
l eter
nity
.
Chr
ist
ian:
AndI’
l
ldojustt
hatf
orasl
ongasI
wal
kont hi
sear
th.

AtFr
anci
stown

Smit
hJrparkedhi
sdad’
scarafewhouses
awayfr
om whereEsmer
aldal
i
ved.
Esmeral
da:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hepi
cni
c.I
twas
real
l
ysweet.
Smi
thJr
:Gl
ady
ouenj
oyedi
t.

Sheshy
lyt
uckedherhai
rbehindherearandbit
herl
i
p,agest
urehermotherusuall
ydidwhen
shewaswit
hherdad.SmithJrlookedatt
he
ti
nybodythatwasinfrontofhi
m.Esmeral
da
l
ookedupandhercheekswentpi nkasSmit
h’s
deftf
inger
sheldherchin.
Smi
thJr
:You’
rebeaut
if
ulEs.
..

Helower edhi sheadashersof tbr

eathhithi
s
cheek.Hi swholehandhel dhercheekashe
broughthi sl
ipsdownont ohersoftli
ps.She
fr
oze.She’ sneverbeenki ssedbeforeandahot
guyl i
kehim waski ssingher?Sher el
axedand
partedherl i
ps,hewasgent l
eandal l
that.I
tfel
t
surrealforher.Hebr okeitandlookedint
oher
eyes, hi
sthumbr ubbi ngherlowerli
pnow.
Ther ewassomet hi
ngaboutt hewayhel ooked
ather .
Esmer
alda:
wow!
SmithJrbi
tdownhiswords.I
twastooearl
y
butheknewhewasn’tgoi
ngtostopseei
ngher
,
notanyt
imesoon.
Sheshyl
ykissedhi
scheekandsteppedoutof
thecar
.Shewalkedawaywit
houtglanci
ngback
andSmithJrsmil
edashedroveaway .

Att
heSmi
ths

Thegi
rl
swerepl
ayingmonopol
ywi
thHudson
whenSmit
hJrwalkedi
n.
Av
ery
:di
dshel
i
kei
t?
Smi
thJr
:yes.
..
Ari
ell
e:we’
ll
sayt
hanky
ou,
wehel
pedy
ouget
thegi
rl.
..
Smi
thJr
:youguy
sar
eannoy
ing.
..
Aver
y:Lesonesesentl
enyanemma.
..i
tl
hel
ake
mmonamodi st
atus.I
’m sur
emom anddad
don’
tseeyourst
atuses.
.
Smi
thJr
:Idon’
tneedal
ect
uresono.
..
Ar
iel
l
e:shei
scut
e,howol
dagai
n?18?

SmithJrgr
oanedandthegir
lslaughed.Smi
th
j
oinedinonthegameastheylaughed.

Thankyouguy
sfort
hewonder
ful
jour
neyand
Godbless