Kylie took a moment and then spoke up. “I know Mrs. Noreen Walters has had you help the family…” Trevor’s brow lifted slightly as he thought, ‘Is to say the Lampard needs power? skills, they’re as high as they climb. if she’s using this as leverage, it’s okay play ball. “T’d you to cut the Lampard loose, Mr. murmured, her eyes downcast, to hide the fierce determination in them. Trevor surprised, but didn’t more. Kylie on the dotted line, Trevor at his watch. responded, voice firm and unwavering. The city hall was rare sight–dead quiet. got our marriage certificate in a flash. Kylie stood gawking at the like it a magic trick. She was still a daze when piped ‘Let’s connect on V WhatsApp. I’ll send you address. You can move in soon” He didn’t stick for reply, and split. Kylie had pictured living with Noreen, not shacking with Trevor. But this could good thing–pretending to be a happy might mind. She checked her . Time to head to the Lampard residence and her stuff. it for the special gifts from she’d back there. On the her phone buzzed. Kylie answered looking. “Hello” “Hey, honey. ” Craig’s voice came through. “I don’t think that was the best idea, Kylie. gonna hurt your parents, and Melanie needs you. Just leaving like that–it’s pretty messed up. soothing words but Kylie’s grip on her phone tightened. love story Craig was classic of high school sweethearts that carried on through college. But when proposed on graduation day, swearing his love eternal, other plans. The that followed, the year paralysis before her end, those memories were as fresh as etched in her heart with a pain to forget. “Kylic, you there!” voice came through a tinge of annoyance in his tone. “The call’s getting spotty. Want to text you?” “Screw you, Craig. We’re so over!” Kylie shot back, her voice as sharp knife. The thought of being with him now made sick. She the call without another word. Her phone lit messages, but she didn’t even bother to check Blocking wasn’t on to–do list; she had better. things to do her life. soon stepped the Lampard residence, her heart not quite in it. The traffic meant the Lampard family were probably still stuck, giving her bit of a breather. Her stuff was enough to fill a suitcase, which she needed after her half–year stay. As she headed downstairs, she spotted an ancient one she’d spent three months restoring. was birthday gift for Julie, but ended up in the most out–of–the–way spot in the living room. Julie had given it the shoulder, more into the fancy bag Melanie had handed over. effort and feelings, apparently, didn’t make cut. reached the painting, her fingers tracing the canvas before she carefully took it down. With a flick her wrist, the was nestled in her suitcase. In 40 minutes, Samuel, Julie, and Melanie back into house. glanced around and then Jill. “Has Kylie shown up yet!” Jill, housekeeper, her dusting. “Yes, ma’am. She with a suitcase half hour ago, but then she left again. a suitcase?” Julie’s voice hitched up. Jill nodded. “That’s Mrs. Melanie’s eyes in surprise. She’d been looking to seeing return, make amends. But resolution had assured her of? “Is she away? Melanie asked, her voice with disbelief. Samuel’s face flushed with anger. “If she’s got the guts to she can stay out. She’s immature for her own good. I’m off her credit cards right now!” “I’m gonna take a look in her room. She’s probably pulling a stunt, trying to make a point by leaving. I’ll she’s got her on a or something. She’s being so Julie’s brow was pinched in frustration. Then hurried upstairs to Kylie’s room, a place she rarely visited. When she opened the door, the emptiness the bare- decor gave a moment’s pause, a feeling she couldn’t her finger on. Melanie joined her, Julie’s distant look. She knew she to her place in the the treasured daughter, the one who everything. was the outsider, the one who quite fit in. “Mom, maybe I should go. If I maybe Kylie will come back,” Melanie suggested, voice soft. Julie shook her her gaze softening as looked at Melanie. be better off if she were more like you. Just leave her be. We don’t need to about her. Melanie continued, her voice “Kylie’s had a different upbringing. Her adoptive mom didn’t have much education. It’s not surprising she’s a lost. can her, Mom. learn to be as thoughtful and caring as am towards you and Julie’s frustration was evident. “She’s been to college; she should be more sensible. She’s and unappreciative!” She let out a sigh. go have dinner. can sort herself out. In the heart the city, the streets were a symphony of honking horns and rhythmic shuffle of footsteps. Kylie, into the back of a cab, soaking in with a mix of awe disbelief. It all so surreal, but there she was, much present. The cabbie, seasoned man with a weathered face, cast a glance over his shoulder. Kylie was a looker, early twenties maybe, but there was a depth of sorrow her eyes made him think something amiss. Her phone had going a broken record since she in “You a of calls there,” he said, more a statement a question. “Just some spam. Kylie shrugged it off, her eyes back to phone. It was Craig, again. The and texts were coming in like clockwork. She could almost visualize his face, red with anger, and that tainted with a she’d not on. Her tightened around her phone, the ringing abruptly silenced. Then, another call came through. Trevor’s name lit up lit the screen, breath in her chest.