Epilogue
BONES
“ Sorry we’re late,” Alek says as he sits on the bench opposite me. The coffee shop is a cute, little place, located in the park where Alek and Evan like to hang. It’s become a Sunday ritual for us to meet up. Sometimes Alice joins us, and today is one of those days. She smiles at me and accepts the iced coffee I push her way.
“Where’s Sky?” Evan asks as he sips his drink.
I nod my head, and they follow my gaze. Sky is crouched in front of a bush, pointing at it. “How could you not love him? He’s incredible. Why are you doing this to him?” he yells at the foliage.
I sip my coffee, and I feel the others staring. “Uh, Bones, what happened?”
“Sky bought me a plant. I somehow killed it and got a little upset about it. I jokingly said nature hated me, and now this is where we are.”
“He’s amazing, you green asshole!” Skylar yells as I sit with the others, completely unfazed.
“Okay . . .” Alek blinks and looks back at me. “How’s moving in with crazy going? Are you sick of him yet?”
“Not really,” I answer, and I’m not. I’ve never been so happy. I have someone with me at all times, a life, and an apartment filled with warmth. He gave me things I never knew I was missing. “How’s it going at the garage?” I ask.
“Good. We are prepping for the next championship. We all want the world title now,” he replies.
“I have to ask, are we just ignoring what’s happening over there?” Alice questions.
I glance over to see Skylar kicking and hitting the bush.
“Cool, just had to check,” she mutters as she looks around and leans closer. “Are you sure you want to be in love with this guy? Blink twice if you need help.”
Grinning, I glance back to see him pointing at the plant once more before turning and waving at me, wearing a smile so bright, I can’t help but wave back. “Yes, yes I do.”
“Okay, had to ask,” she scoffs. “You’re both crazy.”
Sky sits next to me, draping his arm over my shoulders. “Hey, guys, when did you get here?”
“Right in the middle of you losing to a bush,” Evan scoffs.
“Nah, I won.” He winks at me and kisses my palm, something he’s taken to doing all the time. They are scarred, but it’s just another part of me. I was scared he wouldn’t want me to touch him anymore, but if anything, he’s obsessed with my scars. How could I ever hate anything he loves so much?
My phone vibrates, and I know it’s my father again, so I ignore it. It seems like he’s determined to be part of my life now. I don’t know if I want him to be or not, so I’m taking time to figure out what I want before I make a decision. I’m happy, and that’s all that matters. I spent years trying to please him, and now it’s the other way around.
It isn’t a bad feeling, but I know whatever I choose, my true family is right here.
Alek, Evan, and Sky are bent over his phone, looking over some sketches for their new campaign for Starfire, when Alice’s phone rings. She grabs it, and I eye her as she answers it nervously.
“Tonight?” Alice meets my gaze, and I know why. “I’ll be there.”
“It’s starting?” I ask, glancing at the others to make sure they aren’t listening. I asked her to keep an eye out before everything went down.
“Yes, tonight. Don’t worry. I’ve got this, Bones,” she promises.
“Be safe, okay? I know we asked you as a part of Silent Rose, but don’t put yourself in danger,” I mutter.
“What are you talking about?” Evan asks curiously.
“Oh, nothing,” Alice blurts out too fast, but then she distracts them by asking about Evan’s internship.
Alek is watching her, though, with worried eyes. “How’s Lally?” he asks.
She freezes, swinging her eyes to me and then Evan. “Uh, she’s okay.”
I know what she won’t tell them.
Lally is not okay, not in the least, and Alice is determined to save her from the mess she got herself in.
I should tell Alek and the others, but these are Lally’s and Alice’s lives, and I have a feeling they need to break to be put back together.