I don't know if anyone's ever told you this", he begins. He doesn't blush, and his eyes don't dart away. Instead I find myself starring into a pair of oceans - one perfect, the other blemished by that tiny ripple. "You're very attractive." I've been complimented on my appearance before. But never in his tone of voice. Of all the things he's said, I don't know why this catches me off guard. But it startles me so much that without thinking I blurt out, "I could say the same about you." I pause. "In case you didn't know." A slow grin spreads across his face. "Oh, trust me. I know.
Marie LuSo, when I thought June might take you away, I didnโt know what to do. I felt like she was taking everything that mattered to me. I felt like she was taking away from you all the things that I didnโt have. Thatโs why Iโm sorry. Iโm sorry because you shouldnโt have to be everything to me. I had you, but Iโd forgotten that I had myself too.
Marie LuThen Day reaches out and touches my hand with his. He encloses it in a handshake. And just like that, I am linked with him again, I feel the pulse of our bond and his- tory and love through our hands, like a wave of magic, the return of a long-lost friend. Of something meant to be. The feeling brings tears to my eyes. Perhaps we can take a step forward together. โHi,โ he says. โIโm Daniel.โ โHi,โ I reply. โIโm June.
Marie LuMy mother used to hope that I would rise up from my humble roots. Become someone sucessful, or even famous. I'm famous all right, but I don't think it's what she had in mind.
Marie LuSo, tell me,โ he whispers. โHow fast did you climb those fourteen stories?โ Thomas makes a disapproving sound in his throat, but I break into a grin. Stormโs past. Metias loves me again. โSix minutes,โ I whisper back to my brother. โAnd forty-four seconds. How do you like that?โ โThat must be some sort of record. Not that, you know, youโre supposed to do it.
Marie Lu