e elite of Ansonville, New York, whom my parents value above all else. Or at least, that's how it a

ail and run. To hide somewhere, to pretend Freddy didn't text m

s soon as we enter the ballroom of my par

m going to get. We're practica

e noise of the crowd, the change from the cool evening air t

and lower my c

at us from all sides, wishing me happy birthday. Though none of them are here for me. A waite

et some

gs and takes a

hair and dark blue eyes. Instead, I gravitate more toward my mother, with her average height, b

opposite sides of the world rather than in the same house, given how far apart we are. Alexander is living proof of my fath

I am

ents discovered I'm not like my older siblings. I have no inter

my parents used to call my music behind closed doors-than bury her nose in a boo

, and they do their best to

r, they've barely been able to look

hey all heard our fight that

ay you can fo

pered to me before speeding off

ast w

life who even talk to me, let alone

they don't kn

assuring squeezes to my hand and shoulder. It's

other side of the room with fake smiles. As always, they are perfectly positioned in front of the thick velvet curtains that cover the l

ointed as when I didn't share

s and probably won't last more than an hour. The only g

fectly fitted, floor-length designer dress and the stiletto heels that are visible with

h is as clear a sign that there's nothing wr

ose and squeezes me. "H

as much of her warmth and familiar rose scent as I can. My

iately ceases, and everyone

of our beautiful daughter, Samantha. May this ev

My father looks at me for a mo

stand for forgiveness and communit

licits murmurs

nly shrug when I find them standi

champagne. "We're glad you'

ee it for the first time. I feel such a strong lurch in my

Lev

g, but everything sound

oss his incredibly handsome face: the same sharp jaw, straight nose, and well-defined mout

eart tries to s

s impo

't be ha

ched us as if it we

n, too, dressed in

shoulders alw

ndings much longer. I'm paralyzed. I

me hostage, and he looks at me

surprise wai

ddy's text message

ing good, but I didn't expe

nt is my

sister's

in prison for the

a I was the one w