CHAPTER 33

DEREK

How long will this take?

I carefully walked away from Mirabel's room, looking back multiple times to see if she'd sneak out to check on me. But I didn't hear the door clicking. Not even a foot step.

Last night when she called, I was stunned and pleased to hear her voice. Even though it was clear that it was my step mother that made her call, I was still glad she did.

And when the call ended while I was responding to my stepmother's request, my heart skipped.

Her mother claimed it was a mistake, but I know it wasn't. Mirabel purposely ended that call to prevent me from saying anything.

I just went with the flow and acted amused instead.

I didn't tell my step mom I was coming straight to her place from home. I pretended to be heading to school and patiently waited for her and my father to leave.

Once they were gone, I came over to stay with Mirabel, hoping we could try and work things out together.

Still, Mirabel doesn't want to be around me, nor does she want to listen to anythi