*~~Chapter Sixty-Two~~*

{~~Avery Sterling~~}

The bad thoughts were starting to get worse, and I let them run free. If I keep thinking of the barbeque as a bad thing then I won't end up feeling butt hurt when they toss me back aside.

The barbeque wasn't bad, but I was glad to be away from my parents. Thank goodness. The smell of overcooked meat and the drone of endless small talk had been suffocating, yet a welcome escape from the constant scrutiny of home. My parents had a way of making even the most mundane gatherings feel like high-stakes social performances, and I'd played my part long enough for one day. Because for once, I was invited.

While I drove back home, the fading sun casting long shadows across the road, those uneasy feelings I'd managed to forget all day began to resurface. It was as if the closer I got to home, the heavier my chest felt. The relief the pain, ugh I'm over the thought.

I waited by the door, if I heard a sound then Logan was back. It was like I'd stepped off from pain and was