Sylvia's POVStaring at my reflection in the mirror, I sighed softly, brushing out my hair. The day has arrived and according to Alex, I'm supposed to be picked up by his parents as he'll be arriving differently.I heard a knock on my door and my mom peeked in. "Hey, honey. Can I come in?"I smiled." Sure."She walked up to me, laying a hand on my shoulders."You've been changing a lot recently." She began."Really? I didn't notice.""Sure you didn't. But I did.' Taking in a deep breath, she continued. " You've been talking a lot more, smiling a lot more, and going out a lot more.""Is it a bad thing? " I asked, beginning to get a little apprehensive."No... Of course not. I just didn't know... This day will ever come. You coming out of your shell. ""Well, it has. " I said, and we giggled."I'm glad. " She said, straightening up she added. " So I won't be the one delaying you, you can go on now." I watched her leave the room. I put my hairbrush down and applied some gloss on my lips

Sylvia's POVThe party was over and it was time to leave. I held Hazel's hand as we walked back to the car, Alex beside me."Thanks for coming. I hope you enjoyed today." He began."I did. What about you?""I'm not sure I'll be able to give a positive answer on that one." He said, his eyes mirroring the sadness he felt."Tasha right?" I muttered, and he nodded."I have to go now. See you later." He said and bade us goodbye.I looked down at Hazel and she smiled up at me."Come on, let's go home," I said, taking her into the car.***Hazel's parents drove me home. I thanked them and strolled into the house where my mom was already waiting for me."Good evening mom." I greeted her, giving her a quick hug."Good evening, dear. How was your party?""Fine. I had fun." "I made dinner. Would you like to have some before you sleep?""Uh... No. I already ate before I came in. I'll just shower and go to bed early.""Okay." I nodded and started up the stairs, but she called me back."Sylvia? If

Alex's POV"Why do you keep calling?" I asked after some time."I-I just wanted to see you. Talk to you. Your mother wouldn't let me.""Of course she wouldn't. Why should she?"He sighed heavily."I know you're mad at me. I understand and I have no one to blame but myself. But I just hope... I just hope you'd forgive me for all of my wrongdoings.""What do you want?" I asked, eager to cut the call. I could feel the anger boiling up in me."If it's possible... If you have time... I wanted to ask if we could meet up. I want to see you, physically.""I don't know about that," I muttered.Another sigh."Please Alex. I swear I'm not here to cause any trouble. I just want us to talk."I glanced at my mom, seeking her approval."What did he say?" She whispered."He wants to see me. Asking if I have the time.""Well... Do you want to see him?" She asked. I let out a sigh and put the phone back in my ears."Okay. When?""Really? Thanks a lot. Anytime you choose is fine by me. I just want us to

Sylvia's POVWe were seated on one of the park's chairs, staring out as Alex processed his thoughts. He had stopped crying for some time and barely inaudible sniffs could be heard. Glancing at him, I wondered if I should say something but eventually clamped my mouth shut. He needed this moment."We used to be happy..." He began slowly, rubbing his hands together. I just stared at him."We were small, but we were happy." He continued. " We'd just moved to Oklahoma on a job transfer to restart our lives. It seemed happy till things got sour.""What happened?" I whispered, even if I knew he was going to tell me. He glanced at me, the pain evident in his eyes."He made some friends... And things started to change." I held my breath. " It was subtle at first, but soon it became obvious. He'd come home late and blame it on work when he was just with friends and he lost track of time. Then he started drinking and then..." He trailed off and, taking in a deep breath continued, his voice stron

Sylvia's POV(Next day: morning)I stared at the pictures on my phone, sighing softly. I don't want to go to school today. I don't think I have the emotional strength to handle it. I don't think I can confront Patrick.A knock came on the door and my mom peeked through."Mom..." I voiced out, managing a smile."Mind if I come in?" She asked. I nodded. She closed the door behind her and made her way to the bed. Settling on it, she looked at me."You've been acting all strange since yesterday. Is everything okay? " She asked gently."Yeah... I'm fine." I muttered. My mom smiled at me, but I know she doesn't believe me. Moms, they always know. Her gaze dropped to the phone I was holding, and she stared at the picture."Who's this?" She asked, collecting the phone from me. I took in a deep breath before explaining."Patrick.""Oh... I see." She mumbled. " You like him, don't you?" She asked again. My heart skipped a beat as she asked that, but I nodded, anyway. It was the truth. I did lik