Book 3: Out of My System

Candace

I pace back and forth under the moonlight, the hem of my gown swishing over the grass. Alone.

Of course, I’m alone. Hollis has been more than clear—there is no future for us. Throwing myself at him one last time was obviously nothing more than another chance to humiliate myself. Mother always said I had a soft heart, that disappointment would be what killed me in the end because I couldn’t ever stop trying. I clutch my skirts in both hands and stare up at the moon.

Please, I pray to the Goddess with no real idea what I’m praying for. To let him go? To hear him pushing through the brush toward me? Just over a week ago, I knew exactly what my future looked like, and now I have no idea.

Standing there, under the lights, in his arms, it seemed so obvious. I needed a chance to close the book on Hollis. On the life I imagined we could have together. If I could simply have him one last time, I could forget about him. I could stop waiting for