I thought of myself as a simple person, unlike some people. When I needed to cry, I did. When I wanted to laugh, it came easily. In a world where many strive for perfection and suppress their true feelings, I took pride in my ability to wholeheartedly express myself.

Because, in the end, life wasn't supposed to be complicated.

Though, seeing my belongings packed up in boxes and filling the back of Stamos' truck made me understand life might not be so simple after all. It wasn't easy to wave with a smile as I looked back at Mama Bunny, Mr. Benny, and the kids I had grown to love since forever. And having Josie and Miun bawling their eyes out, clinging to me, while Taylor rested his hand on my head, was anything but a nice, little walk in the park. It was this unique kind of complicated I'd always hated.

Goodbyes.

And saying goodbye was something no one could ever be prepared for.

"Did you ever think you'd get this big of a "going away" crowd?" Zaine asked me.

I chuckled, waving as everyone went back inside. "Of course. I just never thought it'd become a reality."

A car honking made Miun remove her teary eyes from my shoulder. Her mother stood outside her BMW, staring us down. Miun quickly wiped away her tears and reluctantly let go of my shoulder. She knew her mother's disapproval would only intensify if she lingered any longer.

Josie groaned. "She really has no heart."

I shrugged. "She never liked me anyway, and I'd rather she hate me more than Miun."

Miun sighed and gave me a sad smile. "We'd better go since we have to get Josie home too. Sorry, we couldn't stay longer."

I nodded. "It's okay. I'll invite you guys over soon when I get settled."

Josie sighed. "Text us every single day. I don't want to miss a single thing. And I'll bring you a week's worth of lunch every Sunday. Oh and—"

I pushed them away. "Okay, okay. I got it. Now, go."

I waved goodbye as they got into the car and watched them drive away.

Now, it was just me and Taylor.

"You ready?" said Stamos after finishing up a call.

I shoved my hands in my pockets. "Yeah, just give me a second."

He and Zaine both shut their doors, and the engine revved as Taylor and I headed to the front porch. As I turned to him, he was already giving me a salute. His straight, black hair was messy, and I imagined him getting out of bed this morning, not even bothered by it.

"Well, see you later." His tone was as dead as ever.

I leaned against the door, laughing. "Seriously?"

He stared at the ground. "You know I'm not good with this kind of stuff."

"Of course I do," I replied, nudging his shoulder. "I think I'm the only person who understands you the most."

"Then, yeah. That's all I got."

I kicked off the door a few silent moments later. "Okay, then. Sure. I'll see you later."

I realized I shouldn't have had high expectations. However, deep inside, I couldn't help but hope one day he would surprise me with a sincere expression of his emotions. Although it seemed stupid, considering I was just going to be on the other side of town, I held onto the hope that perhaps, after all this time, I had managed to make any effect on him. Even if it was only a little bit.

As I continued to reflect, an increasing wave of frustration engulfed me. I spun around with a newfound surge of anger building up inside me, ready to burst out. In that moment, our eyes met, the profound intensity of his gaze penetrating into mine. I noticed a subtle change in his eyes—a glimmer of vulnerability I had never seen before.

A sense of relief flooded me, and my anger completely faded away. I realized all of my efforts had not been in vain.

I smiled, taking in all the glory. "Why do you always make things more difficult than they need to be? No one is going to eat you alive for saying what's on your mind. You should really take my advice some—"

I almost tripped as he pulled me in for a hug, my surprise completely erasing my thoughts. As he held me tightly, tears welled up in my eyes.

Finally. A breakthrough.

"I really am happy for you, Icelyn," he said, but the quiet sigh he released said much more.

He didn't want me to go.

"Oh, really? But I thought "see you later" was all you had." There was no way I could resist teasing him about this. The moment was absolutely perfect.

"Shut up."

I laughed, squeezing him back. "Don't miss me too much."

"Wouldn't even dream of it." The full smile on his face caught my attention as we separated.

That makes twenty-one.

I wondered how many of them I'd miss from now on.

Now satisfied, I returned his salute from before. "Alright, now this is it. Make sure you get to school on time. Also, pick up Cassie's calls and make an effort to call her sometimes. She really cares about you. Remember to be more approachable, engage in conversation, and maybe try to get a girlfriend. You're great to be around, so make sure other people know that. And—"

"Icelyn."

I paused. "Hm?"

"Go."

And so I did.

I entered the truck with a mix of sentiments and brushed away a single tear from my cheek. Throughout the entire day, I had been making a conscious effort to keep my emotions in check, trying to suppress them as best as I could. However, in this particular moment, I allowed myself one tear. It made me feel a little less lonely as we drove away. I fixed my attention on the flow of scenery swiftly passing by with the radio playing a song with no lyrics, filling the airwaves with its compelling and hypnotic notes. It was a moment of pure musical bliss, as the instrumental composition captured the heart of the day.

Zaine, with a slight turn of his body, shifted his gaze towards me as he occupied the passenger seat. "So, Icelyn, have you ever been to Thea Pines before?"

Even though it was part of Tilden, everyone referred to Thea Pines as its own city. They had everything from bustling downtown streets lined with shops and restaurants to serene parks and nature trails, offering a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. The city was known for its vibrant arts scene, with galleries showcasing local talent and theaters presenting memorable performances.

"Once," I replied, my voice cracking. Stamos looked up at the rear view mirror, while Zaine kindly offered me a comforting smile. I cleared my throat, attempting to hide my embarrassment. "I went there for an art project during my freshman year. Everything was nice. Expensive, but nice."

"Why don't you show her around for a bit, Zaine?" He nodded at his father's offer. "There's still some daylight left. I'll allow you to do your homework a bit later. And I have to be at work early tomorrow, so I trust you'll be back at a reasonable time tonight, yes?"

"You got it." Zaine whipped out his phone, tapping away on the screen. Then he turned to me and smiled—something I didn't expect him to do so often. "Are you okay with being outside for a little while longer?"

Even as it began to set, sunlight still loomed over the trees. My eyes begged for me to close them, but Zaine's enthusiasm sucked the air out of the room. He was accepting this much better than I had anticipated. I would imagine that after being the only child your whole life, you would feel a certain way about a random stranger suddenly barging in. I had heard stories about families who took in orphans and how other children often carried bitterness toward them. It caused hell for the parents.

Though I didn't know Stamos well, I could see right away he had a strong personality. Zaine, however, remained a greater mystery. I knew criticizing him because of his unfamiliarity was a defense mechanism for my own discomfort—still, there had to be more to him than wide grins and never-ending questions. The boy from the mall who made my hair stand on end hid somewhere in there. Everyone had another person within them, and I'd done a fantastic job of bringing them. Like my friends.

Miun stood gracefully as a delicate fortress crafted from the softest flower petals and shimmering diamonds. Her walls were saturated with the raw beauty of nature's blooms, casting a mesmerizing glow that twirled and sparkled in the sunlight. But nestled within, a rickety fishing boat emerged, yearning for raging storms and silently plotting to swallow innocent ships under the cloak of darkness. On the flip side, Josie was tall and defiant, her spirit radiating like a thorn-covered tower—a wildflower among a concrete jungle. And at the center of the pandemonium, she hummed in harmony with the natural world, her core intertwined with the melodies of love poems running off the pages. Her heart contained the power to drive the entire world into untouched galaxies.

No one ever showed their real selves right off the bat. It took time and patience to peel back the layers of masking and discover the depths of someone's true character.

So, who was the boy called Zaine Qinloa?

"Icelyn?" Zaine looked at me with a hint of worry as I snapped back into reality.

Two additional cars, perched like their job was to radiate wealth, were now relaxing alongside the truck on an arched driveway. They were so ridiculously amazing at it that they deserved a promotion, a parade, and a lifetime supply of free oil changes.

I observed everything with astonishment. "Sorry, my mind was wandering."

"Yeah, no kidding."

I was happily seated when Stamos kindly opened my door, extending his hand. "Are you ready?" he whispered.

I couldn't think of anything to say, so I nodded. He helped me climb out of the truck, despite the fact that we both knew I was more than capable. My parents, whomever they were, had to be walking over mountains by now.

"Welcome to Thea Pines and your new home."

This place far surpassed the orphanage, as if it were a wasteland in comparison.

A cul-de-sac formed in place of the arched driveway; in the heart, a stunning fountain stood, decorated not with water but with an array of bird feeders. There was a cascade of lush gardens buried within the staircase towards the inviting patio. The grand mansion stretched out like a noble beast, its width surpassing its height, looming with only two stories, surprisingly.

At the second level, an enormous balcony emerged, its sparkling white and deep black hues extending from either side of the house like outstretched arms reaching towards the sky. To the right, a mesmerizing pool-hot tub ensemble with crystal-clear waters shimmered under the setting sun. On the left, an outdoor kitchen set-up decorated with a sleek grill stood as the centerpiece. Nearby, there was a quaint dining area with classy furniture bathed in the gentle glow of hanging lanterns. In the heart of the scene, a relaxing space equipped with a pair of porch swings was placed beneath a shady canopy. Redbrick meticulously crafted the entire house, detailing it with accents of stone.

There was so much to take in.

Entering inside, the grand hall had chandeliers and a majestic split staircase leading to the second floor. Sunlight streamed through every glass window, casting a glow and illuminating the space in every corner.

A true radiance of money well-spent.

"So, you like?"

My eyes wouldn't stop blinking as I pivoted to Stamos. "I can see my reflection in the floors and you think the word 'like' justifies this place? You've got to be kidding."

His grin stretched to his ears. "Well, I've been told I needed to work on my humility."

I almost snorted. "There's a difference between humility and being proud of what you have, especially if you put in a lot of work." I crossed my arms, moving further inside. "You must've worked hard."

"Every night and day."

"Then, congratulations." I faced him with a smile. "You have the right to be proud."

"Good to know a child believes in me." A hint of sarcasm laced his tone. He patted my head, sighing. "Let's see your room before Zaine whisks you away to wherever."

Instead of going further back to the house, we cut off at the left staircase and entered the hallway. Tiny plants were strategically positioned near the windowsill, basking in the glory of their VIP access to sunlight. They were basically living their best life, soaking up those rays like they were on a tropical vacation.

I stopped in front of a little pink succulent, poking its stems. "Who takes care of all these plants? Do you have gardeners or something?"

"No. I take care of them."

I whipped around, shocked. "No way. Even outside?"

He laughed. "Yes. Surprised that even I have a hobby? There's more around the house and an even bigger set-up in the backyard."

Keep them on their ankles, they said.

"That's impressive. But there's something you should know." He gave me a questioning look. "I'm a vegetarian, and these plants look extra delicious now that I know they've been in good hands."

"You wouldn't."

I burst into laughter at his look of horror.

"Don't start a fight you can't win, Icelyn," came another voice. Zaine leaned against the wall in all-black attire. Much different than his earlier fit. "Dad could single-handedly win any prank war you throw him into. It's almost traumatizing."

"He's still mad because I pretended to leave him and his mother when he was eleven," Stamos said. Zaine was already rolling his eyes at his father's snickering. "It was perfect because I was going on a business trip for a couple of days. Found him in tears in my office that night when I came back."

"It wasn't like I actually missed you. I just didn't want Mom to force-feed me protein shakes all day."

Stamos nudged me, lowering his voice. "He's been going on with that excuse for years now. But his mother had something different to say."

I held back my laugh while Zaine marched up to us. He grabbed my arm, pulling me away. "Don't you have work early tomorrow?"

He was definitely embarrassed.

"Fine, fine," Stamos said, letting us go. "But, Icelyn, we do need to talk regarding everything I need to know. I want to hear all about you and what you need specifically. Okay?"

A big grin took over my face. "Okay."

"I'll see you both tomorrow."

Zaine waved. "Goodnight."

The chilly breeze struck my skin once we were outside. I shivered immediately. This winter was going to be brutally cold.

"Here." Zaine handed me his jacket as we began walking. "It's November and you're still wearing short sleeves? Where's your jacket?"

I chuckled. "I usually stole Taylor's."

"Boyfriend hoodies, huh?" he said.

My nose scrunched. "As if. He just had the best jackets. But now, I just might use you."

He sighed, his breath forming small clouds. "I think I know someone better, actually." His comment piqued my interest. "Oh really? Who might that be?"

"You'll see."

The wind whipped through my hair, causing me to pull Zaine's jacket tighter around me. "You know, you're a lot nicer than you look. Or maybe it's just your eyes. They're like a black hole."

He chuckled. "Oh, so you were spooked? I was wondering why you ran off so fast."

I paused, confused. Then it hit me. "Oh, you mean at the mall? Wait, so you do remember me?"

"I remember a lot of things."

So cryptic. I let out a short laugh, trying to ease the awkwardness. "You must be an anxious person."

Silence. For one, two, three, four—

"Yeah."

Four seconds.

We traveled the rest of the way in silence, and I quickly realized my attempt to lighten the situation was a mistake. I strolled aimlessly a few footsteps behind him, appreciating the city's background hum. When my brain finally reconnected, we were in the woods, but Zaine wasn't there. Dusk settled in, but the tall trees mostly blocked out the sky.

"Zaine?" I called out, my voice echoing through the dense forest, but there was no response. I stumbled over a fallen branch, scraping my leg. I winced, surprised at how much it actually hurt. "Just my luck."

The sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs got louder and closer until I looked up. As I became aware of the impending threat from behind me, my heart rate increased noticeably. When I felt its approach, I whirled around and swung my fist as hard as I could, colliding with something.

"Ah, fu—"

"Icelyn!" I turned and there was Zaine. He looked at me with concern, his eyes widening as he took in the scene. "What happened? I thought you were right behind me."

I ran my hand through my hair, relieved. "You thought wrong, but I'm okay. I only scraped my leg. I'm more concerned with who this guy is."

"Huh?"

When I pointed at the fallen man, Zaine broke out in laughter, uncharacteristically. Now confused and slightly annoyed, I sighed. "You have two seconds before I knock you out too."

"No, wait," he said in between breaths.

More scattered leaves came in our direction and another guy popped up. He took a look around. "What the hell happened?" Then, he saw me. "Who are you?"

The guy I knocked in the face stumbled to his feet, holding his eye. "Dude, I just got punched. You're telling me you didn't feel that?"

"How many times I gotta tell you to stop believing twins can feel each other's pain?"

"Then, how about you get backhanded by her. You'll know what I'm feeling then."

"Wait, doesn't she look kind of familiar? I feel like I've seen her before."

"Huh, no? Actually, I can barely see. I think she took out my left eye. Where is she?"

"She's right in front of you, dumbass."

"You must want to get punched, huh?"

"Not really."

"You sure? 'Cause I'm pretty sure she'll do it again. She came at me with full force, like she was itching to do that for a long time now."

"I'm—Wait, now I'm curious. You know what, I haven't got punched in a long time. You think she'll do it if I asked?"

"I think she'll do it even if you don't. Just sneak up behind her and then—"

I couldn't keep up with this anymore. "Hey, in case none of you idiots have noticed, my leg is currently bleeding out."

A pause.

"Damn, you sound like a goddess," the second boy said.

"The Goddess of Punches," whispered the other one.

"You don't have to worry about these guys," said Zaine, supposedly done with his laughing fit. "They're as dumb as rocks. They couldn't stage a kidnapping even if they tried."

I glared at him. "If I can't play volleyball because I have to cut off my leg, all of you are dead."

He sobered up quickly, clearing some debris off my leg. "Right. Sorry. Can you walk?"

"Of course I can. Let's go."

My hands disappeared in the darkness, and I became impressed by Zaine's nightly navigation skills as we followed him. Insanely dark eyes surely made it easier. It appeared as though he had cat eyesight, which may explain how quickly we arrived at our destination.

To my surprise, instead of the warm embrace of a cozy campfire, I arrived upon the remains of an abandoned house. The missing half was nowhere to be found, leaving it vulnerable and relying solely on towering fences for protection. The dilapidated walls and shattered windows painted an intriguing picture, hinting at a long-forgotten past.

"Watch your step." Zaine guided me around the overgrown weeds and tree roots littering the path leading to the house.

My white sandals struggled to keep things going. Technically, I had to admit I was partially at fault because I chose to dress as if it were the hottest day in July. So, I went easy on him.

"Wow, Zaine. Never knew you were quite the gentleman," one of the boys said behind me.

"Shut up."

Someone flicked on a light as we made our way inside. The sudden brightness burned and I shielded my eyes with my hand. It was always the little things.

"Hey, could I get a warning next time?" My eyes blinked rapidly to adjust to the sudden change in lighting. I could feel the buzz of discomfort creeping as everyone turned to look at me. Despite my attempt to play it cool, I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. "You guys can quickly adapt to bright lights better than I can."

"Whoa."

"Hey!"

"Sorry."

I was trying to determine whose voice to follow, but once my eyes adjusted, I saw a pair of faces staring at me in shock. I wasn't sure whether my vision was doubled or if they were two separate people. Both of them had brown skin and curly afros, although their eye colors differed.

Wait a minute.

Twins with heterochromia.

I let out a small gasp, feeling it all come back to me. "Wow, it's been a while hasn't it?"

"Sure has. Icelyn, right?"

"The one and only," I replied. "But you're gonna have to remind me who is who."

"Right." The first twin flopped on the couch next to Zaine, who'd already made himself comfortable. "So, I'm Harvey. My blue eye is on my left side, and I have a scar on my eyebrow."

I went over his features, stopping at the scar. It was small, like a dash, and no hair grew there. "Noted."

"And I'm Bennett. People usually call me Ben." He threw his arm over my shoulder and led us both to the couch mirroring the other two. "My blue eye is on my right, but that's not important. I'm pretty sure we'll look a little different because my left eye is probably gonna be swollen. So, just remember I'm the one you punched."

I grimaced as we sat down. "I'm only going to give you half an apology for that."

"No worries. Thanks to you, me and my brother are even at the moment." He pulled out his phone to jot something down. "We've been at war with each other since the fifth grade to see who has the craziest life. Harvey's already been punched before, but I haven't until now."

Was this what "boys will be boys" meant?

I just nodded, going along with it. "How did you even end up in that predicament?"

Harvey's face contorted into a mischievous, toothy grin. "You mean, how did I become a human punching bag? Well, if I remember correctly, a brooding emo boy with hair as dark as his soul, lip piercings, and eyes so vacant they could be rented out as a vacation home found himself caught in quite the altercation last year. And there I was, playing the role of a heroic Samaritan, attempting to break up the fight. But instead, I got clocked in the face."

Bennett laughed. "Zaine was so badass last year. A lot of people are still scared of him."

Zaine sighed, getting up. "Do you guys want anything to drink?"

"Coke, please!" the twins said.

He nodded and turned to me. "And you? I'll also find something for your leg."

"Thanks. Just water is fine." I wondered how this place had electricity.

Harvey seemingly read my mind. "Nothing in here works." He was probably good at that since he was a twin. "We brought coolers in here ourselves, and a generator for the other stuff like the fans and lights."

"They're dim, actually," said Bennett. "Tao hasn't been here in a while to see what's wrong with the power. But anyway, how do you know Zaine? He hasn't breathed one word this entire time."

Harvey looked curious as well. "Yeah. Are you guys...together?"

I rolled my eyes. "Why is that everyone's first thought when they see a boy and a girl together?"

Zaine came back with the drinks, clearing the air. "She's my sister."

Cricket noises. They could've been real for all I knew.

Then, "No way!"

And, "For real?"

But me? My mind caught up a little bit on what had been said before, suddenly remembering a name all too familiar. "Wait, did you say Tao?"

The screen opened then, and our heads snapped in that direction. A boy with shaggy, black hair popped in, frazzled. "Hey. Sorry, I just saw Zaine's text. Taia had to go to the hospital today, and I—"

The moment our eyes met, his voice simply tumbled out. Everyone else's words seemed to pass through one ear and exit the other without leaving a trace. Tao's dark blue eyes were all I could see.

"Icelyn?"

And here I thought today couldn't get any more complicated.

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How's the dust sitting on top of your fridge?