Two months later

***

LIGHTS ON

I tip-toe through the hallway of Mr. Harmon's mansion quietly as my brother, Caleb, opens the front door. Jasper is at the door and I quickly run into his arms with the flowers in my hands. "Happy birthday!" I yell out.

He spins me around. "Thanks!" he says then sets me down.

Jerod and Doreen walks in from behind Jasper. I almost drop my flowers because, not only does Jerod have a haircut, but he's holding hands with Doreen.

I point at their interlocked fingers and smile real big. "When did this happen?"

Doreen looks at Jerod. "When he cut that monstrosity of hair."

Jasper takes a seat. "They just can't get enough of each other now that he's finally out of the friendzone."

Doreen reaches for his face. "He's still my best friend." She kisses him on the lips then hugs him.

"Not in front of meeeee!" Caleb says, running into his room.

Jasper laughs then sits up from the seat. "Can I talk to you outside?"

We walk out into the front yard while  slowly walking past the dead flowers. "So, how's it going?" He takes my hand.

Jasper and I have been dating for one month now and it still makes me nervous when he holds my hand. I can only imagine how our first kiss will be.

"It's great," I say. "I think Caleb has a thing for Coraline."

Jasper laughs. "That's something. But I was asking about you?"

I shrug. "I'm okay."

I'm not really okay. Sure I have my family back, a mansion, and my friends, but why doesn't it feel normal? I feel like something went wrong. If the book is indeed destroyed, then why do I have it upstairs in my room? Jasper's hand rests on my shoulder making me forget about my depressing thoughts.

"We'll do better this time," Jasper says. "No one will find the book. Now be happy!" He lifts me up and spins me around again  something he does often. Only this time we don't even stare at each other. His lips press against mine. I feel shivers run down my spine but... the good kind. I don't want to break this kiss. But when he breaks the kiss and looks at me, I see the most amazing smile. I see a bright future.

***

If you think my story ends here with the perfect family, the perfect home, and the perfect boyfriend you're wrong. Dead wrong...