*From the darkness I called Your name, into darkness Your mercy came...*

I opened my eyes to the ringing of my phone. It was dark; who wants to talk with me at this early time? I groaned and stretched out my arms and legs, reaching my hand out to my night lamp that stood on my nightstand, to turn on the light. But a light –that was definitely not the light of my night lamp because I didn't turn it on yet– hit my eyes as my thick blanket was tugged off of my face. I looked around to see the sunlight pouring into my room, not as bright as always because it was almost near to the winter season.

It's morning already?

I reached out to my ringing phone on the nightstand and rubbed my eyes before squinting to see the caller ID on the bright screen. It was Emmy. I didn't waste any time and soon answered the call before it ended.

“Happy birthday Hailey.” I heard my friend's sleepy voice from the other end of the line.

Seriously?

I snorted, “Did you wake up on the wrong side of your bed?” I asked, biting back my laugh.

“Actually, I slept on the wrong side of my bed.” Emmy said in a tired hoarse voice, unlike her pretty one.

“What's wrong with your voice? Are you alright, Em?” I asked as I noticed her voice.

“I'm sick. I've got a headache, temple hurting, bitter in my tongue and a growling stomach.” she said, sarcasm dripping from her voice even though I can feel just from her tired voice that, she's indeed having all these.

“What happened?” my eyebrows scrunched up in concern for my friend.

“Did you notice that I was helping myself more into the cake and wine than the dishes at your birthday party yesterday?” she asked.

I was almost at the stage of chuckling at the memory, how Harry was teasing Emmy for drinking four glasses of wine –I don't know if she did had four– yesterday but realized what she was trying to tell me. “Oh gosh.” I whispered, following by Emmy's tired giggle from the phone. “What happened?”

“I was throwing up since I woke up today; three times. I have no strength left, Hayles.” Emmy said, slightly chuckling.

“I can't believe it.” I facepalmed, “So you can't come to school today?”

“Seems not, and that's why I called you now. I got so tempted by the taste of the wine. Honestly, that was the tastiest I've ever tasted, so I got...carried away, I guess. But never thought I would end up like this.” Emmy explained, lowly grunting in pain at last as she finished.

“What hurts?” I asked alerted.

“My temples. I think I should...–”

“You should take rest. I'll drop by to see you after school, okay?” I said, cutting her off.

“Sure. Can you tell Harry about me on my behalf?” she asked. “We planned on going to school early than always to copy the missed homeworks from him at library and I hate this.”

“It's alright, I'll tell him. And don't worry about the notes, I'll help you with it once you're okay. Bye Ems.” I said.

“Thanks, bye.” Emmy said. And before I moved the phone from my ears, I heard her muttering, “I'll never drink wine again.” I quickly ended the call and chuckled at her words.

I checked the time and saw it's five to six. I did my morning prayer and moved my blanket from me. My eyes caught something sparkling; it was the anklet Harry gave me yesterday. I sat there for some minutes, recalling yesterday's events; it indeed turned out to be the best birthday party I've ever had, beyond my imaginations. We all stayed up to 11 O'Clock even though our other guests left early. Emmy didn't leave with her parents who left at 9:30 or so, telling them she'll come later as Harry had promised to drop her in his car when he leaves.

I popped up my right leg and removed the socks, to see how matching the anklet looks to my skin. It was gorgeous and I couldn't stop admiring it. When I told my brother that Harry brought me an anklet, he thought I'm joking until his eyes fell to my feet and saw it.

I traced my index finger over the jewelry, admiring every tiny but magnificent work on it. Harry's words, that this is one of his mom's masterpiece designs, echoed in my ears.

For some reason, it made me frown, thinking about his mother. We had no idea Harry's mom was a gifted designer; we didn't know anything about his mom at all. I don't know why he never told us and I don't know why my brother wouldn't let me know anything more than what he told me. It gave me an idea, Harry and I will get time to be alone while he'll help me with the missed notes at library today as he promised; so maybe I can ask him something about her if he doesn't mind. That is, only if God wants me to, I don't want to upset Harry by bringing him into this matter.

I got out of my bed and got ready for school. It was too early comparing to my usual time of waking up, and so I had to pinch myself to keep my eyes from falling shut while I took a warm bath in my tub. Once I got all dressed up, I took Harry's advise in hand and stuffed my anklet inside the socks.

Haxsel dropped me to school and I saw Harry waiting for me by the school gate. It had just been opened and only a very few students had arrived. When I told him about Emmy, he cut me off saying, she voicemiled him after she had called me. We went inside and I took my books from my locker as Harry instructed, before we both went to the library. We sat by a table far at the end, close to the wall and I started copying down the notes.

Harry don't like keeping his mouth shut, so he was cracking up his jokes every now and then to help our atmosphere high-spirited. It however made my writing mood smooth but most of the time, I got too distracted by his talking.

“I can't wait to see Orlana's face.” Harry said, watching my writing.

I looked up at him from my book, “That makes the two of us.” I smirked. I was actually counting on seeing Orlana ever since I got the notification on Instagram yesterday saying, @harry_canfield mentioned you in his story.

Harry had uploaded the photo of us he captured yesterday, as his Instagram story, tagging me and wrote a few words about me that I'm sure, might've driven Orlana mad; especially that Harry showed us yesterday itself that Orlana has seen it. We all burst into laughter; I honestly have never wanted to see anybody's downfall or to see anyone's feelings hurt but Orlana, she's a different matter.

Lost in conversation in between and saying, how good it'd have been if Emmy was here too, we didn't know time was going. And at last, when we were close to the time of the first bell, Harry offered himself to help me to write the remaining notes while I finish what I was writing. I first hesitated then allowed him when he proved me how similar he can write like my handwriting. His was thin and mine was a bit fat and smaller than his. But when he was done, I compared our writings and no one could say if it was Harry who wrote the biology and chemistry notes for me.

Even though I didn't get a chance to talk with Harry about his mom as I planned, I was thankful for his help that helped me to complete writing before the first bell rang. We walked out of the library, towards where our lockers were, to keep and take out our books for the first class. While we were there, I saw Orlana coming to Harry –who was at his locker, feets away from mine– and started chatting or ranting at him.

Suddenly, I remembered what Harry told Adam about how he saw him snogging Orlana three days before Adam wa trying to kiss me. I felt a sudden wave of disgust, what kind of people are these? Snogging someone today and another one on the next day, ew. I walked up to them and cleared my throat from behind Orlana; she stopped her rant and turned to me.

“What?” she snapped.

I got irritated and ignored her, shifting my gaze to Harry, “C'mon Harry, our class starts in five minutes.” I told him.

I can see the corner of his lips tremble as he tried to hide his smirk. But before Harry could say anything, Orlana cut in, “How rude of you. We're talking!” she glared at me.

I rolled my eyes, “Sounds ranting to me.” I said.

Her hazel green eyes bored into mine, “Oh. Where were you for last few days? Didn't want to hang around Harry?” she asked daringly.

“You are no one to question that, Orlana. Leave her alone.” Harry said sternly, defending me.

Orlana turned to Harry, “Says the boy who had only me while she wasn't.” she smirked smugly, pointing her index finger at me when she said she.

“I was only trying to annoy her by talking with you and you know it, Orlana.” Harry said.

“Ooo, and did that work?” she asked, looking from me to Harry.

“No.” Harry snapped, surprising me because we both know the answer was yes. “She knew me better that, I won't go hangout with flirts.”

Anger flashed in Orlana's eyes, her gaze hardened on my best friend. She opened her mouth to reply him but I cut in, “I think you'll be doing fine with Adam Lerch, you know? I noticed, you guys have something in common.” I told her and turned to Harry. He seemed to read my mind and smiled a tad, stepping away from Orlana and we both walked past her to our class, leaving her shocked or whatsoever at the spot.

Since Emmy was absent, Harry kindly took her place with me in our classes, than going to sit with his other colleagues. At lunch time, when I walked into the cafeteria, Harry waved at me from where he sat with his colleagues in his permanent place, gesturing me to join them.

No thanks. I'd rather sit alone than sitting with a group of boys awkwardly.

I shook my head politely at him and walked to my usual place where Emmy and I used to sit and sat down. A minute or two later, I saw someone approaching my table through the corner of my eye, to my surprise, it was Harry.

“You didn't had to, Harry.” I told him as he took the place opposite of me, even though I was so happy he came.

“Don't be silly, do you really think I would let my best friend bored out?” Harry asked, helping himself into his french fries.

I smiled and shook my head, “You really are the awesomest boy in this school.” I said, touched at his words.

He shrugged, “Glad you noticed.”

“How modest of you.” I rolled my eyes at him. “What do you say about we both go and visit Emmy after school?” I asked him.

“Actually, I was going to tell you that.” he snorted, “Of course.”

I chuckled. Then I remembered my plan; maybe this is my chance to ask.

“I can't stop admiring the anklet, by the way. It's so cute!” I said honestly.

“You haven't taken it off, have you?” he asked, slightly alerted as he glanced under the table to see if I've worn the jewelry.

“No. How can I? I stuffed it inside my socks as you told me.” I said, chewing on my sandwich. “So, you told me your mom designed it?”

“Yes. It's a long story.” he shrugged.

“I've got time.” I shrugged too.

Harry glanced up at me from his plate, “My dad found these... paper files from mom's wardrobe a few years ago. He didn't knew until then about these idea of her because he didn't dare to open her wardrobe, thinking, her memories might hunt him down.” Harry paused and looked aside to the outdoor view through the nearby window.

He continued, “In the file, there were there paperworks with several jewelry design details and dad was blown away, impressed.” Harry let out a small chuckle, causing me to smile a tad. “He had no idea she was planning something for a future that she won't be lucky to be in.” here he sighed and I felt a sudden guilt for making him explain this painful thing. You're cruel, Hayline!

“You don't have to tell me if it's painful for you. I know it's painful–”

“It's fine.” Harry cut me off quickly, “I'm fine, really. I haven't told this to anyone before, you know, outside of my family but I can tell you.” he said, giving me a reassuring smiled.

“Thanks.” I smiled a tad.

Harry continued, “So, since mom wanted her jewelry designs to be actually jewelries, dad decided to fulfill her dream and, that's how we even planned on starting Canfield Jewelers.”

“Tell me something you're family doesn't have.” I said, “Your father is one of America's successful business men, you guys owns so many feilds and platforms all over America–”

“Ah, and that reminds me of something.” Harry cut me off, “Dad lately found out in mom's diary that she had a dream of a Canfield Textile Showroom and guess what, he's planning it out. We're looking for a fine location.” he said.

I gasped, “Harry, that's amazing! I bet you'll be hosting the best of collections. I'm not saying this because you're my friend but, I've always loved everything of Canfields, honestly.” I said.

“You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that.” he smiled warmly at me.

I smiled back but there was a frown behind it, as I prepared myself to ask Harry the question I've been planning on asking him. “Harry?” I called him, after a few moments of silence.

“Yes?” he looked up at me from his plate.

I hesitated. “There's something I want to ask you. I've- I've always wanted to ask you this because I'm your friend but I don't know why I didn't. I hope you don't mind.” I said, frowning.

“What's it? You can ask me anything, you know that.” he said gently.

I swallowed hard, “What happened to your mother?”

Harry's shoulders stiffened at my question. “What made you ask?” he inquired.

I sighed, “You remember the day we went to the pizza hut where I talked with Adam on phone?” I asked and he nodded, so I continued, “Then, when your bodyguard was talking about the mafia leader in hiding, Bobby Khuller, you told us that you've always wanted to get a chance face to face with him. Then the next words you said...they had me wonder about your mom. I'm sure Emmy didn't hear it because she was sitting at while I was just behind you.” I paused.

“You heard me say what?” he asked in a whisper.

“That the reason you want to get a face to face chance with this guy is because, he stole something from you. And I've been wondering if this something is someone,” I paused for a moment before continuing, “someone who is your mother.” I said, looking Harry in the eye, waiting for his response.

He broke the eye contact and sighed, lowering his gaze to his lap. I felt bad seeing him like this, “Harry, I'm sorry if–”

“No,” he cut me off, lifting his head to me. “as my friend, I think you need to know. I– I can't tell you how it happened or any more details since I'd promised my dad about it already. All I can tell you is that,” he paused and took a deep breath, folding his arm of the table and leaning forward, “Bobby Khuller is the reason I lost my mother.” he said in a whisper.

I didn't know what to say, this was the same thing Haxsel told me when I asked him. “So, she's the one you were referring to, as stolen from you?” I inquired.

He looked deep into my eyes for a brief moment, before nodding, “Yes.”

My eyebrows furrowed in concern, “I'm so sorry you lost her, Harry.” I said, clasping my hand over his on the table.

Harry shrugged, “I can't always dwell in the past, can I? It gives me no benefits, so I decided to leave it in the past. I have my dad now, he's my all.” he smiled warmly.

I smiled back, “Dad and brothers do make a wonderful–”

Harry cut me off, amused, “No brothers, only dad.” he said.

“Why not?”

“My brothers are hella annoying, you have no idea.” Harry shook his head.

“Not even one least favorite?” I asked, surprised because, as for me, it's my brother, who's my everything after God.

“I dunno,” Harry said, thinking. “Lior is a workaholic and so, he's very bossy, strict and not to mention, he's a very cold person. The only person who gets to see his melted side is his girlfriend.”

“He has a girlfriend?” I asked surprised.

“Yeah, Erica Maher; got hooked up with him several months ago. She, unlike him, is very kind and generous.” Harry said.

I hummed, “So, what about your brother Cory? How is he to you?” I asked, tilting my head.

“Perfect and annoying.” Harry snorted, “His perfection is what makes him so annoying to me. He's always like, Harry don't do this, Harry don't do that, blah, blah, blah.” he said, rolling his eyes.

I laughed, covering my mouth.

He continued, “Then comes Maxell.–”

“The sweetest!” I cut him off, giggling.

Harry rolled his eyes, “Not the sweetest but yeah, he's better than the other annoying pricks. He's our only sarcastic and lightmooded Canfield boy and sometimes he annoys me too; so yeah, I guess, he's kind of my favorite.” he shrugged.

“I knew it.” I beamed. I've always liked Max, he was like a brother to me.

“And finally, there's Aiden; the most annoying prick ever!” Harry threw his hands in the air, “Ugh, he thinks I'm still a baby and always babies me! We never stand up to each other, we were never a match. He's so annoying. And he's the one who find out about my smoking and turned me up to dad.” Harry groaned.

That caught my interest even more, “He did? And what did your dad tell you?” I asked.

“Not to smoke again.” Harry mumbled unhappily, “He told me to promise, and I did.”

“And did you keep it?”

“Of course, I couldn't think of breaking promises to dad, of all people.” he shrugged.

I smiled proudly at him and silently thanked God in my heart for stopping Harry from smoking. “You have always been a promise keeper, Harry.” I squeezed his hand, “and since you told me this much about your each brothers, I wonder what would they tell me if I ask them about you.”

Harry chuckled, “Spoiled, probably. Because I'm dad's favorite.” he winked and we both burst into a fit of chuckles.

We sat there eating and talking until the bell rang, informing us of our next class. After the school was over, as planned, Harry and I visited Emmy in her home. She got better after taking rest and wanted to do the homework. Harry and I told her to rest until Sunday but the stubborn head wouldn't agree.

So finally, Harry had to say, “I won't give you my books.”

“Fine! I'll borrow Hailey's.” Emmy argued, amused at herself.

“We'll see about that. I'm taking her books with me. They're in my car already.” Harry challenged, smirking.

I rolled my eyes at the two of them while Emmy's little sisters started giggling at their sister and her friend.

In the days that followed, everything was perfectly normal. The three of us were back to the same old best buddies, which I felt like, our friendship has gotten stronger. By the way, Orlana was back to her scowling self and Adam didn't even dare to look at me, something that Max did –his so-called chocolate delivery– at my brother's request.

Finally Christmas was drawing near, white and freezing as always, and I was head over heels excited because we were finally going to Israel, the land of my heart. I thought, only true Jews, Jews by blood, will be the only ones to feel a longing in their hearts towards the land of their fathers; but here I was, not a Jew by blood but heart, longing towards the land of Israel like every other Jew, including my family who are Jewish.

We –my family and I, including our grandparents, dad's younger brother & family and our Nicky– left Chicago on the next day our schools were closed for Christmas holidays. When we reached at Ben Gurion airport in Jerusalem, our uncle, dad's second brother, was waiting for us outside with three Innova cars.

Exhausted from the long journey, we stayed there for several minutes, helping ourselves with coffees and hot chocolates before heading to our home in Jerusalem. We had a home in Israel, other than the old but modified home of our grandfather, where now our uncle from Israel lives with his family while our other uncle–who was with us in whole journey from Chicago– had an apartment outside of Jerusalem.

Since uncle had kindly taken care of the cleaning of our home, it was delightful when we finally reached there. I texted Rex immediately that we've reached here. And she, at evening after school, visited us. We both literally cried hugging each other because it's been a year and half since we met. Rekenzel was my first best friend I had after my brother and was like a little sister to me; she was an excellent crime partner too. We spend the rest of the day catching up on the time we had missed each other's company –though we used to connect online, this kind of company was dearly missed– and before she left, we agreed on going out on the next day.

I had taken my pocket money, which Max gifted me on my birthday, with me and let dad exchange them from US Dollars into Israeli Shekels; so I could do an extra shopping for not only me, but for my friends too. I went to Rex's home on the next day as promised. My brother left home early as he was called for a reunion somewhere in a beach by one of his friends, Rilden's cousin Gideon.

My face fell at the thought of Rilden; everything I thought and everything I told my brother and what he told me about letting go of him... I don't know if it's possible for me to let it go that easily because I was indeed in love, to shout out shamelessly. My mood was brought down when I thought about it over and over again, and I finally decided not to let Rilden into my mind, at least for now, and kept glancing all around me to see the beauty of Jerusalem I had missed and wondering if it would snow this year or not.

Unfortunately, in Israel, it never snowed like in America but only very rarely. Although there used to be thick snowing at Israel's Golan Heights and Mount Hermon.

“She's here!” I heard a little voice squeak as I reached at the gate of Rex's home. Rex's little sister ran to me from her home, followed by her twin brother. “Hailey! Hailey! Hailey!” she squealed and hugged me even before I got inside of the gate.

Rekenzel's little twin siblings, Yoyakim and Esther, were my favorite little angels and they liked me too. I hugged the both of them and as soon as we broke from the hug, they both burst into a pile of questioning about where's my brother, my cousins, how's Emmy doing, how thick is the snow in Chicago, why didn't I bring Nicky along with me here... and so on; until Rex came out of her home, to find me still out of the gate.

“Where are your manners, Mr.& Miss. Katerblock?” she asked her siblings, getting their attention at once.

“Whoops.” the twins whispered in unison before smiling a sheepish apologetic smile and pulling me in.

Rex tried to dismiss them both back inside but they wouldn't leave, reminding me of the stubbornness of Rex when she was little.

“We'll only leave if you promise to bring us Falafel when you return.” Yoyakim declared, folding his arms across his chest.

“Yeah, that's it.” Esther agreed with her twin, copying his actions of arms folding.

“Fine! I will.” Rex groaned, giving up, which made her little brother and sister cheer. “Now get in.” she instructed them.

“Yes miss!” they both gave her a mocking salute before running back to their home.

I laughed at them. “Where's Nathan? I didn't see him.” I asked Rex about her big brother.

“You don't know? They all went to the beach where Haxsel has headed to.” she said and and led me outside, not wanting to waste a single time standing there. “Well come on then, let's go for our day out!”

The weather was so chilly but Rekenzel's company kept me warm. We walked to the main Street, that was slowly getting crowded. In Israel, it didn't look anything Christmas is coming because, Jews who don't believe in Jesus as their Messiah doesn't celebrate it, but they were already getting ready for the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, which falls on the same week.

We spend our time in coffee shops and park or just walking down the Old City inside the city walls, talking endlessly and sipping on our hot chocolate takeouts. My mind had been arguing with me all the time to ask Rex anything about Rilden. I did wanted to bring her into that matter but I told my mind to shut up and leave me alone. And when the thoughts of him became restless because I'm in Jerusalem now –but he isn't here, as a matter of fact but he was here few months ago and Rex met him– I decided to ask her.

“So, have you heard about Rilden lately?” I asked as we sat on one of the walkway benches, half listening to an old long bearded Orthodox Rabbi playing on his piano and singing by the nearby square.

Rex turned to me with a surprised or confused look on her face, “I thought you let go of him?” she said.

“I'm trying.” I said, glancing down at my fiddling gloved hands.

“That's not the question of a girl who is trying.” she stated.

I sucked in a breath, shifting my eyes to the shady tree above us. “I just can't, but I'm being honest that I am trying.” I told her.

“You know you can't do it alone; you need God.” she said calmly.

“Look, I really don't understand what's going, I really don't understand anything at all! I've been seeking God's help but I feel like, I'm not getting it. And also, why do you think God showed me him in the first place if you think I should let it go?” I asked, desperate to know the answer. Only if there could be an answer to it...

Rex looked at me, concerned.

“Don't give me that look, I'm fine.” I said, looking away from her.

“Are you sure? Because you don't seem so.” she asked. “Hailey, God is willing to help you always; you don't need me to tell you that. But, unless you surrender yourself to God, the truth is, He can't help you. He just don't go bursting into something or someone in His own will but, He'll be more than willing if someone ask Him for help.”

I turned to her, “I don't understand; you're saying I have to surrender? But I already did.” I said. “I always tell Him that I surrender to Him.”

“But have you truly surrendered?” she asked, making me even more confused, so she continued. “Surrendering is not just a prayer. Surrender is something that has to be done practically. Being nothing –not even yourself– before God is actually surrender. To be at His will, to be His obedient child, to let go of things He don't want you to have, no matter how much it means to you are what surrender is. Well, there are many ways how surrender comes, but I don't think I can explain it, putting into words. I hope God will help you learn it one day as He helped me.” Rex explained.

That caught me silent and thinking deeply. Have I ever done that? Have I been a true child of God? Am I ready to let go of everything for His sake?

I glanced at Rex and shook my head impressed at her wise words from God. “I've never heard you saying such things, honestly.”

She shrugged, “All by God.” she said humbly shared her small small testimonies with me about how she learned about surrender, by God help.

It felt like a long while since I had an actual spiritual conversation with someone and now, this conversation with Rex was so encouraging. I was a church girl, yes, but that only happens when I'm in Israel. I still don't know why, I've never been so attached to my community in Chicago like how I'm here in Jerusalem.

“What do you think I should do? I mean, how should I start my act on surrender?” I asked Rex after our conversation that touched me so deep in heart.

“I don't think I should be the one to tell you that– wait!” she stopped herself with wide eyes as if something popped into her mind. “Do you still have that pic of Rilden you screenshoted from Naomi's Instagram story?” she asked eagerly.

I raised an eyebrow at her, “Yes?” I answered, not sure why is she asking that. “What about it?”

“Maybe... you can start by deleting his picture.” Rex said, impressed with her own idea.

“And why do you think that can be a nice starting for me?” I inquired, folding my arms.

“Because, I got such feeling about it. Look Hailey, I know what are you planning. You still want to see Naomi and ask her about Rilden. But think! What good can it bring you? Disappointment and hurt!” Rex exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air as she was saying.

I bit my lips, of course, I was planning on it.

“Why do you and my brother are keeping on telling me to let go of Rilden? You both are talking as if God actually told you that he isn't for me!” I exclaimed this time.

“Because we don't want you to hope for something hopeless and for someone who isn't yours! Do you get the point now?” she asked and kept telling me her points, trying to make me understand, untill I somehow managed to get it.

It didn't made sense. Nothing made sense at all but I think I understand what she was trying to say. And I finally decided to delete Rilden's picture from my phone. I never used to look at it anyway but, knowing I have it somewhere else in my gallery was a satisfaction. And now, here I was, at the edge of deleting it. My finger hesitated to touch the ok button but, out of nowhere, Rex's fingers came impatiently and did it.

Deleting...

Deleted.

“Rekenzel!” I whined, glaring at her.

“What? You were going to do it anyway. I just helped you quicken up.” she said coolly, rubbing her hands together. “Aye, you're gonna kill me with that glare....”

I sighed exaggerated, tears running to fill my eyes and I dropped my head to my hands. If I'm doing this for God, why am I feeling so hard to let go? What's going on with me?

I felt a gentle touch on my back and Rex spoke, “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have forced you into this.”

I didn't say anything, I was mad at her.

Come off it, Hayline. You're doing this for God. You shouldn't feel like this. Lift up your head. A voice in my head spoke and I obeyed it.

I straightened up myself and turned to meet my friend's concerned blue eyes on me. I smiled softly, “It's alright, I get it now, I guess?” I shrugged.

Rex smiled back, “I knew you would.” she said. “ I know it's not easy but, like that, try let it go entirely, okay?”

I nodded.

She grabbed my hand and squeezed it in hers, “Your hope or future can't be hopeless because of one Rilden. There's probably someone out there for you; a Draco Malfoy of your dreams. Just you wait.” she said, smirking at last.

I stifled a laugh at her words about my dream Draco Malfoy; as for me, thinking of someone else is not something I'm interested in now.

But only if I knew, sooner than I expect, I will be meeting with this someone.

Whom I'll be meeting on my journey back to our old Colorado for a memorable event, of which I'm going to discover on the New Year day.

A/N: Hey guy, my favorite readers! Sorry for the late update. I wanted to make sure the chapter was ready before updating.

Sorry if I had been boring you in this chapter but, the real events are only going to take place from next chapter onwards. So stay tuned!

And btw, anyone is interested to participate in an award entry? My friend Storie is hosting a Christian Pen Awards and if you're interested, please go to her account Storie_Hunter and message her directly to let know you're in. She'll send you the link to where you can find the rules and conditions and also the form to fill up. Stories of all genres are welcome but just watch out for the rules.

Thank you!