Chapter 1
The car skids violently on the gravel road, slipping side to side. He jerks the wheel, but it's too late. Time slows as the vehicle rolls—once, twice, three times. The crunch of metal and shattering glass fills my ears. I blink through the haze, my hands slick with blood.
"Carl!" I scream, but my voice is swallowed by chaos.
I bolt upright in bed, gasping for air. My heart pounds like a drum in my chest. The clock reads 3:00 a.m., glowing faintly in the dark. Sweat clings to my skin as I bury my face in my hands. It's the same nightmare—again.
With a sigh, I push the blankets aside and swing my legs over the edge of the bed. I might as well start packing for the trip to Texas. I grab my bag and methodically toss in clothes, books, and essentials, avoiding the mirror across the room. My eyes dart to the small photo taped to the corner of the frame—a photo I can't bring myself to take down.
"I'm sorry," I whisper, my fingers brushing the edges of the picture before I zip my bag shut.
"Emma!" my mother calls from downstairs. "Are you packed? We're leaving in five minutes!"
I grab my things and head down. Dad's already packed the car, and Mom stands by the door with her usual air of impatience. Every summer, we drive down to Texas to visit my grandmother. Since my grandfather passed, she's been alone in that giant house. I think she's lonely, and honestly, I can relate.
Mom works all the time, and Dad's military career keeps him away for months on end. The house feels empty even when we're together. I sink into my seat in the car, flipping open a book to distract myself. Romance novels are my escape, a world where love conquers all. But with parents like mine, love feels like a far-fetched dream.
The drive to Texas takes about five and a half hours. Between bathroom breaks, snacks, and my book, the time passes quickly. Soon, the Houston skyline looms ahead, and before I know it, we're pulling into my grandmother's driveway.
The big house is already buzzing with activity. Cousins and relatives swarm the yard, and I brace myself for the onslaught of hugs and kisses. I'm not much for big family gatherings, but seeing my grandmother makes it all worth it. She's standing on the porch, her warm smile lighting up the space.
Jessica, my cousin and closest confidant, is the first to greet me. "Emma!" she squeals, practically tackling me in a hug. Behind her, my uncle and aunt wave, while my younger cousins, Daniel and Sarah, run circles around us.
"It's good to see you too, Jess," I laugh, pulling back.
Later that Night
After unpacking and catching up with everyone, Jessica bursts into my room, holding a big pink makeup bag. "So, you're going to love this—I got permission for us to go see Girls Just Want to Have Fun tonight! What are you wearing?"
I pull out a blue dress and matching shoes from my suitcase. Jessica's eyes light up. "Oh, you're going to look amazing in that! Can I do your hair and makeup?"
I laugh, shaking my head. "Sure, but don't make me look like a disco ball.
Jessica grins. "I promise. You'll look classy—like one of the girls from your romance novels."
Half an hour later, I barely recognize myself in the mirror. Jessica's light touch with blush and mascara brings out my features without overdoing it. She gives me a teasing wink as she finishes her own makeup. Unlike me, Jessica's style is bold and trendy, but somehow, it suits her.
"Ready?" she asks, grabbing her purse.
"Ready," I reply.
We pile into her dad's truck, and he drives us into town. The mall is buzzing with life, and we waste no time diving into the nearest clothing store. We try on outfits, pose in the mirrors, and laugh until our stomachs hurt.
"Ice cream!" Jessica exclaims, dragging me to a nearby parlor.
We settle into a booth with our sundaes—hers banana, mine chocolate. The cold sweetness melts on my tongue as we chat about nothing and everything.
"Don't look now," Jessica says, leaning in conspiratorially. "But there's a guy totally checking you out."
I groan, resisting the urge to turn around. "You know I don't care about that stuff."
"He's cute, Emma. Like, really cute," she insists, staring unabashedly in his direction.
"Jess, stop staring!"
But it's too late. A voice cuts through the din, and I freeze.
"Hello, ladies," a boy says, stepping up to our table. He's taller than I expected, with messy brown hair and piercing green eyes.
Jessica flashes him a dazzling smile. "Hi there!"
I keep my expression neutral, even as my heart skips a beat. "Can we help you?"
He chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "This is going to sound cheesy, but... I couldn't leave without asking for your name. And, um, maybe a date?"
Jessica's grin widens as she answers for me. "Her name's Emma, and yes, she'd love to."
I shoot her a glare. "Actually, we're going to a movie tonight. You could join us if you want," I say coolly, trying to regain control of the situation.
His face lights up. "I'd like that. And maybe one of my friends could keep your friend company?"
Jessica's giggle is all the confirmation he needs.
As he walks back to his table, Jessica leans in, smirking. "You're welcome."
"Jessica!" I hiss.
"Oh, relax. He's cute—and you need somebody."
I bite my lip, stealing a glance at the boy across the room. Maybe she's right.
