Alyssa Brandy has never been a run-of-the-mill type of girl. She's a diva and knows how to get her way. But even the strongest people can be broken.
In high school, she was hurt by the guy she thought she could trust. Now, in college, she's built...
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POV: Alyssa
Eden stretches out on my bed as I unpack my clothes. "You know you have your own room don't you?" I ask. He yawns and nods his head before snuggling further into my bed.
A knock sounds from the door. "Be ready in an hour. Mom and Kyle want to go to dinner," Arlo's voice muffles through the door.
"Okay!" I yell back. "Eden you should go get ready instead of bugging the hell out of me," I say sighing. He ignores me and I turn from the clothes to confront him. "Eden–" I instantly shut my mouth.
Eden lies asleep, clutching one of my pillows to his chest. His lips part slightly, but no snores roll out. Just the sound of his breathing. His golden curls fall back, exposing his forehead. I notice his shirt has risen and the scar I saw when we were setting up the dance is on full display.
It's pink and I can't imagine how painful it must have been. I wonder what caused it? Was he in an accident?
Besides the hideous scar on his lower stomach, his face remains peaceful. I've never seen his face like this before. Most of the time it's anger or nothing at all. But this look. I wish to see it more often. I decide to not wake him and crawl onto the bed as slowly as possible.
*** "You look familiar, Eden. Do I know your father?" Dad asks Eden as we eat our dinner. I watch Eden stiffen.
He shakes his head. "I don't think so, Mr. Brandy."
Dad cuts another piece of his steak and chews it in his mouth. "Hmm," he hums. "Maybe I'm wrong."
Eden chuckles and looks down at his plate. I notice the robotic smile that remains on his face. Almost like a grimace.
"Anyway," Camila interrupts. For one I'm grateful for her to break the awkward tension. "I was thinking we could take the ferry across the lake to visit the shops on the shore," Camila suggests.
Dad smiles at her. "That's a wonderful idea, honey," he says before kissing the top of her head. Just like he does to me. I fight the urge to vomit.
***
After dinner, we pile onto the ferry. A bunch of people crowd onto the boat. Eden and I grip the handrails. Water slaps against the side of the ferry and a cold gust of wind whips my hair around. I tuck my chin into my coat to keep my teeth from chattering.
Eden's hands grip the rail for dear life. I watch him carefully. His face is pale and greenish. A sheen appears across his forehead. "Are you okay?" I ask, placing my hand on top of his.
He stares off into the distance and swallows hard. "Yeah, I'm fine," he lies.
I roll my eyes and place the back of my hand on his forehead. He feels hot but sweaty. Instead of pulling away as I assumed, he lets me investigate. "Have you been on a boat before?" I ask. He shakes his head. "I think you're seasick."
