Chapter 139

• "Well, yeah. You can't be there, Aleen. Think about it. Why would you be there? She didn't invite you, did she? I highly doubt she expects you there after the altercation you both had the other night. If you show up with me, it will set her off. You need to make yourself completely scarce from her for the time being. The way I have it set up, you don't have to come up at all." Stephane cradles my face in his hands, his huge hand covering up my entire face.
• He has an earnest look in his eyes but I can't help the trepidation that befalls me as I imagine him never coming back. I can't bear the thought of losing him again.
• "No!" I jerk myself out of his hold. He gives me a look of surprise and wonderment. I don't mind if he thinks I am crazy. I am simply not risking it again. I want to be there to watch everything unfold. I want to be there to take his hand and walk away together, not giving a damn about my mother seeing us. Or what anyone thinks. I don't care anymore! I am happy and I am in love with the man of my dreams! Why should I be ashamed? Why should I be hidden? Who says what we share is taboo? Who can be the judge of that?