Page 91 of Boards & Betrayal

You take it one step at a time, it said.You've survived much worse than this. You'll survive again.

I took a deep breath, letting the air fill my lungs before releasing it slowly. The pain didn't vanish, but it became manageable, like a familiar shadow that always lingered but didn't overwhelm.

I stood up, my legs shaky but determined. The pier seemed more stable beneath me now, the wooden planks solid and grounding. I turned to face the water once more, feeling its vastness stretch out before me.

"I'm going to make you proud," I whispered into the wind. Whether I was speaking to my lost baby or to myself, I couldn't say for sure. But the truth was, it didn't matter.

The words felt like a promise—a commitment to move forward despite the uncertainty that lay ahead. It wasn't about erasing the past or forgetting what I'd been through; it was about finding a way to honor those experiences while still carving out a future for myself.

The lake's surface shimmered under the muted sunlight, a symbol of resilience and constancy. And as I watched the waves continue their rhythmic dance, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me.

One step at a time.

I could do that.

I turned away from the water and walked back down the pier toward my car. Each step felt like an act of defiance against the darkness that had threatened to consume me.

There would be challenges ahead—finding a new job, facing graduation without a clear plan, navigating whatever remained between Tom and me—but I was ready to face them.

As I climbed into my car and started the engine, I took one last look at Lake Michigan's expanse. It was vast and daunting but also beautiful and full of possibilities.

And so was my future.

I climbed into my car and took one last look at the lake before pulling out my phone. My hands shook as I dialed Kara’s number, my mind racing with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

"Hello?" Kara’s voice crackled through the speaker.

"Kara, it’s me," I said, my voice wavering. "I'm calling in that favor."

There was a brief pause on the other end. "What’s going on, Ally?" she finally asked.

"I need a job," I admitted, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders just by saying it out loud.

Kara paused again, but this time it felt more like she was processing what I’d said rather than judging me. "Sure," she said. "I can help you. Want to come over?"

A smile tugged at my lips, a small but genuine relief washing over me. "Sure," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Great," Kara said. "See you soon."

I ended the call and put the car in gear, heading toward Kara’s place. For the first time in what felt like ages, I had a glimmer of hope to hold onto.

I stoodin front of the mirror, my heart pounding in my chest. The reflection staring back at me seemed almost unrecognizable. The dress I wore clung to my frame, a deep emerald green that complemented my auburn hair and brought out the intensity of my eyes. It was simple yet elegant, with a sweetheart neckline and a fitted bodice that flared into a soft, flowing skirt. The fabric shimmered under the light, catching every subtle movement I made.

My hair cascaded in loose waves down my back, with a few delicate tendrils framing my face. I’d spent what felt likehours getting it just right, trying to strike a balance between looking effortlessly beautiful and feeling put together. Kara had insisted on helping me with my makeup, and I had to admit she did an amazing job. The subtle shades of gold and brown eyeshadow accentuated my eyes without being too overpowering, and the soft pink lipstick added just the right touch of color to my lips.

As I adjusted the thin straps of the dress one last time, I couldn't shake the nervous energy buzzing inside me. This was it—the first official date with Tom. After tonight, everyone would know about us. My mind raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Would they judge us? Would they understand?

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Ally? You ready?" Kara's voice filtered through the wood.

"Almost," I called back, taking one final look in the mirror.

"You look stunning," she said as she entered the room, her eyes lighting up when she saw me. "Tom's going to lose his mind."

I smiled, but it felt shaky at best. "Thanks, Kara. I needed that."

She stepped closer, giving me a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "You're going to be great tonight. Just be yourself."

I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "Okay," I said softly.

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