Page 85 of Chase

“I know, it’s just weird. It’ll take some getting used to I think.”

“Most likely, but you have us to help you get used to it,” he says kissing my nose.

“Thank you. And thank you for bringing me here and buying me books,” I say and duck my head. This is one of the most thoughtful things someone has done for me.

He places his finger under my chin and gently forces me to look at him.

“I will take you to ALL the bookstores. It’s your happy place, and seeing you happy makes me happy.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Yasmin

We did it. We made it to formal.

It’s hard to believe that I arrived in Canary Bay less than three months ago. This place feels more like home every day, but that’s because of the people I have in my life.

We’re standing on stage dressed in our formal wear, waiting for the principal to stop talking so we can go and join our families.

I look out at the tables and smile. Dad is here, sitting with Millie and Smalls. Mumma Nat is there with Julia and so is GW. Rhys pulled some strings so that Smalls, Julia and Millie could attend. Usually its parents only. But given our circumstances and the missing parents from our lives. Rhys’ mum made it work with little fuss from anyone else.

I can’t wait for Smalls to meet everyone. He arrived late this afternoon. I was with Ally getting ready, so besides a quick hug in passing, I haven’t been able to talk to him.

Arden moves across the stage to take the microphone from Mrs Gilmore. She looks at him, startled.

She was mid speech.

But in true Arden fashion, he does what he wants.

“I think we’ve heard enough, Mrs G.” He makes his way to centre stage. The lights dim and a spotlight comes on.

What the hell is he up to?

A familiar beat starts to play.

“No freaking way,” I whisper to Chase. He seems just as confused as the rest of us.

Rhys grumbles and Ally starts to laugh when she realises what’s about to happen.

I can’t believe he’s following through with his threat from the beach house.

I thought he was joking.

Apparently not.

I glance at our family. Millie and Julia are now laughing. Chase shakes his head when it finally clicks.

“Is he about to…” He’s cut off.

Arden in front of the entire year twelve class, their families, and our teachers, starts to sing.

“Together, together, together everyone” Arden’s voice booms over the speakers around the room.

He keeps singing “We’re All In This Together.”

Until Rhys walks over to him and motions the cut sign to the audio guy in the booth.

The music cuts out, but Arden doesn’t relinquish the microphone to Rhys.

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