Mirabe’sugh was a rare bloom of gentleness on her <b>usually </b>frosty face. She tenderly smoothed the wisps of silver hair at her grandmother’s temples, her voice softening like one might use to coax a child to sleep. “I’ve sorted out all the transfer paperwork. It’s time for me to head out. You’ve got to take good care of yourself. Remember to take your meds on time, okay? Once I’m settled back in the city, I’lle by for <b>a </b>visit. Deal?”
Catherine felt the soothing touch on her cheek and struggled to swallow, her throat parched. After a moment, she grasped Mirabe’s hand in her own. “Alright, I’ll do as you say, my dear,”
“Good,” Mirabe said, nodding in satisfaction.
Mandy, who had been standing by, felt a pang of jealousy. She had talked herself hoarse, trying to persuade her mother toe back to the city with her without sess. Yet here was this brat, uttering just a few words, and her grandmother acquiesced? She had clearly underestimated Mirabe’s ability to charm and cajole!
Just <b>then</b>, the wail of an ambnce siren announced its arrival outside. Soon after, thanks to Mandy’s insistent demands, the paramedics carried Catherine to the ambnce. Before leaving for the hospital, Mandy did not forget to give Mirabe a few parting shots, warning her to make herself scarce.
Once Mandy had departed, Mirabe ascended the stairs to her room and pulled out a suitcase from under the bed, already packed and ready. Even without today’s drama courtesy of Mandy, Mirabe would have left soon anyway.
In the months since she had transformed from Mirabelle to Mirabe, she had stayed not only because she was concerned about Catherine’s health but also because she was in the middle of her junior <b>year </b>of high school. So, she had made a deal with her biological parents. Once the semester ended, she would transfer schools for her senior year. Mirabe drew a letter from an old desk drawer, dusted off the edges with her slender fingers, and slipped it into her backpack.
Dragging her suitcase, Mirabe had just closed the gate when a car honked nearby. She looked up, squinting at the sleek ck sedan that was making the noise. Despite its modest Volkswagen badge, the car’s lines were cool and slick–a subtle mboyance under its low–profile exterior.
A figure emerged from the car, a ck baseball cap on his head. He leaned casually against the door, watching. Mirabe approach.
Mirabe arched an eyebrow, a hint of nonchnce on her elegant face. As she drew near, her lips curled into a half–smile. “Have you been waiting for me?”
The man crossed his arms, his chiseled chin tilting upward as he gave Mirabe a once–over. His gaze finally rested on her suitcase with a teasing tone. “What’s this? Did you get kicked to the curb?”
Mirabe shot him a nce. “Eavesdropping isn’t very gentlemanly, you know.”
James chuckled lightly. “Did you forget our houses are only separated by a half–wall?
“So what’s your point, neighbor boy? You’re loitering here just to mock <b>your </b>lifesaver?” Mirabe quipped, her arms folded, a yful smirk on her <b>lips</b>.
After nearly a year of knowing her, James had transitioned from grinding his teeth in annoyance to eptance of Mirabe’s refusal to call him by his name, insisting on ‘neighbor boy‘ instead. Of course, he was also privy to some of the melodrama of Mirabe’s life.
“What’s your n now?” James asked, his eyebrows lifting. Under the brim of his cap, his features were striking. especially those <b>dark </b>eyes. They were like a night sky full of stars.
He paused, then added, “Of course, if you’re out of options, my door’s open for you… temporarily.”
Mirabe gave him a sidelong look and a silent ‘tsk‘ in her heart before cing her suitcase squarely in front of him. “How about this? I’ll give you a chance to repay your debt.”