Pursued(189)

“Well, I’m here for you.” Elise grinned at her. “Until I start hearing my biological clock ticking, anyway.”

“Put it on snooze,” Kat advised her. “And just so you know, we’re here for you too. Any time.”

“Thanks.” Elise smiled, feeling the warmth that good friends and a good relationship could bring. It was a new feeling, but one she wanted to keep for a long, long time. And I think I will, she told herself, looking around fondly at the other girls laughing and talking together.

The vault was broken and the past was out but somehow it hadn’t killed her—somehow, Elise wasn’t sure how—facing her past had made her stronger. She was no longer just skimming the surface of life. Now, for the first time in years, she was actually living it. And though the dark memories of the past still hurt sometimes, she had faith that she would make brighter, happier memories with Merrick and her new friends in the days to come.

Elise had finally come home.

END