Twenty-two: happiness before the fall

Temperance

I sit in the living room with pillows and blankets littering the floor below me. We are all cuddled up on the couch, shoulder to shoulder.

A movie plays on the flat screen tv in front of us. We all have pajamas on, including Connor who doesn't live here. I have no idea where he acquired them from.

Emaline and I cuddle with our backs against the couch behind us.

"Go get Ella to turn down the temperature," Emaline demands Zander. He nods and stands up, patting her leg. I don't miss the blush that forms on Emaline's face.

"Do you guys do this often?" I ask them, grabbing a handful of kettle popcorn and piling it into my mouth.

"No. This is the first time." Alec replies. I expected that—kind of.

I lay my head back and smile.

I've never had a fun day like this. Not ever since my mom died. God, I miss her. So much.

"It always feels like something bad is happening. One thing after another." Ethan blurts.

"Well, for Temperance at least," Connor adds, his voice low.

It see