Klara

I’d arrived early for the speech because I knew the place would end up being packed, and if I wasn’t early, I’d end up sitting in the back. Julia had been there with me, and we’d found seats pretty close to the front.

Walking beside Jake as we left campus, I praised that decision.

Even though I had no idea how to search for him all this time, he appeared in front of me.

Julia had been curious when I told her I’d be staying behind. I wasn’t the only one that hung back. Other people wanted to try and talk to the men of the Black family, but they’d been surrounded. I hadn't been sure how to talk to him. We’d locked eyes when he was on the platform, and I didn’t miss how he kept throwing looks at me, so he hadn't forgotten me, either.

I’d been worrying about how I’d be able to talk to him in private when he walked up to me on his own.

The two of us were silent as we walked. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be feeling. Of course, I’d been shocked to see him, and a part of me had been p