Page 256 of Bad Prince

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Closer now.

Connected.

People see us.

Phones are out.

Whispers starting again.

T&T.

The perfect pair.

The right match.

Later, in my room, I sit on the edge of my bed.

Stare at my phone.

Her name isn’t on the screen.

Stella.

No texts.

No missed calls.

Nothing.

I should feel settled.

I made a choice.

I tried.

I’m doing what makes sense.

So why does it feel like I just traded something real…

for something that fits?

I fall back onto the mattress.

Stare at the ceiling.

And for the first time since I got here?—

I understand something I didn’t before.

Isa makes my life easier.

Stella makes me feel alive.

And I don’t know which one I’m supposed to choose.

But I know this?—

Trying with Isa?

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