ALVA
The hum of the airplane engines should have lulled me to sleep hours ago. Instead, every vibration beneath my seat only seems to shake another memory loose.
"Alva!"
My fingers tighten around the armrest like Demi had whispered the words herself into my ear. Why can't I forget that night? I shut my eyes to force sleep but that turns out to be a big mistake. The moment darkness settles behind my eyelids, I am back at that cottage. I hear Demi's frantic footsteps crunching against gravel as she rushes after me.
"Alva! Wait!"
I release a slow breath through my nose. It wasn't only the way she said my name; it was the desperation behind it. I may be crazy but it did also sound like…longing.
I have spent my entire life imagining what it would be like if Camille's cherished daughter ever met me in person, armed with the full knowledge of who I am. Not once had I imagined Demi Branson running after me, unless she meant to hit me with a bat maybe.
