Chapter 21: You Always Have A Choice

By the time we made it downstairs, we looked like any other couple—maybe even a little too perfect. I was in a dungaree and Roman was in shorts and a white cotton shirt. We looked normal. Too normal. Emily was radiant, seated at the center of the room like the returning queen she was. A birthday cone was sitting on her head and a giant cake in front of her that you'd think it was her birthday. Her hair was braided neatly in a french plait, eyes sparkling with health, her stuffed unicorn sitting beside her plate of lasagna. There was champagne, wine, red velvet cake, and family crowding every space. Even Lizzie's mom, Aunt Carol, was present. Alyssa beamed when she saw Roman, mouthing a silent ‘be right back’ to Uncle Jace then began to walk in our direction. She pulled Roman into a hug, whispering, “Thank you so much.” I awkwardly stood by the side, hands folded at my back, watching the exchange like a stranger. ‘The wheels on the bus’ was playing loudly through the speakers and Dad an