Chapter 70

I watch her disappear into the darkness, where the Christmas lights don't reach. But I'm tempted to run after her and ask her to explain more, though I'm not sure what else she would share. That frightens.  I should have told her to stop talking, I think, Stella wouldn't want me to know.  Liam joins me later on, but all I can do is watch Stella as she throws her arms over her head in a silly dance. She is happy, surely, she has never showed sadness. But then again, I had never bothered to ask her how she felt. It makes me feel shitty.  "Tomorrow this shit ends," Liam mumbles into my hair. "I'm going to teach these kids how to fight." I nod, glad all this will be brought to an end, but I desperately want to ask Stella something. I don't get to because Liam drags me off and tells everyone to clean up the mess before going back to the house. That night, as I settle down to go to bed, I wonder about Stella. About the trails she has faced.