Chapter 256

Outside, fireworks exploded across the night sky, their vibrant colors lighting up the darkness. Shelmaine could hear the distant sounds of celebration, and her phone buzzed again with a message from Julien, "I wish you were here to watch the fireworks with me." He sent a few pictures he'd taken from his house, capturing the fireworks in the sky. Shelmaine wiped away her tears, but no matter how hard she tried, the images on her screen remained a blurry mess. ... Back at the Gallagher residence, Julien's mood wasn't much better. He lay on the couch, staring at his phone, too distracted to join his family at the dinner table. Elodie called his name a few times, but when he didn't respond, she sighed and came over, knowing exactly what was on his mind. "Why didn't you invite your girlfriend over?" she asked. "She's spending New Year's at her friend's house," Julien replied, still looking at his phone. "Her friend's house? Why didn't she go home?" his mom asked, curious. Julien