"Ah, young one, I thought you were a healer," Cedric said with mock surprise and clucked his tongue at me.

"Even bad habits have their place," I smiled resting my head on Joel's shoulder.

I felt better now, more like myself. Being near Joel had centered me again. I was going to lose a lot, but I had gained a great deal more. It would take time, but I would heal from the pain.

Brushing my hair out of my face and drying the tear tracks on my cheeks, I had a realization.

"The big meet and greet was supposed to start at ten," I said searching Joel's face.

The...