Chapter 13

Talia sat down alone at the cafe as her mind reeled with ways she could make herself look strong in front of the others. She bit her lips as she tried hard to come up with a tangible plan, when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She looked up to see that it was Derek, and she was stunned.

"Derek?" She asked tentatively.

Talia gave him a look. What had come over him this morning, and why was he touching her? He didn't do that these days, and stayed away from her like she was a plague.

"Eh, Sage," Derek said as he smiled. "Would you...