[159 Days Left to Live]
As soon as the car came to a slow halt in front of the Montclair residence, Zephany's heart skipped. Her hand instinctively went to her lap, smoothing the soft fabric of her long beige skirt even though there were no visible creases. The house loomed warm and elegant under the soft morning light, its windows open and welcoming, a faint scent of steaming hot chocolate escaping into the air.
Kendrick stepped out first, walking around to open her door like he always did whenever they were in public.
Zephany looked up at him the moment she stepped out. "Kendrick..." she said in a soft voice, tugging lightly at his sleeve.
He glanced down. "Hmm?"
She held his gaze, nervous. "Is it really okay that we came this early?"
"It's not early. Mom's probably been waiting since dawn." He smirked faintly. "She was already texting me at seven."
Zephany bit her lip. "I just don't want to be a bother. Again."
