chapter 2

He tucked a blanket around her. "I'll make your favorite cereal."

Downstairs, Jordan began preparing the cereal when he heard banging above. Then a scream.

He hesitated. The noise got worse.

What the hell is happening up there?

He dropped the spoon and climbed out the window, scaling up to the apartment above.

Through the window, he saw a girl—Camelia—thrashing around, bleeding.

Without thinking, he went in.

She charged at him—fists swinging, panicked.

He grabbed her, holding her still.

She broke. And hugged him.

Tightly.

She cried into his chest, hiccupping. The chaos faded.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

She looked up at him—startled, vulnerable.

"Who are you?"

"Just your new neighbor."

He glanced at the broken room.

"Right. Goodnight." He left through the window.

Camelia sat on the floor, stunned.

He didn't even say his name.

How did he calm me so easily?

She sat on her bed, hugging her knees.

"When will this end? Why me? I don't deserve this. I was born out of wedlock... maybe I was never meant to belong."

Tears fell again.

VER'TELS BROTHEL – NIGHT

Genesis paced.

Maggie walked in. "I spiked her drink. The date with Clover is doomed."

Genesis sighed in relief. "You're the best."

"Cheers?" Maggie offered two wine glasses.

Genesis drank—and started coughing.

"What the hell is in this?"

"Extra spice," Maggie smirked.

"I swear—"

"Also… Clover's... um, donation. Since you're so obsessed."

Genesis froze. "WHAT?"

She fainted.

Maggie laughed—until she took the wrong drink.

She coughed violently. "Okay, that's really spicy—" she ran out.

NEXT DAY – JORDAN'S HOME

Jordan was woken by the light. His mom's voice followed.

"Our neighbors came to visit! Get up!"

He shuffled downstairs in pajamas.

Camelia stood in the living room—along with her overly dramatic mom.

"This is my daughter, Camelia. She's as troublesome as they come," Lexi laughed.

"And this is Jordan," Flora introduced, blushing.Lexi grinned. "He's gorgeous! You've raised a Greek god."

Flora giggled.

"I love your flowers," Flora said.

"Wait till you see my garden!"

The two moms disappeared together, gushing.

Camelia and Jordan stood awkwardly in silence.

They both reached for the same magazine—bumping foreheads

"Ouch!" Camelia winced, stumbling back as her forehead knocked against someone else's.

Jordan rubbed his own forehead, eyes locking with hers. "I'm so sorry."

"No, it was my fault," she said quickly, pressing her lips together, her cheeks turning pink.

He smiled faintly, then glanced at the magazine in his hand before holding it out to her.

"You can have it."

Her brows rose. "But... I thought you wanted to read it too?"

"I've read it a million times. It's practically ancient now."

She giggled softly, taking it from him. As she glanced at the cover, her eyes lit up.

"Whoa! The Amazing Crazy Fourz!"

"You know them?" he asked, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"They were my favorite growing up. It's been like, ten years—but I still love them."

"Mine too," he said. "I've kept a few issues over the years. Couldn't let go."

"Who's your favorite?" she asked, sitting upright with sudden curiosity.

"Carthy. The girl with the black patch."

Her smile widened. "Aww, mine too! It was so sad when the male lead found out why she wore the patch and started hating her."

"That's what made the show unforgettable," he said.

Camelia stared at the cover again, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. Then the memory of last night hit her.

"I'm... really sorry for kicking you in the stomach yesterday. I think I was, um... maybe drunk?" She gave a nervous laugh. "Hope I didn't hurt you."

Jordan waved it off. "It's fine. Are you okay now?"

"I'm totally fine. Won't happen again. I mean—I won't get drunk again." She forced a chuckle.

The door creaked open as Flora entered, Lexi by her side.

"Well, that's all for today," Flora said cheerfully. "See you soon!"

"We'll definitely stop by again. Okay, Cami—let's go!" Lexi waved.

"Bye, Jordan!" Camelia called, flashing a shy smile.

Jordan returned it with a simple nod and wave.

As the door clicked shut, Flora turned to him.

"They're such nice people. Her mom gave me info about her school. I think it'd be great if you enrolled with her."

"But... we can't afford that," Jordan said quietly.

"I could borrow some money—just until things get better. I don't want you missing out on school again."

"Mom..." He walked over and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. "Please don't take on a burden we can't carry. I'll work for the money."

"No, son. You're just eighteen. You shouldn't have to—"