rs as Crystal gazed out the window, her mind wandering back to her

some painful. She remembered running through the

nded to shift. Unable to do so, she fel

realized she was different

valued and those who lack these qualities lik

often whisper, calling her nam

n't belong, like she was living i

upportive. They loved her and di

hield her from the harsh

nd. She must have been around 12 years and she was

shifting and running through the f

ell, feeling frustr

hed her. "You are not like the others, Cryst

ther things, things that don

she took them to heart. She focused on her

at healing wounds

like the others. She wanted to run thro

might never happen. She would always be di

ck on the door. "Hey sis, can I come in?" Eth

the corners of her eyes, trying to compose herse

ous. "What's going on? You've been up here f

s her feelings about Ryder or her past j

, well, I came to ask you to come do

osity was pique

rious. "It's about George and

eyes widened and her jaw clenched as her heart san

her reaction closely. "I know it's a lot

eorge and Amy eventually, and she might as well start preparing

She wasn't sure how she would react to seeing George and Amy together,

_

the silence as Amy stood outside Crystal's house, her mo

dding and her happiness, hoping to rub it in Cr

with a flourish. "Hey, Crystal! We wanted to invite you

k the invitation from Amy. "Thanks for inviting m

e. "We're really excited about the wedding," she said, trying to ga

ll neutral. "Congratulations" she said, her voice poli

ruggled to maintain it. She had expected anger, tears or som

chimed in, trying to help fill the awkw

ly. "Thank you for invit

al to be upset, to show some sign of vulnerability but Crystal had remained composed

as planned" she s

suringly. "Don't worry, dear. Cr

ing about Crystal's calm exterior that ma

m the living room, exchanged a knowing glan

ed to Crystal and asked "Are you okay, swee

edding invitation. I just don't want to give Am