SUMMER
The Hearthstone Prep uniform was nicer than anything I'd ever worn to school.
Navy blazer, white shirt, a pleated skirt that fell just above the knee, and a tie in deep green with the Hearthstone crest embroidered in silver. I stood in front of the mirror and adjusted the collar and tried to see someone who looked like she belonged somewhere.
Not bad, I thought. Not bad at all.
I went downstairs expecting the usual breakfast arrangement — five gravitational positions around the table, each brother in his own world. Instead, I found Elara alone with her tea and a plate of toast.
“Good morning.” I greeted. “Where is everyone?”
"Darren is off at work and Logan left already," she said. "Football practice starts at six on Mondays."
"And Maddox?"
"Maddox." She said his name with t
