Derek Strickland POV
From afar, I watched Maddie. She was near the college entrance, talking to Stephen, my older brother. The two were laughing, exchanging glances as if they shared some inside joke. Something inside me stirred. A deep, almost primitive discomfort.
She seemed so at ease with him, and it irritated me. It wasn't just because it was Stephen—although he was reason enough to make me mad. It was because she hadn't laughed like that with me in a long time. Not since I hurt her with that stupid prank.
I sighed, crossing my arms. I knew I had messed up with Maddie, but I was truly sorry. If I could go back in time and redo that day, I would. There was no excuse for what I did. Still, what bothered me most was the fact that, despite all the regret, I wasn't willing to see her ge
