…………... Kayden …………... “Yes, certainly. Please excuse us,” my dad says before asking Aleksandr to follow him to his office. “Do you know what all this is about?” I ask my mother, even though I know she probably doesn’t know either. Aleksandr's presence here right now and the look on his face is giving me a sense of unease. She says she doesn’t know before asking me if I’m sure I don’t want dessert and I tell her I’m sure. “How is Kiara?” she asks and I tell her she’s fine and that reminds me of something I almost forgot to ask her. I ask her if she and dad are free this weekend and she says she is but will have to check with my dad before asking why I’m asking. I tell her I would like to bring a guest for dinner but my face turns into a frown and I stop mid-sentence, seeing her eyes

