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Who else knew that? Who else kneas sleeping at Cole's? Emma was the only person who kneasn't at home I can't think of anyone else who knew that inforainst s for Cole, but he helped et me in his bed, he could have said yes when I asked hiuy He said no I scrubis finally healing The hot watermy towel around me as I head out of the steamy little bathroom

As I pad barefoot to ain My stomach curdles and the hairs on h the roo watched floodsor if so in theSilently, I walk to the pane and stand off to the side, looking out The street is busy like always, but no one stands at a la at myI drop the h

I'm paranoid When did this happen? It never spookedlike the stupid chick in a horrorevery ti so twitchy, I dress quickly, but I can't shake the feeling The goose buo down and I still feel eyes on rab my helmet, and dart out the door It's too damn hot for the leather jacket today On my way out the front door, I smack into Edward

He takes my shoulders and steadies h the door"

"She's not here," I say, ignoring Edward's apology and shaking hi like a bitch and turn back, practically hopping on one foot, as I fasten my helmet under my chin "She's at work until 5:00pm Em started that new job today"

He looks aton his face when I smile at him "Why are you home?" he asks, confused

A smirk lines my lips "I quit" That was the first time I said it, the first tiood I couldn't stop s toenough Those who couldn't do, teach, and those who are too chicken to try, hide out in the classroom until they need walkers Screw that I'm ready to try it on my own and I know exactly what I want to do I bustedanother day

Edward's jaw drops open in shock "What?" he squeaks, but I only smile broader in response

As I skip across the street, I wave good-bye and run toward my bike without explanation I can't wait to tell my parents what I did There's no way in hell they'll understand, but all the saainst my ribs because I knohat I want and I'm finally content with that decision

"You did what?" Ma snaps, cookie half way to her er and thumb Her pinky is extended - a remnant of an old life

"I quit Sottero held my future in her hands and there's no way in hell I was staying there, not after what she did to Cole And, then I was thinking about why I went to grad school in the first place You knohat the answer is Ma?"

"Cause you wanted to be successful Because you wanted to be the best in your field!" She tellslouder - if that's possible - as she speaks

"No, Ma I went because I was following in Sottero's footprints I wanted to be like her and now I don't She's a fraud and one of the worst people I've ever met I don't want that life anyrapher" My words drop like little bo years and years of careful articulation about my plans for the future

Fro atagainst the counter, his ar He watchesbetween us Frankie the dock dude is sers to her te up the rose wallpaper she loves so much In an even tone, she asks, "Then, what do you want to be, Anna?"

I look at Ma and then at Daddy They aren't going to like this I didn't really ood at it "A boudoir photographer"

In unison, they say, "A what?"

"A boudoir photographer It's like a pin-up photographer"

Daddy catches on first, "Like what you were doing for Cole?"

I nod, "Yeah, I liked it and I was really good at it"

Ma shakes her head and sla shakes under the slae? What about all that ree? You can't honestly tell raduating"

"Ma," I groan like a little kid, wishing she'd understand, "I took all my classes Those were for me The information's already in my brain I don't need a piece of paper to tell me that"

Ma huffs "That piece of paper cost you twenty grand and you've got nothing to show for it"

"I will I'll use everything I learned" I take a breath and spit it out It's the plan I ca to open my own studio"