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Ithe exotic flowers, lush green hedges, decorative borders, water features, and flowering trees

I was just passing a wishing hen I heard a azebo His words were hter voice shakily responded, and then fe the air

Feeling azebo Beatrix sat on the stone bench inside it, her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking Derek leaned over her, telling her to pull herself together He must have sensed my approach, because he whirled to face me

“Is everything okay here?” I asked, cli the two steps

Beatrix’s sobs ca at the floor

Derek jutted out his chin “All is good You can leave”

I didn’t I leaned against one of the gazebo’s posts instead “I wasn’t asking you” I slid aze to the other vampire “Beatrix?”

She swiped at the tears on her face and gave ht smile that didn’t touch her eyes “I’m okay, thanks”

I didn’tat Derek, who eventually stalked off with a hard sigh I looked at Beatrix again “You sure you’re all right?”

She gave a jerky nod “I’m fine, I just … I don’t understand men sometimes”

I pursed ht on many occasions”

“I suppose you’re wondering why I take him back over and over”

“I a you for it”

She blinked back tears “When we’re together, it’s just so auess I’ve come to live for those ht

“I’ood listener, if you ever want to talk,” I told her “Think about it”

“I will” She offered me a weak smile “Thanks, Maya” Then I was alone

I didn’t continueout of the gazebo s, letting the sounds and smells calm me