Maxine's Pov:
Noah's car was parked in front of the house, and I came out with him and Charlene. 

I walked in with them feebly but insisted on going to my room alone. 

"Be quick for dinner so your meal doesn't get cold, okay?" Noah said, and I just gave a perfunctory nod and left slowly.

In my room, I sat on the bed, feeling a wave of weakness and bitterness that refused to fade, pulling me into a dark silence.

I sauntered to the bed and sat on it, and the memories came driving in. 

Dad used to call me "princess" and Mum - "baby" - but now, those memories only deepen my sense o