Updated Apr 8, 2026 • ~1 min read
Chapter 21: Valentine’s Day
Jace
December. January. February.
Three months of NOTHING.
They see each other at pickup. Exchange polite nods. Discuss Harper’s homework via email only.
It’s professional. Distant. TORTURE.
Jace throws himself into work. Harper notices.
“Dad, you’re sad again.”
“I’m fine, honey.”
“You’re lying. Is it about Miss Martinez?”
“What? No—”
“I’m not stupid, Dad. I know you like her. And she likes you. Why don’t you just DATE?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Adults always say that.”
She’s not wrong.
Valentine’s Day, Jace does something stupid.
He sends flowers to Sienna’s classroom. Anonymous. Just: *Three more months. -J*
She texts him that night.
**Sienna:** You can’t do things like that.
**Jace:** I know. I’m sorry.
**Sienna:** But thank you. They’re beautiful.
**Jace:** Like you.
**Sienna:** Jace, we can’t—
**Jace:** I know. I know. June. I’m waiting.
**Sienna:** Me too.
And they go back to silence.
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