#sommer party

[rumverliebt]

Entdecken Sie jetzt die exklusive T. Sonthi Sommeredition 2024, zusammengestellt von keinem Geringeren als Thomas Sontheimer höchstpersönlich. Diese limitierte Auflage präsentiert eine faszinierende Verschmelzung von Rums aus Jamaika und Barbados, die durch sorgfältige Destillation ein unvergleichliches Geschmackserlebnis bietet.

Dieser hochwertige Rum-Blend wird ausschließlich aus erstklassiger Melasse des Zuckerrohrs beider Länder (Barbados und Jamaica) destilliert, was einen authentischen Geschmack und ein unverwechselbares Aroma garantiert. Der Rum reift in amerikanischen Weißeichefässern, die zuvor für Bourbon verwendet wurden, um eine harmonische Verbindung von Aromen zu erreichen.

Was diese besondere Sommeredition auszeichnet, ist das abschließende Finish im PX-Sherry-Fass, das dem 10-jährigen Rum-Blend eine weiche und komplexe Note verleiht. Die Kombination dieser verschiedenen Fassarten schafft ein ausgewogenes Geschmacksprofil, das Liebhaber hochwertiger Rums begeistern wird.

Zögern Sie nicht, diese exklusiven T. Sonthi Sommeredition 2024  zu erleben, denn sie ist nur für kurze Zeit verfügbar. Sichern Sie sich jetzt Ihre Flasche der T. Sonthi Summer Edition 2024 und tauchen Sie ein in die faszinierende Welt des erstklassigen Rums. Beachten Sie, dass es sich um eine stark limitierte Auflage von nur 1200 Flaschen handelt.

Beim Öffnen der Flasche dieses exquisiten Rums breitet sich ein unwiderstehlicher Duft aus, der den Raum mit süßen und fruchtigen Aromen erfüllt. Ein faszinierender, rot-oranger Bernsteinfarbton ergießt sich aus dem Glas und verleiht dem Moment eine gewisse Magie. Der Duft von harziger Mango, reifer Papaya und saftigen Erdbeeren liegt in der Luft, während im Hintergrund subtile Noten von grünen Bananen mitschwingen. Diese Aromen erinnern an einen exotischen Jamaika Rumlikör oder an eine erfrischende Rumbowle, die sofort das Verlangen nach einem Schluck weckt.

Der erste Geschmackseindruck ist ebenso delikat wie verführerisch: eine sanft cremige Textur umschmeichelt die Zunge, während eine subtile Schärfe auf Zunge und Gaumen tanzt. Ein süßer, fruchtiger Abgang bleibt noch lange nach dem ersten Schluck spürbar und lässt die Aromen von Papaya, Erdbeeren, Melasse und Banane auf der Zunge tanzen. Die harmonische Kombination von Barbados und Jamaika Rum verleiht dem Geschmack eine angenehme Bitterkeit, die vermutlich von den getoasteten Fässern stammt und dem Gesamterlebnis eine interessante Tiefe verleiht.

Das Finish ist von mittlerer Länge und entfaltet sich mit Noten von Milcherdbeer-Bonbons, einem Hauch von Vanille und dem unverwechselbaren Geschmack eines Bananen-Milchshakes. Mit diesem T. Sonthi in der Summer Edition 2024 lässt sich der Sommer in vollen Zügen genießen und man ist Thomas Sontheimer für diesen einzigartigen Sommer-Rum dankbar, der die Sinne verzaubert und die Vorfreude auf sonnige Tage weckt.

Bestellen und genießen: T. Sonthi Summer Edition 2024 10 Jahre 40% 0,5L (rumverliebt.de)

[sommerbueckers]

HEAR ME OUTTTT what about reader’s being insanely smart and a “good girl” while P being a campus player and party-girl so once they get to know each other at one party because reader was dragged there by her friends and after that P won’t leave her alone and eventually catch feelings 🤭🤭🤭 (you can add smut if u wantttt)

𝐏𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧

___________________________________________________________

✰ ❝𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧, 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐩, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧❞

✰ 𝐰𝐜 :: 𝟐.𝟗𝐤

✰ 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭

___________________________________________________________

IT WAS BY FAR the wildest party you had ever been to. Granted, you didn't have much to compare it to, but you were sure this was no regular college party. You had been clinging to the corner all night, the same drink that had been handed to you when you first got here remained full as you carried it around.

Your friends had left your side hours ago and you hadn't seen them since, the only sign that they were still here were the locations of their phones on Life360. If it hadn't been for their promise to take turns helping you study for the next few days, you wouldn't have even agreed to come out tonight. But you had never been one to turn down study help.

You weaved your way through the crowd of people, cringing as their sweaty bodies brushed against yours. At last, you reached the kitchen, letting out a sigh of relief when you found it to be mildly empty. You set your drink down behind you on the counter and pulled out your phone in an attempt to distract yourself. Due to it being the only thing standing between you and an unwanted encounter with a drunken college student, most of its battery had already been drained.

"Nice shirt," a voice came from in front of you.

Standing at the island pouring herself a drink was Paige Bueckers, clad in black cargos and a black crop top.

"Thanks," you smiled kindly, glancing down at your t-shirt. It was a science joke, distance raptor over time raptor equaled velociraptor. It was your only clean shirt.

Paige nodded, smirking to herself and holding back her laughter. It was then that it clicked for you, she wasn't complimenting your shirt out of the kindness of her heart. There was no kindness in her heart, if she even had one. Her reputation on campus, the one that didn't have to do with her being a monster on the court, had never sat right with you. The way she treated girls was nothing short of disgusting.

"You were being sarcastic..." you nodded in embarrassed realization, pressing your lips into a thin line.

Paige shook her head, "No, no it..." she trailed off, twisting on the cap to the bottle of vodka and turning to you, "it's an interesting shirt for a party that's all."

You nodded again, "It was the only clean one I had, I don't usually wear stuff like this."

"Hm," she hummed to herself, "what's your name?"

"Chloe."

Paige took a step toward you, but it was only to get out of the way of the guys that were clawing at the bottle of vodka behind her, not because she found you intriguing.

"I'm Paige," she said.

"I know." Everyone knows.

She raised her eyebrows, face feigning surprise. "You know huh?" she leaned against the counter on the other side of the corner. "How do you know?"

"If you think i'm gonna sit here and boost your ego, you can think again," you sassed, your brows heavenward.

Her eye creased as she laughed, "Alright, alright, I quit."

As the conversation shifted to a more awkward silence, Paige shifted uncomfortably, trying to find common ground. You adjusting your shirt, looked down at your hands, suddenly aware of the vast differences between your worlds. The room seemed to shrink around you, the hum of the party fading into the background. Paige cleared her throat, feeling the weight of the silence.

Paige watched you with a curious intensity as she took a sip of her drink, the party’s noise swirling around you. "You here with your boyfriend or...?" she asked, her eyes locked on yours.

You raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and flattery coloring your cheeks. "My boyfriend?" you snorted, a laugh escaping your lips despite the awkwardness. The thought of Paige assuming you were attractive enough to have a boyfriend was flattering, but then a nagging suspicion crept in that maybe the blonde was being sarcastic again. Your cheeks reddened as you said, "Very funny."

Paige’s expression remained unreadable, her gaze steady. "I take that as a no?" Her voice was clear and sincere, devoid of any trace of amusement. It was evident she genuinely wanted to know.

You shifted in your place suddenly self-conscious. "Yeah, no boyfriend," you admitted, the weight of the conversation shifting from lighthearted to more personal. "Just me."

Paige’s soft eyes faltered slightly, giving way to a hint of something else. "Got it," she said, taking another sip of her drink. "So, who're you here with then?"

"Couple friends of mine, this is more their scene than mine," you turned slightly to grab your red solo cup off the counter and take a sip. You cringed at the taste.

"I figured, shirt gave you away," Paige smirked.

"Don't underestimate me, I can throw down when I need to," you pointed at her, a large smile plastered on your face.

"Oh yeah? I'll have to see that."

The two of you broke out into a fit of laughter, Paige's drink sloshing around in her cup and spilling out onto the floor. This made you laugh a little harder, covering your mouth.

"But seriously," she spoke when you both had finally calmed down, "you gotta show me the party animal in you."

"Mhm, next party I gotchu."

You knew there wouldn't be a next time, but it seemd like the right thing to say at the moment. For all you knew, Paige wouldn't even remember this conversation tomorrow.

"Why wait?" Paige's eyes lit up with a challenge. She glanced around the room and spotted a group of people gathered around a table set up for beer pong. "Let's do it now. You and me, beer pong."

You felt yourself unable to protest as she pulled you toward the table. You had never played in a real life game before, your only experience being GamePigeon's cup pong. You weren't sure how well you'd fare. But there was something about the moment, about Paige's soothing voice and reassuring smile, that made you want to go along with it.

The table was lined with red cups filled with beer, set up in a triangle formation on each end. A couple of people cheered as you both approached, ready for a new game. Paige grabbed a ping pong ball and handed it to you with a smirk. "You first. Show me what you've got."

You took a deep breath and focused, aiming for the cup at the center of the triangle. The ball arced through the air, and for a moment, everything seemed to slow down. It landed with a satisfying plop into the cup. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Paige gave you a playful shove. "Not bad for a wallflower, let's see if you can keep up."

Paige grabbed a ball and took her shot, her aim precise. The ball bounced off the rim of a cup and landed in another, earning her a round of applause. She turned to you with a triumphant grin. "Your turn."

The game continued, the two of you trading shots and banter. The tense attitude you had started with faded away with each laugh, each missed shot, each triumphant score. At some point, Paige leaned in close, her breath warm against your ear. "You're doin' so good," she whispered, her voice low and teasing. "Maybe you really can throw down."

You smiled, feeling prideful and relieved at the same time. For once, it felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be. The game continued, but the outcome didn't really matter. What mattered was the moment—the laughter, the soft brushing of Paige's arm against your waist, how she would compliment you every time she felt you were doing good.

When the game was over, the guys on the other side insisted on playing another round, thirsty to redeem themselves. The overwhelming feeling of not wanting to disappoint the blonde washed over you, this must've been how all the other girls had felt when the time came to get down and dirty with her. There was something about her that made you crave her approval.

HALFWAY THROUGH THE SECOND round you had started to notice the alcohol taking effect. The precision of your aim quickly plummeted, and before you knew it, you were launching balls straight at the wall. When it was over, you threw your hands in celebration even though you had lost. Paige doubled over in laughter, grabbing her stomach when it began to hurt.

You drunkenly stumbled out of the dining room, knocking into a few people, the contents of their drinks spilling onto your shirt. Paige was at your side in an instant, her arm slithering around your waist to keep you upright. It was clearly time for you to be heading home, you were significantly more drunk than Paige despite having roughly around the same amount of alcohol consumption -- if not less.

"C'mon lightweight," she snickered, "let's get you outta here."

Paige didn't know where you lived, but that wasn't something she had thought about until she reached the front lawn of the house. She stood there, stumped and unsure of where to go from there. She looked down at you, noticing the way you were leaning your head against her chest, and she made the split second decision to take you back to her place.

PAIGE WAS TAKING REMARKABLE care of you. Upon arriving back at her apartment, she had given you a cold glass of water, t-shirt of hers to wear, and even helped you wash your face. You were now laid up in her bed, staring up at the ceiling with a dazed look in your eye. Paige reappeared from the bathroom ruffling her wet hair with a towel. She had changed into a pair of basketball shorts and an old shirt, now making her way over to you.

"Hi," you giggled, feet coming up to rest on her chest as you wiggled in your place.

"Hi," she smiled softly, tilting her head at the unexpected contact. She wrapped her hand around your ankle, but didn't move your leg. "You tired?" she asked.

"No," you bit your lip, gradually moving your foot down her body. The alcohol was giving you a new sense of confidence, one that you seemed to be using to your advantage. You reached the waistband of Paige's shorts, anticipating her act of putting a stop to your antics. She did, her grip tightening on your foot.

"You're wasted," she shook her head, smiling brightly.

You mirrored her smile, stretching your arms out above your head. "Hmm," you hummed in satisfaction, "I fear...you're not wrong."

Paige's eyes trailed down to your underwear, cheeky styled gray panties with lime green lacing around the edges. Slowly but surely, her fingers made their way up your leg, softly grazing over your shin...and your knee...before reaching the soft skin of your thigh.

You felt a shiver run through you at her touch, the sensation heightened by the alcohol. Paige's gaze was steady, her touch light but purposeful. The contrast between her casual demeanor and the tenderness of her touch was striking, and you found yourself caught between exhaustion and a growing sense of desire.

Paige shifted her position, her fingers now tracing patterns on your thigh. "You know if you're gonna be stayin' here, I want you to be comfortable..."

"Yeah," you agreed in a whisper.

She moved your leg aside, climbing on top of you with her arms on either side of your head.

"I want you to feel welcome and cared for. So you just tell me what to do, and i'll do that for you."

Your arms wrapped around her neck, not fully understanding how the two of you had gotten here, but also not complaining either.

The truth was, Paige had wanted to kiss you all night. Ever since she had caught sight of you standing alone in the kitchen wearing a dinosaur science t-shirt, eyes glued to your phone as you carried around an untouched cup of...whatever.

When she had approached you, her initial intention had been to tease you, to break the ice with a comment that would get a reaction out of you. But as the night went on, she found herself drawn to you more than she had predicted. The more you laughed and interacted, the more she felt a magnetic pull. Each time your eyes met, she saw a spark of something genuine and kind in you that was hard to ignore.

She didn't just want this to be another hookup that got swept away in the morning wind, she wanted to know every part of you.

She crashed her lips into yours. The kiss was fiery and urgent, filled with the passion that had been building all night. It was as if time had stopped, and for those precious seconds, nothing else mattered. Paige’s hand pulled your shirt up, inching closer to your chest. She pulled away, resting up on her knees as she straddled you.

She grabbed hold of your wrists, pinning them above your head before reconnecting your lips. She kissed you harder this time, fingers clawing at your side and making you squirm beneath her. Her lips traveled down your neck, leaving open-mouthed kisses up until she reached the collar of her shirt. Although you had just put it on, you put up no fight as Paige took it back off.

Her eyes lit up at the sight of your bare body, nipples hard and presented to her like two pieces of candy. She swirled her tongue around one before taking it into her mouth, kneading the other with her hand. Soft moans fell from your lips, and it was all the motivation Paige needed as she moved to your other nipple.

Your back arched off of the bed, chasing the feeling of Paige's mouth around your sensitive bud.

She moved her attention lower, fingers ghosting over your clit. You shuddered, a response Paige took pride in. She ran her fingers up and down, the light gray of your panties darkening as they soaked in your slick.

"Stop teasing me..." you pleaded, staring down at her.

"Hmm but look how wet you are..." she murmured, "I think you like it."

She pressed her thumb to your clit, rubbing in maddeningly slow circles. You could feel the arousal seeping out of you, had it not been for the fabric of your underwear, you were sure it would've made a mess on her sheets.

"How 'bout we take these off..."

"Yes," you nodded eagerly.

Hooking her fingertips on the edge of your panties, she pulled them down your legs and dropped them to the floor.

She spread your lips apart, licking her lips at the way your pussy shined in front of her like a lost treasure. She licked her lips, blowing softly onto it. The cold air was a stark contrast to the heat you were feeling, and a whimper slipped past your lips and filled the room. It was like music to the blonde's ears.

She pressed a kiss to your core, her lips covered in your juices as she parted them to kitten-lick your cunt.

"Need more," you begged.

"What do you want Chloe?"

"Want your fingers."

She ghosted over the entrance of your hole, taunting you as she slipped the tip of her fingers in and took them back out.

"Stop..."

She laughed, finally giving in. She inserted two fingers inside of you, reveling in the way you immediately clenched around her. It was humbling that Paige could feel how wet you were, but hearing it was enough to make you want to sink into a hole and never come out.

You could already feel your release building inside of you, and Paige's fingers curled around inside of you to bring you closer. She swirled her tongue around your clip, flattening it out as she intensified the movements of her fingers.

"Paige," you called out, voice weak.

"Hmm," she hummed against your pussy, your back arched further.

"Ah, Paige!" you said more firmly, hand moving to tangle in her hair. You moved your hips against her, "Gonna come."

It was then that the pleasure ceased. Paige had taken her fingers out of you, removed her tongue from your swollen clit. She was unbuttoning her cargos, hastily pulling them down along with her boxers. You leaned up on your elbows, frowning at her.

She tossed her bottoms to the side, her shirt and bra soon went soon after. She roughly spread your legs wider, climbing on top of you and lining up her pussy with yours. The second they made contact, your head fell back onto the bed.

She held your thigh up to her chest, her hips moving powerfully with yours.

"Fuck," she groaned, her darkened gaze locking onto yours.

"Just like that, just like that," you mumbled, "gonna make me come so hard."

The bed creaked and cracked, the headboard faintly banging against the wall behind it. Your hands grabbed onto your tits, pulling at your nipples as Paige watched hungrily.

Your body shook as you came, your yells filling the room and clouding Paige's mind. She didn't stop, she still had to come. She continued to move against your overstimulated core, your hand coming up to grab her bicep.

"Shit!" you moaned, your brows knitted together. Your whines and whimpers kept her going until she finally came, her movements slowing before they came to a stop.

Her weary body collapsed onto yours, face buried in your neck as you both came down from your highs. She panted in your ear, the sound almost enough to make you want another round.

"Fuck that was good..." you finally said through a laugh.

Paige laughed as well, lifting her head to place a soft kiss on your lips, "I know."

___________________________________________________________

[vintage-tigre]

Swedish actress Elke Sommer celebrating New Year, 1969

[schrutexbucks]

"You wanna hear the bad news or the really bad news?" "Actually, I don't want any news Damon." "Alright, let me rephrase: Do you want to hear how the council is back in vampire mode or how I just killed Uncle John Gilbert?"

The Vampire Diaries S1 E18 Under Control

one gifset per episode 18/171

[classiccookbooks]

Gougères

Source: The New James Beard 1989

These wonderfully cheesy little puffs of pâte à choux-cream puff pastry- are easy to make and terribly popular at a party-so make lots!

1 cup water

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 medium-size eggs

Makes 26 to 30 puffs

3/4 to 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese or small cubes of Gruyère for garnish Combine water, butter, salt, and pepper in a medium-size saucepan and cook over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the flour all at once and stir the mixture vigorously and constantly, still over medium heat, with a wooden spoon or spatula until it is very firm and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Off the heat, add the eggs, one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition until completely incorporated. The dough should be smooth and glossy. Add the 3/4 to 1 cup grated cheese, mustard, and cayenne, and blend thoroughly. Drop the mixture by small spoonfuls onto a lightly buttered baking sheet, or if you want to be a little fancier, pipe small puffs of the mixture through a plain-tipped pastry bag. Sprinkle the tops with additional grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese or place 2 or 3 small pieces of Gruyère on top of each puff. Bake the gougères in a preheated 375° oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and make a crosswise slash in the bottom of each to allow excess steam to escape. Return the gougères to the warm oven for a few minutes to dry them. Serve hot or at room temperature.

[originaltechnorevival]

Best of Sommer Hits – Die ultimative Playlist für heiße Tage 🔥🎶

14:06 Zum Abschluss unserer Playlist gibt es noch einen frechen, poppigen Hit: "I Kissed a Girl" von Katy Perry. Ein Song, der für Überraschungen und das Abenteuer des Neuen steht – genau das, was den Sommer so besonders macht.

[kevinwiesel]

Maschseefest Hannover 2023

[djsandy3]

Listen/purchase: Muskel-Kater by DJ Sandy

[helvetic-barbeque]

Finger-Lickin' BBQ Poulet Drumsticks

L’été, le soleil et un succulent BBQ – quoi de mieux ? Aujourd’hui, je vous montre comment préparer des pilons de poulet BBQ parfaits, qui ne sont pas seulement délicieux, mais qui impressionneront aussi vos invités. La star de la recette ? Le Sauguaet Rub de Helvetic Barbecue. Ingrédients: 12 pilons de poulet 3 cuillères à soupe de Sauguaet Rub 2 cuillères à soupe d’huile d’olive 1 cuillère…

[spruechevonherzen]

Was so nervig ist, ist der Sommer. Die vielen Menschen dieses egoistische mitten im Weg stehenzubleiben. Sich breitzumachen, mitten auf den Gehweg. Wegen den blöden lokale. So das ich nicht mit mein Hund durch komme und mit ihm auf die Seite laufen darf, wo Autos fahren. Nur das die egoistischen Menschen ihr blöden Kaffee oder ihr blödes Getränk trinken können. Das ist ein Fußgängerweg und nicht für ihre blöden Stühle und Tische. Es nervt nur noch, ein blödes Lokal jagt das nächste. Und wir Anwohner haben gar nichst mehr zusagen. Wir sind hier nicht auf Mallorca. Hier wohnen auch Menschen, die von Arbeit kommen und sich ausruhen wollen. Aber ist ja nicht möglich. Es muss ja bis 23 Uhr die lokale aufhaben und alle müssen ja draußen sitzen und laut sein. Laut lachen, unsere Straßen vermüllen und sich dann wieder verpissen. Ich habe diese Menschen und diese Lokale so satt. Die können machen, was sie wollen und wir Anwohner haben gar nichts mehr zu melden. Hauptsache die haben ihren Spaß und wir Anwohner haben Kopfschmerzen und schlimmeres. Diese Lokale müssten mehr Auflagen bekommen und nicht machen können, was die wollen. Und wenn man das Ordnungsamt anruft, kommt keiner. Und wenn sie kommen würden, würden die auch nichts machen. Was ist bloß aus Deutschland geworden?

[rwpohl]

[askaniatravel]

Isle of MTV Malta | Das Kostenlose musikalische Sommerspektakel auf Malta im Juli

Jetzt Sommervibes kosten und mit kostenfreiem Festival - Eintritt nach Malta! -> Alles im heutigen Artikel... #Reisen #Malta #kostenlos #Festival

Photo by Locally Abroad on Pexels.com Die Mittelmeerinsel Malta ist nicht nur für ihre malerischen Strände, historischen Städte und kulinarischen Köstlichkeiten bekannt, sondern auch für ihre pulsierenden Musikfestivals. Eines der Highlights ist das Isle of MTV Malta, Europas größtes kostenloses Open-Air-Sommerfestival. Das Line-up 2024 verspricht Hochkaräter Am 16. Juli 2024 wird der…

[wipperbote]

Eine Sommernacht der Extraklasse: POOLSIDE Party im Freibad Glauzig

Tolles Event am 26.08. Jetzt informieren . . .

Datum: Samstag, 26. August 2023 Uhrzeit: 22:00 Uhr bis 07:00 Uhr Die Sonne neigt sich dem Horizont entgegen, der Duft von Sommer liegt in der Luft und die Vorfreude auf eine unvergessliche Nacht steigt – es ist Zeit für den “Sommernachtstraum – POOLSIDE Party” im Freibad Glauzig. Am Samstag, den 26. August 2023, verspricht dieses Event, das Beste aus den Musikrichtungen EDM, House und Finest…

[friedrich-denker]

Das Mädchen am Strand

Sie steht vor dem Spiegel und sieht sich selbst an.

Sie blickt in himmelblaue Augen und lange blonde Haare, die ihren Rücken hinunterfielen. 

Nebenan sitzen ihre beste Freundinnen, die sich eine Flasche Wodka teilen. Die jungen Frauen sind wunderschön. Eine schönere als die Andere. Nach einer gefühlten Ewigkeit, in der sie sich im Badezimmer des Hotels herrichteten, ging es endlich los: Die Jagd im Dunkel der Nacht. 

Die feschen Mädels gingen in die lauwarme Luft der polnischen Ostsee hinaus. 

Misdroy, ein kleiner Urlaubsort am Baltikum. Das Mekka der Familien, Freundes und Junggesellenfeiern.

Misdroy, ein überschauberer Ort in der Nähe zur deutschen Grenze.

Misdroy, ein Ort der alles beherbergt, was Touristen sich nur wünschen könnten. Von zahllosen Dönerbuden, der extravagante Restaurants und eigentlich alles, für das sich das Geld ausgeben lohnt. In jeder Hinsicht.

Und genau an diesen Ort trieb es die jungen Mädels, die dort ihre Semesterferien verbrachten und einfach Spaß haben wollten.

Es waren junge polnische Frauen, die alle in Posen studieren und kurz vor dem Examen nochmal ausgiebig feiern wollten und das Leben als schöne junge Frau genießen wollten. In jeder Hinsicht.

Die erste Station war eine Coctailbar in der Nähe der Mole.

Die Mädels setzten sich dort an der Ecke und bestellten sich die ersten Drinks. Und dann ging es los: Die Jagd.

Die Mädels schauten ständig umher, ob sich in der Nähe attraktive, süße oder smarte Jungs befanden.

Ihre kurzen Röcke und Hotpaints noch gerichtet, bestellten sie einen Drink nach dem anderen und der erkaufte Spaß fing an, Ihnen in den Kopf zu steigen. 

Schließlich lud eine der Mädels, die genannte junge Frau zu einer Zigarette ein.

Die Beiden gingen aus der Bar hinaus auf den Gehweg und zündeten sich ihre Zigarette an. Gerade als Sie schon wieder an ihrer Zigarette zog, ging eine Gruppe Männer an ihnen vorbei.

´´Hey Mädeeeeeels´´

Schrie einer der Männer auf deutsch, doch dies schüchterte die Mädels nicht ein. Diese billige Suffkumpanen kannten sie zur Genüge und hielten sich fern von dieser Burschenschaft. 

Sie sehnten sich inmitten des Suffs nach smarten, lustige, charmanten, sexy oder irgendwas Besonderes das die Mädels anzog. 

Die junge Frau blickte sich um, inmitten der Massen an Touristen, die umherliefen wie kleine Ameisen und erste Zweifel zogen in ihren Kopf. 

Ob sie das wirklich wollte ?

Diese Ausgeherei und das blinde Daten ?

Nicht dass sie den Vorzügen des Lebens nicht abgeneigt wäre, aber sie fühlte sich einfach unwohl inmitten der Alkoholleichen und dieses laute Geschreie.

Nach einer gefühlten Ewigkeiten ginge auch die anderen Mädels beschwipst aus der Bar und das nächste Ziel war klar: Der Club.

Es war kein Problem in die gut besuchte Diskothek zu gelangen. Sie waren schließlich junge Blondinen. 

Alsbald sie den Club betraten ging es schon los. Die ersten Mädels gingen auf die Tanzfläche und schwingen ihre Hüften im Takt der elektronischen Musik.

Schon bald tanzten sie in der Mitte der Tanzfläche und ein Ring aus Männern bildete sich um die Frauen herum. Die Frauen bemerkten diese Aufmerksamkeit und genossen es in vollen Zügen. Jetzt waren sie im Mittelpunkt der Welt und der männlichen Begierde.

Die junge Frau scheute sich zunächst diese Aufmerksamkeit zu nutzen, doch ihre Freundinnen zogen sie mit hinein in den Trubel.

Da näherten sich die ersten Männer den Frauen und beschwipst wie sie waren, tanzte das erste Mädel eng mit einem der Männer, ehe sie sich leidenschaftlich küssten.

Beneidet von diesem Anblick, zogen die anderen Mädchen nach und suchten sich ihre Lover aus. Aus der Jagd begann die große Fresserei der Beute. Was nun zählte waren große starke männliche Arme, die sie fest umschlungen und ihnen gewisse Wärme, Geborgenheit und Lust brachten.

Frauen sind schön. In jeder Hinsicht . Männer trachten gerne nach diesen Wesen. In jeder Hinsicht. 

Gerade als die junge Frau begann sich auf dieses Getümmel einzulassen, sah sie es. Diese klarblauen Augen eines Mannes, mit eben blonden Scheitel und Bewegungen im Takte der Musik, der Rhythmisch daherkam und dabei verdammt gut aussah. 

´´Maciej , mein Name.´´

Hörte sie ihn sagen unter der Lautstärke der Musikboxen 

´´Maja, mein Name . ´´

Ihre Antwort.

Und dann passierte es. Maciej nahm sie an die Hand , die leicht aber bestimmt führten, hinaus aus dem Club in die leicht kühle Luft der Sommernacht.

Eine Weile schwiegen sie beide, nur ihre Hände einander geklebt und der gemeinsame Gang zum Strand…

…Sie spürte seine Hände fest ihren Rücker hinunterführen , bis zu ihrem wohlen Hintern. Leicht und immer bestimmter griffen sie an ihren Pobacken, wobei sie seinen schweren Atem spürte und dessen Erregung zwischen den Beinen.

Doch dann übernahm sie das Zepter. Langsam öffnete sie seinen Hosenstahl, ihre Küsse an seinem Halse herabgleitend ,dem Glückspfad entlang , ehe sie seinen Phallus leicht mit der Zunge leckte und schließlich ihre Lippen das steife Glied umschlungen. Sie spürte, dass er bald kommen würde, da hielt sie inne, zog ihren Slip aus , warf ihn zu Boden, stieg auf seinen flachen Bauch , spürte den Penis in sie eindringen und sie genoss es in vollen Zügen genommen zu werden, ehe sie seinen warmen Samen in ihrer Vagina spürte…

Es war nur eine Nacht in Misdroy, eine Liebschaft und die Lust der Jugend am Leben und dessen Vorzügen. Nichts ungewöhnliches oder schädliches…

[selbstgemacht-derfoodblog]

Schnelles Tabbouleh Rezept

Couscous Salat, ein beliebtes orientalisches Rezept mit Gurken, Tomaten und frischen Kräutern. Ob mit Couscous, Bulgur oder glutenfrei, ist der orientalische Tabbouleh Salat eine delikate Vorspeise oder vegetarische Beilage zum Grillen.

[lupinqs]

CHAPTER FOURTEEN ━━ Know It’s For The Better

☆ ━ pairing: hopkins!paige x oc (dani callan)

☆ ━ word count: 5.2K

☆ ━ warnings: mentions of abuse and conversion therapy, dani’s going through it

☆ ━ links: my masterlist, take me to church masterlist

☆ ━ author’s note: bob bueckers is the goat of this fic btw

PAIGE IS SPRAWLED across her bed when the first buzz from her phone makes her look up from the ceiling. Her thoughts have been restless all evening, but she’s too tired to scroll through TikTok or do anything productive, like finish her chemistry homework. The soft glow of her screen lights up the room, and she groans, stretching a hand toward the nightstand to grab her phone.

She squints at the text.

Thaliah Sommers

you need to come over rn

Paige frowns, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she blinks at the clock. 11:47 p.m.

She doesn’t answer immediately. Her dad’s downstairs, the TV still on, and she can practically feel the weight of her grounding like a shackle around her ankles. She’s already walking a fine line after The Party Incident. What could possibly be so urgent that Thaliah thinks she’d risk adding more fuel to her dad’s already burning fire?

Still, her curiosity gets the better of her.

Lil Paigey

What

Why?

The reply comes almost instantly.

Thalia Sommers

it’s abt dani

she’s over here completely inconsolable

something happened with her dad

Paige sits bolt upright, the words hitting her like a slap. Dani. Her dad. Completely inconsolable. Paige’s stomach twists into knots, her heart thudding in her chest as her grip on the phone tightens. She’s never heard Thaliah use words like that about Dani before. Dani isn’t the kind of person who falls apart in front of other people. Dani’s strong—she holds things together, even when she shouldn’t have to.

Paige stares at the screen, her thumb hesitating over the keyboard. Thaliah’s next text hits before she can respond.

Thaliah Sommers

p you’re the best person to be here for her in this kinda situation

The knot in Paige’s stomach pulls tighter. It’s true. It’s more than true. As far as she knows, she’s the only person Dani’s told about the stuff that happened over the summer, the way her dad treated her. So, she needs to go and be there for her.

Lil Paigey

I’ll be there soon

Her hands are already moving, throwing off the blanket and fumbling for her sweatshirt on the chair by her desk.

Her heart pounds in her chest, nerves coursing through her like electricity. This is serious. This isn’t just sneaking out for something stupid, or to meet Dani for a late-night endeavor. This is… something else entirely. Paige can feel it in her bones, an icy undercurrent of fear twisting with her determination.

Her keys jingle as she grabs them off her dresser, the sound too loud in the quiet house. She tiptoes down the stairs, her feet barely making a sound against the hardwood. The living room glows with the flicker of the TV, her dad’s shadowed figure reclining on the couch.

Bob doesn’t look up at first, but as soon as Paige’s hurried footsteps hit the last stair, he pauses the TV. “Where are you going?” His voice is low, even, but there’s an edge of suspicion there.

Paige freezes, turning to face him. She’s already halfway to the door, her sweatshirt zipped up and her shoes only loosely tied. “I need to go over to Thaliah’s,” she says quickly, keeping her voice as steady as possible.

Bob raises an eyebrow. “What? It’s almost midnight, Paige. On a school night.” His tone sharpens. “And don’t forget that you’re grounded.”

The reminder hits her like a slap, but Paige doesn’t have time to care. She throws her hands up, exasperated. “No, I’m serious. I need to go.”

“You need to stay right here,” Bob counters, crossing his arms. “You’re grounded for a reason, Paige. Throwing a party and lying about it isn’t exactly something I’m going to forget in two days.”

Paige’s frustration boils over. She doesn’t have time for this. “Dad, it’s about Dani!” she snaps, her voice rising.

But Bob doesn’t flinch. He holds her gaze, unyielding. “You see Dani every day at school,” he says evenly. “She can tell you whatever it is tomorrow.”

Paige’s breath catches, and she shakes her head furiously. “No, you don’t get it! It’s—it’s about her dad!” Her voice wavers, the tears she’s been holding back starting to brim in her eyes. This is making her really fucking anxious, not something she’s very used to.

Her phone buzzes again, and she glances at it, her stomach sinking at Thaliah’s words.

Thaliah Sommers

can you pls hurry

Panic blooms in her chest, spreading like wildfire. Dani needs her. The thought makes her throat tighten, her heart clench painfully. Paige has never heard the words “Dani” and “inconsolable” in the same sentence—especially not from someone that isn’t herself, that doesn’t know about certain things. Whatever happened tonight, whatever her dad did or said, it was enough to break her.

Paige turns back to her dad, her voice cracking as she pleads, “Please, Dad. Please. I need to go.”

Bob looks at her, his brow furrowing, his mouth pressed into a line. It’s the kind of look that makes Paige’s stomach churn. He knows something is wrong—anyone would with the way she’s nearly crying—but his sigh is heavy, as if he’s already preparing for the fight. “Paige,” he starts, his tone a warning, calm but firm.

She doesn’t let him finish. She can’t. Her nerves are fraying, her heart pounding in her chest. The thought of Dani being inconsolable at Thaliah’s house, waiting for her, makes it feel like the ground is falling out from under her feet. She knows she has to say it, has to explain, or her dad will never let her leave.

“Okay, okay,” she stammers, her voice breaking as she starts to ramble, her thoughts spilling out in a rush. “Do you remember how Dani didn’t talk to me for, like, three months? And I was really depressed during all of it?”

Bob’s face softens just slightly, a flicker of concern breaking through his confusion. “Yes…” he says slowly. “I thought it was really weird. The two of you have always been inseparable.”

“Exactly!” Paige blurts, waving her arms for emphasis. The words tumble out of her, frantic, almost incoherent. “So, um, the night before I left for USA Basketball stuff, we kissed. And Dani’s dad—he found out. And he’s, like, insanely homophobic, like you wouldn’t believe, so he sent her to—” She stops, catching her breath, willing herself to say it even though the word tastes like poison. “He sent her to conversion therapy over the summer.”

Bob blinks at her, his face going blank with shock.

“That’s why she didn’t talk to me,” Paige continues, the words pouring out like water through a crack in a dam. “That’s why she was gone for so long. And when she finally came back, she wouldn’t even look at me until she eventually told me everything, and I—God, it was horrible, Dad.” Her chest heaves as she tries to catch her breath, her voice breaking again. “And now Thaliah’s saying something happened with her dad again, and Dani’s at Thaliah’s house, and apparently she’s completely inconsolable, and Thaliah’s begging me to come, and I—I need to go. Please, I’m literally begging you. Just let me go.”

She stops, out of breath, her hands shaking. Her dad just stares at her, unmoving, his expression unreadable. The silence stretches long enough that Paige feels the edges of her panic fray even more.

Finally, Bob exhales sharply, his jaw tightening. “He sent her where?” His voice is low, almost dangerous.

Paige swallows hard, feeling the weight of the truth all over again. “Conversion therapy,” she says softly, barely above a whisper.

The words hang in the air like a thunderclap. Bob’s face hardens, his lips thinning, his eyes dark with something Paige rarely sees in him: pure, unfiltered anger.

“That man,” Bob says slowly, his voice a low rumble, “is about to hear from me about this.” He stands abruptly, his movements sharp and purposeful, his focus entirely elsewhere as he steps toward the door.

“No, no—not yet!” Paige says, stepping into his path, her hands raised to stop him. She’s face-to-face with him now, their matching heights making the confrontation feel heavier, more personal. Her voice wavers as she pleads, “I need to figure out exactly what happened with Dani first. Please, Dad. Just—just let me go?”

Bob’s eyes search hers for a long moment, the fury still simmering behind his gaze. But then, with a sigh, he relents. “Okay,” he agrees, stepping back.

“Thank you!” Paige says quickly, already moving past him, her relief palpable as she rushes for the door. She bolts outside, her keys jangling in her hand.

By the time she’s in the car and speeding toward Thaliah’s, her hands are still shaking, her heart still racing. But all she can think about is Dani.

And when Paige finally pulls up to Thaliah’s house, the first thing she notices is Dani’s car parked at the curb. The sight sends a jolt through her chest—part relief, part anxiety. At least Dani’s here, at least she’s safe for now. Paige barely remembers to throw her car into park before she’s out and hurrying up the front steps.

She rings the doorbell and waits, shifting on her feet. Her hands are still shaking, and she tries to steady them by gripping the edge of her sweatshirt. The door opens, and it’s Thaliah’s mom who answers. Paige recognizes the flicker of relief that crosses her face before she even says anything.

“They’re downstairs in the basement,” Thaliah’s mom says, her voice soft but firm, like she knows whatever’s going on is serious.

Paige nods quickly, murmuring, “Thank you,” before stepping inside. The house feels familiar—she’s been here a million times before, for study sessions, movie nights, and sleepovers—but tonight it feels different. Heavier. She moves through the hallways and down the stairs like she’s on autopilot, her heart pounding harder with every step.

As she reaches the bottom of the stairs, she sees the back of Dani and Thaliah’s heads. They’re sitting on the couch, facing the TV, though it isn’t on. Thaliah has her arm draped across the back of the couch, and Dani is curled into herself, her knees pulled up to her chest.

The sound of Paige’s sneakers hitting the bottom step makes Thaliah whip her head around. She spots Paige instantly and stands, her shoulders dropping like the weight of the world has just been lifted. “Paige!” she exclaims, her voice low but insistent, like she’s been waiting for her.

At the sound of Thaliah’s voice, Dani glances over her shoulder too, and Paige’s heart clenches the moment their eyes meet. Dani looks wrecked. She’s not crying, but her eyes are red-rimmed, her mascara smudged under them in streaks. She looks tired, hollow, like whatever fight she had in her is gone. It’s the defeated expression on her face that twists something deep in Paige’s chest.

“Hey,” Paige says softly, stepping closer but keeping her movements slow and cautious. Her eyes flick between Thaliah and Dani, and she hesitates before asking, “What happened?”

Dani looks away almost immediately, burying her face against her knees as though she can’t bear to speak. Thaliah, standing beside the couch, looks down at her best friend with so much quiet concern that it makes Paige’s throat tighten. Thaliah glances back at Paige, then, her expression soft but heavy with meaning.

“I’ll leave the two of you to talk about it,” Thaliah says gently. She leans over Dani, brushing a hand across her shoulder before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Love you, Dan,” she murmurs.

Dani doesn’t respond. She doesn’t even lift her head, but Paige sees her hand twitch slightly, like she’s trying to acknowledge it but doesn’t have the strength.

Thaliah circles around the couch, her movements purposeful but quiet. When she reaches Paige, she stops and touches her arm lightly, leaning in to whisper, “Be gentle with her, yeah? It’s bad.” Her voice is barely audible, but the weight of her words crashes over Paige like a tidal wave.

Paige nods, her chest tightening. “Okay,” she whispers back.

Thaliah squeezes her arm, a fleeting but grounding gesture, before heading upstairs. Paige watches her go, listens to the sound of the door closing behind her, and then turns back to Dani.

The silence feels deafening now, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Paige’s heart squeezes painfully as she takes a slow step forward, her eyes fixed on Dani’s small, crumpled figure on the couch. What did he do to you this time? she wonders, the question clawing at the edges of her mind. But she pushes it back for now. She needs to handle this right.

Paige approaches the couch cautiously, her heart pounding. She sinks onto the spot next to Dani, careful to leave a few inches of space between them. She doesn’t want to overwhelm her. Dani looks so small, curled up like she’s trying to make herself disappear.

“Hey,” Paige murmurs, leaning down a little to meet Dani’s gaze. Her voice is soft, coaxing, but there’s an edge of worry she can’t hide.

Dani turns her head, her cheek resting against her knees. Her eyes meet Paige’s, and for a fleeting moment, Paige sees something there—relief, maybe, or just a flicker of recognition. Dani gives her a small, wobbly smile, but it’s hollow, completely devoid of any real emotion. “Hey,” she mumbles back, her voice so quiet it barely registers.

Paige’s chest tightens as she watches Dani’s eyes begin to water. The sight makes her stomach churn. She reaches over slowly, brushing her thumb beneath Dani’s left eye, wiping away the streak of mascara that’s smudged there. Her hand lingers, her thumb gliding over Dani’s cheek before she cups it gently. Dani doesn’t pull away, but she doesn’t lean into the touch either.

“Dan,” Paige murmurs, her voice low and tender. She searches Dani’s face, trying to will her to open up. “Talk to me, baby.”

That seems to break whatever fragile dam Dani’s been holding up. Her lips tremble, and then she’s crying—really crying. It’s not just the silent tears from earlier; this is raw, uncontrollable, chest-heaving sobs. Paige sighs softly and pulls Dani into her, letting her fall against her chest.

Dani buries her face in Paige’s neck, and Paige feels the wet heat of her tears soaking into her skin. She wraps her arms around Dani’s back, holding her close, pulling her even tighter when Dani lets out a particularly gut-wrenching sob. She’s practically in Paige’s lap now, her knees pressing against Paige’s thighs as Paige strokes her hair in slow, soothing motions.

“It’s okay,” Paige murmurs against Dani’s temple, though she doesn’t know if it is. She doesn’t know if it ever will be.

Dani’s sobs quiet just enough for her to choke out words. “He found out about us.”

Paige freezes. The words hit her like a punch to the gut, though deep down, she’s not surprised. She’d had a feeling, from the moment Thaliah texted her, that this had to do with either their relationship or Dani’s sexuality. She takes a slow breath, letting the words sink in, before resuming her gentle strokes through Dani’s hair. “Okay,” Paige hums softly, coaxing her to continue.

Dani sniffles, her voice shaky and broken. “He saw Beau’s dad… and he thought we were still together, so he went and talked to him. And then Beau’s dad told him that he and I had been broken up for months. And I guess Beau told him that I left him for a girl.” Dani’s voice cracks, and she lets out a bitter laugh that turns into another sob.

Paige’s stomach knots tighter, but she stays quiet, letting Dani keep going.

“My dad came home,” Dani continues, her words tumbling out faster now, like she can’t stop them. “He looked around my room, and he found one of your sweatshirts… and a note you’d written. And that picture of us from Friday.” Dani’s voice breaks completely this time, and Paige feels her heart twist painfully. “And he—he was so mad.”

Paige presses her lips to Dani’s hair, closing her eyes against the flood of emotions rising in her chest. “You could’ve called me,” she murmurs, her voice thick with guilt.

Dani lets out another sob, clutching Paige’s shirt tightly. “I would’ve,” she chokes out, “but he broke my phone. Threw it across the room.”

That makes Paige pull back slightly, just enough to look at Dani’s face. Her hands slide down to Dani’s sides, holding her gently but firmly. Paige thought this was just a verbal fight—like always. But him doing that is different, scarier. It makes her even more worried than before. “Is that all he did?” Paige asks, her voice carefully measured. “Just break your phone?”

Dani hesitates. The pause is just long enough to make Paige’s heart hammer in her chest.

“Dani,” Paige says, her voice breaking. The name comes out like a plea, like a desperate attempt to pull the truth from her.

Dani finally looks at Paige, her eyes filling with fresh tears. “He told me he was gonna send me back to camp,” she mumbles, her voice barely audible. “To conversion therapy. Whatever you want to call it.” Her shoulders shake as she exhales a shuddering breath. “And I fought back—told him I couldn’t do it, didn’t wanna go. And he didn’t like that.”

Paige swallows hard, her throat dry. She thinks she knows where this is going, but she still asks, her voice trembling, “What did he do, Dani?”

Dani shrugs, like she’s trying to downplay it, but her eyes betray her. They’re swimming with tears, and when she speaks, her voice cracks again. “He hit me.”

The words hang in the air like a physical blow, and Paige feels her whole body tense. Her hands tighten on Dani’s sides, not enough to hurt but enough to ground herself. Her breath catches, and for a moment, she doesn’t trust herself to speak.

Then, finally, she whispers, “Oh, Dani,” her voice breaking completely. She pulls Dani back into her arms, holding her as tightly as she can without hurting her, her own tears beginning to well up. She doesn’t know what to say, doesn’t know how to fix this. All she can do is hold her and hope it’s enough, even though she knows it won’t be.

Paige keeps holding Dani as she sobs into her shoulder, her whole body trembling like she’s been holding this in for far too long. Paige’s chest tightens with each choked sob, her throat burning from the effort of holding back her own tears. The only thing grounding her right now is Dani in her arms—and the sharp, unrelenting hatred boiling in her chest for the man who did this to her.

She’s never hated anyone more than Dani’s father. Never. Not in her entire life. The thought of him makes her blood run hot, her fists clenching involuntarily. Because how could anyone hurt Dani? Sweet, kind, radiant Dani, who’s never done anything but try to survive in a world that’s never made space for her. Paige wants to storm over to that house right now, face him herself, but she knows she can’t.

What she can do is make sure Dani never has to see him again.

“You’re gonna stay with me and my dad, okay?” Paige whispers, her voice resolute. She presses a kiss into Dani’s hair, her lips brushing against the crown of her head. “I’m not letting you go back in that house, Dan. No way.”

Dani pulls back slightly, her tear-streaked face turning up to meet Paige’s. She’s shaking her head before Paige even finishes speaking, her eyes wide and filled with worry. “Paige, I—I can’t just intrude like that,” Dani stammers, her voice hoarse and cracked. “That’s not—It’s just unrealistic.”

Paige shakes her head right back, her determination unwavering. “No,” she says firmly, her hands holding Dani’s shoulders like she’s trying to physically keep her from running away from the idea. “You heard what your dad said—he’ll send you back. And I won’t let it happen. I swear to God, Dani. I won’t let it happen.”

There’s a silence between them, heavy and charged. Dani’s eyes search Paige’s face, and Paige doesn’t waver, her jaw set, her expression steady. She doesn’t care what it takes. Dani is not going back to that house.

Finally, Paige sighs, her grip on Dani’s shoulders loosening slightly. Her voice softens as she says, “My dad knows.”

Dani stiffens. Paige feels it, the way Dani’s muscles tense under her hands. Her eyes widen just a fraction more, her lips parting slightly like she’s about to say something but can’t find the words.

“I had to tell him tonight,” Paige explains, her voice steady but quiet. “He never would’ve let me leave otherwise. He knows about the camp. About your dad.”

Paige braces herself, half-expecting Dani to lash out, to yell at her for breaking the promise they made—the one where Paige swore she wouldn’t tell anyone about the camp. Dani had been so adamant, so insistent that no one could ever find out. But as Paige watches Dani’s face, she doesn’t see anger. She doesn’t see betrayal.

Instead, Dani looks… thoughtful. Her brow furrows slightly, her lips pressing together in a way that looks more like worry than frustration.

So Paige continues, feeling a flicker of hope. “He was so mad when I told him, Dani. He wanted to go give your dad a piece of his mind right then and there. I had to convince him to let me come here instead.” She pauses, her thumbs brushing against Dani’s arms in soft, soothing motions. “I promise you, he’d much rather you stay with us and be safe than have you over there. You’re like a second daughter to him—you know that.”

Dani doesn’t say anything right away. Her eyes drop, her gaze unfocused as she processes Paige’s words. Paige can practically see the wheels turning in her head, the way her mind is working overtime to reconcile everything Paige just told her.

“I just… I don’t want to be a burden,” Dani whispers finally, her voice so quiet Paige has to strain to hear it.

“You won’t be,” Paige says immediately, her tone firm and certain. “You’ve never been a burden to me or to him. You know that.”

Dani’s eyes flicker up to meet hers again, and Paige sees the doubt there, the fear that’s been drilled into her by years of living in that house. Paige feels her heart clench again, but she keeps her voice steady, her hands gentle as she cups Dani’s face.

“You’re not going back there,” Paige says softly, but there’s steel in her voice. “Not now. Not ever.”

Dani blinks rapidly, her tears threatening to spill over again, and Paige brushes them away before they can fall. Dani’s lip trembles, and she looks like she wants to argue, but she doesn’t. She just nods, barely, like she’s too tired to fight anymore.

Relief floods through Paige, but it’s tempered by the ache in her chest, the overwhelming need to protect Dani from everything she’s been through—and everything she’s still scared of. Paige leans forward, pressing her forehead gently against Dani’s, her hands still cradling her face.

“We’ll figure it out, Dan,” Paige murmurs. “I promise. We’ll figure it out together.”

And for the first time all night, Dani doesn’t argue. She just closes her eyes and lets Paige hold her, her breath hitching softly as she leans into the only safe place she has left.

THEY STAY at Thaliah’s house that night, Thaliah’s mom bustling around with warm reassurance, pulling out an air mattress and piling it with blankets and pillows until it’s soft and inviting. Paige murmurs a quiet “thank you” as the woman pats her shoulder gently before retreating upstairs.

Dani hasn’t said much since they agreed to stay, her eyes rimmed red and her voice a little hoarse. She stands off to the side, clutching the borrowed sweatpants and oversized T-shirt Thaliah gave her like they’re a lifeline.

When the mattress is ready, Paige takes Dani’s hand, threading their fingers together and giving a reassuring squeeze. Dani follows her lead without protest, crawling onto the air mattress after Paige and letting her guide them both under the blankets.

They settle into the space slowly, Dani lying on her side and curling into herself like she’s trying to make herself smaller. Paige isn’t having that. She shifts closer, wrapping her arms around Dani and tugging her gently into her chest. Dani resists for a second, her body stiff and hesitant, but then she sighs and gives in, letting herself melt into Paige’s hold.

Paige nestles her chin against the top of Dani’s head, her hand running slow, soothing circles over her back. Dani’s knees are drawn up, her body curled tightly against Paige’s. Paige shifts her legs around Dani’s, tangling them together as much as the narrow mattress will allow. Her other arm rests beneath Dani’s neck, cradling her head and keeping her close.

For the first time all night, Dani seems to relax, her breathing evening out as she lets the exhaustion take over. It doesn’t take long for her to fall asleep, her face tucked into Paige’s collarbone, her breath soft and steady against Paige’s skin.

But Paige doesn’t sleep.

She stares up at the ceiling, her eyes tracing the faint outlines of shadows cast by the streetlights outside. Her mind is an endless loop of everything Dani told her tonight—every word, every broken sob, all of it.

It makes her stomach churn, her jaw clenching in helpless anger. She doesn’t know how someone can treat their child like that. She doesn’t know how Dani’s father can even look at her and not see what Paige sees: someone so good, so kind, so deserving of love. The thought that he could hurt Dani—his own daughter, the girl Paige loves more than anything—nearly sends the blonde into a frenzy.

But then Paige looks down at Dani, sleeping soundly in her arms, and the anger softens into something else. Relief. Gratitude.

Because Dani’s safe now. She’s not in that house. She’s not alone. Paige tightens her hold slightly, pressing a soft kiss into Dani’s hair.

It’s not enough—not nearly enough—but for tonight, it’ll have to be.

DANI STANDS on the sidewalk with Paige and Bob, the three of them staring at the house that used to feel like home. Now it feels like something else entirely—something hollow, suffocating, and cruel.

Dani hugs herself tightly, trying to ignore the way her chest tightens at the sight of it. She hears Bob’s steady voice beside her, low but firm, a grounding force she hadn’t realized she needed.

“In and out,” Bob says, his hand a reassuring weight on her shoulder. “You get everything you need, and that’s it. You never have to go back in there after this.”

Dani nods, her throat too tight to speak.

The morning had been a blur. Paige drove them to her house, Dani’s car still parked at Thaliah’s with the promise to retrieve it later. She barely had time to register the familiarity of the Bueckers’ front porch before Paige’s dad had pulled her into a hug—tight, warm, and safe. It was the kind of hug she hadn’t felt in years, and she melted into it, clinging to him like she was afraid she might disappear.

Paige must’ve told him everything already. Dani didn’t know how much detail Paige gave him, but it was enough to bring a protective light to Bob’s eyes when he looked at her. Enough for him to immediately agree that Dani could stay with them for as long as she needed. The relief she felt was overwhelming, but it was fleeting. Because now they were here, and she had to face the remnants of last night.

The front door creaks slightly as Bob opens it. The house is silent, but it feels like the walls are holding their breath. Dani steps in cautiously, every nerve on edge despite knowing her dad’s at work.

Bob glances at her, his tone gentle but insistent. “Go upstairs. I’ll stay down here, just in case.” He bends to pick up her photography bag from where it’s still lying on the floor from last night, slinging it onto his shoulder. “You two just get what you need. We’ll be out of here in no time.”

Dani nods again before she and Paige head up the stairs. Each step feels heavier than the last, the air thick with memories she doesn’t want to revisit. Paige is close behind her, her hand brushing lightly against Dani’s back in silent support.

When they reach her room, Paige touches her arm gently. “Let’s make this quick,” she says softly.

They grab two suitcases from the closet, Dani’s hands shaking slightly as she unzips them. Paige doesn’t waste any time, moving to the dresser and pulling out clothes, folding them neatly before stacking them in one of the suitcases. Dani busies herself with the bookshelf, grabbing journals, books, and anything else that feels important.

Her hands hover over a small stuffed bear, one her mom gave her when she was a kid. She picks it up hesitantly, running her fingers over the soft fur before placing it in the suitcase.

Then she sees the photo.

It’s a picture of her and her mom, taken on a trip to the lake years ago. They’re both laughing, her mom’s arm wrapped around her shoulders. Dani picks it up, holding it close to her chest. For a moment, she can’t move. Her mind spirals into the what ifs. What if her mom were still alive? Would any of this have happened? She doesn’t think so.

Paige’s voice pulls her back again. “Dan?”

Dani blinks, glancing over at Paige, who’s watching her with careful eyes. “I’m okay,” Dani murmurs, but she doesn’t let go of the photo. Instead, she keeps it tucked under her arm, making sure it’s secure.

They keep packing, working quickly and efficiently. Paige moves with purpose, her focus unwavering as she gathers Dani’s things. Dani feels a lump rise in her throat at the sight of her—Paige, who shouldn’t have to be here, shouldn’t have to be dealing with any of this, but is anyway.

When the suitcases are full, Dani takes one last look around the room. It feels emptier now, stripped of anything that made it hers. A part of her feels relief, but another part feels a strange sense of loss.

Her childhood is over.

Maybe that’s a good thing.

Paige notices her hesitation and steps closer, placing a hand on her arm. “Ready?”

Dani nods, even though she’s not sure she is.

They head back downstairs, where Bob is waiting with the rest of Dani’s things. He smiles encouragingly. “Got everything?”

“Yeah,” Dani says, her voice quiet but steady.

Bob takes one of the suitcases from her, leading the way to the door. As they step outside, Dani feels the weight in her chest start to lift, just a little. She glances at Paige, who gives her a small, reassuring smile.

Things are gonna be a lot different now.

But, Dani thinks, they may also be better.