Elena's POV

The walk from the car to the front door felt like crossing enemy territory. Mother, Victoria, Joey, and Joey’s mother were all gathered on the porch, each with their own expression of outrage and disgust. My stomach twisted, but I held my head high.

Fred and Jane were there too, sitting on their porch a little ways back. Their eyes followed me as I passed, sad and almost apologetic. They didn’t say a word. I gave them a small nod, a silent acknowledgment of their ...