I’m trying to convince myself that it doesn’t mean anything, that memory of Cole tossing sea glass into the dark.

Like Glory told me, memory is weird. Stuff gets moved around. Distorted. Changed just enough to make it into something it wasn’t.

You forget the wallpaper had cherries on it.

Or that someone’s eyes were brown.

Somehow, something innocent becomes a nightmare.

But there’s no explaining away the other part of it. B. C. scribbled in my mother’s notebook, like lovers’ initials carved into a tree.

Cole takes my hand to lead me into the theatre. “Come on,” he tells me with a little smirk. “We can’t keep our famous director waiting.”

“Okay,” Willa says when rehearsal begins, “this is the next Orion and Eden scene, after the dance. So far, we’ve been watching these two fall in love, and it’s been a beautiful beginning.”

Jude tosses the blanket to Cole. “We’re at the edge of the river again,” he says. “The scene starts with Orion already onstage, then Eden enters.”

We take our places, and Willa gives us the nod to begin.

EDEN: It’s so beautiful here.

Cole turns and watches me for a second before holding out his hand for me to join him.

ORION: I’ve seen it like this a thousand times, but it’s never been more beautiful than it is tonight.

I cross to the blanket and sit down. Cole puts his arm around me, and I snuggle close. It feels good.

Right.

ORION: I wasn’t sure if you’d come tonight.

EDEN: Look at the way my stars are shining. Did you polish them for me?

ORION: I did. It took all day.

He studies me for a minute, his expression slowly becoming more serious. Then he goes on with his line.

ORION: Where did you go last night? After the dance? Why’d you run away?

EDEN: I was afraid.

ORION: Of me?

I shrug, and Cole puts his hands on both sides of my face. He makes me look at him.

ORION: I would never hurt you.

EDEN: I know that. I’m afraid I might hurt you. What if I’m not good at this?

ORION: Good at what?

EDEN: At loving someone.

Cole almost smiles. His eyes are so beautiful.

ORION: Do you really love me, Eden?

His voice is teasing. But there’s a serious question there. Something real behind the scripted line.

EDEN: I don’t know. How would I know if I’ve never been in love before?

Cole is looking at me. I feel the heat from his eyes.