CHAPTER 13

Catty looked at the giant grandfather clock that was in the dining room.

"7:00 Already?!?" Vanessa cried.

Catty walked to Vanessa and hugged her like she was never letting go. When she backed off Vanessa's eyes were already puffy and red.

She walked to each daughter and hugged them and kissed their cheek.

"Protegas et deleas." Catty whispered.

She walked with Jimena to her room for the last time...

All the daughters waited patiently for Jimena to return.

"She's taking an awful long time." Vanessa whispered.

"Maybe Catty's making second thoughts." Tianna said hopefully.

Serena shook her head and the door opened.

Jimena walked out of the room. Alone.

Vanessa cracked. She fell into Tianna's arms and started crying.

Serena looked up and saw Jimena's eyes.

You can't keep everything bottled up Jimena. Serena breathed in her mind.

Jimena let her tears fall down her cheeks and hugged Serena.

"She's gone." Tianna whispered.

Serena nodded. She didn't want to admit it. But it was true. Catty was never coming back.