Donna didn't exactly recall when she turned out the lights, but the next thing she remembered was waking up in her room with her stomach rumbling. She regretted not eating last night, but she didn't want to talk to her parents last night. Today, she looked at the book and decided to pick it up for now. After last's night read, she felt a little uneasy again.

Reading about Matt and his family made her feel a little better, but hearing him asking his dad about love made her feel terrible. Did he really think he was in love with Eliza? The thought just made Donna's heart hurt. The poor boy had no clue what Eliza was feeling, and surely it wasn't the same way. She was just conflicted and jealous about how her friends were becoming popular.

Donna thought about herself this last fall. Hadn't she done the exact same thing? She didn't really try to be popular, nor did she want to be, but Ally and Derek quickly made their way into the school's view. Once Derek became quarterback, he really threw everyone's eyes to him. But Donna didn't really feel like she was behind them. She just simply wasn't in the limelight.

Perhaps that was what set her possession into motion. She had distanced herself from everyone. At least she had a reason. Eliza just seemed to be avoiding what she truly was. It was funny actually, how Matt had practically relived history last fall, but only this time he came out on top. Donna picked up her phone. There was one single text from Matt.

Just got my phone back. I hope you made it home safely. Please let me know you're ok.

15 hrs ago

Donna cringed slightly. She felt bad for leaving him on delivered for so long. But then again, she didn't feel bad. He was the one that was being stubborn and distant from her. So she only typed two words.

I'm fine.

She set down her phone and almost left the room, but then it chimed again. Donna turned it over in her palm to read that Matt had already responded.

Thank the storyteller. I was thinking about you all night. Got released from the cell this morning. Ryder said he was worried about you since you didn't tell him you were going home. Are you sure you're good?

I'm fine.

There wasn't a response for a few minutes. Matt had been typing the whole time, and it intrigued Donna's curiosity.

Are we good?

Donna just threw her phone back down on her bed and left the room. She wasn't entirely sure.

Donna went down the steps briskly with a quick and quiet step. She headed into the empty kitchen and reached for her favorite cereal that was on the top shelf. "I moved it to the cupboard," her father's voice said from behind her.

Donna sprang around to see Dexter sitting at the counter with a cup of coffee. How didn't she see him? He fixed his glasses and raised his mug to her. "Top of the morning."

"Hi, Dad," Donna managed to say. Her heart was starting to slow. She went to the cupboard where her cereal was. She poured herself a bowl and sat opposite Dexter. "Is mom up?"

"She's already gone," Dexter shrugged. "She had plans with Maddie and Apple. Shopping or reading or something of the sort."

"Maddie?" Donna repeated. Would Maddie say something about Donna's strange behavior? Oh no. "W-why Maddie?"

Dexter raised a brow at her. "Uh... because they've been best friends since high school. Why? Is there something wrong with her? Or Matt? Are you guys fighting?"

"What?" Donna didn't really think of her and Matt's situation as a fight. "No. He just was had gotten stitches for his head. I was just surprised that Maddie would leave him is all."

"Oh, well he must be doing better by now," Dexter took a swig of his coffee. "Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be fine?" Donna felt nerves beginning to build inside of her. "Is there something wrong with me? I didn't think there was but everyone-" Donna stopped herself. She was acting like Ryder when he got nervous. Gross. She straightened up.

"I think you're a little stressed," Dexter pointed out. "Perhaps because of Matt's injury?"

"Yes," Donna nodded. "I was just nervous because I couldn't see him. That's why I came home."

"I understand," Dexter nodded. "Although perhaps boy talk would be better with your mother."

"No," Donna said loudly. "No need to get her involved. Matt'll be fine, it's just a little worry."

Dexter nodded. "So, what do you want to do today, kiddo?"

"I think I just need to relax," Donna said as she cleaned her bowl. "I'm just tired and I need to catch up on some reading. Is that alright? I would hate to intrude on your plans anyway."

"I guess I could go for some relaxing," Dexter rubbed his temples. "Middle schoolers are a little too much for this old guy."

"Transfer to Ever After," Donna suggested. "You'd be closer to home."

"Maybe. Or I could just quit altogether. I think your mom is a little lonely here without you kids."

"No, dad. What are you going to do with all that free time?"

"I know the east wing needs some refurbishing. Raven was talking about it the other day." Donna thought about the east wing. It was where her grandfather lived in solitude all through Donna's youth. She was surprised Raven would be able to let it go so quickly.

"Why would we need that?"

"Well, what if you want to live here when we're gone. You've got to have the place looking nice."

"Don't talk like that," Donna shook her head. "That's a long long time away. Besides, I think Ryder has dibs, and I think he'll live with any decorum."

"The boy is easily pleased," Dexter added with a grin. "Even so, I think Raven wants to let that part of her life go." Donna didn't respond, just nodded her head. She knew her mother had a troubled past, but she didn't think she would let it go so easily. But, the deed hadn't been truly done yet.

Donna took a moment and just looked at her father. He was always supporting her mother in whatever happened. She thought about how strong and caring he was to put their happiness before his own. Donna missed him. She didn't him enough anymore. "You should really consider transferring to Ever After, dad. I would like to see you more."

Dexter looked up from his cup and gave a nod with his small but iconic grin.

Later, Donna held the book to her chest. She stared at the dark hall that led to the east wing. It's been a while since she had adventured into its cavern. Donna brushed her memories of last fall away as she walked through the hall. Once she reached the other side, she didn't go up the stairs to the room of memories. Instead, she just sat down in a chair.

Her grandfather must've enjoyed reading because the bookshelves built into the walls were filled with books on each shelf. DOnna would at least pretend they were her grandfather's rather than her grandmother the Evil Queen. Even thinking of the name made a shiver go up Donna's spine. She shook the chill away and opened Broken Souls to continue her reading...