Freya was thrilled about the idea of being invited to a party. Since it was her first one, she knew she had to get past Dean, which would be challenging. She worried about his approval all day, and when she finally faced him in his office, he didn't seem his usual cheerful self.

"A party? Whose party?" Her dad asked.

"A friend's," Freya replied, not wanting to give away too much. "I should be allowed to go, right?"

"As long as there is no alcohol or drugs," Dean said.

"But even if there was, I wouldn't do any of it."

"It doesn't matter. Being in that environment, surrounded by those influences, is never a good place to be," Dean admitted, sounding like he knew from experience.

"I know mom had her issues, Dad. I'm not oblivious to her struggles nine years ago–the medications and her drinking weren't her finest moments," Freya mentioned.

"I'm still so sorry you had to witness that," Dean said, his eyes showing regret. "Your mother was a completely different person when we were teenagers, when we were in love."

"But a loss like my little brother Hogan definitely changed her, for better or worse," Freya added.

...

When she finally gained permission to go to the party that night, she dressed in a light pink lace dress with a jean jacket and beige flats with black toes for comfort. Despite her fears about the party, she hoped something good might come from it. She always liked to consider both sides of every situation.

For the most part, she liked her new school. What wasn't there to like about Finnick Valley so far? Except maybe Reese. She found herself surrounded by guys every day.

Freya already had some good friends, a great educational system, and a fantastic lacrosse team to cheer on and support.

Who knows, maybe she might never want to leave once the year is up.

She worried about seeing Reese at the party but decided to push through those unwelcome fears. She wouldn't skip the party just because he was there. She needed to fit in better with her classmates.

After Freya texted Cooper to say she was heading over, she went downstairs. She noticed her dad talking to an unfamiliar girl in the living room. The girl was short, young, and looked close to her age, with black hair in a messy bun.

When she turned around, Freya recognized her immediately. "Oh my god," Freya cried out. "Vita?!"

...

Vita, wearing soft, breathable clothes, ran into Freya's arms as she reached the bottom of the stairs, wrapping her arms around Freya's waist and squeezing tightly.

"Vita, it's really you! I can't believe you're here right now! I didn't think it would be so soon." Freya hugged her tighter, but glanced over at her dad, seeking answers.

Vita then managed to pull away just enough to say, "Your dad wanted to surprise you, and you almost spoiled it."

"I'm so sorry," Freya apologized. "But I'm so glad you're here, girl! Are you here to stay?"

"Yes, I'll be living with you!"

Freya and Vita jumped up and down together, excitement gleaming in their eyes. Dean watched from afar and then said, "I was able to convince her parents that Melina Valley was an amazing private school that their daughter would love, and they totally bought it."

"So they don't know it doesn't open up until next year?" Freya asked, stifling a small laugh.

"Nope!" Vita replied, "So, I'll be doing cyber school until I can attend Melina Valley with you next year. Sorry, but I'm not as brave as you are to go to an all-boys school. A laptop screen is better off for me."

Despite knowing she was more booksmart than streetsmart, Freya saw this as an opportunity, guessing that's maybe why her dad thought she could handle it. She always wanted to explore new things. "But hey, we should celebrate you. I was just headed out to a party. You should totally come with me."

"I would love to, but I'm still jet lagged from the car ride. I don't look like much of a party animal right now," Vita expressed.

"I wasn't planning to stay out long, just enough to see and hang out with the new friends I've made. Please? You should come."

Vita relented, finally coming around to the idea. "Fine, but it's just to meet your new friends. That's it, okay?"

"Okay," Freya cheered.