A couple more years slip by, and we finally feel settled. Kylie thrives like always—cheer squad, volleyball team, a whole orbit of friends who adore her. Me? Still homeschooled, still glued to Netflix and video games. My life is quiet, predictable, safe.

  I do one more talk-show appearance. They want the “update” on the elf kid—how I’m adapting, how much I’ve grown. The host’s eyes widen when I walk out; I’ve shot up, filled out a little. The questions turn dark fast—Amber’s death. My parents field most of them, voices careful, saying we don’t know much.

  Eventually Mom and Dad decide the city’s safe enough for Kylie to bring one friend home. Just one.

  I’m a wreck about it.

  Kylie’s friends have never been kind to me. And from the photos I’ve seen on her phone—most of them are stunning. The last thing I need is to stumble over my words or look like an idiot in front of someone beautiful.

  I’m on the couch, thumb in my mouth, nail bitten to the quick, when Mom glances in from the kitchen.

  She chuckles softly. “Meleek, stop biting your nails. Nervous about meeting Kylie’s friend?”

  I yank my hand down, throat tight. “What? No. Why would I be nervous?”

  She smirks and turns back to the snacks she’s plating.

  Two seconds later my thumb’s back at my teeth.

  I twist around on the couch. “Wait—does she know I’m the elf?”

  “I’m sure she does.”

  “Great,” I mutter. “What if she thinks I’m weird? Or makes fun of me?”

  Mom wipes her hands and leans in the doorway. “You’re handsome, not weird. And you have nothing to worry about—Mia’s sweet. She won’t think you look strange.”

  “How do you know? Kylie’s friends used to tease me all the time.”

  Mom smiles gently. “Because Mia’s blind, honey.”

  I blink. “She’s… blind?”

  “Yes. And I hear she’s lovely. So best behavior, okay? Don’t mention her blindness—it might be sensitive.”

  Relief floods me. She can’t see me. No judgment on my ears, my height, my face.

  Then my brain kicks into overdrive—everything I’ve seen in movies, read online.

  “So… does she have a cane? A guide dog?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Dark glasses?”

  “I don’t know, sweetie. Just be yourself.”

  I turn back to the TV, smiling. “Okay.”

  Mom goes quiet for a beat. “Her name’s Mia. Kylie says she’s Asian.”

  My heart stutters. Ever since anime became my obsession, I’ve had this quiet thing for Asian girls. “Which country?”

  “Not sure. Ask her yourself.”

  Stolen novel; please report.

  I whisper without thinking, “Wow… Asian. Wonder if she’s cute.”

  Mom bursts out laughing. “Oh, Meleek.”

  I bolt upright, mortified. “I’m going to my room!”

  I dash upstairs, slam the door, and stare at my pajama pants and faded tee in the mirror.

  Why am I dressed like this?

  I change fast—jeans, light gray button-up, sleeves pushed to my elbows. I catch my reflection and laugh at myself.

  “She can’t even see you, idiot.”

  Still… I want to feel good.

  Downstairs, Mom spots me and grins. “She is blind, you know.”

  “Shut up. I just didn’t want to meet someone in pajamas.”

  “You look very handsome, dear.”

  I roll my eyes, heat creeping up my neck, and flop back on the couch, flipping channels to hide it.

  Ten minutes later, Dad’s car crunches into the driveway.

  I’m on my feet before I realize it.

  Mom notices. “They’re here. Come on—let’s meet her.”

  She opens the door just as Dad hurries up the steps.

  “Excuse me, honey—coffee emergency,” he mutters, dashing past for the bathroom.

  Mom steps aside.

  Kylie guides a girl up the porch steps, arm linked carefully with hers.

  My breath catches.

  Mia is… breathtaking.

  Smaller than Kylie—barely over five feet—with flawless pale skin that almost glows. Long raven-black hair cascades down her back, tied with a simple white ribbon. Dark sunglasses hide her eyes. Her face is delicate, heart-shaped; lips soft pink.

  I’ve only felt this thunderstruck once before—Harley.

  Mom blocks my view again, greeting her warmly.

  “You must be Mia. Kylie talks about you all the time.”

  Mia stops, smiles toward Mom’s voice, and bows slightly—elegant, graceful—still holding Kylie’s arm. “Thank you for having me. Kylie’s been an amazing friend.”

  Her voice is soft, melodic, with the faintest lilt of an accent that makes my chest tighten.

  “We’re so glad you’re here,” Mom says. “I made pigs in a blanket—little hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls with cheese.”

  Mia tilts her head. “I’m not sure what that is?”

  Mom laughs warmly and steps aside. “Come in—I’ll show you.”

  Kylie guides her forward. They reach the threshold. Mia hesitates—just a fraction of a second—poised on the edge like she’s waiting.

  Kylie glances at her, realization dawning. “Oh—right. It’s okay, Mia. You can come in.”

  Mia smiles gratefully and steps inside.

  Mom waves me over. “Meleek, don’t be shy. Come meet Mia.”

  My name jolts me forward. Legs shaky, I rub the back of my neck as Mom pulls me closer.

  “Mia, this is my son, Meleek. You’ve probably heard about him—the elf from the news.”

  Mia turns toward my voice, smiles wide, and bows again—small, polite. “Kylie’s told me so much about you. I’ve really been looking forward to meeting you.”

  My brain blanks.

  Mom squeezes my side. “Meleek… say something.”

  “Oh—uh—hi. I’m Meleek.”

  Kylie snorts. “Ignore him. He turns into a total idiot around pretty girls. Probably drooling right now.”

  Mia laughs softly—a sound like wind chimes.

  I wipe my mouth self-consciously. “I’m not drooling. Shut up, Kylie.”

  We settle in the living room. I answer the usual elf questions, voice steadier than I feel.

  Mia’s family moves a lot too—always searching for the right place. She’s brilliant—her IQ actually edges mine out by a couple points. First time that’s ever happened with one of Kylie’s friends.

  The more she talks, the more I relax. She’s funny—dry, quick wit that catches me off guard and makes me laugh out loud.

  But she barely touches her food or drink, fingers tight around the glass like she’s nervous too.

  Trying to lighten things, I tease, “So, Mia… how’d you end up friends with Kylie? You’re so smart, and Kylie’s…” I smirk at my sister. “…kind of an idiot.”

  Kylie gasps. “Jerk!”

  Mom swats my shoulder playfully. “Be nice.”

  Mia smiles toward Kylie’s voice. “Kylie’s the one who reached out first. She treats me like a real person—sees past my…” She pauses, and Kylie’s eyes flick to her. “…flaws. She accepts me completely. She’s the sweetest person I know. My best friend.”

  I chuckle. “We are talking about Kylie, right?”

  Kylie glares, grabs Mia’s hand, and stands. “Come on. Let’s escape my idiot brother before I hurt him.”

  “You wouldn’t,” I call after them. “Too sweet, remember?”

  Mia laughs again as they head upstairs. “It was really nice meeting you, Mrs. Fulton… and Meleek.”

  I stand there long after they’re gone, staring at the empty hallway.

  Mom gathers plates, grinning. “Mia’s lovely. Good influence on your sister.”

  “She’s perfect,” I whisper.

  Mom’s eyes sparkle. “Aww. My baby’s first crush.”

  “Mom—stop. It’s not a crush.”

  She hums teasingly as she walks away.

  I groan. “Whatever. I’m going to my room.”

  The next couple weeks, Mia’s the only friend allowed over—sometimes sleepovers on weekends.

  One evening I catch her without the sunglasses. Her eyes are a striking, icy blue—stunning against her dark hair. Beautiful… but something about them sends a faint chill down my spine.

  Like they see more than they should.