Chapter 17 - MAKING NEW FRIENDS
During recess that afternoon, Rory sat under a large oak tree in the school courtyard, clutching her drawing pad.
A cheerful blonde girl named Lily walked over, holding a jump rope and smiling brightly at her new classmate.
"Hi! I'm Lily. Do you want to play jumprope with me and Sarah?" Lily asked with enthusiastic innocence.
Rory looked up, hesitation flickering in her eyes for a brief second before a genuine smile broke across her face.
"I would love to, Lily. Let me put my notepad in my backpack first," Rory replied happily.
For the next hour, the sounds of laughter, shouting, and joyful play echoed across the emerald-green schoolyard.
Far across the street, sitting inside a parked black SUV, Vance monitored the perimeter with absolute vigilance.
Nothing would ever harm Rory again; her safety was guaranteed by a security cordon tighter than the President's detail.
When school ended at 3:00 PM, Marcus was personally waiting by the back gates in his sleek town car.
Rory ran toward him across the pavement like a ray of sunshine, her yellow hair bow bouncing with every step.
May you like
"Papa... I mean, Mr. Thorne! I made two new best friends today!" Rory cheered, jumping into his arms.
***
