Melanie stared in horror at the note. The scribbled words said that Irene was leaving—that she wouldn't be coming back! Melanie felt a sharp pang of guilt. She hadn't treated her stepmother well, it was true. But was that reason enough for her to run away? Why would a quiet, serene woman like Irene disappear—unless there was something haunting her from her past? Whatever the reason, Melanie knew she would have to find Irene and bring her back...even if it meant asking her archenemy—her stepbrother, Paul—to help.