How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Cole just smirked at me. "Hate. Such a strong feeling. A next-door neighbor to love."
"It will never be love. You made the only person I love leave," I said. (25.96)
Cole and Nikki have a flirty little back-and-forth here about love and hate. Well, it's probably only flirty from Cole's perspective. He's feeling pretty good right now since he drove off Jack with the truth about Nikki's return to the Tunnels. Nikki, however, is feeling pretty crummy about that, and so she doesn't seem as amused by Cole's fast-talking comparisons.
Quote #8
Jack wanted me close because he wanted me. (31.65)
When Nikki and Jack cuddle up to spend some time together the day before the Tunnels are coming for her, she realizes why her relationship with Jack is special. Unlike Cole's bizarre supernatural attraction, Jack's love for her is simple—he loves her for who she is, not because she's a ticket to the throne of the Everneath. And that, to Nikki, is the most important thing of all.
Quote #9
My dad and Tommy deserved letters this time. They were the closest thing I had to a real good-bye. In the letters, I tried to explain that I was gone, and that I wasn't coming back. I tried to express my love. I tried to make it all okay. (32.1)
Nikki really loves her family, and that's why she tries to give them a better goodbye than last time (when she just disappeared for six months with no warning). It's not like there's ever an easy way to say goodbye, but when you love someone, you have to make an effort.