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N: Hey big bro, just checking in. How are things back home? Any updates you can share?
I knew vague inquiries were safer through text, but I hoped for any reassuring crumbs from Enzo about how much longer this tense estrangement from my father might last. The rift tore at my spirit even as I kept moving forward.
E: Hey sis. Not gonna lie, things here have been rough. Dad really lost it after you ran off...stuff got broken, guys quitting, just bad vibes all around. I've gotten him calmer but he's still on edge. Safer if you stay away a little longer til he cools off. But you doing alright?
My heart sank reading Enzo's message. I hated picturing the damage Father's volcanic temper had left in its wake at home - physical wreckage and deeper scars on relationships. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed his buttons so defiantly. But the control and isolation had become unbearable.
N: I'm okay, promise. Actually feeling pretty good being out in the world again. Miss you though. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help smooth things over with Dad when the time is right.
I knew my diplomatic skills from attending countless mafia social functions could be an asset once Father was ready to listen again. Until then, keeping my distance seemed the wisest course, however much it stung.
E: Will do sis. Enjoy your freedom for now. Just don't go too wild out there lol. Gotta run but talk soon.
I smiled bittersweetly at Enzo's characteristic mix of protectiveness and encouragement. Our bond ran soul-deep. With him in my corner, I could endure this temporary painful separation from my father. Brighter days would come again for us all. I had to believe that.
Setting down my phone, nostalgic melancholy threatened to settle around me like a shroud. But before sorrow could take hold, a cheery voice made me glance up.
"Knock knock! I come bearing snacks to lift spirits," Ashley announced, sauntering in with a heavily laden tray.
I laughed as she plopped down beside me, our shoulders touching comfortingly. "Let's see, we've got fresh baked cookies,hot tea, chocolate...all the fixings for an impromptu girlfriend gab session!"
Ashley's lively presence instantly lifted the gloom trying to creep over me. Linking her arm through mine, I rests my head on her shoulder, feeling indescribably grateful for such a steadfast friend by my side, even amidst tumult.
"Have I told you lately that you're my favorite person ever?" I told her sincerely.
Ashley grinned, handing me a perfectly chewy cookie. "Aw shucks, you're just saying that because I bring you food. But for real Nat, that's what besties are for!"
I smiled softly, reflecting again how lost I'd be without Ashley's stalwart support. She could tell when I was spiraling and always knew just how to lift me back up. Even with my family world crumbling, her friendship gave me hope.
"Sooo, random q but gotta ask - is your brother as cute as you?" She waggled her eyebrows exaggeratedly. "Because if so, send pics! You know I love a man in suit."
I nearly choked on my tea as laughter burst out of me. Only Ashley could so seamlessly blend comforting and compassion with playful silliness.
Here's a continuation in a more casual tone:
I wiped tears of laughter from my eyes, shaking my head at Ashley. "You're too much, I swear! Enzo's off limits - it would be way too weird if my bestie dated my brother."
Ashley shrugged, an impish grin on her face. "What? A girl can dream! Your family just has killer genes." She nudged me playfully. "But fine, I guess I'll settle for living vicariously through your hot mysterious man."
"Speaking of mysterious guys..." Ashley continued, eyeing me pointedly. "You gonna text your new admirer Derek or just let that number fade away on your hand?"
I glanced down at the slightly smudged digits Derek had scribbled across my palm earlier that day at the secluded grove on campus. The black ink was worn, but still legible for now. Looking closer, I felt an unexpected twinge realizing those symbols represented a chance to see playful, magnetic Derek again.
Ashley seemed to read my shifting expression. "Uh oh, someone's intrigued! I thought that preppy heartthrob was just 'friendly'?" she teased.
I swatted her with a throw pillow, laughing. "Oh hush, you're projecting. Derek was just being nice because he helped get me out of trouble."
"Mhmm sure," Ashley said sarcastically. "That's why Prince Charming made sure to hand over his digits all suave-like." She clasped her hands over her heart dramatically.
I rolled my eyes at her exaggeration, but couldn't help smiling a little. "Okay fine, he is pretty charming in that whole roguish playboy type of way. And oddly easy to talk to, even if he probably is trying to get flirty info out of me."
Ashley looked far too pleased by my confession that Derek had made an impression on me. "I knew it! Should've made a bet. But no judgement here - have fun, get to know him, see where it goes!" She winked and nudged me suggestively.
I shook my head in amusement at her antics. "You're incorrigible. In any case, nothing can happen there." I held up my marked palm. "I was only keeping the number temporarily so it wouldn't be lost if he ever proved useful."
"Uh huh, sure," Ashley said, entirely unconvinced. She grabbed my wrist, scrutinizing the worn digits critically. "Well temporary or not, this ink has seen better days. Let's preserve Derek's number digitally before it's gone, shall we?"
Before I could argue I wasn't actually planning to contact magnetic Derek again, Ashley had snatched my phone and typed in his phone number. "There, details preserved!" she announced triumphantly, showing me the new contact.
