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When I reached the kitchen, I saw Carly and Julian sitting in the breakfast nook drinking coffee, and both looked up at me with a look of reservation.
“Um, good morning?” I flashed an uncertain smile and went to the fridge to get a bottle of water.
“I don’t know, is it?” Julian asked as I closed the door and walked over to the table. I noticed a white stick in his hand.
I pulled up short as chills ran down my spine. “Why do you have that?”
“I found it in your bathroom.”
“Why were you in my bathroom?”
“Because I needed another razor and knew you had extras.” He quirked his brow. “You have some ‘splaining to do.”
“You could’ve asked me first before rummaging through my bathroom.”
“You were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t want to bother you.”
“You went through my things.” I held up my hand, fighting tears. Goddammit, why did I always feel like crying now?
“It was lying on the counter,” he argued. “Anyone could’ve seen it. Why didn’t you tell us?”
I opened my mouth to protest, but Julian moved closer and placed his hands on my shoulders. “I lived in a house with my mom and four sisters. Trust me, I know what you’re dealing with.”
I dropped my head. Carly slid out of her chair and put her arms around me. Tears leaked out of my eyes.
“It’s going to be okay,” Carly crooned beside me.
Julian crouched down to reach eye level. “Does Dmitri know?”
My brows reached my hairline. How in the hell did everyone know about Dmitri?
He chuckled. “Girl, you think I didn’t notice how home slice had been spending the night here?” I was speechless, while Julian and Carly acted like this wasn’t a surprise. I wondered if they secretly judged me. I mean, they knew we weren’t siblings or anything. I’d told them how Arty took me in as his legal guardian when I was a teenager.
“He doesn’t know.” I exhaled unsteadily. “I’m going to tell him. Soon.”
“We only want to give you our support. You’re our friend, and we’re always here for you.” Carly hugged me again.
Julian pulled me into his arms. “We’ve got your back, no matter what happens. I just want you to take care of yourself.” He pulled back. “Promise me that, okay?”
“I promise.” I smiled, and relief flooded through me knowing I wasn’t alone, and my friends had my back.
Sorina
Along with showing their support, Julian and Carly were adamant about me taking a break from cheering because it was too dangerous. I knew it was, but then it would draw attention if I did, and I didn’t want to explain my current situation. So, we came up with an idea that we would share with the cheer coach at practice this afternoon. We’d propose I could keep cheering but not do any tumbling or stunts.
I missed my first class this morning since Julian, Carly, and I spent another hour talking, and they did their best to cheer me up. My phone buzzed, and I’d received a text from Dmitri asking if I was ok. I guess he noticed I missed class this morning, too. I didn’t respond.
Dmitri:I know you’re reading my texts. You’re fucking me up, Sorina.
I blew out a breath and forced myself to keep walking.
On my way to my ten o’clock class, I received another text. For a second, I thought it was Dmitri, but I was surprised.
Hi, this is Rebecca. Can we talk?
I didn’t know if she would ever reach out to me, but I’m relieved she did.
Me:Sure.
