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His expression softens as he places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry to hear that. Anything you want to talk about?”
I take a deep breath, surprised at my own readiness to open up. “Well, my stepdad is dying—cancer—and he’s been in the hospital.” I pause, taking a deep breath. “It’s been tough,” I admit, my voice cracking slightly. “I’ve been trying to cope with it, but some days are harder than others.”
He nods, his hand still resting reassuringly on my shoulder, his eyes never leaving mine. “If you ever need someone to talk to or just hang out with, I’m here.”
I’m touched by his sincerity, his hand adding warmth to his words. It’s not a forced offer of support; it’s genuine kindness that reaches deep within me. I manage a weak smile. “Thank you, Eric. I appreciate that.”
“My dad was in a coma for two weeks before my mom had to pull him off life support,” he begins, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. “I was only ten, and even though I knew what was happening, it was… indescribable.”
He pauses for a moment, as if reliving those painful memories. “I remember feeling so sad—like a part of me had been ripped away. I used to hide in my room, building these elaborate Lego structures, as if trying to rebuild the world around me. It was my way of coping with the loss, I guess.”
I can’t help but feel a deeper connection with him as he opens up about his own experience with grief.
“That sounds incredibly tough,” I reply softly, my voice laced with genuine sympathy. “Losing a loved one, especially at such a young age, must have been challenging.”
He nods. “Life can be really unfair sometimes. But you’re not alone in this, OK?”
His words comfort me in the most unexpected way. I take a moment to compose myself before nodding. “Thank you.”
“Hailey!” I turn around and see Scarlett marching toward me, her face puffy and red.
I stand up. “What’s wrong?”
“This psychotic bitch poured her drink on me and threw me in the pool,” she cries, folding her arms. It’s only then that I notice her shirt and pants sticking to her skin.
“Show me who did it,” I demand.
She gestures toward the house, and my gaze locks onto a long-haired woman in a two-piece bathing suit, waving her middle finger in our direction. Filled with anger, I stride over in her direction.
“You think it’s okay to treat people like that?” I say.
The woman smirks, her gaze assessing me from head to toe. “Who are you to butt in? This is between me and the crybaby over there.”
My jaw clenches as her dismissive words hit me like a slap. “She’s my best friend, and I won’t stand by while you disrespect her,” I assert, my voice filled with determination.
Scarlett stands by my side, her face still flushed with embarrassment and anger. “You can’t just go around ruining people’s nights and expect no consequences,” she says, her voice shaky but defiant.
The woman’s eyes narrow, and a malicious grin twists her lips. “Consequences? Oh, I’m shaking in my tiny bikini.”
Fury surges within me, a torrent of emotions demanding release. “You may find this amusing, but your actions have consequences,” I snap, my voice trembling with restrained anger. “You’ve hurt my friend, and you’re going to apologize.”
She crosses her arms, feigning indifference. “And if I don’t?”
I take a step closer, my gaze unwavering. “Then you’ll have to deal with me. And trust me, you don’t want that.”
Scarlett’s hand tightens on my arm, a silent plea for caution. I can sense her worry and decide to leave the situation before it escalates.
Taking a deep breath, Scarlett and I turn to walk away with Eric, who had been watching the scene unfold from a distance. But just as we begin to leave, a sudden, searing pain jolts through my scalp, and a forceful tug pulls me back into the disrespectful woman.
Fury surges within me as I whirl around to face her again, her fingers still tangled in my hair. “You just don’t know when to quit, do you?” I seethe, my voice trembling with a dangerous edge.
She sneers, a twisted amusement dancing in her eyes. “Maybe I’ll teach you a lesson, too.” She releases her grip on my hair.
Standing up straight, I clench my fists, ready to defend myself. Strong hands grip my shoulders before the confrontation can escalate further, and I’m pulled away from the woman. It’s Eric, his presence a reassuring anchor in the storm of emotions.
“Hey, she’s not worth it,” he says calmly, his voice steady and soothing.
I take a deep breath, trying to regain my composure as Eric’s grip remains firm, a silent reminder that I’m safe.
