I don’t know what to say. I’m almost positive that telling someone they’re beautiful when they’re struggling with loving their body isn’t going to help. Amelia has probably heard that a hundred times.
I’m not good with words.
But I also know fighting feelings only makes you think about them more.
“Listen to your heart and not your brain. The mind is a very scary place. It can trick you into believing and seeing anything. You gotta listen to this more.” I point to my own heart. “It might be hurting because it’s not getting as much attention and love as this is getting.” I gesture to my head, trying to soften my voice.
“I’m trying,” she whispers, looking away from me.
“And that’s all that matters.” I match her tone, almost rubbing my heart.
I watch as she makes her way to my sister with a plate in her hand and puts her guard back up with a smile and starts dancing silly for Stella, making my sister giggle.
CHAPTER42
AMELIA
“I’m here!” I hear Trinity yell from somewhere downstairs as I finish my makeup routine.
“I’m upstairs!” I yell back, cleaning up my vanity.
Little paws step on my feet rapidly as I hear Trinity’s footsteps pounding up the stairs. I drop my beauty blender and screech down in happiness.
“Nala!”
I drop onto my knees, and she goes on her hind legs and climbs my body while licking my face.
“Thank you for all the kisses,” I grit out, turning my face away and petting down her body, but she only follows me. Laughing, I stand upright as she runs out of my bathroom to do excited laps around my room.
Trinity appears in the doorway of my room and looks down at her dog like she’s insane. “You’re one crazy little thing.”
“You’re rubbing off on her,” I joke, sending my best friend a smirk.
She laughs, walking farther into my room before sitting on my bed. “This”—her finger points and follows her dog—“is all Elijah.”
A laugh bursts free from my throat, tears forming in my eyes as I hunch over at her words. I’ve never heard something more accurate. If Elijah were a dog, he would be Nala.
“Tell me I’m wrong,” Trinity says between her own laughter. She’s practically rolling on my bed.
“You’re not wrong, but never tell him that.” I join her on my bed, pulling my cozy blanket over us.
We lie beside one another as our laughter dies down.
“So, what did you want to talk about? You sounded super nervous over the phone.”
We both turn to our sides as I bite my lip nervously. I promised Trinity I would tell her everything. I don’t want to cause her any more stress than she’s already felt in her life by keeping my relationship a secret from her.
Secrets did almost separate my brother and her for good. I won’t contribute to that mess.
Placing my hands under my cheek, I swallow thickly. “Levi and I are dating.”
I flinch on the bed and cover my ears when she screeches and jumps to her knees.
“Oh my God! Are you joking?”
I shake my head with a smile, and she jumps while clapping her hands.
“I can’t believe this. My bestie is officially taken!”
