“I still don’t think you should’ve killed her, but I totally get why you did. I was just—I was so in shock. I should’ve just supported you and we could’ve talked about the serious things later, but I went on the attack and said so much uncalled for shit. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “I promise I won’t do anymore murders. Never a-fucking-gain.”
“Good. And I promise I’ll never leave you when you need me. Never a-fucking-gain.”
“I believe you.” I was on the verge of tears again because I was so relieved to make up. I couldn’t stand not talking to her. Not even for a couple of hours.
“Pinky promise?”She held hers out and I linked mine through. We kissed the other end, making the promise nice and official.“I just worry about you so much and I wanna make sure you’ll be okay if anything ever happens when I’m not around. But I didn’t have to say it like that. I said it in such a horrible way.I tried to reality check you when all you needed was love and support. I love you so much and I don’t want you to think I’d ever leave you on purpose because I wouldn’t. There’s no way in hell.”She was buried in my hair again, making her words a jumbled mess.“I love you.”She patted my face like it might disappear if she didn’t grab it in time.
“I love you, too.”
“You’re back.” Mateo’s relieved voice came from the hall.“Did you guys make up?”
I nodded while Ari squeezedme.“Stoptrying to squish me to death.”I tried to get her off but it didn’t work.“Ari,stop trying to climb me! We’re the same height, this isn’t working.”I ducked, trying to escape from her mane of auburn waves.
“Cousinly love.” Mateo chuckled.
Suddenly, I remembered. It started coming back in bits and pieces: almost kicking Mateo in the face, trying to shove Dennis, clawing for the door, clawing at my skin, clawing at Dennis’ skin, screaming, crying, the panic attack, so much embarrassing shit…
“What’s wrong?”Ari’s worried voice brought me back.
I stared at the carpet as she let go. I didn’t know what to say. “I’m so sorry for the freakout,” I finally managed. Fuck.
“Stop apologizing,”Dennissaid.“Really. It’s okay.”
“Yeah, it’s okay,”Sean agreed.“Don’t stress.”
Mateochimed in as well, but I still felt horrible despite their reassurances. If anything, those made me feel worse.
“Oh,Emy…”
“Huh?”I came to as Ari gently took my arm.
“Did you do this?”She was looking at my forearm. She took the other one, frowning at the scratches and bruises along my skin. Some had faded and healed, but others were vibrant and fresh.“How bad was it?”
“Not too bad,” I said. I hated lying to her.
“You did all of this?”She touched my leg, whichwas worse than my arms. “I can’t believe I left you. I should’ve known it would be this bad. Iknewit would be this bad.”
“I’m fine. It’ll heal. I promise.”
“Let me see.”She reached for my neck but I quickly walked away.
“I’m gonna take a shower.” I weaved between an awkward-looking Sean and Mateo, then stopped in the hallway when I remembered my clothes were drenched in blood. “What do I do with these?” I touched my ruined shirt.
The entire atmosphere changed. Like they thought I’d start screaming and crying again.
“I’ll take care of it,”Dennissaid.
I thanked him, then headed to the bathroom with him following. Once we were in, he shut the door without a word. He leaned against it, watching while I carefully removed my bustier. I placed it in his waiting hand before looking down at my bra. It was smeared with blood that had seeped through.
“This was my favorite. It’s brand new.”I touched a cup, sulking when my hand came away red. “It’s ruined.”
“I’ll fix it.”Dennis pushed away from the wall and gestured for me to take the bra off.“I canclean blood stains.”
“You don’t mind? You’ll really fix it?”
He nodded and patiently gestured for me to take it off again, this time including the shorts and boots. I took off my boots, then set them down and unhooked my bra. And then I hesitated, stopping mid-removal to standstill.I didn’t wanna take it off with him in here.
