“Not about that,” I huff. “They must blame me for what happened with Bianca.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” she jumps to my defense.
“It was, Anaya,” I admit remorsefully. “I’m the one who pushed my sister before she was ready into marriage because of a silly tradition. And for whom? A man who ultimately didn’t marry me. I was selfish and only cared about my own happiness.”
“I get that you made a mistake, but it was your parents who forced her out of your family by not accepting her husband. She chose to cut you out of her life and punish you alongside your parents despite knowing you were sorry for everything.” In a protective tone, she murmurs, “Bianca should’ve given you a second chance.”
I draw in a sharp breath, staring at the ceiling while fighting back tears as I whisper, “I miss her so much. Especially in the last few months.”
“Then call her, Aru.”
“I-I can’t. I get panicked and scared that she won’t pick up. How am I supposed to show her my face? What am I going to say? I f-feel like I broke her faith in me. She’s finally happy. I don’t want to bring bad memories by walking back into her life.”
“Aww, baby,” coos Anaya, rushing to my side and hugging me. “Don’t cry. I wish I could take away your pain. You’ve been through too much. It’s all going to be okay. Shh.”
“I know I have you, Misha, and Noor, but it gets so lonely some nights.”
“I understand.” She rubs my back. “I’ll come stay with you for a couple of days and we’ll have a slumber party like we did in college. How’s that sound?”
“Amazing.” I smile, pulling back and wiping the tears from the corners of my eyes. “I didn’t mean to get emotional. Hearing Rosalie brought back all the memories.”
“I’m always there for you, my Aru.”
“Come on, let’s hit the showers and get out of here.”
After folding our mats and tucking them underneath our arms, we go to the locker room. Opening my locker, I dump my stuff and grab the towel and a change of clothes.
“Arya?” The syrupy sweet voice makes me freeze. “Is that you?”
Licking my suddenly dry lips, I shut the locker and turn toward Iris, who looks like she walked out of the shower. Her straight brown-black hair is slightly wet at the edges.
Here I was hoping she didn’t remember me.
“Hello, Iris,” I greet her awkwardly.
She takes it as an invitation, closing the distance between us and wrapping her arms around me. She’s short and petite, so I have to lean down to return the hug.
“I can’t believe it’s been years since we last met,” she says, releasing me. A sad and sympathetic frown mars her face. “I heard about your wedding. So sorry it happened. Nobody deserves that. How are you doing?”
Her tone is warm and kind, not malicious.
In fact, she’s behaving quite friendly.
Should I take it as a sign that she, Rosalie, and Bianca don’t think of me as an enemy? My heart beats faster at the prospect.
“I’m doing well,” I answer politely. “Thanks for asking.”
“I hope you have friends helping you through it.”
A shadow falls beside us, followed by my best friend answering, “She does.”
Iris glances at Anaya, perking up again and pulling her into a hug. “Hi, I’m Iris.”
I recall Bianca calling her Tinker Bell. I understand why, roaming my gaze down her short and slim figure.
Anaya stares at me in bewilderment over Iris’s shoulder, before quickly masking it as Iris steps back.
“Are you two close friends?” Iris asks, gaze ping-ponging between us.
