Page 78 of Wild Hearts

"I'm sorry I left school early today."

"If you were upset, then you should come home so you canprocess your emotions." I wasn't sure how she would have gone to the rest of her classes in the state she was in.

"I'm so embarrassed."

I frowned. "Did someone at school give you a hard time?"

"No one knew I was upset. I went to the counselor's office as soon as I felt it come on."

"Good. I think that's what they want you to do."

"Shouldn't I be able to handle this by now? It's been months."

"This is going to hit you on and off, probably forever. It might lessen with time, but you were so busy moving and settling into a new school, it's possible you pushed off those feelings. So it's normal to be experiencing them now."

Her shoulders slumped.

"You will feel better over time, and it's okay to feel whatever you do. There is no right or wrong."

"I don't want to feel bad all the time."

I was in uncharted territory, but I went with my instincts. "No one said you have to stew in these feelings. It's okay to process them, then do something that makes you feel good."

She was quiet for a few seconds, eating her burrito. She chewed, swallowed, and drank her soda. "Can we spend time with your cousins? Maybe go skiing."

"They're your cousins too. I'm sure they'd be up for it." I sent a group text beginning with 911 so they knew attendance was encouraged. Immediately, I got responses from Xander and then Eli and Oliver. "They're in. Let's finish up, and get our snow gear."

"Nice," Addison said.

We cleaned up dinner and then changed into warmer clothes before driving to the lodge. Xander was already there when we arrived.

Dakota hopped out and walked up to Xander who held out her skis and boots for her.

"You ready for a green slope today? Or do you need the master to show you some moves."

"I can teach her," I said defensively as I approached.

Xander rolled his eyes. "Everyone knows I'm the best instructor."

"The girls at school say you're a good instructor."

Xander gave me a knowing look, as if to saySee? I told you so.

I shook my head because he was ridiculous. Even though he had Tori to ground him, he still liked to give us shit about everything.

Xander helped her get her stuff on, so I went inside and grabbed mine from the family storage unit. When I went back outside, Xander approached me, carrying Dakota’s boots. Oliver and Eli had arrived and were standing with Dakota. "Everyone's here."

"Good."

"Everything okay with Dakota? Your message said 911."

I kept an eye on Dakota who was in a huddle with the guys. "She's upset about her mother and wanted a distraction. She asked to hang out with the family."

Xander nodded. "Happy to help. We can take her mind off of it."

"Thanks." Relief washed through me. I felt better knowing I was doing something to help her, and I loved knowing that my cousins were there for us.

"That's what family is for. She's been through a lot."

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