Page 37 of The Risks of Reuniting

I laugh silently at Poppy's question. The girl knows Tae Bo and I'm suddenly wishing I'd taken her up on her multiple offers to learn a thing or two. Maybe it would have kept me from getting my arm sliced, which would have kept the entire day from devolving. I'm going to ask her to instruct me when I get home.

Lucy

Were you alone?

No. I was with a group of friends.

Lucy

Any of them handsome men who chose your safety over theirs?

I laugh again. Lucy loves a good possible love story. She'd flip if I told her the truth, that yes, there was a handsome man there who chose my safety over his. My heart thumps heavy in my chest as I recall the way he dove for me, and fought for me, and checked on me when he was busy defending himself.

Some older guys came out and scared the would-be muggers away. No romance blossomed this afternoon.

I feel a little guilty about the pseudo-lie. I mean, I did get anI love youand andI would have married you, so, that happened. I briefly wonder how Holt would have reacted if I'd said I love him too. Then, I wonder if I do still love him. The answer is obvious to my heart before it comes to my mind. My stomach flips and my chest grows warm. Of course I still love Holt, but can I trust him? That's the big question I don't dare to ask.

I want to tell my cousins that Holt is here, but I'm honestly too tired to field all of their questions. They know him and loved him, and were so upset when we broke up. They didn't understand it, but they'd tried to be loyal by hating him for leaving me, and I have no idea how they'd react to all of the new developments.

Sadie

I'm just so glad you're okay!

I love you guys.

They all send back I love you's, and I feel a little better and less alone. My cousins gave me the support I needed tonight, and I fall asleep with my aching arm propped up on a pillow, and my heart feeling a little lighter.

Mon, May 19

Dear familia,

I don't actually want to send this email, but I learned a long time ago that if you hear news about me from someone else, I'm a cooked goose.

Yesterday I survived a mugging attempt. I've attached a picture of my arm – this is mostly for you Gavin because I don't need you telling me it was just a scratch, thanks.

Thankfully, there was a group of us, and then a group of locals came and broke it up, so this was the worst of it. Others have a black eye, or a scraped knuckle. One of my friends might need new shoes after she used one to slap a few guys to within an inch of their lives, but it could have been worse. I'm happy to report nothing was stolen, and my pride is still intact.

I'll have a scar, and I can't wait for the street cred that comes with it. Don't mess with me, I'm tough. I may get a tattoo that turns the scar intoa snake or skulls – the jury is still out on that. (Yes, Grandma Sue, I'm kidding)

Other than that, I'm good. I miss you all. Only two weeks until I'm back home. It's flown.

Chloe

Chapter 15

Chloe

Mondaymorningfindsmelying in my bed running my fingers over the amethyst crystal necklace that Poppy gave me. She said it was good for anxiety, and mine is through the roof. Last night was practically sleepless, to say the least. I mean, I went through some things yesterday, and my brain could not shut off about it.

It's light outside, but Lima has a strange sort of light. It's softer, hazier. The sun has to work to press through the clouds created by like a bazillion percent humidity, and I've yet to see it burn through at any point. Breakfast is going to be served soon, and I'm seriously considering skipping it. I slide the necklace over my head and let the crystal settle in amid the other chains I wear on a regular basis. I picture Poppy's hopeful face as I press my palm against it, poking it into my sternum. I smile softly before deciding I'm strong enough to keep moving. Poppy would expect nothing less.

A knock sounds on the door and I stiffen under my blanket until I hear Dr. Joseph's voice call a greeting. I would never wish a dental emergency on anyone, but if he's here it means there's going to be a legitimate reason for it. I feel a little guilty for being relieved. I've found that having something to focus on when you're emotional is a good thing, and I'm thankful for the distraction.

"I hate to bother you before breakfast," Dr. J says when Rachelle answers the door, "but there's a man here with an abscessed tooth, and I have that special tingle in my spine that tells me today is going to be extra interesting."

I toss aside my blanket and jump up, offering a smile as I come to stand beside Rachelle. My arm aches, and I hug it against my chest, trying to pretend there's not a pink tint on the bandages where my wound leaked overnight.

Dr. J looks steadily at me. "Are you feeling up to helping this morning?" he asks.

---