Page 91 of Before We're More Than Friends
Arielle smiled. “I love you, too.”
“I love you girls.” Mom beamed, another tear trailing down her cheek. “You’re my sunshine and moonlight.”
Tuesday marked a full week of being back at school. Thankfully, not many people were talking about Dad’s arrestanymore. There were fewer eyes on me, and no one brought anything up to my face.
But that was short-lived at lunch.
“I think I prefer passion fruit to strawberry,” Gracelynn said after sipping on the strawberry bubble tea Sienna had gotten us—along with her signature coffee. “I love strawberry, but nothing compares to my passion fruit.”
“I don’t understand how you could prefer passion fruit over strawberry,” I said, already finished with my own drink.
“I don’t understand how you could not prefer passionate fruit over strawberry.” Gracelynn shook her head. “I don’t trust your judgment anymore.”
“You don’t trust anyone’s judgment.”
“Well, now I trust yours even less.”
“I have to agree with Raina,” Sienna said as she inhaled her tea—though she made more progress with her coffee. “Passion fruit is great, but you can never go wrong with strawberry.”
“And I thought we were always on the same team.” Gracelynn mock-frowned before facing Arielle, who hadn’t made much progress with her strawberry bubble tea. She’d barely brushed her hair, rushed her makeup routine, and nearly got us in at least four accidents during our twenty-minute drive to school.
“What’s wrong today?” Gracelynn asked. “You’ve barely said two words to us.”
“I’m sorry.” Arielle played with her straw. “I don’t know how to feel.”
“What happened?” Sienna asked, though I already knew what the problem was.
“Our dad sent us letters last night.”Boom. “And I read mine.”
“You what?” I asked, spit flying over my food.
NowthatI hadn’t been expecting.
Arielle cringed and scooted away from me. “Say it, don’t spray it.”
“Sorry.” I put a paper towel over my half-eaten sandwiches. “I didn’t expect you to read the letter so soon.” In fact, I was surprised she hadn’t burned it with one of her cinnamon-scented candles.
“I wasn’t able to fall asleep until I finally read it at three in the morning or something.”
“Threein the morning?” We got up at around six thirty to eat and do our makeup. “Even Sienna doesn’t stay up that late.”
“No, I do,” Sienna said, now sipping her coffee. “You get used to it.”
“Trust me, I don’t want to get used to that. School already starts early enough.” Arielle faced me again, her eyes heavy as she brushed her messy locks. “I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” I told her, putting my hand on hers. “I’m proud of you for taking that step.”
“Thank you.” She gave me a pained smile. “That doesn’t mean I forgive him or want to respond, though.”
“You have every right to feel that way,” Sienna said. “You don’t owe him anything.” The heavy tone in her voice made me think she was thinking about her own mom. She knew what it was like not to forgive a parent, though her mom hadn’t bothered to reach out in the seven and a half years she’d been out of Sienna’s life.
“I agree,” Gracelynn said. “But I’m proud of you for taking that first step, too.”
Sienna nodded. “Me too.”
“Thank you, guys.” Arielle faced me again. “Are you going to read yours soon?”
I twirled a diamond bracelet around my wrist. “I’m not sure.”
