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already, and I think that counts.”

Romi took Kiera’s hand in hers. “Hey. They might need some time, but

I’m sure they’ll ome around. They would never want to lose you. They love

you.”

Kiera hesitated, like she was going to say something. But she only pursed

her lips into a kind of forced smile. Romi realized Kiera was putting on a

brave face for her. She didn’t want her to have to do it, but she also knew

Kiera was being as honest as she could. She didn’t want to pick at Kiera’s

already raw wounds, so she just smiled back and finally pressed play.

She cuddled up next to Kiera, but when she wrapped her arm around

Romi’s waist, she stiffened. Kiera sighed.

“I can practically hear you thinking from over here. What is it?”

“Nothing,” Romi protested, but she paused the movie anyway. They both

sat there in silence for a few m

inutes. Awkward silence.

“Okay. Do you want to start the movie, then?” Romi didn’t move. “So

you don’t want to start the movie.”

“I…”

“Do you not believe me?” Kiera removed her arm and Romi twisted

around to face her.

“No, I believe you.” Romi’s stomach churned. She hated to even think

about fighting. This wasn’t a fight, but she didn’t want it to be their first

argument either. She just wanted to talk, calmly and openly. “Really. I do. I

trust you. It’s just that it does hurt me to feel like I have to make excuses to

my family. I’m not saying that it’s your fault. It’s not anyone’s fault. I’m not

talking about faults at all. I just wanted to tell you how I felt because it does

bother me, and I want to be honest.”

Kiera’s face fell, which made Romi feel terrible. “I know,” Kiera

admitted. “I can see how hurt you are. You’re not very good at hiding your

emotions.”