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A cool breeze brushed againstwith Jeff?” I blurted out

He was right

It was her eyes

They shifted

They told the stories that her mouth couldn’t speak

“Ohbackward

“Stella, wait, I, I mean, I…” Her eyes filled with emotions as her hand flew to herher head back and forth “I’m…”

Deep breaths Shaky body Guilty body Guilty friend Friend Kelsey No…

“I’m so sorry, Stella It was only supposed to be one tis And then, well, we drank toodown her cheeks as if she were the one as betrayed As if she was the one hurting As if she wanted rew, and well… Jeff felt guilty after a while and told us we shouldn’t… and we haven’t! Not since Kevin died, I swear to you, Stella! That’s why I thought dating Damian would put a stop to it, and it did Jeff and I are over I promise”

Promises

What did a promise mean to her?

“How long?” I breathed out

“Stella pleas—”

“How long?!” I snapped, feeling rage shoot through me or sadness Maybe both? Confusion? Anxiety? Hurt? Every feeling that was the opposite of joy raced through my system

“I… uh, three years”

Three years

Three years of holidays together Three years of celebrating birthdays Three years of a secret affair behindme they loved me

I took a step backward, anddown the five steps of her front porch, hitting the concrete at the botto up round

“Stella! Are you okay?” Kelsey re” She bent down to help me up, and I shoved her hand away