Page 188 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“Hey! Those are my secret period brownies! Leave me one!” I called out after them.

“What’s going on?” Violet asked once they were out of earshot.

“I need your help. Adam’s still pretty down about Cade and, even more so because he was looking forward to the Halloween party the day after tomorrow. Can you and Chris help me set up a surprise Halloween party for him?”

“Of course, we can. I can even find us a pair of costumes.”

“Thank you, Vi. You’re the best. I have a couple boxes of decorations we can use, and I can head to the grocery store later for snacks and drinks.”

“Sounds good.”

“How’s everything going with you and Chris?” I asked and stopped rummaging through the drawers when I saw her blushing. “So, there’s tea there. Spill!” I grabbed her hand and made her sit on the bed.

“We—So the other day, after everyone left we… umm... I pushed through the fear.” Violet blushed.

“You had sex?” I asked, making sure I was understanding her correctly.

Violet blushed deepened and she nodded, making me squeal.

“And? Did you enjoy it?”

She nodded again, her face becoming so red I feared she might pass out. I hugged her, knowing how big a deal this was for my little sister.

“I’m so happy for you.” I pulled back. “Are you being safe? Like are you using a condom or using birth control of some type?”

“I’m on the shot,” she replied.

“The shot?”

“Yeah, I only have to take it every three months, and I’m covered.”

“Oh. Well, shit. Why didn’t my doctor ever tell me about that? I hate taking the pill every day.”

“It’s worked out okay. I—” Violet looked away for a moment. “It’s what saved me from getting pregnant when they kidnapped me.”

“I’m so happy for you, Violet. M-Maybe you can ask Dr. Campbell if she’ll take me on, during your next session?” It was my turn to look away.

“I can do that. H-Have you called him?”

“The night he left. It went to voicemail so I left him a message. I told him how I felt, and asked him to call me if he thought we could still salvage things.”

“Couldn’t you just call him again? What if his voicemail was full or he doesn’t listen to them?” she asked, but I shook my head.

“I told him I wouldn’t push if he decided not to call me back. I need to respect his choice. I fucked up big, Vi. The least I can do for him is not become that crazy ex-girlfriend.”

“He loves you, Bells,” Violet assured me, taking my hand and giving it a squeeze.

“Maybe he did, Vi. But there are things even love can’t push past.” I patted her hand and stood up. “Let’s get back to work.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Bellarose

“Where are we going?” Adam asked.

“I need to do a few errands, and we’re going to show off your awesome costume.”And, so Violet and Chris can set up the living room,I added in my head.

“But, you’re not wearing your costume,” Adam complained, stopping to readjust his hat.

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