Page 55 of Beginning Fate

I laughed. “I don’t know, because he’s neither of those things.”

“You really do like him, don’t you?”

“I do.”

“You should tell him then.”

“I think he already knows.”

“I’m okay with it, too. I hate thinking about you being all alone.”

“This isn’t stuff you need to be worried about. It’s my issue to sort out. You just concentrate on making friends and doing the best you can here. I’m so proud of you.”

“Maybe it’s time you did something for yourself, Lauren. I’m going to be okay here. I already have friends and somehow, it’s going to work out.”

“Who are you and what have you done with my sister?”

She rolled her eyes at me. “Don’t joke. I’m serious. It’s time you stopped worrying about me and did something for yourself. You’re always taking care of me. Maybe D-E-N-N-Y can take care of you now. You deserve that. Just don’t be so stubborn that you refuse to let him.”

“When did you get to be so smart?”

She closed the gap between us and hugged me. When she finally let go, she gave me the sign for “I love you”.

Tears sprang to my eyes.

“Love you, too.”

“I’m going back to my friends now. We’re good right?”

“Always.”

“Want me to send him back?”

“I don’t know.”

“That means yes. Just tell him you’re sorry for being crazy.”

“I am not crazy.”

She just stared at me as if I was crazy and then left, laughing.

Well, that went better than I expected, I thought.

There was a knock on the door and then Denny poked his head in.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“Is Kylie okay?”

“Yes. Happier than I’ve seen in a long time.”

“So, are we okay?”

He looked so cute and hopeful as he waited with just his head through the door.

“Yeah, we’re good. I’m sorry I freaked out on you.”

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