Page 185 of The Perfect Love

I sniff back tears. At my lowest moments, I craved this kind of friendship. It’s healing to have it now.

“She’s not the only one thinking of you,” Mackie says. “This is from Hyla.”

She hands me a box, which also has a note attached.

Chelsea,

My beautiful future sister-in-law. You are a bright, shining star in my life. Your strength and your willingness to fight are inspiring. I know you’re hurting right now, but this is to remind you that even when you’re breaking, you’re not broken. Let thatbeautiful heart of yours and all our love get you through this.

P.S. Don’t forget to smile… that’s what Liz would say.

ILYSM

Hyla

I open the box and pull out a mug with the phraseNot fragile like a flower, fragile like a bombon it. There’s also an extra Post-it note from Hyla.

Don’t be afraid to explode and set the world on fire.

I barely have time to process that before Amanda and Mackie start unloading the other bags, which include blankets, snacks, and a framed photo of the six of us at the women’s festival back in May.

“Thank you,” I choke out. “This means… everything.”

Amanda wraps an arm around my back and rests her head on my shoulder. “We’ve got you.”

Mackie grabs my hand. “Always. So we can talk or not talk. Lie here in the dark or watch a cheesy rom-com. Our only requirement is we will be ordering sushi for lunch. Consider it a healing ritual.”

I laugh at that. “I’m in. For all of the above. No rom-coms though. I need an action comedy or a really cheesy ’80s movie. Something to get me out of my head.” I think for a second. “How aboutTerminator?”

“Sounds perfect,” Mackie says.

Amanda makes some kind of pillow nest for us, while Mackie grabs my remote control, and outside of being with Trevor, I’ve never felt so safe.

“How’s Trevor?” I ask.

“I don’t know exactly. Struggling, but that’s to be expected. Hyla was with him until she left this morning, but the guys will be checking on him. He’ll be okay. Focus on you for right now,” Amanda says.

That’s hard, even though I know it’s what I need to do.

“I need a brownie.”

Amanda laughs and grabs the container.

I take a big bite, and I’m hit with the urge to cry again. This is how Rae takes care of people. She feeds them and makes sure they know they’re loved. Even from a distance, I feel her energy here with me.

Mackie and Amanda settle in next to me, but before Mackie gets the movie going, there’s another knock on the door.

Gran sticks her head in. “Hey, honey. I just spoke to Jacinta.”

I sit straight up. “And?”

She pushes the door open and walks all the way inside. “They got the DNA sample from him. Now we wait.”

Something about Amanda and Mackie being here with me and then hearing those words awakens something inside me. This is not who I am. I will not give in to the darkness. I will not let it dim my light.

“Gran, can you open the curtains?”

Trevor

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