Page 21 of Never Your Girl

When I scroll through my messages with FragileLikeABomb, I feel that same pull, that same twisted sense of connection. The way she gets under my skin. It’s different from Holland but somehow just as intense.

It doesn’t make sense.

I reread our latest exchange, wondering why her words always strike such a familiar chord. She knows things I’ve never told anyone else.

Things I can barely admit to myself.

My fingers hover over the screen before I type.

Me

What do you think it takes to really trust someone? How do you know when they’re being real with you?

Maybe I’m asking because Holland’s denial has me questioning my instincts. Deep down, I want to believe her. I want to believe she wouldn’t strike out and hurt me so publicly.

Her response is cautious, like she can sense my mood.

FragileLikeABomb

Trust is messy. People lie, even when they don’t mean to. Sometimes it’s about protecting yourself… or someone else. Why do you ask?

Her words hit a little too close to home.

She’s right.

Sometimes it’s all about self-preservation.

Me

What if lying is all you’ve ever known? What if you’re just trying to keep things together?

There’s a pause. When her next message comes through, it’s softer. Like she understands exactly what I mean.

FragileLikeABomb

Then maybe you haven’t met the right people yet. The ones who don’t need the lies. Sometimes trust is just… surviving, you know? Getting through each day in order to conquer the next.

My chest tightens. There’s something about her words that feels meant for me, not just my screen. Before I can respond, she sends another message.

FragileLikeABomb

Guess it’s hard to tell who to trust when it feels like everyone’s hiding something. Sometimes I think we even hide the truth from ourselves. Anything to make life easier.

I stare at the screen, letting her words settle into the parts of me I usually keep locked away. It’s like she knows what it’s like to carry secrets that weigh you down, to wear a mask just to get through the day.

FragileLikeABomb

Are you good?

I draw a deep breath into my lungs and hold it until they burn.

Me

Yeah, I am. Thanks.

FragileLikeABomb

No problem. That’s what I’m here for.

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