Page 35 of Marks of Rebellion
I obsess over her and pace the camp, waiting for her to come out or one of the ladies to tell me I can go in.
It's mid-morning when Zoe and Julieta come out.
Julieta and I ignore each other. She walks past me and over to Ryker.
"Saved you a plate of pancakes," he tells her.
"Thanks."
Zoe purses her lips and nods toward Julieta.
"Later, I promise."
She sighs. "Fine."
"Is Vanessa all right?"
Zoe hesitates. "She's embarrassed."
"She shouldn't be."
"I know, but she is."
"Can I go in?"
"Yeah. She's waiting for you."
"Thanks. I owe you."
"I don't keep tabs."
"Such a laid-back diva you are," I tease her.
She gives me a little salute.
My palms turn sweaty, and when I get to the tent, I pause.
Don't screw up again.
How do I make up for what I did?
Be a man and go make this right.
I step inside.
She's in the corner of the tent with her hands over her face.
Keep my voice soft.
"Knock, knock."
She takes a deep breath and gazes at me.
I'm frozen, not sure if I should move closer.
"I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me," she whispers.
Instinct takes over. I quickly go to her. "Nothing is wrong with you, Flower. You've been through a lot of trauma. It's normal."
