Next
Downstairs, the sound of a car pulling up signaled Ednin's arrival.
-Well, well, what do we have here? Ednin drawled, eyeing the disheveled figures of Maverick and Nyx warily as Deb propelled them forward.
Maverick scowled at Ednin's patronizing tone.
-Listen, lady, we don't need your judgment, she said. We're here because your buddy upstairs insists on playing hero instead of calling the cops. And who the hell are you anyway?
-You'll find out, Ednin said with a grin as she opened the back door for Maverick, Nyx, and Deb. Zed said to make sure you come too girl, Ednin told Deb.
Deb smiled,
-Oh, I know, she pouted. Anyway, I wouldn't dream of letting you have all the fun without me, babe, she added as she slid into the backseat.
Sighing in resignation, Nyx followed after, smooshing Deb into Maverick as Ednin closed the doors behind them.
As the car pulled away from the curb, Betty watched anxiously from the window upstairs until the taillights disappeared into the night.
Turning back to the room, she found Alice observing her intently.
-They'll be alright, Betts, Alice reassured.
-Remember girls, Zed said, a nightmare is just like a bad dream. We can sleep it off. Tomorrow is a new chapter. A whole new volume.
Betty nodded slowly.
-A new chapter... do you really think so? Can tomorrow truly wash away such shocking events? Her voice trembled slightly.
-I'm sorry Betty, Zed said as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
Betty melted into Zed's embrace. She hugged him tightly, burying her face against his chest and sobbing quietly.
-It was just so scary and confusing, she whimpered. I didn't know what to think or feel anymore. All those people, doing such intimate things, right in front of us...
-I'm sorry you had to see that Betts, but that's part of who I am too, Zed sighed heavily.
-I think what Betty needs right now is comfort and understanding, not judgment, Alice said carefully.
-I understand, Zed told Alice. Listen, if you girls need time to yourselves, I'll leave, he offered.
Betty sniffled softly, reluctantly disengaging from Zed's embrace to wipe her cheeks. She managed a small, watery smile for him.
-No, please don't go, Zed. I... I think we both appreciate you being here for us, she murmured.
-I get it, Zed said. Things have been building for a while. The dinner at Giani's, the dance class. It got too intense too fast tonight.
-The important thing is we're safe, our two new friends Maverick and Nyx are safe, and nobody got hurt, did they? Alice said. And I suppose there's something to be said for facing life's harsh realities head-on, no matter how unpleasant or shocking they may be initially.
-Maybe you're right, Zed... maybe facing things head-on isn't so terrible, Betty whispered.
-You've grown a lot since you got here, Zed told Betty. It'll be only the one week anniversary tomorrow. We should get some rest tonight so we can enjoy it properly.
Betty yawned and snuggled closer to Alice, seeking comfort and safety.
-One week already... it feels like so much longer somehow, she murmured.
Alice wrapped an arm around Betty, holding her close as exhaustion seemed to catch up with them both all at once. She could feel the steady rise and fall of Betty's chest, the tension gradually easing from her body as sleep claimed her.
-Sleep tight, Betts, Alice whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to Betty's forehead. Sweet dreams.
Zed smiled as he listened, drifting off.