----Elaine---
Over breakfast preparations, I found myself confiding in Helen about what Kave had asked of me. His words from earlier still clung to me, heavy and unsettling, so I let them slip out before I could overthink.
“Kave thinks Carla needs a friend,” I admitted softly, my fingers busying themselves with the bread knife, though my voice was full of reluctance.
Helen immediately snorted and shook her head, her disapproval plain. “That girl can put on the best act around the males and they buy it every time, hook, line, and sinker! I can only imagine the tale she spun for Kave. ‘I was just trying to be friendly. Everyone misunderstands me. And I’m still so broken up over Ryne.’” Helen’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she mimicked Carla’s supposed excuses. Then she spat, “Bull! She’s
