XIX - Fall From Innocence-3
Lori gave her another reassuring hug. “Well, you just got hit with everything today, didn’t you?” she observed. “Don’t worry. It’ll be okay. Just take it one step at a time. Concentrate on James right now.” Maria nodded solemnly. Just then, her cell phone beeped. Her parents were pulling into the parking lot and wanted to know exactly where to locate their daughter. Maria’s voice was steady as she answered, with just a hint of resignation. Lori regarded her friend curiously. She had never heard Maria use that tone with her parents. Closing her phone, Maria sighed. “I’m sure they’ll want to take me home, but I’m gonna stay here with James. I’m not leaving him alone, especially now.” “He’ll be grateful you’re here. You mean the world to him, you know!” “Do I?” asked Maria anxiously. “Lor
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