Birdgirl

6 - We Take Care of the People We Love

Lia was dreading the walk she was taking to look for Kensi. She feared that she had to scour the bedrooms one by one in search for her friend. Her pulse had intensified that if she was to stand still, she would be rocked by its force. To put Kensi in harm's way was never in her intentions. She was not even willing to sympathize with herself if any incident occurred with Kensi on her watch.

She was that protective of her.

But guilt of leaving her after their kiss was at the forefront of her mind.

When Lia caught the mere sight of the back of Kensi's head, relief had washed over her. She felt as if the obstruction in her lungs had been cleared up and she was free to take in as much oxygen as she could. With her worries of Kensi slightly put aside, she led the boys to the side of the fireplace which gave her a vantage point of the brown English rolled arm sofa Kensi was sitting on.

By that time, people were starting to pass out or drunkenly wobble to places. Their faces weren't as vibrant as when they came. The over-all disheveled looks were common in parties. Cheerleaders weren't as cheerful and bouncy with their usually preppy faces succumbing to intoxication. Some with high alcohol tolerance were still standing, looking miles better but the more they drank, the sooner it was for them to reach inebriation.

There were only a handful of people who didn't drink and Kensi was one of them.

Lia was watching Kensi who was sitting in the middle of Amber and Mark Fletcher with Janiah on the other side of the only boy. All three of them but Kensi were holding cups of various drinks and Lia couldn't tell the specific ones. She was just thankful Kensi didn't have any.

Amber looked up as she sensed the movement and smiled to Trevor and Lia who both reciprocated the gesture. But Trevor topped his greeting off with a wink. The Polynesian sank in her seat, giggling which made Trevor proud of himself for inflicting such feelings on Amber.

Lia might not show it but nothing compared to the feeling she got when Kensi looked at her, smiling contently which made Lia's already weakened knees feel like jelly. Her solid bones felt like malleable cotton that won't support her for long. Her chest had started a riot against her stomach which released a kaleidoscope of butterflies and set off fireworks. Why she was feeling those things baffled her but her reservations were turned down a notch thanks to the alcohol she had ingested.

The satisfied look in Kensi's green eyes was enough to stifle Lia's worries. Her fears in terms of how Kensi would fair in the party had turned out to be irrational once more and she was more than pleased to be proven wrong.

With her focus entirely on Kensi, the world had seemed to disappear. There were no more numerous couples kissing sloppily, loud music overlapping louder voices, people chaotically dancing or stumbling their way to their destinations, or even friends teasing her about the girl who had just stolen all her attention.

Despite Kensi's general demeanor, Lia felt the need to make sure she was alright. She mouthed an "are you okay?" to her friend who easily understood what she was trying to communicate.

Kensi's grin grew substantially, amused at Lia's seemingly permanent tensed state. She looked at her affectionately with those gorgeous green eyes of hers as she held her palm against her chest. Kensi slightly tilted her head sideways, admiring Lia's adorable look. She retorted by mouthing a "don't worry", reminding Lia of the slogan she was forced to adapt.

Lia nodded in understanding, mouthing an "okay." She caught a glimpse of the drink she held by her belly and lifted it up to ask if Kensi wanted any.

Kensi waved her hand across dismissively while shaking her head, politely declining the offer.

The guys were quiet as they observed the silent exchange of looks and mouthed words. They had patiently waited until Lia looked down to her cup while Kensi reengaged herself in the conversation. They had exchanged meaningful glances but Trevor dismissed them immediately, tapping Landon's back while slightly kicking Ice's foot. He had something else in mind.

Trevor wanted Lia to explicitly say it without them putting words in her mouth.

"Do you like anyone, bro?" Trevor casually asked as he nudged Lia's shoulder with his elbow; he is that much taller than she is. "We could be your personal birdboys." He suggested with good intentions.

Lia bellowed in laughter with what she was thinking the moment Trevor muttered the last word. All she ever thought of was mocking it given the recent failed attempt courtesy of the Phillips brothers.

"More like bird brains." She scoffed, chuckling.

The guys gave her various annoyed and disapproving looks, even Trevor's brows were furrowed. Ice gave her a knowing look, shaking his head. While Landon, he swiveled to be face to face with the only girl of the group, narrowing his eyes at her.

"Have a little respect, lady." He spoke with such disdain for her that it felt as though his respectable dignity was being stomped on.

All Landon received was Lia bellowing in laughter with the two other boys joining her. Ice held his cup against his chest while his left hand was on Trevor's shoulder. Everyone was facing Landon who was on the left end. It had always amused them how he spoke. He was too proper to be related to Ice, and somehow too polished to be hanging out with his group of friends who do the silliest things and laugh at the least amusing ones.

"No, but seriously, Casey." Trevor reiterated with a much somber look on her face. "Anyone? Anyone at all." He lifted his cup to his lips, guzzling a mouthful of beer without peeling his eyes from Lia.

Lia gave up, she relented reluctantly while dropping her shoulders down. She was finally willing to talk about her slight crush on Mark Fletcher. "You see that guy?"

She lifted her cup towards Kensi's group while pretending to be in an enthralling conversation with Trevor. Lia then took a sip of the bitter beverage, nodding casually. All three guys did not bother to act all cool, they blatantly looked. Ice huffed in amusement while Landon's eyes widened. Trevor fought the urge to smirk knowingly but all three boys could feel the suspense. They thought that was it, Lia was finally going to admit her feelings for Kensi. And they were ready to support her.

"Yeah? You like the girl sitting next to him?" Trevor queried, open for a different answer despite the insinuation. He would have lied if he said he wasn't expecting her to agree with him.

"You like Kensi?" Landon yanked Lia's wrist, making her face him with his broad grin. He was surprised and eager to hear about the story if there was any. Not only was Landon the effeminate one, he was undeniably the sappy one, too.

"I knew it!" Ice muttered in victory, folding his free hand in a tight fist.

His voice was rather loud that Kensi and her friends looked to their direction. Lia and the boys felt apprehensive, making them take a sharp breath. To Lia, she feared that they were drawing too much unwanted attention while the rest of the boys didn't want to embarrass their precious Birdgirl.

They forced awkward looking guilty smiles with Landon cumbersomely waving them off.

"No! I like that guy." Lia whispered-yelled through gritted teeth, scowling at Ice who almost got them caught. She rapidly straightened her posture as she realized something. Her eyes wandered aimlessly from one friend to another, looking at them with questioningly. She lifted her finger to Ice, as her mouth slowly gaped. "Wait! What do you mean you knew it?"

"What?" Ice looked at her incredulously. He looked completely innocent, like he didn't say anything wrong because he was merely speaking the truth. "Casey, I thought you were gay."

"Dude, me, too!" Landon quickly chimed in, stepping outside of the line they formed and moved in front of everyone else to form a lopsided circle, or square given there's four of them.

They all were so invested in the conversation that they practically looked like they were in a very important meeting. The boys had always been curious as to who Kensi Lancaster was in Lia Casey's life. Even if she says they were merely friends with Duke and Kensi's relationship, the three guys never let it go and that was only the first time they ever discussed the whole situation. It made the three boys very excited.

"What?" Lia's brows furrowed as she took her head back in disbelief. She, too, followed Landon's lead. She ran her hand through her hair, ruffling her dark brown mane on the crown of her head. "I am so straight." She said defensively, pointing her a finger to her chest.

"Right." Trevor nodded once, considering Lia's answer. He was probably Lia's closest among the remaining boys and he was the most open-minded. He lifted his hands to the side in surrender, one clinging onto his blue solo cup. "No offence, Casey, but the way you talk, walk and dress screams gay especially on nights like this."

"Oh, so, lesbians have a generic look now?" Lia sardonically muttered. "If I wore boxers and briefs, that doesn't make me a guy, now, does it?"

"No...but you hang out with us." Ice raised his brows condescendingly, moving his cup around to the other two guys to prove a point. He then escorted the plastic cup to his mouth, swallowing as much beverage as he could.

Landon pursed his lips, focusing his blue eyes to Lia's brown ones. He apologetically nodded in agreement as he said, "More importantly, pick up girls for us."

"So easily." Ice approved, swinging his head from a side to another, stretching first word for emphasis. "You've kissed them, too! Not to mention that hot ass body shot you did tonight."

"Assholes!" Lia grumbled, rolling her eyes. She was unimpressed by their comments, she felt cornered but contemplated their words. She folded her arms across her chest with his cup cradled between her left arm and right hand. "It's only easy because I know what girls want in a guy. You never even considered that I might want those things, too?" She reasoned, shrugging her shoulders while crumpling her face in disapproval.

"Yeah, valid point." Trevor acknowledged. He tightly pressed his lips together. "I just honestly thought you liked Kensi. You look at her differently, Casey." He pointed out, agreeing with himself in a nod and then taking a swig of his beer.

"Me, too!" Landon reinforced, taking the attention from Trevor to him. "You never gush about anybody and when you do talk about someone, guess who it's about?"

"Kensi." Ice immediately answered the rhetorical question with a nod with finality in his tone.

"Kensi." Trevor seconded, lifting his cup to Lia.

"Kensi." Landon spoke softly, assuring Lia it was okay with that one word. He delicately smiled to her, resting his free hand on her arm. "That's why none of us have ever tried hitting on her."

The two other guys nodded in agreement with Trevor dropping his head backwards to finish his beer.

If Lia was confused before, it had only intensified. Despite her reluctance to acknowledge any feelings for Kensi, something or someone reminds her of that. After the boys had practically slapped her about her seemingly unconscious tendencies to speak of Kensi, Lia was thoughtful.

It is not a new or rare occurrence that Kensi inundates her mind and her heart. She always puts her first; Kensi has always been Lia's priority. However, Lia never put any color to a black and white picture and she was not as resistant to fill the outlines in.

"I care about Kensi, okay?" Lia defended. She was apprehensive but never felt as if the three boys were ganging up on her. They would never do that. "She's special to me and we've been friends for a really long time. She was fragile for months. Even if I'm not interested in her, I'm not letting any one of you violate her and you three will help me keep her safe."

"Agreed, boyfriend Lia." Ice muttered under his breath, aiming to stifle his voice with his cup that hovered right in front of his mouth but his voice reverberated from the plastic surface making it louder than intended.

Lia's brows furrowed, she leaned closer to Ice who was right in front of her. "Excuse me?"

Ice immediately shook his head, grimacing. "Nothing."

He took refuge in his drink, immediately drinking it to avoid looking at Lia's eyes while the other two boys looked away. They were dodging her unnerving glares that would easily sent chills to shoot from their limbs and linger in their spines.

Lia raised her brows, gaping her mouth in disbelief. "Why am I even friends with any of you three?"

She shook her head, letting out a huff in frustration.

"You don't really have to be gay to like one girl though." Landon reasoned, cringing at the thought of Lia's violent reaction. Despite the possibility of being in trouble though, he pushed through with expelling his thoughts. "I mean, isn't love supposed to be something deep rooted and not just skin deep. In her case, reproductive organs deep. But trust me, if you did swing for the other team, we won't love you any less."

Landon had a point and Lia could not contest it. She could just have feelings for Kensi and no other girl but still be attracted to guys. There were no rules about that. But Lia was trying to convince herself it was just her caring for Kensi. It could not be anything else, especially after Duke, her best friend shared a relationship with Kensi.

As expected, Lia hit his arm forcefully.

"Ow!" Landon complained, rubbing the sore area. "You are one strong little person." He chuckled lightheartedly.

"Aren't you guys looking for your dates and not mine?" Lia grumbled, emphasizing the right words as she pointed to the three guys and then herself.

"Seriously though, Casey. We care about the people you care about. Give us some credit." Trevor reminded her. Swinging his arm behind her and perched his large hand on her waist, pulling her for a side hug. "We fended Jeremy O'Neal off this morning."

"What?" Lia writhed from his grasp, fully facing him. There was an explosion of discomfort in her chest that seeped down to her stomach which made her palms sweaty. It may have been jealousy or just the usual surge of protectiveness for Kensi. She was undeniably worked up by the news. "The Jeremy O'Neal? Cocky, son of a rich b***h?"

Lia absolutely abhorred Jeremy. She had seen him do detestable things to multiple girls and had been wanting to confront him. Lia was ready to retaliate. Jeremy had not necessarily attempted anything with Kensi given that Duke had the entire school to back him up. He apparently forgot about Lia and the rest of the guys.

But Lia wanted Kensi to be safe from him. It can be anyone but Kensi.

"Yup." Ice chimed in as if it was nothing. He pulled the corners of his lips downward, shrugging his shoulders as he shook his head. "I think he was just trying to talk to her. Well, at the time."

Ice's calm and casual demeanor did not affect Lia in a good way, whatsoever. Ice could have been proud and cocky about warding Jeremy off yet she still would not just sit there and do nothing. All she ever wanted at that moment was to make sure Kensi was alright. Given that it wasn't answered yet, she needed to know.

"Did he?" Her forehead started to hurt given the pressure she created with her brows. She could have scraped enamel off her teeth because of her gritting them.

Trevor could sense the tension inside Lia's body given that she was standing straight, too straight that joints didn't seem to exist. He set his hand on her shoulder to offer her support. "Didn't he say 'trying'?"

"Do I need to know the details?" Lia reluctantly surrendered the fight, breathing the words out in defeat. She dropped her shoulders, slouching in the process.

Ice shook his head dismissively, scrunching up his features. "No. You'll live."

With a sigh, Lia conceded despite the fact that her mind had been running wild with thoughts of Kensi in danger. "Okay. I'll your word for it."

"Refill?" Landon interjected as lifted his empty cup, looking at his friends expectantly. He was dying to make the tension disperse. It always causes him much anxiety.

"Refill." The other three repeated in unison which was the cue for them to return to the kitchen.

Kensi looked up in search for Lia's chocolate eyes when she saw the movement by the corner of her green ones. She raised her brows, silently asking her where they were headed to which prompted Lia to smile as she lifted her empty cup upside down.

Kensi let out a sigh in defeat. She never said anything but she didn't like it when Lia drank. Lia had been drinking more since Duke's passing and Kensi is worried about her. She had not been dealing with her grief well, choosing to avoid it all together and Kensi had just been staying by her side in case she crumbled in front of her eyes.

-

Hours and many more cups of alcohol later, there were only a handful of people that remained. They had classes to attend the next day and most of them were smart enough to stay sober and/or leave early. But Kensi found Lia sitting on the grass in the Washington's front lawn. She was still with the Phillips brothers while Trevor rejoined Amber.

Lia was giggling at a bad joke Ice had told them. She would have given him her unimpressed look but she was out of it. Her inhibitions were gone while her consciousness was slowly disappearing. It was easiest to make her laugh when she was intoxicated. Lia may have an incredibly high alcohol tolerance but the volume of alcohol she ingested surpassed her capacity.

"Keys, Lia." Kensi opened her hand right in front of Lia, asking for the specific item.

All three looked up to find Kensi with an unreadable expression. Kensi, too, was not sure about what she was feeling really. Her emotions were a combination, that's for sure. Kensi was inundated with them. She was anxious, sad and happy at the same time. Lia was safe, at least.

Ice and Landon decided to stand up and leave the two alone but not without exchanging knowing looks that Kensi did not notice.

"What?" Lia smiled a lopsided smile. She had struggled to keep her eyelids parted. She held them half often the entire time. The alcohol had sucked all the energy out of her and left her with just enough to keep her head up.

Kensi slightly c****d her head sideways, a half-smile on her lips. Seeing Lia like that didn't sit well with her but she was being understanding. She wiggled her fingers, insisting, "Your keys, babe."

"I can drive." She countered, forcefully tapping her palms against the soft surface of the grass in protest.

Lia didn't give Kensi her keys. Instead, she grabbed her hand and pulled herself up, grunting in the process. Lia's body uncontrollably tilted to one side. She was about to fall yet there was still a goofy grin on her face. Kensi immediately held her by the waist to steady her.

"Sure you can." Kensi sarcastically retorted, flaring her nostrils. She eyed her condescendingly, raising her brows up high. "How many have you had, baby girl?"

Lia giggled, stroking Kensi's cheek with back of her hand. "A couple."

Kensi relished Lia's gentle touch, closing her eyes as she took a deep breath. It was a familiar touch as Lia had repeatedly wiped tears away from those cheeks. She would have just let her trace her jaw, or her entire face but Lia was drunk.

Kensi had to get her out of there.

"A couple of lies, Lia?" She looked at Lia knowingly but whatever insinuation she was trying to portray didn't get to the woozy girl in front of her. She braced herself for what was to come. "Your breath, babe."

Kensi would often make Lia puff a breath out through her mouth to Kensi's nose. It was her way of knowing that Lia was lying to her about her alcohol intake. The method may be weird but it worked for Kensi.

So, Lia blew air out making Kensi scrunch up her nose in disgust. The aroma of stale alcohol with a combination of the beef tacos they had for dinner was not exactly appealing to Kensi. The plethora of odors that clung to Lia's clothes were not helping either. Kensi could barely make out her friend's natural scent or the perfume she wore.

"That's disgusting, babe!" She fanned her hand by her nose, trying to waft the smell away from her smelling organ. "You reek!"

"Fine!" Lia relented and fished the key from her front pocket.

Kensi loosened her grip on Lia until her hands were lose. She moved her right hand and held it out between them, expecting the keys. Kensi could not contain her amusement when she observed Lia making features as she was faced with difficulty. It was a while before she finally was able to retrieve the metal object.

"Good girl." Kensi flashed her her award-winning toothy smile. She slightly tapped Lia's left arm which caused her to wince in pain.

Lia was quick to assure her she was alright which Kensi was not necessarily buying. Soon they sauntered their way towards Lia's bike with their hands laced together. Kensi could not stop thinking about her friend's arm and all the unsettling possibilities. However, she had to disregard her thoughts when they reached their destination.

Kensi hopped on the Harley Davidson first, never letting go of Lia's hand to keep her from falling. Kensi assisted Lia as much as she could. She was exceptionally proud of herself when she felt the warmth of Lia's body as Lia folded her arms around Kensi's waist with her head against the back of Kensi's.

"Hold tight, drunk ass." Kensi jested making Lia groan in protest but tightened her grasp. "That's right, babe. Koala hug." The corners of her lips were pulled up, she was happy Lia was safe.

Drunk, but safe.

It was Kensi's turn to take care of Lia and she could feel it.

-

"Hey Casey!" Landon exclaimed, waving his arm over his head to hail Lia who just came out of the publication office before lunch. "Over here!" He was standing by a blue locker, an open one among the sea of restless students going about their own businesses.

It was Friday, Lia and her group had been partying every single night with Kensi accompanying her just to make sure she was alright. It fascinated her how Lia never woke up with a hangover. Then again, with the frequency of Lia's drinking, Kensi was not surprised.

Lia was holding her oversized smartphone between her hands while her gaze was plastered on its screen. Her brows were stitched together while she went over an article submission for the winter issue of the school publication. A junior in high school, she runs the said publication, and works as an Associate Editor for the Palm Grove High Zephyr. She was more qualified to be the Editor in Chief but decided to decline to give way for another student called Garrett Kohler, who’d been less than cooperative.

The young brunette momentarily looked up to acknowledge her friend by nodding at him as she continued to blindly maneuver the sea of students. She persistently read the rather unimpressive article with the noise her schoolmates were making irritating her, almost up to her wits end. Everything was getting to her head. Her mind seemed to have been desperately compressing everything which was physically hurting her.

However, halfway through her sightless journey a hand snatched her phone from hers just before she collided with a big, rock solid body. It was as if she had just came rushing towards a solid concrete wall. Lia's face crashed against a guy's hardened chest with a very decent impact seemingly jolting the insides of her skull as pain shot up her nose to her head, blurring her vision momentarily. Her small body molded with the tall man's before she was sent back to a step, recoiling from the hit. All she heard was a familiar amused throaty chuckle.

She groaned as she nursed her nose, wiggling it about as she sealed her eyes shut. Before she knew it, the same guy bent his legs and put his arm behind Lia's knees and hoisted her up to his very high left shoulder, right next to his backpack. She caught a whiff of his scent and the brunette knew exactly who the guy was.

"Trevor Washington, you are going to put me down." She sternly demanded as she helplessly dangled over his torso, left without a choice given the firm grip around her limbs. She joined the backpack that was slung over Trevor's same shoulder, making sure her slightly sore left upper arm never touched her friend's neck.

Instead of listening to the little girl positioned over his shoulder, Trevor continued to walk towards an amused Landon, who perched his hands over to his waist as he disapprovingly shook his head at his teammate despite grinning at the compromising position Lia was in.

"What's up, Casey?" Ice came chuckling as he popped his head right next to Lia's.

Lia took a sharp and desperate breath in shock while she pulled her head backwards, scrutinizing the newcomer. She flashed him a satirical grin, rolling her eyes.

Blood had rushed to her head, intensifying whatever pain she initially felt from the impact. Her hearing had been affected slightly while her flushed nose made her feel like she was drowning in water.

"Just hanging, Ice. Just hanging." She glared at him; letting out a breath in frustration. "Literally."

All three boys bellowed in laughter while the only girl fought her stubbornly forming smile. It was the usual for the little village of four. The boys would usually make fun of how serious their friend is and Lia would pretend to be annoyed but would be betrayed by her true feelings.

They knew their limits though. There were certain subjects that Lia is too sensitive of and they all know better.

Lia joined the commotion only seconds after. She cupped her blushing face as she continually shook her head. All the laughing only made her breathless with the crushing force of Trevor's shoulder on her stomach area. It was proving to be a challenge to just breathe for survival.

"Please put me down." She muttered imploringly after she gasped for air; instigating the silence of the boys. "I'm starting to feel nauseous."

"Yeah, man. Casey looks pretty red." Ice chimed in, agreeing with Lia while dunking his hands in his front pockets. His gaze was set on Lia's face as he thoughtfully pursed his lips.

Trevor finally set the girl down, bending down until her feet touched the ground. He carefully let her stand, firmly holding her arms to steady her which seemed to have hurt Lia. Lia clenched her jaw and shut her eyes, cringing in pain.

Trevor seemed to notice which made him retract his hands, folding them to a loose fist. Alarm had been evident in his features as his eyes widened in fear. The Phillips brothers cautiously stayed in the wings, closely observing Lia.

"Sorry. Are you okay?" Trevor as he fixed her hair for her; haphazardly brushing her long brown locks to different directions.

Lia expectedly down played the throbbing feeling on her arm; she did not even touch the area to attempt to soothe it. She blew a strand of hair away from her face, looking displeased at her concerned friend who handed her phone back. Lia sported a small smile to assure Trevor it was okay which did not do much to her worried friends.

"Head." The brunette said as she extended her right arm up, waiting. Her gaze was set on the linoleum lined floor.

The tallest of the four let out a defeated but relieved sigh before cooperatively bending down to make his tight curls accessible to the girl. Lia immediately patted his head, making the boy chuckle. It was what the only girl did to indicate that she had forgiven her friends. It was some sort of a peace gesture.

"Five o'clock shadow is working for you." She mumbled as she looked up to Ice who had grown his beard and mustache.

Ice proudly smirked, rubbing the coarse surface with his palm. He knowingly eyed his younger brother, jerking his brows at him. "I told you this would work, Landon."

"Yeah, whatever, bro." Landon waved his hand dismissively before taking a few things out of his backpack and into his locker. "Let's just go to lunch."

-

The group of four sauntered towards the louder cafeteria and sat in their usual seats around the same blue table. Lia had ordered them pizza given that she was too lazy to pack lunch for all four of them. Trevor and Landon volunteered to get them drinks only returning with bottled water for Lia given that all the apple juice bottles were gone.

The delivery boy made it to them on time. The other three cheered as they didn't have to go and wait in the long line of hungry students.

"Well, thanks for being I.A. all week, Casey." Ice muttered amid his full mouth, the chewed up pizza muffling his voice. "Don't forget, there's a party tonight, too." He reminded her, waving his half-eaten pizza towards Lia.

Lia swallowed the sip of water she just took, holding the bottle in mid-air. She had furrowed her brows in confusion. "What does that mean?"

"I.A. as in 'in action.'" Ice clarified, taking another bite of his pizza. “Where were you?”

"For the record, I was I.A. the entire summer." Lia pointed her drink at Ice as she explained. "It just wasn't with you. You, on the other hand, haven’t even answered calls." She guzzled half of the remaining contents of the water, letting out a breath of satisfaction afterwards.

The news earned Ice's suspiciously raised brows. He was not at all expecting the answer knowing Lia and Duke's very long history. He was guessing Lia spent her summer mourning their friend's death. However, he was also waiting for Lia to admit that she spent the three months of summer break with Kensi.

He was unaware of Lia's whereabouts given that he, too, would go missing for hours on end. The other two boys did know where Lia was in fractions of the day, in the sparse parties that were too far in between where she would still pick up girls for them. The hours she spent with Kensi and Duke's mother were unknown to them.

"True that." Trevor chimed in, nodding in agreement. He was wiping his fingers with a napkin, getting rid of the grease. His eyes were firmly fixated on his task while he twisted the soft brown paper on each finger from his thumb to his pinkie.

"And me." Landon casually interjected, lifting the pizza to his mouth. He was curiously observing how his brother would react, watching out for the smallest twitch of his brows or his mouth. "But she doesn't stay as long."

Ice brought his head back in disbelief, crumpling his features up. He was contemplating on how his friends gathered without him. If their dynamic compensated for his absence.

"What happened to me then?"

"You spent your grief in the bar." His brother quickly retorted after swallowing hard, reminding him of how he spent his summer. He flashed him a sarcastic looking grin with a very condescending look on his pale blue eyes. "That's how you met that mystery girl."

Trevor and Lia quickly gave him knowing looks coupled by mischievous smirks which made him remember all the times he failed to ask for the girl's number.

"Oh, right. That happened." Ice lifted his chin up as realization hit him but shamefully bowed his head down almost immediately.

He was hoping his friends would let it die down to save himself from further embarrassment. Ice did not want to relive the agony he underwent when he found out about Duke's passing which led him to meeting the girl Landon had been teasing him with. He mourned, he cried but he chose to do it alone. It wasn't a sign of weakness for him. It was just how he deals with things, without help.

Ice did not like to wallow in misery. That was the reason why he went to the bar after he spends some time alone. He constantly went to Duke's grave, drank a beer and just talk to him. That was how he moved on and it worked well for him.

"Weren't you the guy who said I was M.I.A. the entire summer?" Lia badgered him, proud to have switched the conversation towards Ice. “You didn’t tell me about this mystery girl of yours. What is she like?”

"She’s a mystery.” Ice mumbled an evasive answer. “And I meant we barely hung out." He defended, confidently leaning towards Lia. "You would ditch before we could even enjoy the drinks, Casey."

That was when the spotlight shifted back to Lia. It had attracted the other two guys' attention who were fighting for the last slice of pizza. Their irrelevant argument was silenced when Lia tensed. She, too, was uncomfortable with recalling the past three months, especially the first day of summer.

Lia was still in denial and would much rather help other people than seek for it herself.

"Oh, I'm sorry for having feelings. Besides, you only had to come over, I was home most of the time. If not, I went to dad’s shop." She firmly countered, settling for a vague answer. She quickly averted his amber eyes. She held onto the crust of her pizza, unevenly smudging the small puddle of habanero sauce on her paper plate.

Ice crossed his arms, scrupulously examining his friend's features. He was searching for something to c***k her seemingly rock-hard barrier. "Couldn't you just admit that you would rather spend your days with Kensi than with us?"

Again! Lia grumbled to herself, apathetically rolling her eyes. She was even more annoyed that in the back of her head and in all of her conscious mind, she would agree to Ice's point. As insensitive as it may sound, Kensi's needing her gave her purpose.

Again, she had to examine her real feelings for Kensi which she still was very confused about. Kensi had always been easy to love as far as Lia is concerned. It was just the thought of liking the girl who once dated her best friend that bothered her. Lia was certain both of them were straight and would never think about getting into a relationship much deeper than friendship.

Thankfully, she did not have to speak as Landon was frantically tapping on the blue table to get all their attention, even dragging unnecessary ones along. The unwanted stares of their neighboring tables went unnoticed as Landon was too intrigued by something else entirely. It was his phone which he held close to his face and whoever it was that sent him a text.

"Dude!" He urgently spoke with widened eyes that unwaveringly stared on the screen. "That girl you hooked me up with last last week sent me a text."

Landon momentarily looked up to meet Lia's inquisitive eyes before returning back to his phone. He read the entire message until he incredulously curled his upper lip, parting it from the bottom.

"What does 'XOXO' mean? Is that tic-tac-toe? Am I supposed to play with her?" He lifted his head up, furrowing his brows in confusion. He probed for answers through his friends' eyes, looking from Lia, Ice and then Trevor.

"It's hugs and kisses." Trevor confidently answered, shrugging his shoulders casually. "Amber told me."

"So, hugs is the 'X'?" Landon queried, slightly tilting his head in scrutiny. “It looks like two pairs of arms.”

"Yup."

Landon raised his brows and pursed his lips while humming in understanding. He quickly went back to his phone, eagerly typing a response to the girl.

"I always thought the 'X' stood for kisses." Ice interrupted, wagging his index finger. "I mean, it makes sense. Your lips kind of contort that way because you gather it in the middle to pucker. But if it's hugs, I just imagine people spreading their arms and legs like they're seastars. Or two people hugging without folding their arms. It looks weird."

Lia's mouth slowly gaped while Ice spoke. She was in a combined state of skepticism and amusement. The more he divulged into the subject, the funnier he sounded. While Lia only amusingly puffed air out through her mouth, the other two boys were shamelessly laughing at him.

"How do you suppose 'O' looks likes as a hug then?" She curiously probed, maintaining the scrutinizing brown eyes under her furrowed brows. She leaned towards the table, perching her elbows on the blue surface.

"You embrace each other. At some point, your arms will connect. It may not be a perfect circle, but it does make for it." Ice reasoned defiantly, feeling challenged by the question and the other two guys' laughter.

He was failing to see the humor in his words more so that he unexpectedly pulled Lia into a hug. Sure enough, his forearm was over the other, solidifying his claim. He wedge his chin by the crook of Lia's neck, filling the gaps like they were puzzle pieces. Half of Lia's face was on Ice's shoulder, covering her grin.

"See!" Ice blatantly pointed out, hitting his forearms against each other repeatedly to emphasize the overlap.

He looked up only for his gaze to be met by a flabbergasted looking Kensi whose green eyes were clearly exposed as her lids parted widely. Kensi had such control on others just by staring at them. Ice only knew two strong stares, Kensi's and Lia's. He averted her intimidatingly firm gaze, bowing his head down.

Lia lightheartedly giggled. She tapped her friend's back, wordlessly asking his friend to loosen his grip. "Yeah, we get it. Now let me go."

He regarded Lia's request, slowly pulling away but not too far to allow him to whisper. "Boyfriend Kensi is at your six o'clock again."

In an instant, Lia furrowed her brows with her steady gaze on Ice's amber eyes, scrutinizing his friend. She was fighting every urge to look at Kensi's green eyes that offered her a feeling like no other. For some odd reason, Lia felt at home in Kensi's eyes, her touch and her voice. She was just too stubborn to acknowledge it.

"When did you start calling her that?" She suspiciously probed, tapping her fingers on the table.

"Just now." Ice retorted with a very sly grin grazing his lips, leaning back on the chair's plastic splat. He was satisfied with himself.

Lia was left speechless; only able to shake her head condescendingly at her friend despite the smile on her face. If anyone was to mess with her, tease her, everyone could count on Ice. But he would never go overboard.

He was not insensitive after all.

The group dispersed to their specific classrooms after the bell rang. The boys quickly dissipated the moment they caught Kensi walking towards them. The green-eyed-brunette stole a quick hug from Lia before intertwining their hands and dragging her out into the hallway. It was what they had always done in the years of their friendship. Kensi dropped Lia off by the door of her classroom and proceeded to hers, smiling happily at what she had done.

-

Lia had English class at the end of the day and her teacher, Mr. Kevin Rutherford was the school paper's advisor. She decided to discuss the winter publication with him, airing out some concerns about deadlines. Mr. Rutherford assured her he would assist Lia should she meet difficulties. His encouragement did not do much to change his student's temperament. Lia had homework to do along with her many responsibilities for the Zephyr, other than the part where she is almost always out partying.

Being Birdgirl didn't always mean bright and sunny days. There had been an ongoing rumor that the Lia participates in a four-way i*********e with the three guys; Duke not included. It had been quite the headline among the girls who have been ignored by the jocks Lia hangs out with.

Nobody really came and threw that in Lia's face in the past given that Duke Hunt had always been by her side, protecting her. They looked more like a couple than Duke and Kensi. They feared him given that he had an intimidatingly commanding look aside from the fact that he would willingly fight anyone in Lia's honor.

Lia was headed towards the school's main entrance to meet up with Kensi but caught sight of a group of girls, seniors, who had been looking at her disparagingly. There were at least five of them, Lia was easily outnumbered. However, she was not one to back down and had enough stress for the day to play nice or to ignore them.

Amongst them was Paula and she was not happy to see her.

"Speak." She simply but firmly commanded as soon as she was a foot away from Paula, who seemed to be the leader of the pack. She shoved her hands in her front pockets, indifferently waiting for the specific girl to do as she said.

Despite her undeniable self-reliance, Lia's pulse had spiked up. It wasn't fear that was speaking, it was adrenaline. Her palms had quickly grown sweaty while she began to breathe heavily.

"Excuse me?" She swiveled to come face to face with her, smugly raising her brows as she folded her arms.

Lia scoffed, sending her head back with a wicked smirk playing on her lips. Her stance was solid like she had an army behind her. She was not playing around and spoke in the same manner; only this time, she had the opportunity to scowl at the girl who was slightly taller than she.

"Tell me what you're thinking about."

Her confidence seemed to have intimidated Paula and the rest of her friends whose smiles were quickly wiped off their faces. They were now looking at each other questioningly, unsure of what to do. They looked like they were being interrogated for something they had not done.

"I said, speak." Lia reiterated decisively, her mouth barely moving. Her gaze never left the brunette who had been subtly scrambling to avert Lia's brown eyes.

"It's true, isn't it?" Paula cautiously muttered, putting up an unconvincingly tough façade. The way her chest swiftly rose and fell and the look in her fear-stricken eyes gave her away.

"What? The four way?" Lia furrowed her brows and maintained the devious smirk. "Oh, yes. Happy now?" She emphasized the words while rolling her eyes. Her sarcasm was uncanny, it could be spotted from miles away.

Close by, Kensi could see the unwanted interaction. She was caught up with Janiah who was talking to her about the homework they had for AP Physics. Janiah was having trouble understanding the whole concept of their lesson and was not keen on studying over the weekend. She would rather party.

Kensi was relieved when Janiah finally left her alone. Her legs were fidgeting the entire time they spoke; she desperately wanted to be at Lia's side. Kensi instantaneously sauntered towards Lia, mustering her best happy look to throw the five girls off. They were in Kensi's class and she did not care to learn their names.

"Is there a problem, babe?" Kensi affectionately kissed Lia's cheek, lingering there more than usual as she slung her arm behind Lia, resting her hand over her waist.

She adjusted her gaze to the girls who were watching them intently, eyes bulging out of their sockets with mouths parted. Kensi might not be the most popular of the school but she was well respected. She was known for her fierceness and strong drive to defend the bullied, especially Lia.

If Duke was protective of Lia, Kensi was, too. Lia didn't need any of their help though. She was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

Lia didn't need saving. But she was anxious about people, especially her friends, thinking that Kensi had quickly moved on from Duke. It wasn't for herself, it was for Kensi. The assumptions wouldn't be good for her. However, there was no reason for Lia to worry about Kensi's act. The entire school was practically blind to the relationship Kensi shared with Duke. They simply looked like they were friends who hung out with each other.

"N-Nothing, Kensi." Paula retorted, instantly regretting ever thinking about Lia. She was noticeably pale by then which made her hastily push her friends out of the door to avoid the two girls.

Lia was more than aware she’d been putting a distance between her and Kensi since their kiss. And every single time she closed her eyes, a memory would inundate the darkness, one she’d been suppressing for years on end.

"You didn't have to do that, Kensi." Lia reminded her friend, turning to completely face her.

All inhibitions aside, she was undeniably happy that Kensi came to her aid, or lack thereof. Despite the fact that she had been Kensi's source of strength for the past three months, Kensi had always provided her the same comfort in the past. They shared something that Lia did not share with her childhood friend and that was what she had been trying to unravel since the first day of school.

Kensi tenderly smiled, leaning in to kiss Lia's forehead. "I wanted to."

-

Kensi drove the pair to Lia's house. She had initially told Lia she wanted to carpool and Lia agreed easily. The entire drive was quiet given that Lia was on her phone, angrily reading something while forcefully pounding her thumbs against the glass surface.

Lia was too soundless and too tensed for Kensi's liking. Kensi assumed it was because of the five girls that they had just ran into despite knowing Lia doesn't care much about what others thought of her.

Upon arriving the Casey home, they both greeted Lia's mother who offered them some sandwiches. The pair settled in Lia's room. Lia immediately went to sit on her desk, hastily prying her laptop open upon throwing her backpack on the floor. Kensi sauntered towards the bed to sit on its edge; backpack slung on her right shoulder with the plate of sandwiches in her hand.

Kensi waited for Lia to speak while she forced herself to enjoy the beautifully delicious pulled beef pot roast sandwich. However, she didn't have it in her. Her gaze was fixated on the girl who had been running her hand through her head repeatedly in frustration coupled by the occasional grunts and heavy sighs. Lia was hitting the keys of her keyboard like a caveman, creating the loudest of clicks and rumpus from the electronic device. The finishing touches would have been the club, tussled hair and well, the primitive outfit.

Kensi was sure she had not heard such noise come from such a task.

"Don't let them get to you, Lia." She coaxed, unable to refrain from speaking up any longer. Half of her sandwich remained and was set back on the plate she perched on the bed. Kensi decided she did not have the appetite.

"It's not them." Lia grumbled, letting out another sigh. She did not bother looking back to Kensi. Instead, lunging forward which left her face only half a foot from the bright screen. "Honestly, they have not crossed my mind since you practically scared them away." She shook her head in amusement, a smile tugging at her lips as she recalled the fear in the eyes of the five seniors they had encountered. "You're too scary for a pretty girl."

Did she mean to say that? Kensi pondered, undeniably elated by what she had heard.

Kensi smirked proudly, leaning back on her hands that were perched on the bed.

"What is it then?" She curiously asked, scrunching up her features. "What has gotten into you? This morning when we went to school and during lunch you were fine. I mean, I figured you'd be a little happier given the look on Jaron's face when you two hugged." She mumbled the last part, hoping Lia didn't actually comprehend the garbled words. She often refused to call the guy by his nickname, especially after seeing the urgent hug.

Unfortunately, Lia did.

Lia was almost certain she could hear a hint of jealously in her friend's tone. But she was too caught up in her work to even acknowledge any other human emotion than determination. That was usually the case with Lia. If her head and heart would be in a duel, her head would be the uncontested winner; except during the three months of summer when her heart was the leader of all her actions.

"Stupid editorial feature." Lia could only roll her eyes while typing away. "Editor-in-Chief bailed on it. I have to write it again! That, plus the submissions have piled up. Where is he, Lia?" She sardonically muttered, making a face while tilting her head from side to side. "I know! Nowhere! When I see that useless piece of crap, I'm shoving my foot up his ass along with these stupid articles. I'll shove it so hard, he'd vomit my shoe out!" She grunted, clenching her fists momentarily before attaching them back to the keyboard. "I'm swamped."

Irritation was more than apparent in Lia's tone but the burden in her chest had been partially unloaded. She could not deny the relief she felt after badmouthing the Editor-in-Chief. Kensi desperately tried to stifle her laugh; her hands pressed firmly against her grinning mouth. She had always found Lia's frustration to be adorably amusing that she could just squish her cheeks and kiss her entire face.

"You always write it though." Kensi loudly cleared her throat, tugging the corners of her lips downward. She was barely selling the indifference in her tone. "I mean, there's nothing new there. Besides, you know you're better than Garrett." She persuaded, genuinely meaning everything she said.

Lia finally turned to face Kensi, swiveling her white cushioned seat with her. A sincere smile grazed the glossy surface of her plump lips while her tender brown eyes focused on Kensi's worried greens.

"Thank you."

Kensi merely waved her hand dismissively with a sly bob of the brows while mirroring Lia's smile. Except, hers was more of a satisfied and proud grin given Lia's reaction. Kensi actually enjoys being there for her best friend.

When Lia reengaged herself back to the article she was editing, Kensi settled more comfortably on the bed. She was completely lying on her back with her head supported by a stack of two pillows. She was thoughtlessly fumbling with her cuticles while her eyes were engrossed on the bare ceiling.

"I actually have at least one of your birdboys in all my classes." She lightly chuckled to herself, not minding to look to Lia.

Apparently, the news wasn't as casual or lackluster to Lia. It was far from good in Lia's book. She had snapped her head back to Kensi, brows furrowed with her lips pressed tightly together. There was a commotion looming in her chest. She was uncomfortable with the guys around Kensi. Lia was particularly worried they would blatantly discuss her unconfirmed attraction towards Kensi. She could be a little jealous they get to see her for at least 40 minutes at a time. But she would never admit that either.

"What did they do to make that happen?"

"I don't know but I like it." Kensi beamed at her, eyelids sealed happily.

"W-Why?" Lia exasperatedly asked, raggedly breathing. She was apprehensive by the whole situation and Kensi's blissful state was exacerbating the situation. "How?"

"They're weirdly acting like my personal body guards." Kensi retorted simply, winking at Lia with a smirk on her lips. "You can never go wrong with the extra security, you know? Especially when you're worried about me. Did you send them to me by any chance?"

Why is there a smirk? Lia thought to herself, feeling her heart rate speed up. She condescendingly narrowed her eyes at the mischievous looking Kensi. You little tease!

“I don’t have the power to manipulate schedules, Kens. And I thought you didn’t like them. You don’t like Ice particularly.”

“I don’t have to like them to be happy they watch me for you.”

Lia begrudgingly swiveled back to her work when she heard her e-mail notification. She was attempting to push the social and probably romantic issue aside and focus on the academic-related one. Her heart could wait another hour, or day; maybe even a week or a month.

"Crap!" Lia griped once again, only seconds after returning to her work. She attached her hands on her head, massaging her scalp. Her eyes were focused on evelope icon on the bottom right of her screen.

"Why? What's wrong?" Alarmed, Kensi swiftly stood up and hustled towards Lia.

Before Lia could answer, Kensi was by her side. Her left hand was comfortably perched on Lia's left shoulder, her fingers reaching to her upper arm. She could feel a stiff, scratchy surface underneath the baseball tee Lia was wearing. The blue sleeves were conveniently covering the area in question.

Both girls stiffened. Kensi's fears had only intensified as her heart felt as if it was being wringed dry coupled by the tightening of her chest. She was almost sure Lia had been hiding a self-inflicted injury. Every clue just fitted perfectly; the sudden change in wardrobe and the reluctance to discuss her feelings in depth.

On the other hand, Lia was not ready to discuss the still hidden subject. If she were to talk about anything that grave, Kensi was one of two people she would share them to. And since, three months ago, it had only been just Kensi. But she figured, it wasn't the right time.

"I have to do the sports columns again." Lia slumped in her seat, groaning. "There's a football game next week. It's their first home game. Somebody took care of the games that began in late August. I can't do this right now." She ran both hands in her hair in frustration. "I have a lot of other articles to go over, not to mention making the lay out. On top of that, I have to get my stamina back for the track season. Did I happen to mention I'm swamped?" She sarcastically mumbled, forcing an equally sarcastic closed-lip smile.

"I'm sorry, baby." Kensi cooed, setting her hands on the base of Lia's neck. She massaged the stiff muscles with her soothing hands causing Lia's eyes to retreat behind her lids. "I would suggest you quit but you can't, right?"

"No." Lia shook her head before bowing down to grant Kensi's fingers more space to work on. "My parents expect a lot from me. I expect a lot from me."

Lia was an overachiever who was earning enough credits to graduate with Kensi's class by the end of the year. She has had enough electives, AP classes, extra-curricular activities and such in the past years of her high school education. The sheet of her credentials is quite stellar which would allow her to an easy access to her dream university.

Kensi swiveled Lia's chair to make the girl face her completely. She crouched down to level with Lia's eyes, smiling affectionately at Lia. She was hoping to soothe the storm that is constantly pestering Lia's intellectual mind. She was hoping to ease the pressure in Lia's overcrowded skull.

"I feel like I should remind you that I think the person you are in here," She pointed to Lia's chest; the tip of her finger barely grazing Lia's shirt. "Despite all the things you could do with this thing here," She pointed to Lia's forehead, playfully scrunching her features up. "Is more than enough for me."

Lia blew air out, slightly smiling. She was relenting which doesn't usually happen, especially those that concern her academics. It was never because of any obstinacy. It was just because Lia is very diligent and likes to have some sort of control over her affairs to maintain composure. The same rule applies to her Birdgirl duties.

Kensi held her hands out, folding the fingers repeatedly; a silent invitation for Lia to engulf her in a hug. The adoring look in Kensi's green eyes caused a disturbance in Lia's heart; making it skip a beat. She took a sharp breath at the same time while an explosion of colorful-winged insects descended upon her belly.

You can't, Lia! She chastised herself.

Lia would have continued to ramble in her thoughts but was literally drawn into Kensi who had initiated the hug herself. She reciprocated and immediately stood up, wanting to feel Kensi's warmth more on her body more than anything. The familiar sweet scent of her sent a calming yet conflicting effect on Lia. For more than a hundred days, she had consistently been blessed with the warmth that coupled Kensi's scent and she had never felt guiltier to feel at home in those arms.

"Can we bail on the party tonight?" Kensi muttered while in the emotion-filled embrace. "I can attempt to help you with all the proofreading. I think I have a good grasp on the English language."

She never hoped to get much from the suggestion. Lia has never agreed on dropping out on parties in the past; except for the first two or three weeks of Duke's passing when everyone - except Lia, was still grieving. Kensi's efforts may be futile but she just had to try.

"I can't." Lia remorsefully retorted; sinking into Kensi further.

The conflict in her head, more apparent to her than ever. She wanted to spend time with Kensi alone. Conversely, she had vowed to be there for her friends no matter what although they wouldn't have forced her to go out with them.

"Ice needs me. Tonight was supposed to be his last swig until the game next Friday. He thinks his mystery girl is showing up tonight. Besides, it's Friday." Lia reasoned, unsure if her words were convincing given that she was not as interested as she thought she was.

Sighing in defeat, Kensi said, "He isn't supposed to drink at all though. I mean, they're all athletes. You're on the track team."

"The boys have been sticking to two cups a night. Those won't do much to your body." Lia defended, knowing the beverage all too well.

"What about you?"

Lia stiffened, guilt washed over her having very little memory of what went down in the parties after guzzling enough alcohol to cloud her consciousness. That, and she absolutely abhorred speaking of her feelings recently.

"I...uh...I-I'm fine. Track season doesn't start 'til January, Kens."

Kensi had to will herself from sighing very heavily in defeat. Instead, she bit her lower lip forcefully as she squeezed her eyes shut. She unconsciously held Lia tighter. "What about your parents? Do they know?"

"They think I'm studying somewhere most of the time. It's not like I have been slacking on my studies though." Lia retorted too casually. "I, at least, finish my work before going out." She continued, sounding a little playful.

"That's good...I guess." Kensi shrugged, unable to formulate any other words. "Can we please stay here? Please?" She implored one last time with significantly less hope than the first time.

When Lia sighed heavily, Kensi knew she was losing. She simply didn't want Lia to get drunk again. She found it unhealthy both on the physical and emotional aspect. She figured the drinking was a way to plug a massive hole in Lia's being. She never saw it as a necessary solution; she was there and all Lia had to do was talk.

"You don't have to come, Kens." Lia unsurely mumbled, her tone apologetic.

"No way in hell, Lia." Kensi pulled away, looking at Lia with a pained expression. Her hands were attached to Lia's hips, not willing to let go just yet. "Can you just promise me you will drink half the usual alcohol volume that you ingest?"

"As much as I like hanging out with you, I don't need babysitting." Lia grumbled, shaking her head. "And I'll think about it."

Lia should have known better than to rest her eyes and lower her guard down when ruthless memories with no regard for time and space are simply waiting to contaminate the forefront of her mind. Kensi was on her bed, reading for a quiz the following day while she was scrambling to finish article upon article while checking others.

It played like an old movie, a grainy image of forest green eyes and alabaster skin bathed by the moon’s glow. The night sky overshadowed the bright lights as blades of grass shoot out of the silver and gray flecked carpet of her room, and the shelves of books that stood like skyscrapers collapse and in their place, a wild tamarind tree materialized amongst bushes and shrubs across a jungle gym of old tire swings and wooden ladders and monkey bars.

A small whiff and she could smell the aroma of melted chocolate and burnt marshmallows infused in the warm atmosphere, not the musty odor of old books and the cold air that carried it. She couldn’t hear anything else but the clatter of her pulse and the blood rushing to her ears.

She strained to see the rest of the backyard with no help from the bronze lantern mounted above the back porch door, its flickering light barely illuminating the plaid blanket of red and white she was sitting on, and the vapor of that old memory distorted her vision.

But the vestigial accuracy of the circumstance was insignificant in comparison to the subject of the spotlight of her brown eyes because nothing ever mattered more than the person she was staring at, the silhouette demanding her attention.

“Lia.” Kensi’s voice finally pierced through the haze.

“Huh?” Lia had to physically shake her heard to ward off her thoughts, blinking her eyes as she glanced at Kensi.

“What was that? You zoned out on me.” Trepidation marred Kensi’s face, analyzing Lia’s with those intrepid eyes that never wavered even as Lia tried to brush it off.

“Nothing.”