Serena stared at the phone for a long time, debating whether to call Nicole. She knew she couldn’t keep hiding away forever, but the idea of telling Nicole everything made it feel too real. The weight of her decisions, the confusion and hurt too much to bear alone.
After a deep breath, she tapped Nicole’s number and waited as it rang.
“Serena?” Nicole’s voice came through, filled with concern. “Where are you? I’ve been worried sick. What happened?”
Serena leaned against the kitchen counter in Lucas’s house, her voice trembling as she spoke. “I’m fine, I just… I had to get away for a while.”
“Get away? What do you mean? You’ve been missing for days.”
“I’m in Carmel,” Serena said, her voice quieter. “I’m staying at Lucas’s house.”
Nicole was silent for a moment before replying, “Lucas?
