Alethea

Kayla's sudden question catches me off guard. "Are you two fucking now?" she asks, her tone completely serious.

I throw my head back in laughter, unable to stop myself. "Kayla! Where is this coming from?" I ask between fits of giggles.

She simply shrugs, watching me with knowing eyes. When I finally manage to calm down, she suddenly lunges forward, wrapping her arms around my neck in a bone-crushing hug.

"Oh, my goddess, Ally! I missed you so much!" she exclaims, squeezing me tightly. "I was so worried when you disappeared without saying goodbye. But somehow, I just knew you were okay."

Her words warm my heart, and I...