"When we got back, we told them when exams would be over. We had too much going on, and I wanted to focus on my studies. But we agreed to inform both of you tonight, just that... I'm really exhausted, and my mind feels like mush. This was supposed to be a private matter, and we didn't want you to find out this way, but we did want you to be the first to know." I take a deep breath and move slowly across the floor to Kent, who looks vulnerable and open. I quietly slip my hand into his, ignoring the disapproving glances. "I want you to understand something," I insist, tightening my grip on his hand. "I can make my own decisions about this, and Kent's part in it is just as significant as mine. Please don't portray it otherwise." I nod, trying to gauge their reactions, but they both still appear pretty firm in their stances. "I get that this is difficult and will take time. But don't direct your anger toward Kent because we both made this choice." "And don't take it out on Juls either,

"I'd like to know what's on your mind right now," he laughs, pulling me from my thoughts and making my cheeks even redder. "Do you think we'll have some alone time today?" I ask while looking at our entwined hands. I can't help the shy smile tugging at the corners of my mouth, but I try to suppress it. "And why, Julianna, would you want to be alone?" He inquires in a hushed tone. I shrug my shoulders, attempting to conceal my shyness. "N-no reason," I whisper, and he chuckles. I keep glancing around to see if anyone is eavesdropping, but thankfully, there's no one nearby. "You don't need to feel self-conscious," he brings up, and I just shrug. I hadn't been as sexually active as Kent, and discussing it made me feel uneasy, particularly right now. I was somewhat reserved about getting intimate with people, but I had taken that step with Kent, which was a significant milestone for me. "I'm just teasing," he whispers as if he's noticed how reticent I've become. "Trust me, I was also

"It looks like she made it from a colorful rainbow yarn ball, as if she took the skins off all The Muppets and stitched them into one sweater. The black collar and cuffs make it even more vibrant, and it seems about four sizes too big for me." "I should've made it smaller; I forgot you've lost so much weight," she chatters. "I finished putting it together last night. Let's see!" From across the living room, my dad and Jesse are trying not to laugh, and I offer her a forced smile. "Thanks, Abuela, it's really nice." "Well, it's so cold here that I thought you could use a warm sweater." I cautiously say, "Yes," and take the sweater from her. Mom smiles from the kitchen, and I know my family finds this amusing. I pull it over my head, and the scents of mothballs, Ivory soap, and her perfume that makes me feel like I'm suffocating hit me. It's so oversized that it nearly reaches my knees, and the sleeves are longer than my fingers. It's huge and slightly scratchy. "Oh, that's perfec

"I don't know why you're so anxious," my mom leans against my door and says, and I sigh. "Mom, I don't have a Christmas gift for him." I mutter to myself as I repack my bag. For my trip with Kent, I had to visit my apartment, do laundry, prepare a new bag, and head to the airport. It wasn't the packing that made my stomach churn, but the pressure I placed on myself. "So? He said he didn't want one, didn't he?" she asks. "But he's taking me to New York," I say quietly. "Isn't that reason enough to at least try?" "Just give him something that feels like it's from you, something that's genuine," she whispers as she walks into my room and gives me a tight hug. "Juls, have a great time. I love you." "I love you too," I smile, and she returns the smile before stepping away. I grab my bags and pile my things in the living room. Kent mentioned he'd be going to the gym this morning but would return to pick me up. A smile spreads across my face when I see his black car pull up outside. "

"Baby!" I hear, along with a loud knock on the door. I gradually pick myself up from the bathroom floor, wincing in pain. How did I end up falling asleep here? "Juls, open the door," I hear again. This time, I let out a sigh and make my way to my feet. My dress from last night is still on, the zipper undone from the previous evening. I glance at my reflection in the mirror above the vanity. Red eyes, tangled hair, a brutal hangover with a pounding headache. As I turn my attention back to the door, a mix of emotions wash over me. A significant part of it is anger, actually mostly anger. But there's also a trace of sadness that makes me want to cry all over again. I need some time to think and space away from him. Ever since we started whatever this is with Kent, he's always been so preoccupied. I clung to him whenever he paid me attention. My every thought revolved around him, and I'm starting to believe that's why things keep going awry for me. The truth is Kent doesn't reveal e