The guys had paused their game, unsure what to do.
The room had grown tense.
Bree was very nervous and so she licked her lips and clutched her phone tighter. She wouldn't let it show. She wouldn't.
She began to speak.
"Sorry about running. Did you take my schoolbag....?"
"Listen here, little bitch...." Alejandro angrily began but Ashley was quick to intercept.
"Don't say that, please."
Alejandro was visibly boiling and when he spoke, it seemed to come out and drown Bree who flinched, guiltily.
"I hope you can see what she's done." Ashley sighed and smiled at her brother softly.
"We'll talk about it. I promise. She's sorry. Uhm, we're leaving now."
"Yes. Bye, girls." Rolando said, excited to go back to what he was engrossed in.
Maverick bade them bye and Alejandro walked back into the kitchen like the world had betrayed him. He really wasn't sure what to do at the moment.
Ashley went and snatched Bree's schoolbag where she'd placed it. The girls hurried out like their life depended on it or Alejandro would just barge back out and bark at them again.
★★★ ★★★
Once they hit the road, Ashley spoke. Her tone dropped softly.
"I think you need to be careful, Bree."
Yes, Bree was hit by a moment of fear which slide out when Ashley passed her a soft smile and got back to concentrating on the road. Bree took a moment to relax and sighed.
"From what?" Bree asked. "About what?"
"About people this days. Especially when making friends. I know Tiffany is.... sweet to you. But.... slow down."
Bree was intrigued yet she was confused. She nodded slowly. She turned slightly to look at Ashley.
"Why? Can't I just make my own friends, too? That's not so distracting."
"Oh, come on, Bree. That's not what I'm talking about. You're just so special. So.... sweet."
Bree smiled wryly.
"Tiffany makes me feel.... warm. Like I can just be."
Ashley but her lip and nodded. Her mind was ticking.
"I just can't explain it but I don't wanna be too...."
She paused, lost for words and she sighed.
"I'd love to meet her sometime then." Ashley managed to say and Bree nodded, fervently. She was happy to hear what she'd just heard.
"Sure thing!"
"But, Bree, you've got to promise that you'll always keep Alejandro updated."
"Sure. I did it wrong today but I just needed space." Bree said and rest back on the passenger seat.
"And that's okay. But we don't wanna give him reasons to be inflamed."
"Exactly." Bree said and smiled.
Ashley's mind was on fire and in one strange hyper-mode.
"We need to meet Tiffany Elmore. Just once. Is she clean?"
★★★
★★★
It started as a routine.
Every day from Tuesday to Friday, Bree kept her word. Each afternoon, before heading out with Tiffany, she pulled out her phone and sent Alejandro the voice messages that made him begin to vibrate with venomous anger but worse, he didn't know where to spit it out at.
She never stayed on longer than necessary.
Her voice always came out in a timid note.
"Hi… Just letting you know I'm going out now." "We're grabbing lunch and heading to the bookstore." "We'll be back before evening."
And Tiffany noticed Bree's pattern by Thursday.
"Why do you always sound like you're talking to a boss?" she teased.
Bree forced a smile. "Because I kinda am."
By Friday, they were walking through a tiny 2010s vintage market just off campus. Tiffany had picked up a ridiculous feathered hat and was spinning in front of a mirror and casting spells.
Bree was laughing and doing a video—until her phone rang.
Ashley.
She picked up instantly.
"Hey, Ash—"
Ashley's voice was calm, but laced with something heavier.
"Just a heads-up. Alejandro's screamed for a meeting. Saturday. 7 PM. Says it's important."
Bree blinked. The joy in her voice cracked.
"A meeting? What kind of meeting?"
Ashley hesitated. "He didn't say. But you should come prepared. Just wanted you to know."
Click.
Bree slowly lowered the phone.
Tiffany saw the change in her friend's face instantly. She dropped the hat.
"What is it?"
Bree exhaled and rubbed her face with both hands.
"He called for a meeting. Alejandro.... Tomorrow night."
Tiffany's brows rose. "Wait—like, what kind of meeting? Vampire tribunal? Group therapy? What?"
Bree gave a nervous laugh, but it didn't last.
"I don't know. I've never seen him much this week. He's being so… formal. Cold. That's scarier than the yelling."
Tiffany put a hand on her arm.
"Is it about me?"
Bree looked at her for a long second. Tiffany's eyes were bulging from behind her glasses.
"…Maybe." Bree swallowed. "I think this time, it's about our hanging out."
They stood there for a moment, silent between the colorful racks of old clothes and scented candles.
The magic world Bree belonged to?
It was starting to circle.
And Tiffany?
Was now in its line of sight.
Tiffany smiled and looked at her.
"Don't worry, Bree. You're a strong girl. A sweet friend and you'll pass it all tomorrow. Alejandro's just.... playing his part."
Bree shrugged awkwardly and nodded.