As Amanda and Victoria worked on their project, Amanda noticed Victoria`s gaze drifting toward an old photograph on her binder. The image showed two girls, arms around each other, smiling brightly. Victoria`s expression softened, and for a moment, Amanda saw a glimmer of sadness.
Amanda`s curiosity piqued.
"Who`s that with you in the picture?"
Victoria`s gaze snapped back, and she quickly tucked the binder away. "No one."
Amanda sensed a story behind Victoria`s abrupt response. "Hey, I`m nosy, but I care. You can trust me."
Victoria`s eyes lingered on Amanda`s face, and for an instant, Amanda thought she saw a flicker of vulnerability. But Victoria`s mask slipped back into place.
"It`s just a friend from a long time ago." Victoria said curtly, changing the subject. Amanda nodded, respecting Victoria`s boundaries. But she couldn`t shake the feeling that Victoria`s past held secrets and stories worth uncovering...