Chapter 17

JULIA

Zoe explained who Lucia was and why they were here, including Lucia being the killer of our rapist, which she hadn't known about either as she didn't much pay attention to the news. She heard about Lucia's gang rape and the trouble she'd had conceiving after. It was the first time I ever saw any hint of emotion on Shasta's face. Some tears formed in her eyes. Not enough to spill over before she hastily wiped them away. I'd barely ever seen her crack a smile.

"Shasta, are you okay?" I asked.

"I'm sorry to hear what happened to you, Lucia," she said. "It was horrible."

"It happened a long time ago, Shasta." Lucia said. "It was many years past and I don't think about it. I'm over it with the help of my friends. I'm pregnant now. I'm content and couldn't be better. You need not worry about me."

Shasta started crying now. Full blown sobs and tears so profound, it would seem she lost her child.

"I just said I'm fine, Shasta. You need not cry for m