Chapter 36. Farah’s Anxiety

SASHA’S POV

“Sha, wait! Let me explain!” Sam cried, eyes wide as saucers. “It’s not what you think!”

Lia and Sam stared at me, stunned. Sam looked nervous, probably thinking I assumed the worst. Lia was just as panicked, her face clouded with worry.

“What do you think I’m thinking?” I asked, fighting a grin. “If you were really up to something, would you bring her home?” I teased.

Relief washed over Lia’s face—and Sam’s too. They both clearly had the same worry.

“Sha, thank God you’re still up,” Sam said, visibly tired but relieved. “Can you lend Lia some clean clothes? She’s in rough shape.”

I stepped closer to Lia, who was still crying. Her clothes were soaked, a bruise darkened her cheek, and deep scratches lined her shoulders like claw marks.

“Lia, what happened?” I asked, alarmed. A brawl? She’s not in high school anymore. “How’d you get so banged up?”

Lia just shook her head. Her sobs made it hard for her to speak