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Odessa often thought about her relationship with the Larusso family before the rumor about her spread around school. Her and Sam were close, best friend close, and she looked up to Daniel and Amanda as if they were her own parents. She even loved Anthony, who at the time was too young and addicted to his Ipad. She grew up with them. Then it felt like they were strangers to her. Sam chose to stay friends with Yasmine. Their sleepovers ended. Odessa stopped going over to the Larusso home and chose to stay cooped up in her own.
But then Sam got a taste of what it was like to be her for a day. She went through the same things Odessa endured for years. But getting even with someone wasn't in Odessa's nature. If anything, it made her want to help Sam. Help her to understand why being friends with people like Kyler and Yasmine could ultimately destroy you. And after what seemed like forever, Sam finally understood. Their friendship was better than ever.
Upon calling her about Daniel being attacked by Silver, Sam went over to the girl's house. "I'm really sorry about your dad, Sam." Said Odessa and she placed a bottle of water on the kitchen table.
Sam grabbed the bottle. "I've just never seen him so. . . down," she spoke with a heavy frown on her face. "This Silver guy is fucking up his entire life and I don't know how to help him."
Odessa sat in the chair beside her. "I think what your dad needs most right now is his family. He needs you and Amanda to be there."
But Sam only shook her head. No, there had to be another way. "He got back into karate because he wanted to help the kids in the valley. Now it's karate that's ruining his life. How messed up is that?" She said with a scoff.
"I know this is hurting you guys and I'm really sorry. I think the best thing right now is to remind your dad that he has people that love and care for him. He has people that want him to get better. I know my mom'll fight tooth and nail to make sure Silver goes down. We all will, I promise." She assured her. She put her hand on her arm and gave it a small squeeze.
Sam's blue eyes shined with tears. "How do you do that?"
She titled her head. "Do what?"
"How are you so good at making people feel better? You've been through more hell than any of us and yet you still have a good heart. I don't understand."
Odessa chuckled warmly. "I think I just try to remember what I have in my life. I used to think I had nobody, that was I alone. But I have my mom. And I have Eli. And I have all of my friend. I'm not alone anymore, thanks to all of you."
Johnny was still processing the conversation he had with Thalia. He processed it all the way to the next morning when he was contemplating getting in his car and driving to Christian's apartment. For a minute, he made the decision not to go. Even if Thalia was right, he was a grown man. He couldn't make his own decisions. And he didn't want to see Christian. Not like this. Until he got a call from Amanda, telling him that Daniel had been attacked, and then everything changed.
