Lando Norris has known Stephania Anderson almost his whole life, but the childhood friends had a rough falling out when she started dating his then teammate. Now four years later, he finds himself back in her life and he has to deal with the feelin...
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16. I'll Still Have Me
As the first light of dawn began to break, Stephania found herself standing in front of her friends' apartment. The night had been long and tumultuous, but she had made it through. The 'walk of shame' back to the girls' apartment was a blur, her mind racing with emotions. Taking a deep breath, she knocked softly on the door, hoping she wouldn't wake them too abruptly.
A few moments later, the door creaked open, and Carla's sleep-rumpled face appeared. Her eyes widened in surprise and concern as she took in Stephania's tear-streaked face and the overnight bag slung over her shoulder.
"Steph? What's going on?" Carla asked, quickly stepping aside to let her in. Stephania paused for a moment to gather herself before stepping inside, the familiar warmth of her friends' apartment providing a stark contrast to the coldness she had just left behind.
Mariá, hearing the commotion, emerged from her bedroom, her worry evident as she hurried over. "Stephania, are you okay? What happened?"
Her friends helped her over to the couch, their concern palpable as they looked up at her. Stephania felt the tears welling up again, but she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I went to see Carlos, I know I shouldn't have, but I did, I'm so sorry for lying to you.'' Her friends sat down on beside of her, offering her a comforting and understanding look.
''I-...I found out Carlos was still cheating on me. I saw the messages. I confronted him, and... I just couldn't stay there anymore."
Carla and Mariá exchanged a look, their concern deepening. They both moved closer, enveloping her in a comforting hug. "We're so sorry, Steph," Mariá said softly. "You did the right thing by leaving."
Stephania's tears rolled down her cheeks. ''The messages...They were mocking me, calling me stupid for believing him."
Carla's eyes flashed with anger. "That bastard. How dare he?"
"I know," Stephania nodded, a bitter smile crossing her lips. "I should have seen it coming. But I didn't, and now I need to move forward. I can't live with him anymore." Her voice was trembling as she continued. "I just... I need to figure out what to do next."
Carla and Mariá led her to the couch, where they sat down. "You're staying here with us, okay? At least until you decide what you want to do."
Stephania nodded, grateful for their support. "Thank you so much guys. Thank you for everything'' The girls engulfed Stephania in a hug.
Then a knock was heard on the door causing the girls to break free from the hug and stare towards the sound. Carla got up and approached the door, the tension in the room was sickening.
