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5x15 ౨ৎ
BETTY WAS aware that the other day she was behaving foolishly and that it was all jealousy.
"Are you mad at me?" Rory's voice cut through the thick silence that had settled in the cramped Yale apartment. Betty, who had been staring at the crack.
Betty blinked and looked up, her eyes focusing on Rory. "Mad?" she echoed, the word sounding foreign in the context of their usual banter. She took a deep breath, letting the tension ease out of her shoulders. "No, I'm not mad. Just lost in thought." She closed the textbook with a gentle thud, the sound resonating in the stillness of the room.
"But I saw the anger in your eyes yesterday," Rory persisted, leaning forward, her own gaze searching Betty's.
Betty sighed heavily, her eyes dropping to the floor. "I know," she admitted. "But it's not about you or even the school. It's about Mom and Luke. They broke up and I was just sad about ."
Rory's expression softened, understanding dawning. "I didn't know it affected you that much," she said, reaching over to place a comforting hand on Betty's arm. "But they're back together now, mom called"
Betty's eyes snapped back to Rory's. "Oh, that's good," she said, the relief evident in her voice. It was like someone had just lifted a heavy weight off her chest.
"But, it's not just that," Rory continued, her voice low and tentative. "I need to ask you something."
Betty leaned back into the couch cushions, curiosity piqued. "Go on then," she said, her voice a gentle invitation for Rory to proceed.
Rory took a deep breath, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "I've been seeing Logan again," she confessed. "And before you say anything, it's not like last time. He wants to keep it casual, no strings attached."
Betty raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I mean, I'm not surprised," she said, her voice devoid of judgment. "But no strings don't really sound like you, Rory."
Rory bit her bottom lip, contemplating her sister's words. "I know," she said. "But I've changed, Betty. I've been thinking a lot, and maybe I just need to live a little. You know, enjoy the present without worrying about the future."
Betty studied her for a moment, her gaze searching for the truth behind the words. "Rory," she said, her tone serious. "You know he's not the type to settle down. And I know you, you're not the type to do casual. You're going to get hurt."
Rory looked down at her interlocked hands, the silence stretching taut between them. "I know," she murmured. "But I can't help it. Whenever I'm with him, it's like I'm alive. And when I'm not, everything feels so... muted." She looked back up at Betty, her eyes pleading. "How do I do it, Betty? "
Betty took a moment to absorb Rory's confession. "What are you asking me, exactly?" she said, her voice measured. "Do you want my blessing? Or my advice?"
