Breaking the Grid

Tension

As the girls returned from their international camps, I knew Leah had stayed with her mom last night, so I hadn't seen her yet. Tonight, Alessia was hosting a party, and she'd invited me, though I wasn't sure if the others were aware I'd be there. I finish getting ready, choosing something casual but still nice—jeans and a zip-up jacket. My Uber's already downstairs, so I grab my keys, lock the door, and hurry down to meet it.

The driver is an older gentleman, warm and chatty, keeping up a pleasant conversation the whole ride to Alessia's place. When we finally pull up, I thank him, step out, and make my way to her door. I knock, and within seconds, Alessia opens it, looking like she practically ran to get there. She grins, her face lighting up in that way that always puts people at ease.

"Hey! You made it!" she says, sounding genuinely happy.

"Yeah, wouldn't miss it." I smile back, feeling a bit more relaxed.

She leads me inside toward the living room. "So, where is everyone?" I ask, glancing around, half-expecting to hear music and laughter.

Then I spot Steph and Caitlin sitting on the couch, both of them looking way too serious. The vibe's definitely off from what I was expecting, and I slow down, falling quiet as their eyes lock onto me.

"Blair," Steph says, nodding toward the couch across from them, "take a seat."

I blink, glancing at Alessia for an explanation, but she just gives me a sympathetic smile before leaving the room. My stomach tightens a bit as I sit down, trying to figure out what's going on. This doesn't feel like the beginning of a party; it feels like the beginning of an interrogation.

After a beat of silence, Caitlin exchanges a look with Steph, then gives her a slight nod. Steph clears her throat, clearly ready to take the lead. "We need to talk to you about Kyra."

My eyebrows lift in surprise. "Kyra?" I echo, not quite sure where this is going.

"Yeah," Caitlin chimes in, her expression serious. "We've been with her at the camp, and... well, we couldn't help but notice that she's been on her phone a lot lately. And every time she is, it's clear she's talking to someone important."

I try to keep my face neutral, but they see right through it.

"We know it's you," Steph says, her tone softening just a bit. "She's been different, Blair. She's up and down, one minute in the best mood, the next all closed off. And it seems to change depending on you."

My throat goes a little dry. Steph and Caitlin exchange a look, their faces serious again. "You know, Blair, you really hurt her that one time," Caitlin says, her tone firm. "And if you do it again... well, let's just say there are a lot of Australians who'd be more than happy to step in."

Her eyes don't leave mine, and I realize this isn't a joke. My heart sinks a little, and I nod. "I know," I say quietly. "I didn't mean to hurt her. It's just..."

Steph interrupts, not letting me finish. "Then what are you waiting for, Blair? Have you even made a move?"

I hesitate. "No, but..."

"But what?" Steph presses, clearly done with my excuses. "Do you even know what you want?"

"I do," I say, feeling the heat of their gazes. "It's just—she's never been with a girl before. I don't want to rush her or make her feel pressured. I want it to be her choice too."

Caitlin sighs, shaking her head slightly. "We're not saying you have to rush things, Blair. We just don't want you to keep pulling her in, then pushing her away."

"She's been through enough," Steph adds. "So if you're going to be in her life, really be there for her. Stop keeping her in this gray area."

Their words hit hard, each one chipping away at my uncertainty. I open my mouth, wanting to explain how complicated it feels, but no words come out.