Advice (Kali POV)

As soon as she knew Josh was gone, Kali sought out Maya. She found her chatting with Elys, and sat down at the table with them. “Just the two I hoped to find. I…I want to do something, but I want your advice first.”

They look at her curiously, and Elys speaks first. “That sssoundsss ominousss, Kali. What isss it?”

Kali sighs, knowing this is a bad idea. “I want to talk to Samara. Without Josh.”

Maya looks at her, confused. “But why?”

Kali shrugs. “I just want to speak with her, and without her thinking he’s listening. Maybe I can appeal to a family connection?”

Maya shakes her head. “That’s not a good idea. Kali. There’s so much that could go wrong. Not to mention that even though she’s your sister, you have to admit that it’s not a normal family dynamic.”

Kali sighs. She knew all this, but somehow she felt like it needed to be done. It felt like Samara just needed someone sympathetic. Someone who went through the same situation.

Elys looks at her, shaking her head. “I can sssee the wheelsss turning in your head, Kali. Trussst usss on thisss one. Talk it over with Josh when he getsss back. Doing sssomething like thisss without talking to him would betray the trussst he hasss in you.”

Maya nods. “Elys is right. Don’t do it.”

Kali nods. “You’re right. Maybe it’s the fact that I might have family beyond us that’s making me not think clearly.”

Both girls smile, and Maya nods. “We understand. And it’s good you came to us first. Like Elys said, talk to him first, that way everyone is on the same page.”

Kali smiles. “Sometimes you two really show why you’re the leaders here.”

They laugh, and the conversation turns to less serious topics.