Yes.

Shelly should still be out, and you still need to talk to Vivian. It’d be better to talk about this with Ms. Norah, too, but you can understand that Vivian’s not ready for that yet.

“Okay. I’m warning you though, my sister ate all the snacks yesterday.” You tell her.

She gives you a small smile. “That’s too bad.”

You go inside your apartment and offer Vivian to sit on the couch while you get her something to drink. Shelly even drank what was left of the soda, for god’s sake.

You give her a glass of water and she chugs it down quickly. You sit in silence for a moment before Vivian finally speaks.

“What you said back there… about the police investigation… was it true?” She seems hesitant while asking.

“Almost everything was, except for the part where I said I’d be easy. In reality, it would take a long time and there’s still a chance is would end in nothing, but we really do have a bit of proof in that ripped page with the messages in Spanish. And like I said, I’m sure many would be willing to testify against them.”

“…” Vivian still seems nervous.

“I’ll go pick you up again tomorrow. If things persist, we should talk to your mother and really go to the police.”

Vivian remains silent, but nods.

“Tell me more about them. That way I won’t have to bluff my way out if we have another encounter with them.”

Vivian tells you of the group of cheerleaders. Their names, the things they’ve done to her, what they’ve done to other people and so on. In general terms, they sound just like the cheerleaders from your school, but thankfully you didn’t have many dealings with them.

When she’s done, you’re left in an awkward silence where neither of you is sure what to say or do. A part of you wants to turn on the TV to get rid of the silence, but you know that would be a terrible idea.

“I’m… I’m sorry for getting you involved.” Vivian says, avoiding your gaze.

You frown. “Would you have rather I didn’t go?” You ask.

“No! I didn’t mean that!” She answers hastily.

“Then don’t apologize.” You smile at her. “I’d rather you thank me.” You chuckle.

Vivian looks at you with a complicated expression as she bites her lower lip.

As you’re about to wonder if you said something wrong, your mind goes blank when you feel Vivian’s lips press lightly against yours.

It’s a short, innocent kiss, but you feel your chest tighten in a way it never has before.

Vivian pulls away, and with a face as red as her hair says “T-Thank you.”

This is NOT what you meant by thanks!