Chapter 20

"Bella, why are you avoiding us?" Ronald's voice held a subtle edge of hurt as he gripped her hand, refusing to let go no matter how she struggled. Bella's other arm was linked with Nina's, while Sebastian trailed a step behind, unable to reach her free hand. All he could do was block her path to keep her from slipping away again. Nina glanced at Sebastian, then Ronald, and finally at Bella beside her, whose mouth had turned downward slightly. A sudden unease washed over Nina; she felt she shouldn't be here at all. Realizing she couldn't avoid them, Bella stopped struggling and let go of Nina's hand. "Nina, could you wait over there for a bit? I need to talk to them alone." Nina agreed, pointing toward the nearby playground before waving. "Alright, I'll wait there. Come find me when you're done." Bella nodded, watching Nina hurry off happily. Then she turned back to Sebastian and Ronald, carefully prying Ronald's fingers from hers. The warmth she had shown Nina vanished complete