Lena's POV
The grocery bag feels heavier with each step, or maybe that's just me. My arms ache, my feet drag, and I'm so focused on not dropping anything that I almost don't see her.
But then I look up and there she is, standing by my front door.
Priya.
The grocery bag slips from my fingers and hits the ground. Oranges roll across the driveway, cans clatter, and I don't care.
"Priya," I say, and her name comes out broken, relief and regret mixed together.
I cross the distance and pull her into a hug so tight I can feel her heartbeat.
"I'm so sorry," I say into her shoulder. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I'm sorry I lied, I'm sorry for everything."
Priya's arms come around me, her hand on the back of my head. When we pull apart, she's wiping her eyes but also laughing. "Silly girl," she says. "You dropped the groceries."
We both laugh, the sound shaky but real. We crouch down and gather the scattered items, chasing oranges, picking up cans. We carry everything inside, and I unlock the door with trembling hands.
The house is still empty, and I've never been more grateful.
We put the groceries on the counter, then sit at the kitchen table.
"Tell me everything," Priya says, settling in. "From the beginning."
So I tell her. About the hotel room, about seeing Noah and Evan there, about what they said, about their feelings, about the night that followed. About taking the money even though it made me feel hollow.
About avoiding them, about Evan showing up with flowers, about the confusion eating me alive. Priya listens without interrupting, her expression cycling through horror and concern.
When I finally run out of words, she's quiet. Then she asks, "Did they hurt you?" Her voice is soft but serious. "Physically, emotionally, in any way?"
"No," I say immediately. "They were—we only—" I stop, not sure how to explain.
"Did you enjoy it?" Priya asks, no judgment in her tone.
Heat floods my face and I hit her shoulder playfully. "Priya!"
She catches my hand and points at me, laughing. "You did! Look at you blushing!"
"They were gentle with me," I say quietly. "Both of them were really gentle and asked permission for everything. I don't regret losing my virginity to them. I just feel bad because of the money. It makes everything feel wrong."
Priya's smile fades into something more serious. "Have you told your mom? Does she know about the money?"
"No," I say quickly. "I can't tell her. I'm going to tell her it's a full scholarship. She'll believe it because she wants to."
Priya nods slowly. Then she leans back and looks at me. "So let me get this straight. The two hottest guys in school want you, and you're avoiding them? Wow."
"You think I'm being stupid?" I ask.
"I think you're making this more complicated than it needs to be," Priya says gently. "Let me ask you this: what if you had slept with a complete stranger? Some random guy from that website? Would you have hated yourself then?"
I think about it. "Worse. So much worse. I would have felt empty and used."
"Right," Priya says. "So wasn't it better that it was with two boys you actually like? Two boys who apparently like you back?"
I'm silent, letting her words sink in. Finally, I whisper, "I guess so."
"Then what is the actual problem here?" Priya asks. "Is it the money? Is it shame? What is it?"
I nod slowly. "The money. It makes everything feel transactional."
"Then maybe you should return it," Priya says simply. "If the money is what's making you feel bad, give it back. Take control of the whole situation. Or keep the money and decide it was a gift, not a payment. Either way, make a choice and own it. Stop letting this eat you alive. And honestly? Just get control of the whole situation and enjoy yourself. Two hot guys like you. That's not a problem, Lena. That's an opportunity."
The words hang in the air, and I realize she's right. I've been so focused on shame that I haven't thought about what I actually want.
"I don't know if I can return it," I admit. "I already registered. The money's gone."
Priya shrugs. "Then decide it was a gift. From two boys who like you and wanted to help. Stop punishing yourself and them for something that might actually be okay."
I look at my best friend and feel something shift inside my chest. Maybe she's right. Maybe I've been making this harder than it needs to be.
Maybe it's time to stop running and start facing what's actually happening in my life.