BRIANNA

“Well, hey there, everyone!” The familiar voice hollered across the room, sharp and loud. We all raised our heads instinctively, trying to identify the source of the interruption. To my surprise, it was none other than Carlos, walking in confidently with a petite brunette girl sitting beside him.

I wasn’t expecting him to be here. But the look on Adrian and Manuel’s faces said otherwise. It was almost as though they had been bracing for his arrival. The atmosphere shifted ...