Fifteen

GIFTS

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Racing up the stairs, Isabella rehearsed the apology that needed to sound more earnest than the last few days she had said it. She padded through the corridor and got to Selena‟s door, breathless. She knocked and waited a while before she repeated another few strikes. She could almost feel Selena about to open the door halfheartedly.

The door opened and, “Am not in love with Don Hassien” she confessed right away. That came out impulsively and she bit back a curse. “I am sorry for everything I said. I spoke harshly and falsely because I was caught in a moment.” She waited, cringing.

“Come on in Selena permitted finally. There were plenty of wrapped boxes all over the room and she had to move a few out of place before finally sitting down with her. “I don't understand what's happening. A few days ago you came up to me saying I should stay away from Don. Now you are telling me you're not in love with him--”

“I know how this looks and I blame myself because I didn't te