Kimberly and Nathan walked in after Stefan, and Ruby, who had not been expecting to see them soon, rose up, as did Melvin.
She slowly lifted her head to look at her friends. Friends who had been worried about her and had refused to leave her alone and let her face her shame alone.
Although Stefan had walked in first, she couldn't bring herself to look at him. Her gaze moved from Nathan to Kimberly. She couldn't help the overwhelming feeling that enveloped her as she looked at them. Their worry, evident in their eyes.
Although she was yet to look at Stefan, Ruby could feel his heart-wrenching gaze on her, and it made her feel both guilty and ashamed.
Guilt for pushing him away when he was equally sharing in her pain. Shame for ever allowing herself to fall into such a mess. And then there was relief. Relief that he was there despite everything.
