(IVANNA)
I rush to dial Alya's number because Dasha always misplaces her phone or never picks calls.
"Hey, Alya, it's me."
"Oh my God, Ivie, tell me you're okay."
My whole body sags with relief. I'm so happy that tears are freely springing from my eyes. "I'm alright. I'm in Tyva."
"Pa told us what happened. I've been really worried. Are you really going to marry that man's son?"
"No. It's… complicated." I don't want to say anything more than that just to be on the safe side. "How are you doing? How's Dasha?"
"We are okay. And I'm trying to get ahead in my advanced math class. So, I've been a mess."
I can't help but smile. Alya has always taken her studies seriously. She is the smartest person that I know. "That's great, but don't forget to enjoy your break, too."
"I will. But this is important. I need to get a good grade and get into a good―" she bites off the word, so it is left hanging there, unsaid.
