Mariah Takes Vanessa's Advice

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“I just don’t want you to do something you’ll regret,” Vanessa blurts out, “because you’re messed up and not thinking. It’s because I care about you and don’t want to see you hurt.”

Vanessa’s heart is pounding. She doesn’t know where she got the courage to make this speech. But Mariah smiles at her suddenly. 

“That’s why you’re fam,” she says, touching her arm. 

Vanessa is stunned, but Mariah adds, “You’re smart. Seriously—I respect that. Most girls do whatever everyone else does, but you’re woke.”

When she gets over her surprise, Vanessa asks, “What about Damian?”

“They probably left already,” Mariah shrugs. “He’s just some G from South Valley High who’s always messaging me.” 

“Hey,” she adds, brightening. “You wanna go to Starbucks? I need sugar!”