Justin walked out into the waiting room and sat in a chair. He stared blankly at the wall.

"Are you okay?" Sasha asked, sitting beside him.

"No," he said softly. He looked at her. "You guys are best friends, right?"

Sasha nodded. "She's the best friend I've ever had."

"I love her, Sasha," he said. "I know it's really stupid that I had to realize it this late, but I really do."

"I love her, too, Justin," Sasha said. They sat in silence, and she held tightly on his hand. Suddenly, she began to cry.

"It's okay," Justin said, pulling her close to him.

Sasha continued to cry, and he hugged her. Tears began to fall down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry," she said between sobs. "I'm making you cry."

"It's alright," Justin said. "I need to get it out."

She sat back in her seat, and wiped her eyes on her sleeve of her shirt. She looked at Justin. "Has Joey ever been... you know... abusive?"

Justin looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"Well, earlier, when we were in the boat this morning... He grabbed me, hard. And it really hurt and I don't know what's getting into him," Sasha said.

"Let me see," Justin answered.

Sasha rolled up her sleeve, where her arm was slightly bruised. "He did that with his hand."

"Wow," Justin commented, surprised. "Joey did that?"

"Yeah," Sasha said.

"He's never touched anyone," Justin said. "That's crazy."

"I know," Sasha said.

"Can I ask him about it?" Justin asked.

"I don't care," Sasha said. "Oh, there's Mrs. Tucker, I want to talk to her... talk to Joey now, if you want."

"Okay," Justin said. "Try to think positive, okay?"

"Thanks," she answered, hugging him. She walked over to Mrs. Tucker.

Justin walked over to Joey and sat beside him.

"How are you holding up?" Joey asked.

"I'm scared," Justin answered.

"We all are," Joey said.

"I'm trying not to think about it right now," Justin said. "I was just talking with Sasha. About you, actually."

"What did she say?" Joey said with a smile.

"She thinks that you are going to hurt her," Justin said.

"What the hell?!" Joey exclaimed. Everyone in the waiting room looked at him. "Sorry." He lowered his voice. "What did she say?"

"She didn't come right out and say it," Justin said. "But it was really obvious. She showed me her arm... what did you do?"

"Oh, crap, Justin I didn't mean to hurt her. I just grabbed her arm, and then she was like, Joey, you're hurting me," Joey answered. "I seriously didn't mean to."

"Well, she's afraid you are going to do it again," Justin said.

"If you talk to her, tell her I am sorry," Joey said. "I have, and I'll tell her again. But I really am sorry."

"I know you are," Justin said. "It was a mistake."

"Yeah, sorry," Joey said.

***

Lance picked up a magazine from the table and absentmindedly leafed through it. He sighed. It's like, Lance is invisible when Eryn's not around, he thought. I can't believe this. They all just ignore me. As soon as Eryn and Sasha come along, life is totally different. I hate this. He tossed the magazine on to the table and leaned back in his chair, thinking about Eryn.

End of Chapter Eighty Three