I take a step back, stunned, and a branch crunches underneath my feet.
I curse myself and my clumsiness. I want to run away before they see me here, but I'm afraid it's too late. The noise has given me away.
I'm right. They both stop and turn to face my direction immediately.
"Marla!" Julie exclaims. "You're up!"
She sounds surprised, but also relieved.
Lucas says nothing. He just looks at me. I try to return his gaze, but there's too much hurt inside me.
My eyes start to fill with tears.
And my legs begin to tremble.
I start to feel dizzy, and my head begins to spin.
Lucas walks over to me and reaches out his hand.
"It's ok," he says softly. "Come here."
He leads me to the blanket and helps me sit down. I don't want to see Julie or Lucas, but I have nowhere to look but at them
