Kaila's shoulders shook as she cried, her breath coming out in broken gasps. Moxie pulled her close, holding her tightly as if she could shield her from everything.
"Kaila, dear… tell mummy this isn't true," she pleaded softly. "Tell me Lucien made you say this." Moxie wanted it to be a lie, she wanted to prove Lucien wrong. Her own son has humiliated her before everyone today, and most especially before the local girl.
But Kaila slowly shook her head, tears spilling faster and all colours dropped from Moxie's face.
"I did it, Mother," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm so sorry."
Kaila pulled away and crawled toward Elise, her hands reaching out, desperate and shaking. When she finally held Elise's hands, she clung to them as if they were her last hope.
"Elise… please forgive me," Kaila begged. "I'm so sorry."
Then she turned, her fingers gripping Lucien's trousers.
