I bolted downstairs—and froze.Della was on the floor, clutching a ripped piece of Elise's shirt, crying."Mom, I don't know why Elise hit me," she whined, arm stretched out.Before I could say anything, Elise jumped in. "Mom, I didn't—""Yes, you did!" Della barked. "You said I stole your place for three years and told me to go die!"Then she turned the waterworks up to max. "Mom, I'll leave and give Elise her spot back. Just please don't let me die. I'm scared I'll never see you again."Elise opened her mouth... then clamped it shut.'If I keep explaining, Mom will think I'm a bad kid who won't admit her mistakes.'Last time, every time Della bullied me, Dad and my brothers took her side. They thought I was the one picking on her. Thought she only lied to cover it up.'My chest twisted. Elise stood there, head down—already bracing herself to say sorry.I stepped in front of Elise. "Della, I saw the whole thing. You were the one grabbing at her clothes. So why lie and say sh
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