Joanne led the girls into Aveline's room, and then shut the door as she exited to give them some privacy.
"Ave!" Riley dashed forward, and pulled her in for a hug as soon as she landed on the bed. "I'm so sorry, Aveline. Forgive me please. I'm so sorry for hurting you and putting you in danger. I really didn't mean to do it."
"It's okay," Aveline sniffled. "I'm better now, I promise. So much better."
They separated, but Riley didn't let go of her hand.
"Hey baby," Freya sat beside her on the other side. "Why were you crying?" She stroked her hair.
"I was just so overwhelmed by everything," Aveline confessed. "I can't keep this in anymore. I have to spill."
"Then spill, Ave. Tell us everything." They both encouraged her.
Aveline took a deep breath. She knew telling came with legal consequences. But she didn't quite care at that moment.
Her heart felt too heavy to continue to wallow in silence.
She opened her mouth, and started from the beginning.
