Confessions!

Debbie sat on the edge of her bed, fists balled in her lap. Her voice cracked as she told Karen and Carter she couldn't believe they were still chasing that foolish pact. Fucking your stepmother was wrong. No amount of peer pressure would change her mind. Carter's patience snapped. She didn't have to join them, but she had no right to lecture people who were living their lives. Everyone in the room knew how Debbie eyed older women, how she lingered too long on her stepmom. The words turned sharp. Debbie stormed out, eyes stinging. At home, Valerie poked at her sister's mood with a wicked grin. One remark too many. They collided in the living room, pulling hair, knees knocking furniture. Carmen rushed in, strong hands parting them like swimmers in a sudden current. Valerie grabbed her keys and vanished with Christine. Alone, Debbie couldn't swallow the want anymore. Carmen knocked, asked if she was okay. The story poured out—every forbidden thought. Carmen’s breath caught. Her secret had been mirrored. She’d been fighting the same hunger for her husband’s daughter, the one who now sat trembling across from her.