67. Clarissa

"I wish you could spend the night with me," I said to Genevieve as I held her hand outside the room, feeling a deep sadness wash over me.

"Come on, Rissa. It's not that bad. Your dad is just mad at you and I know that very soon he'll understand that you and Jalen are in love."

"I doubt that," I scoffed. " I'm just so tired of fighting for what I want."

"It's going to be okay," she smiled, stroking my cheek. She yawned and I looked at her, taking in her appearance. She looked tired, with dark circles under her eyes and her hair in a messy bun.

"I'll come to see you tomorrow," she said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

"How are you, and how are Alan and the baby doing?" I asked a bit worried that she looked so tired.

She shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "They're okay."

I knew something was off and pressed further, "Is everything okay at home?"

She hesitated, looking down at her feet, "I'll tell you tomorrow," she whispered.

But I wasn't going to let it go that easily, "No, you have