142 The Meadow uh-” she pauses for a moment, trying to think of the right word. “-Uh, kinda straight-up scared of politics, so…” Fran shrugs sheepishly. “Aw, it’s not that bad, so long as you’re informed,” Russell explains, a pleased smile on his face, “People just confuse the feelings politics give with the facts, but when it’s completely objective, it’s not so scary. Facts over feelings, right?” Bridget just barely suppresses a twitch while Reyna nods her agreement. “I think that’s true...ever since I started dating you, I haven’t been as daunted by political stuff.” Bridget quirks a brow. “Oh?” Reyna nods, shooting a smile at Russell. “Yeah.” She leans conspiratorial towards Bridget. “He makes me a better person like that.” “Reyna!” Russell says, his face slightly flushing. “That’s so embarrassing…” She winks back at him. “It’s only the truth, babe.” “It’s sappy is what it is.” Despite his words, Russell is looking down at Reyna with a fond smile on his face. Bridget pushes back the thought of Oh, that reminds me of me and Fran. Reyna shakes her head before turning back to Bridget. “Anyway, it’s great to see you! I really have missed you these past couple of years.” Bridget smiles back—it’s a small, thin thing, but it is real. Reyna had left for college herself when Bridget just started high school. They hadn’t really seen each other in person very much since—a far cry from how they used to interact. In Bridget’s middle school days particularly, they would always walk to-and-from school together, go to movies and parks once Reyna got her license, do homework in silence together, and try new hobbies such as sewing or painting together. The only time they weren’t completely united was when Reyna would parrot the teachings she’d gleaned from the youth ministers during Confirmation classes, teachings Bridget still fears
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