Camila pov
Deron took a threatening step toward me.
"Back off," I warned, my voice lower, steadier than I expected and much calmer than i was .
His eyes narrowed. "Why are you defending him? Who is he to you?"
"He's none of your business," I shot back. "And frankly, neither are my choices anymore."
The boy by the wall stood still, unsure whether to intervene or walk away. His fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tense.
Deron stepped closer. Too close.
"Camila," he said through gritted teeth. "We need to talk—alone."
I shook my head. "No, Deron. What we need is space. You know forget space This—" I gestured between us, "—this isn't working."
His face twisted in frustration. "After everything I've done for you?"
I laughed. Bitterly. "Like forgetting everything I ever told you? Ignoring me for weeks? Controlling who I can and can't talk to ?talking about me behind my back ? Blowing me off ?"
He went silent.
The boy finally moved. He took a careful step forward, his voice calm. "Maybe you should listen to her."
That was it. Deron's anger snapped.
"You stay out of this!" he barked, stepping toward him now.
Before he could get any closer, I stepped between them. I was Shocked by my own actions but continued .
"Deron, go."we are done
He hesitated, torn between pride and rage. Then he scoffed and turned away, muttering something under his breath about lana as he walked off down the dock.
The moment he was gone, the silence returned. Heavier than before.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
The boy looked at me, concerned. But said nothing not right away at least he reached in his back pack and pulled out a bottle of water I sat as I took it. he offered it with his name Anthony his name was Anthony he asked if I was ok and I responded "I AM NOW "with I sigh of relief . I was free no more deron .