Rena nodded, though the promise that Thomas would address the situation wasn't entirely reassuring. Like any young person caught ratting out another child, Rena felt a measure of wariness at the repercussions of her actions. It wasn't that Abby was terribly vindictive as far as she could tell but it seemed almost like a betrayal to speak about the words that had clearly embarrassed Abby so much.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to start anything," Rena said quickly. "I don't want this to become a battle with you in the middle, either, you know. My, I hope you're right, it's so incredibly complicated!"