This had been a mistake. Being around him hurt. Listening to him explain his actions hurt. It wasn't that she expected a better answer out of him- she just kept blindly hoping for one, and reality just never quite lived up to her fantasies.
"The Bailey's will leave you alone, Tino," she answered with a sigh. "So if that's what's holding you back, don't." She felt like banging her head on a wall right about now. "You can date whoever you want." Her arms were still crossed defensively as she suddenly turned on her heel and walked after the boys, who were ready to make for the next house.