Page 168 of Love Unwritten

Nico reminds me so much of you and Julian when you were younger.

Rosa, Dahlia and Lily’s mother, follows up with a text thread full of different emojis.

DAHLIA

Is anyone going to address the obvious?

Most of the pictures I sent are of Nico and me, except for one that Ellie loved from our snorkeling trip. Nico is sitting between us with his arms wrapped around our middles, wearing the goofiest grin. Ellie is looking at the camera with a small smile and her body positioned in a way that hides her scars behind the plastic flippers.

I stare at the photo, looking for any possible clues. If I zoom in, there is a faint mark Ellie missed, but then the person would have to risk my wrath by admitting they were looking that closely at her legs.

ME

What?

DAHLIA

You’re smiling!

I completely overlooked that small but crucial detail in the photo.

LILY

I forgot what his smile looked like.

LILY

And half his face.

JULIAN

Still the least handsome Lopez cousin by far.

DAHLIA

Is it too soon to get rid of the flannel?

LILY

I vote no. I’ll volunteer as tribute to go through your closet myself.

ME

Elle never complains about my clothes.

DAHLIA

Are we officially caring about ELLE’s opinion now?

Fuck.

ME

Typo.

TÍA

Elle! ¡Me encanta!