It's very rare that Annabelle feels mortification—but Lauren's response garners it, and she flushes abruptly. She's so sheltered in her own comfort zone that when something manages to get to her, it always leaves her shocked—but she also almost likes it. It's an indication of learning, and she's happy she can learn things from Lauren.

Even if, right now, it's super embarrassing. This situation has shed light on Lauren's tendency to be as far from candid as possible.

"N-no," she stammers, her composure shaking away. "No, it's fine! It's not your fault," she says with a short, airy laugh, and she drops her head again, pushing her fingers back through her wild hair to clear her vision. "It's mine."