Page 60 of Twisted Truths

Swinging on the rope, pushing each other on the tire swing, playing truth or dare, making out, swimming in the water.

Hiding in the treehouse because dad drank too much. Feeling forgotten because no one noticed I wasn’t home.

A break in the trees allowed more moonlight in, and I saw her curly red hair blowing in the breeze.

Moonlight suited Miranda. She turned her head my way, and I hopped off the moving bike, letting it roll and drop as I ran to her, wrapping my arms around her, brushing my lips over hers.

“I’m sorry.” I reached for her head and made her look me in the eye. “I shouldn’t have tried to talk to you when I was drinking.”

“Henry.” Her eyes looked watery, and when she blinked, I felt her tears fall.

“I … I have to tell you something.” My voice trembled, and she shook her head.

“You’re going to be a dad.”

Releasing her, I took a step back. “Dammit.” I ran my hands over my face.

Who told her?

“Don’t you want it?”

“No!” I sneered. “No. I don’t want it.”

How could she even think I would want that with Victoria?

“This was a mistake.” More tears fell from her eyes. “I have to go.”

“Miranda.” I reached for her hand. “I’m sorry.”

Sorry this happened. Sorry we can’t be together.

“Me too.” She sniffled and pulled her hand away.

“Will I hear from you?”

“No.” She turned to look at me as she got on her bike.

I couldn’t contain the anger inside me anymore and I punched the trunk of the tree. Over and over and over again, while the one girl I had feelings for rode smooth out of my life.

When my hand hurt too much to punch, I kicked it until I fell to the ground in a heap of tears.

Pulling my phone out, I sent a message to Ethan, tossed my phone down, and closed my eyes.

Sometime later, I heard someone walking closer to me on the trails.

“Henry?” He called out as he came into view.

“Yeah.”

He held out a bottle of whiskey. “You look like hell.”

“I feel like hell.” I spun the top off and took a huge swig. “My life fucking sucks!”

“Well, there is that.” He dropped down beside me. “Do you think it’s yours?”

“I had sex with her.” I shrugged and took another drink.

“Yeah, but she’s … well ridden.”

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