Page 13 of The Lies We Tell Ourselves

“You know I’m always here?—”

“Yeah, in emergencies only.” My tone had more bite than I’d intended it to, but I couldn’t let go of my anger toward my uncle. He’d done so much for me and Mom, but in five years, I’d only met him once. He watched us from the shadows, and moved us around like pawns on a chess board. I knew it was necessary, but he never took the time to get to know me.

He sighed, the static on the line making it sound like he scrubbed his hand over his face. “You know why, JJ.”

“I do… but it doesn’t make it easier,” I whispered, my throat clogged with emotion.

“Trust me, I wish things were different, but while?—”

“I get it.”

“But you’re okay?”

“Yeah.” I stretched my numb legs out in front of me and tried to wiggle my toes but couldn’t feel a thing.

“Good. We’re closing in, Jamie. It won’t be long now, kid. Just stay vigilant, okay? Don’t get careless.”

“I won’t.”

“Promise?”

“I Promise.”

“Good.” The line went dead, and I dropped the phone back into my bag, just in time for the one in my pocket to start buzzing.

“Ugh.” I groaned and leaned to the side to pull my phone from my back pocket. The screen came to life, the light so bright in the growing darkness that I had to blink away the stars that dotted my vision. I unlocked my phone and saw a message notification.

Mal

It’s almost 7!!! Where the hell are you, Jamie?

Just at the lake, be there soon!

Ava

Sweet, sugarplum

Ava

...

It was never a good thing when the three dots stayed on the screen, especially when it was Ava typing. She was the kind of girl you could never have on loud speaker because you never knew what was going to come out of her mouth next.

Ava

I’ve got your costume ready.

Costume? Oh no! I said I’d go with you, but it’s a no on the costume. Thanks.

Ava and Mal spent the whole time I’d known them persuading me to go to tonight’s party. Ava knew I hated being surrounded by people, loud noises, and enclosed spaces. But she had begged, like literally got down on her knees and begged me to go. I’d eventually relented and agreed, but my stomach had been churning all day, and it felt like lead ran through my veins.

Mal

Oh, come ooon, JJ

Ava

It’s all in the name of fun ;)

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