Page 66 of Oliver

With a mental sigh, I stop behind Oren as he peels back the carpet. What fresh horror will be revealed? Can I take it, whatever it is?

When Oliver presses his back to mine, I shiver, enjoying the heat far more than I should given the circumstances. Still, the small show of comfort, whether that’s his intention or not, bolsters my nerves.

As soon as Oren has revealed the hole, Oliver pushes me gently aside and shoves Oren out of the way before kneeling on the floor.

With a groan, I drop beside him, eyeing his quiet intensity before turning my focus to what he’s holding in his hands. Pictures. Letters. Doodles.

When I spot an envelope addressed to me, my heart skips a beat and I grab it from Oliver’s hand before crawling to the bed.

My fingers tremble as I claw at the flap and with a wince, I slow down when I tear the cover. The pink paper makes me smile before I suck in a breath and read the last message I will ever receive from my baby sister.

Pen,

If you’re reading this, then I’m gone. I’m sorry. I never meant to do what I did but I couldn’t accept what that asshole did to you.

Now, I can’t figure out how I got where I am. Every time I look at you, I wonder how I can possibly say what I’ve done. You wouldn’t understand. I know.

It’s okay, Pen. I know what I did was wrong, just as I know if you’re reading this that I deserved whatever I got.

I wanted to know, and I let the evil dancing on my shoulders win. I did that, Pen. Not you.

Whatever you see, whatever you read, whatever you hear, know that I love you, or loved, I guess.

I made a huge mistake. Please don’t pay for my sins.

Love, Dix

I re-read it twice before setting it aside. Although it’s a sweet sentiment it does nothing to tame the guilt writhing beneath my soul.

After wiping my eyes, I turn to find Oren sitting beside Oliver with his head in his hands while Oliver drops picture after picture on the floor before him.

When I move closer, he pauses and says, “Penny…”

Ignoring the warning, I move the images around with my finger before covering my mouth.

“What did she do? What did you do?” I moan, glancing at Oren.

He shakes his head, but rage overtakes me, and I slap his face. He rears back and grabs his cheek, tears in his eyes and sobs, “I’m sorry.”

“You’re fucking sorry?” I hiss. “Who is that guy? I can’t…”

Sobbing, I collapse to my ass. What the fuck did they to do this guy? He’s unrecognizable.

“It’s not how it seems,” Oren says. “He attacked Dixie. He deserved it.”

“Who is it?” I whisper, bile surging up my throat.

“Jaxon.”

“Wh-what?” My ex-fucking-friend? And he attacked her?

Licking his lips, he says, “At a party. If Diem hadn’t busted in…”

“Shit,” I moan. I guess that explains that but damn, what was going through Dixie’s head? “Are there more?”

Oren shakes his head and I ease until he whispers, “Not really.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” Oliver barks and Oren begins to sob.

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