Page 138 of Sincerely, Your Enemy

“You didn’t do this, I know that now. You were just a kid when he abandoned us, like I was. But I knew I couldn’t hurt him like he hurt me, so I… I decided to hurt you instead.”

Overwhelming anger surges in my chest, washing away the festering sadness. “So what? Did you think I would never find out? You asked me to be your girlfriend. You had to know you’d meet my family, eventually. What the fuck were you thinking?”

He steps closer. “I know. I was crazy to think I could get away with it. Look, I’ve spent my entire childhood imagining what my dad’s new life was like. My mom told me he’d remarried and hehad a stepdaughter, so I made up this false version of you in my head. Convinced myself you were this selfish, underserving brat. I didn’t want to even consider that you might be a good person, but, Lace, when I saw who you were… who youtrulywere… I knew I couldn’t go through with it.”

A scoff rips from my throat. “How big of you to have second thoughts about destroying my life. I’m flattered. Now, get out.”

His shoulders drop in disappointment, as though he was hoping his little speech would help his case.

“I didn’t know you then. I didn’t know your big fucking heart, or the way you blink when you lie, or your tendency to get annoyed when people don’t take care of themselves, even though all you ever do is sacrifice yourself for others. I didn’t know how funny you are, how smart you are. I didn’t know I would fall head over fucking heels in love with you, Lacey… Baby, please, we need to make this work. Please.”

A lone tear escapes his eye as he says that, and I have to look away so I don’t do something stupid like believe his lies.

“Go, please,” I croak, my own tears fighting to be released.

“I’m so sorry,” TJ breathes out.

I only know he’s gone when I hear the door close behind him.

TJ

Why isit that whenever we desperately want someone to reach out to us, everyone and their grandma reaches out except the person you want to talk to?

I must have received text messages from practically every person I know these past four days—Chance, Theo, Vera, even fucking Aaron—but nothing from Lacey.

Maybe it’s punishment for ruining the most beautiful thing in my life.

A text message from my aunt pops up on my phone at the same time I unlock it to make sure Lacey didn’t text me overnight.

Vera sent me two messages a few days ago.

Vera

Hey sweetie. I haven’t heard from you in a while.

Vera

Everything okay?

Then there’s her most recent one.

Vera

Kelsea just told me you’re going through something. She’s worried about you. Always here if you want to talk.

Kelsea told her what? Why has my sister been running her mouth? I’m fine…sort of.

And yeah, I might’ve spent my entire spring break locked in my room, but I certainly don’t need my teenage sister blabbing to my aunt like I’m some sort of heartbroken sap in need of an intervention.

I’m perfectly fine.

Voices erupt in the distance, accompanied by loud footsteps thundering down the hall, and I sit up in bed.

“I’m sorry for bothering you guys. I didn’t know what else to do. He hasn’t left his room in days.” I recognize my sister.

“Don’t apologize. You did the right thing,” a familiar voice answers.

I immediately know who’s standing outside of my bedroom.

---