Page 65 of Saving Little Clark

For a moment, Daddy just stared at her. I held my breath, heart in my throat. Surely, he wouldn't believe her. Not over me.

Shame stole the strength from my knees. Alex's grip was the only thing keeping me upright.

This was it. The moment it all fell apart. Daddy would wash his hands of me, storm away in revulsion at my wretched, deceitful nature. And I'd be alone again, the sad little freak who'd dared reach beyond his station, his worth.

Abandoned. Unlovable. Just like I'd always been, always would be. Just like Sterling had always pointed out.

"Clark? Baby bug, no. It's okay, shh, Daddy’s got you sweetheart, just breathe for me."

Daddy's voice, cracking with worry. His arms, solid and strong, scooping me up like I weighed nothing at all.

I fought him mindlessly, too lost in my spiral to make sense of it. He couldn't be here, holding me. Couldn't stillcare, still call me those gentle names. Not after he'd listened to Kristen’s lies.

"Daddy, I swear, it wasn't me. I'd never do that to Elijah, to any of you. Please, you have to believe me."

"Sweetheart, please. I know those girls are full of it, trying to pin it on you.” He rocked me gently as I shuddered in his arms. "There’s cookie crumbs on their shirts.” He pulled back just far enough to catch my chin, tilt my blotchy face up to his.

Slowly, painfully, the tears began to taper off. Through the thick fog of fatigue, I became dimly aware of other voices. The worried rumble of Lance and Oliver. But loudest of all was Alex, sharp and biting in a way I'd never heard before.

“I swear to god, Kristen, if you don't shut your mouth I will shut it for you.”

I pried my sticky eyes open, squinting against the too-bright glare of the kitchen. Found my best friend hovering like an angry guard dog, squared up in front of Kristen with fire in his eyes.

She quailed visibly at his tone, but jutted her chin in a pathetic show of defiance. "I don't know what you're talking about," she sniffed. "I'm just trying to do the right thing here, unlike some people."

Alex barked a laugh, ugly and incredulous. "Oh, you saintly little martyr, how silly of me. Somebody get this girl a medal."

He took a menacing step forward, looming over her with ill-concealed malice. "Do you have any idea what those bullshit accusations dragged to the surface for him? No, of course you don't, you spoiled little nightmare." He smiled then, sharp enough to cut glass. "I swear on everything I hold dear, if youever come for my friend like that again, there will be revenge. Got it?"

Kristen cracked. Burst into noisy sobs, quite possibly the most crocodile tears ever wept by human eyes.

"I'm sorry!" She warbled, words barely distinguishable. "I just got so hungry waiting, and they smelled so good."

Elijah, sweet and soft-hearted, pushed past an angry Alex. Slowly, hesitantly, he reached out to pat Kristen on the shoulder.

"It's okay," he said in a small voice. "I know you didn't mean to be mean. Sometimes we just make mistakes when our tummies are rumbly."

He turned to glance at Becca, still pale and silent in the corner. "Next time, just ask. I always got snacks in my pack, I'd be happy to share. Long as you say sorry to Clarkie for fibbing."

For a beat, neither girl responded. But Elijah just gazed back, steady and guileless. Let his innate goodness shine out.

I watched with wary eyes as Kristen and Becca mumbled their apologies, faces twisted like they'd just bitten into a lemon. The words were there, but the sincerity was notably lacking.

But Elijah, bless his trusting heart, just beamed. Thanked them for theirhonestyand hugged them each in turn, blithely ignoring the way they stiffened at the contact.

I had to hand it to the boy. He chose to see the best in people, to extend grace and understanding at every turn.

And sure enough, not an hour later, the other shoe dropped. We were out in the backyard, engaged in a rousing game of tag at the girls' suggestion. A show of goodwill, they said.

I should've known better. But Elijah had turned those big, hopeful eyes on me and Alex, bouncing on his toes with excitement.

So off we went, pelting through the grass and shrieking with laughter. For a while, it was almost fun. But then, as I rounded the corner of the shed, intent on tagging Alex, it happened.

A sudden shock of icy wetness, cascading over my head and down my back. Knocking the breath from my lungs, leaving me gasping and sputtering. I whipped around, only to find Kristen perched smugly on the roof of the shed. A now-empty water bottle dangled from her fingers, her grin sharp and glittering.

"Oops!" She trilled, all wide-eyed faux-innocence. "So clumsy of me. Didn't see you there."

Beside her, Becca tittered meanly. I felt my face heat, humiliation prickling hotly beneath my skin. Of course they'd play nice just long enough to get me alone, to catch me off guard and vulnerable.

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