Page 65 of Always Knew It Was You

And even if I could... would I leave?

Bayview is only a town over but it might as well be another world. It’s more city than Laketown, larger population, and everything is shinier and more modern.

On one hand, it might be nice to get out of Laketown for some time. I’ve been in this town my entire life, and I’ve never gotten a chance to explore what life in other places is like. Being with Micah is the first time I’ve ever traveled out of state, and just that experience was more intoxicating than I ever thought it would be.

And hell, there really is a whole world out there. There’s an entire glittering and vibrant existence outside of Laketown. Just a taste of it, makes me want to see more.

And as much as I’m mad right now, I’m grateful to Micah for showing me at least that.

But even with that, I’m not sure I’m ready to leave Laketown long-term yet. So many things keep me tethered here. I don’t know anything about the outside world, and I wouldn’t have anyone in Bayview. The added cost of getting an apartment is also another turnoff. Plus, there’s my family. They might kill each other without me here.

And speaking of family...

That thought leads me to the next thing troubling my mind. The text from Nate.

That in particular has been eating at me no matter how much I try to ignore it. It’s constantly nudging at my brain, plaguing me with guilt I shouldn’t feel.

And an infernal curiosity too.

I can’t help but wonder what it is he wants.

Maybe there really is some danger that he wants to warn me about.But then why not just do it over text? Why do I have to go see him in person?

More than likely, this is some ploy to get me to visit.

But I should at least go. He’s being held without bail and he might be sentenced soon. I should at least see him, even if it’s just to say goodbye.

Pain pierces my chest, but I restrain the tears as I hear Yule’s footsteps coming back to the kitchen. Tomorrow, I tell myself. Tomorrow I’ll go see him.

The next day begins with a surprise.

I wake up to an email alert concerning a transfer of money into my checking account.

I stare down at my phone, wondering if I’m still dreaming.

One hundred and fifty thousand dollars received into my account.

I blink away the sleep from my eyes peering at the amount again. And then it comes rushing back to me. That’s half the amount that Micah said he would pay me. He told me on the plane that I would receive the first half after successfully meeting with his grandfather and the rest once this whole thing was over. And even though the meeting was a disaster, I guess he’s still keeping his word.

But rather than delight me, the gesture makes me irrationally furious. Because how dare he?

Is he sending me money out of pity? Or is he buying my silence? Either way, I’m angry that he would just send me anything without even a word of an apology for how shitty he treated me. Does he think that’s all it takes? That all he has to do when he fucks up is throw money at the problem?

Well, not with me, asshole.

And so, although it hurts and I really could use that money for a lot, I immediately get into contact with my bank, to start the process of reversing the money back into whatever account sent it.

Because I’m not taking that bullshit.

Once I’m done, I finally get dressed and head downstairs. My first stop this morning is the Bayview Penitentiary, where Nate is being held before his trial. Thankfully, neither my mother nor father are at home, so I have a quiet breakfast by myself before I leave.

The Bayview Penitentiary is one U-shaped building with dull grey walls and a fluorescent light over the entrance that never stops blinking. The air is oppressive and heavy, and the interior smells stale, like sweaty bodies and hopelessness. The minute I walk into the dark lobby, I’m assailed by the echoing clang of metal doors and shuffling footsteps. I head over to the counter to sign in, and they lead me into a vast waiting room with concrete walls and large windows that allow light to pour in.

I sit and wait nervously as they retrieve my cousin. And then he comes out and takes the seat.

We stare at each other in silence for several seconds.

“Hey, Carly,” he says. “You look good.”

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