Page 99 of The Lies Always Told

Even the wind knows not to ripple the sea.

But in silence, we listen.

In silence, we grow.

THIRTY-TWO

THAT’S A FIRST

HoldBack The River by James Bay

Gus

This has beenthe second longest drive of my life. After Nellie called her parents and told them she was fine and messaging a very angry but understanding Cara, we decided it was time to go back. We both drove there, but I didn’t want her to drive back alone, so Martin and one of the other drivers headed to the cabin. I have a very restless Nellie as we approach her home. She’s looking out the window, her hands tucked under her legs, keeping herself from picking at her nails, I’m sure, but biting her lower lip.

“Are you nervous?” I ask, even though it’s an obvious question.

She nods and turns her face my way as we pull up to her parents’ house. Cara’s van is in the driveway, and as soon as Nellie sees it, she lets out a breath and sinks into the seat.

“It’s going to be okay. Just go with the wave,” I say,touching her necklace, reminding her of the meaning: life comes in waves, some high and some low, but they always reach the shore.

“We do it together, okay?” I grab her hand and bring it to my lips, smiling at her and setting the car to park.

The walk to the entryway of her house feels like a mile long. She’s dragging her feet and looking down. I was the one worried about everything before, but now, I just want her to be happy. I know her parents will want her to be happy too. Our fingers are intertwined, dancing in a safe hold as we approach the door. She gets her keys and opens it as she squeezes my hand.

“I’ve got you, Trouble.” We walk through the beautiful farm-style foyer and the swinging doors to the living room, where Cara, Manny, Nellie’s parents, and my mom are all sitting talking. At least, they were talking, because when they see us, a hush falls over them.

“Hi,” Nellie whispers, and Cara runs to her.

“You scared me shitless, Nells!” Cara shouts while hugging her tight, her arms wrapped around Nellie’s neck, cradling her head with her hands. Such a protective hold, but I can see her almost trembling.

“Language!” their mom shouts.

“Sorry!” Cara shouts back.

“I’m okay, I promise,” Nellie whispers.

“Still,” Cara adds without letting her go.

I look up from them and find all the parents and Manny with their eyes on me. I smile softly and shrug. Nellie’s mom shakes her head, and mine smile wider. I mouth “La amo?1” to her, and she replies with a nod. Moms do know it all, it seems.

“Okay, let go now. I’m fine,” Nellie says.

Cara lets go of the chokehold she had Nellie on and thensmacks her on the arm. “Don’t ever do that again.” Then, she walks up to me and does the same with mine.

“What was mine for? I just brought her back in one piece.”

“Sleeping with my little sister, Gus?! What the hell?” Cara stands in front of me with her arms crossed, her cheeks red. Oh, she’s mad. She shares physical similarities with Nellie, like the same height and green eyes, but Cara’s blonde hair makes her skin look lighter. The anger seeping under her skin shows like a bright pink blush on her cheeks.

“Language, Cara!” their mom says again.

“Let’s have a seat,” I say and walk to the couch with Nellie still holding my hand. I love that she’s making a statement with something so small. We’re in this together, and she won’t let go. God, I love her.

We all take a seat, Nellie and I on the bigger couch and Cara sitting next to Manny.

“Anything you both would like to tell us?” Mom asks, for some reason hiding a laugh behind her smile.

“Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Mom, Cara”— Nellie interrupts me.

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