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She hiccupped a sob before whispering, “L-leave?”
“That’s right. I’mnotgoing to leave you,” I agreed, keeping eye contact with her. “And why am I not going to leave you?”
Sniffling, she squeezed out, “Because you’re my b-best f-friend?”
“Iamyour best friend,” I confirmed with another nod. “And what else?”
“My b-boyfriend?”
“Iamyour boyfriend,” I agreed in a gentle but firm tone. “But you’ve forgotten the most important reason I’m not leaving you.”
She looked so small and fragile when she looked up at me and whispered, “Because y-you love m-me?”
“Exactly.” My heart squeezed so tight in my chest, it was hard to get the words out. “I love you more than I have ever loved anyone or anything.”
“I’m sorry.” Her expression caved and she barreled into my arms. “I’m so, so sorry, Hugh.”
“It’s going to be okay,” I whispered, sinking onto my ass and wrapping my arms around her. “We’ll get through this.”
I’LL NEVER LET YOU GO UNDER
Lizzie
JUNE 9, 2000
“CAOIMHE?” ISCREAMED OUT HER NAME, BUT SHE DIDN’T ANSWER ME. SHE DIDN’T OPENher eyes. “Caoimhe, please—”
“She’s fine.” He fastened the seat belt around my sister’s limp body. “She’s just sleeping.”
“What’s wrong with her?” I wailed, reaching for my sister. “Why does she look like that?”
“Because of him,” he told me, bundling me into the back seat. “He wanted to hurt her. This is his fault, munchkin, and don’t you ever forget it!”
“No, no, no,” I croaked out, feeling my eyes roll as the world spun madly around me. “He wouldn’t hurt her. He’s my friend…”
“He’s not your friend, you stupid, little cunt!” Rounding the car to the back seat, he leaned inside and gripped my face. “He’s a vicious, spiteful, little prick who ruined everything.”
“Stop,” I pleaded, trying to break free of his hold, but it was no use. “Please…”
“He’s your enemy, munchkin, and a dangerous one at that.” Gripping my face so tight, I thought the bones in my jaw might shatter, he leaned in close and hissed, “He’s going to take everything from you.”
“Why?” I cried, reaching between the seats for my sister, desperate to make her wake up. “Caoimhe, please open your eyes.”
“Because he hates your guts.” Pulling a lighter out of his pocket, he began to burn the pages of her journal one by one. “He did this to your sister, he made all this happen with his lies, and he’ll do it again to everyone you love.”
“No!”
“Yes,” he spat, tossing away a singed piece of paper. “Mark my words, munchkin. His lies will take your friends from you like his lies have taken your sister.”
“What are you doing?” I choked out, feeling woozy and disorientated. “Stop burning her journal…”
“Happy birthday.”
The sound of Hugh’s familiar voice startled me, and I blinked myself back to reality to find him sitting on the edge of my bed, holding a small parcel in his hands.
“Hi,” I croaked out, feeling my heart spike at the sight of him. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” His brown eyes were full of warmth and affection when he reached for my hand. “How are you feeling?”
