Page 2 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

“Great. I will drop you off.”

“I have to stop at the store for groceries; don’t worry about it.”

“That’s fine. I can take you there.”

“No. I’m sure you have other plans. Bye,” I said quickly and walked away before he could persuade me, like he always did.

I got to the bus stop just when the bus arrived. I ran to the door as it was about to close. I entered, paid with my bus card, and sat next to the window. I took a deep breath and exhaled. I was sore from this week’s shifts, and my lack of sleep added to my misery. I looked outside at the exotic cars that drove past the bus. My gaze moved to the beautiful landscape of the city. The storefronts with large neon signs, calling to customers. The sun had set and left a warm orange tinge that spread like a blanket above us. I rested my head against the window, observing the people that walked down the curb like they had nothing to worry about. I had only had a burger the whole day, so I wasn’t surprised when my mouth watered at the sight of the Chinese restaurant.

I tapped my feet on the floor, wishing the bus would quit stopping for other people and just take me to my destination. I took out my phone and texted Mrs. Porter, telling her I was close by. I rushed out of the bus immediately after it stopped at the familiar street. I threw a dirty look at the teenage boys that stared at my exposed thighs and legs due to my short work uniform.

This was my life now—two jobs, student loans, and secrets. After everything I had been through, I decided to keep to myself. I couldn’t trust anyone, myself included. People kept wondering why someone from a wealthy family was working her ass off, but no one knew I rejected the money my family got from the lawsuit against the Sanchesters.

My family had tried everything possible to make me come back home, but I refused. I cut them off from my life after seeing that their reputation was far more important to them than their daughter. I hadn’t spoken to any of them. My sister called once, but I ended the call immediately after I heard her voice.

Everyone had a secret. I had mine, too, and I was planning on taking it to my grave.

My snow-white tennis shoes made my legs look smaller. My gray uniform from the housekeeping job at the grand hotel clung to my body like a minidress. My short, dark brown hair was pushed up in a clumsy ponytail. I felt giddy as I got closer. Mrs. Porter was going to be mad at me. I knew that already.

I adjusted my tote bag that had been sliding down slowly. I walked up to the front porch, adorned with fresh and colorful flowers in small vases. Mrs. Porter loved her flowers, and I helped her tend to them when I had the chance.

My secret was here. It was behind this wooden door. I pressed the doorbell and looked around the beautiful neighborhood as I waited. I waved at Mr. Barton across the lawn, who always sat outside, smoking a cigarette. Mrs. Porter had told me he had a lung disease and refused to listen to anyone about quitting. He ignored me, as usual, as he puffed out a twirl of smoke. I turned around when I heard the locks. I smiled at Mrs. Porter when she opened the door.

“Took you forever.”

“Sorry. Our manager called for a meet—”

“Mommy!”

Mrs. Porter stepped aside. I went on my knees as he ran toward me. I almost lost my balance from the force he used.

This was my secret.

“Hey, baby,” I whispered, stroking his hair softly.

I kissed his head and cheek. He caged my neck with his tiny hands, not pulling away. I put my arms around him and stood up.

“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Porter. How much time do I have?” I asked.

“An hour.”

“Thanks.” I grinned.

Kayden pulled away from me a little bit to look at my face. His blue eyes glimmered under the light above us, his baby pink lips pushed out in a pout. He touched my hair and my cheeks with a smile.

“How is my favorite person in the world doing?” I asked and poked his nose.

He giggled and bounced in my arms.

“Did you miss me?”

“Yesss,” he mumbled, nodding his head frantically.

I beamed and brushed his curly brown hair back.

My lips curved upward as I took the seat next to her at the round table opposite the large living room. She was a widow, and she’d been super nice to me and my baby.

“How was work?” she asked.

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