Page 23 of Ever After

That makes me a little nervous. But I guess they don’t have to know everything. We could make up a better story.

“If you trust him, then I’m fine with it. Have you told him anything about us?”

“No, he doesn’t have to know anything.” Jay laughs. “We will keep him guessing. Eventually I’ll say something. Not everything, though.”

“I’m going to go update my mom, so she isn’t worried.” Déjà vu hits me as I walk out to the balcony to call my mom and tell her what my plans are now. I sat here a week ago to tell her I was going to stay here with a stranger. Lia keeps calling me too. I decide to update her.

Me: Promise you won’t freak out?

Lia: Oh no! What are you doing now?

Me: I decided to go home with Jay and spend another week with him.

Lia: Where is my best friend? What have you done with her? I’m starting to think this isn’t Lilah.

Lia: Why did I get sent to the principal's office in the third grade?

Me: What the hell Lia you have to be a little more specific?

Lia: I can’t get too specific or I'll give the answer away.

Lia: Fine. I accidentally hit a girl with a what?

Me: Oh yeah! You threw a snowball at her that had a rock in it but you didn't know it had a rock in it. She cried in the principal's office and told them you threw a rock at her. There. Did I pass?

Lia: I guess! But I still don’t understand what you’re doing. I’ve already talked to your mom, and she thinks you're crazy. Does she know you’re now going to his house?

Me: Yes, she does.

Lia: What made you decide this?

Me: I’ve been having a good time with him, and I really don’t want to go home yet and face everything.

Lia: You can’t run away forever

Me: I’m not. I’m giving myself more time.

Lia: Just be careful. I can’t lose my best friend.

Me: I will. Nothing has happened to me so far.

Lia: That sounds reassuring

Lia: When you have time from your new love life can you call me and update me more?

Me: I promise. Muah!

It’s official. My mom thinks I’ve lost it, and so does my best friend Lia. I guess I officially have.

As we walk outof the airport, I see Jay’s hand go up as he waves down someone. A black pickup truck pulls up beside us. Jay’s friend twists his face when he sees me. I’ve been questioning myself this past week, and now here I am going to spend another week with a stranger. At least he isn’t as much of a stranger now.

I never would’ve imagined I’d do this, but I also never imagined Aiden would cheat on me either.

Jay’s friend gets out and gives Jay a quick hug. He looks over at me, giving me a look as if I’m a lost puppy.

“Alex, this is Lilah. Lilah, this is Alex. He’s one of my best friends.” Alex reaches his hand out to me, and I extend my hand to shake his.

“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard great things about you,” I say.

---