I take in what he told me.“You lied to me.I can’t help but think you were dishonest because you planned to abandon me if the test confirmed you were the father.Abandonment issues, I know, but every person in my life has done this to me.Why are you any different?”
Kit shoots up, shaking his head.“I understand why you think that?—”
“Why are you different?”I repeat, kicking off the sheets and standing.
It’s the ultimate standoff because this is it.Our perfect world has shattered.
Kit’s pain is reflected all over his face.I want to believe him, but it looks like I’m not as brave as he once believed me to be.
“I need some air.”
Kit doesn’t stop me as I leave the room.
The night air is cool, which is what I need.My footsteps are heavy as I amble down the walkway.
Am I overreacting?
There’s a vending machine ahead.Even though my appetite is shot, I could use a drink.I’m running on empty.The flickering fluorescent bulbs hurt my eyes, and combined with the buzzing noise, I suddenly feel like I’m going to faint.
I grab the vending machine to steady myself, but seeing someone behind me in its reflection makes me lose my balance.
Jupiter grabs my arm to keep me from falling.
She’s here.She’s really here.
“Hallie, I hate to say I told you so, but?—”
“Shut up,” I manage to push out between breaths.
I don’t want to hear it.Now or ever.
Shrugging from her grip, I spin to face her.“What are you doing here?Have you been watching me?”
She’s wearing denim overalls and her hair is styled into two plaits.She looks innocent, but we both know how far from the truth that is.
Jupiter laughs, but there’s a bite to it.“I’m always with you, Hallie.I remember a time when you liked us being inseparable.But now, you look at me like I’m nothing but a stranger.That hurts.I was there for you when no one else was.”
Instantly, I feel like the world’s most horrible person.She’s right.Everything she says is right.
Once upon a time, Jupiter was my world, but now, she’s a fucking roadblock.
“Did you kill Rebecca?”There’s no point in sugarcoating anything.
We’re past that.And we’re running out of time.
Jupiter clucks her tongue.“Not really my MO, babes.”
I was anticipating a confession.But I got sarcasm instead.
“Don’t bullshit me!What thefuckdo you want?”
A change soon occurs in Jupiter.
I can see it.
I can smell it.
Before I have a chance to fight back, Jupiter slams my back into the vending machine.When I try to push off, she shoves me, pinning my back to the glass.
