Page 25 of Dead to Me

“Do you hate me?”

I looked at my sister.

She was nervous.

I could ask her now. I could show her the picture, bring up the text, or say I heard everything in the hallway.

Instead, I smiled.

“No.”

She relaxed all over, and for a moment, that almost made me angry. China stood and hugged me. I let her.

“I missed you so much,” she whispered.

I kept my eyes open. Over her shoulder, I saw our reflection in the mirror.

Reminding me of our cute twin trick. From switching seats in class, taking each other’s tests, confusing boys at parties. I never thought she’d use my face to steal six years of my life.

China pulled away.

“I want tomorrow to be perfect.”

“It will be.”

“You promise?”

I smiled.

“I promise.”

She kissed my cheek and picked up both champagne glasses.

“I’ll let you get some rest.”

“China?”

She turned around.

I almost asked her, but instead I looked at her hand.

“Do you still have Grandma’s ring?”

Her expression shifted.

“What ring?”

“The diamond one.”

“Oh.”

She lowered her eyes.

“No, I lost it years ago.”

“When?”

She hesitated.