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It’s Friday, and I’ve spent pretty much every second since my showdown with Michaela on Wednesday locked away in my room.
It’s too much.
The things she said about my dad.
The things she insinuated about her and Ace.
I want to know exactly what happened—it burns inside me like a firestorm—but I’m not ready to hear the truth.
Not yet.
Even if it is all another lie. Another cheap shot at trying to break me.
“Sweetheart, stop.” Mom’s fingers gently ease the pillow away from my face. “This isn’t you, Remi. Where’s the strong, brave girl I know you can be?”
“I’m just tired, Mom. I’m tired of the games and the lies. I’m tired of always wondering what she’s going to say or do next to trip me up. Why does she hate me so much?”
“That’s a question I can’t answer. But you know, I remember Michaela when you were just little girls. She was always so quiet and wary of everything around her. It hit her hard when her dad left.”
“I don’t remember,” I say.
“You wouldn’t. You were both so young back then. You were fierce and stubborn. So stubborn.” She smiles wistfully, lost in the memory.
“I think I remember that. It wa
s Michaela’s birthday. Her mom threw her a huge party, and even though she had no dad there, I remember thinking how many people turned up.”
It had been my birthday a few weeks earlier, and all I’d wanted was to go to Surf’s with my mom and dad. But Dad never showed up, and I cried during the entire meal.
“Did you know?” I ask, and Mom blinks away the tears clinging to her eyes.
“I think part of me always knew. Of course, I had no idea it was Della until much later. After Michaela’s birthday, the two of you were inseparable. But something changed. You went into your shell and Michaela emerged from hers. I can’t pinpoint exactly when it happened, but one day I remember watching you both play in the yard and wondering when my little girl became the quiet, timid girl. But you seemed content enough, so I didn’t question it...”
“Mom?”
“Did you suspect anything? See anything?” Her voice cracks.
“You mean with Dad and Della? I-I don’t think so. I was so used to him not being around, I didn’t ever stop to think he might be having an affair.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m sorry.” Mom hugs me. “I’m so sorry. Michaela was always so jealous. I think it started off as her armor, a way to protect herself, but over the years, it became a weapon. I should have listened more. I should have been there for you instead of worrying what your father might think about his precious stepdaughter.”
The venom in Mom’s words surprises me.
“I’ll be honest, Remi, I wasn’t sad to see your friendship end. I thought you’d escape from under her shadow, I thought you’d find new friends. I didn’t realize how difficult life would be for you.”
“She said some really shitty things to me yesterday, Mom. And Ace is almost positive it was her who leaked the tape at my birthday party.”
Mom jerks back with a startled gasp. “It was Michaela?”
“We don’t have proof.” Yet, I think. Although who knows what Ace has discovered since whatever went down between them.
I push the thoughts far from my head.
My heart aches enough without thinking about what did or didn’t happen between them.
But Mom clearly hasn’t got the memo when she asks, “Have you spoken to him?”
I press my lips together, shaking my head gently.
