AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Oh god, Pam and work. My mum.
Oh sweet baby Jesus in a manger: Harry.
Should I tell him now? I took a deep breath, feeling faint.
Could I keep it a secret? How would I?
Because it wasn’t a secret. Not with a niche medical community. Not with a newspaper who seemed to have a decent photo archive.
Holy shit. Harry might see the photos any second now. Surely someone would show him at the party.
“I think the shit is about to hit the proverbial fan.” I moved to the door but Sam blocked my way, grabbing my arm.
“Babe, do not doubt your beauty.” Sam’s voice trembled as she continued. “I’ve seen that look on your face before when you were so low and depressed. So don’t you dare think you are anything less than beautiful and amazing because you are. And, when people see these photos, they will see it’s true.”
I nodded but, in my mind, a mocking voice that had been a part of me for ten years, whispered:They will see you for the freak you are.
25
STACEY
Ballydoon Community Group:
Fiona posted 5.18 p.m.:
Listened to Lily Turner’s new album today and she does Ballydoon proud. Do yourself a favour and check out her latest release. #TrixieandTheHustlers
Harry spotted us stepping out of the toilets and immediately headed our way with a frown.
“God, the way she was dancing with him.” A familiar voice said on my left. “I just can’t believe she would do that.”
“Hen, why are ye worried about how she dances with her boyfriend?”
“She’s competing with me, again, Stu!”
Why were Amanda and Stuart arguing about me?
I fronted my sister as Harry came up behind, placing his hand on my lower back. I shrugged him off. I couldn’t have him feeling my scars right now.
Amanda staggered on her feet, oblivious to my presence. “Are you taking her side?” She continued before Stuart could respond. “She’s always had the spotlight growing up. And she’s always competed against me for attention from boys. I announce I’m engaged and suddenly she has a good-looking boyfriend, new wardrobe and an interest in interior design. She can’t stand to lose to me. That dancing was trying to show us up.”
“What the—?” Harry murmured close to my ear.
I shrugged, shaking my head.
Stuart inhaled sharply. “Hen, they were just dancing.”
Rage took over. “Always trying to take the spotlight from you?” I parroted. “For crying out loud, Amanda! I’ll dance with Harry the way I want to, and it has nothing to do with you.”
“Yes, it does and you know it.” She pointed at my face. “You always tried to be better than me. I thought this petty jealousy between us was over!”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I am talking about!”
“Amanda, Stacey, what’s going on?”
I looked over my shoulder at Mum. Ryan, Charlotte, and Harry’s parents and Liam were gathered behind her. The fight left me. I was so tired of everything, of dredging up the past, tonight. I didn’t care what Amanda’s answer was. I just wanted to get on with my life and for Amanda to get on with hers.
