AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Oh fuck no.
I follow in stop-motion, losing time with each step.
Lilah goes through the door.
I—can’t.
The ice pick gauges between my eyes, and the memories slam back so vividly, I scent mocha and almost fucking wretch.
I’m not sure how long I stand, I just know I don’t have the courage to move.
Then there’s a crash.
Lilah yelps.
The sound whips me, because I need to make sure she’s okay—even if these last steps end me.
I rush in.
Lilah sprawls in a heap of gowns at the bottom of the ladder she just slid down. She’s already brushing herself off.
Relieved, I move to her.
Then freeze.
The couch.
“Thought I could reach.” Lilah tosses the masks she spilled into a busted box, but her motion is as hazy as a ghost’s.
I’m on a different timeline, sucked deep into the past, seeing other faces, hearing other voices that force me to submit.
I’m vaguely aware of Lilah’s attention, shifting to where I’m staring into space. Her voice drops to a tone I can’t read. “So you didn’t forget?”
“Forget…what?”
I’m about to collapse.
“Us.” Lilah hugs her ribs. “I tried to make myself forget you. I kept waiting for you to come back, but you never did.”
“Did you see?”
“Did I see what?”
“Renee.”
“Trainer Renee?” Lilah frowns. “Haven’t seen her in years. Thank fuck. She’s the reason— Jett?”
My gaze drifts to the side door.
Lilah was there. “Did you see what she did?”
Lilah goes so still. “What did she do?”
“Something she shouldn’t have.”
“She was the first trainer who hit me. Made it a trend.” Lilah speaks carefully. “Did she…hit you?”
“I wasn’t beaten.”
