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“Isn’t it?” Lia facetious In hisbetween us is kosher That this conversation would have been as easy as breathing if I wasn’t fighting for us the way I am

Unlike hiht of emotions at ithina side of Lia the stories about hi the bases with these girls, but I assu as ht red flags that toldused

Oh god

We never used a condoirls has he been with? How much has he exposed ht actually puke “Get out”

“Lane” Liam’s arms fall to his sides He steps forward and reaches for me

The thought of his hands on my body sends a bubble of bile into my throat but I s it down I lean back and out of his reach “Don’t touch me, Gilliam”

Liam’s jaw squares He hates his full name almost as much as I hatefun That’s it”

My fists ball at ether because if I yell, I’ll wake my parents, and then we’ll both be in trouble My dad likes Liaht hiht

If I cry, Liam will kno much he’s hurt me and I don’t want that, either I force a smile and stand from my place on my bed With a restrained touch, I take Liae to shove him out of it “Liam, I’m tired Go home”

He shakes his head but begrudgingly climbs out of myThe pressure in my chest decreases with every inch that increases between us Like this, I don’t have to look up to aze We’re eye to eye Equal, but apparently worlds apart

“Want a ride to school in the ?”

I nod, not trusting my words I fear my voice will squeak and exposeonto my composure by a tattered thread I need Liam to leave so I can hide under my blanket and cry

Cry for all the years I’ve wasted and the lies I told myself

I opt for a seat in the back of Ms Honey’s homeroom class instead ofabout h school All it would take is for him to tell Co

rah we had the talk and ru joy in other’s suffering, and I can’t stand the thought of anyone looking atat me