“No, I’m good.”
“All right. I’ll tell her.” Trudy walked back into the living room to relay the message, then she disappeared into her bedroom and locked the door. Ugh. Too many people. She wasn’t used to this. After school was her time to decompress. She couldn’t do it with all the chatter.
She pulled out her phone and saw she missed a call from Lane. She pressed the call back symbol and held her phone to her ear.
“You okay?” he said, his voice strained.
“Yeah. I must have turned my ringer off. Sorry. Didn’t mean to make you worry.”
He blew out a breath. “Good. I was about to come over. I called three times.”
“Geesh, I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s okay.” The sound of wind whistled, telling her Lane was outside. “I just know things are going to be stressful these next few weeks.”
That was an understatement. “Yeah.”
“How is she? Your sister, I mean.”
“She’s enjoying having some friends visit her.” Trudy smiled despite herself. “She looks quite happy, actually.”
“Good. I’m glad.” He paused a moment. “And how are you doing?”
“Just trying to get some peace and quiet.”
“You could come over here.” His voice held a smile.
“Yeah, right. Like I’d get any homework done if I did that. Not likely. Thanks, anyway. It’s tempting, but I’d better stay and get actual work done.”
“Your loss.”
It was her loss. She liked spending time with Lane. A little too much, really. She had to focus on her grades or she’d slip up and lose her chance to get into Harvard. “You caught up from being suspended?”
He chuckled. “No. But we’re about to leave for our first family counselling session and then I’ll work on things when we get back.”
“What did your parents say about testing you for dyslexia?”
“They think it’s a good idea, actually.”
“Good.” A paper rustled and it sounded like Lane fumbled with his phone. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing. Well, something, but I can’t tell you about it yet.”
That was weird. “What is it?”
He chuckled as more wind whistled into the receiver. “I just said I can’t tell you about it.”
“Well, fine, then. I have something I can’t tell you either. So, you’ll just have to wait for me to reveal it. It’s a big secret.”
“You’re not a good liar.”
“Oh my gosh, you’re so mean! Why can’t you tell me?” Trudy unzipped her backpack and took out her books, setting them on the desk.
“Because. I can’t. But I want you to know whatever happens, you mean the world to me.”
Trudy’s heart melted. “Then I forgive you.”
Lane hung up the phone with Trudy and slipped it into his pocket. He pulled another flier out of his backpack and opened his stapler. He’d blown up the photograph Trudy had sent him of Jasper and printed the word “Missing” in bold letters at the top. His phone number was at the bottom for people to call if they found him. He stapled it to the last lamppost on the street.
He hoped he’d be able to get Jasper back before she noticed the fliers. He didn’t want to get her hopes up, only to wait for a call that might not ever come.
A noise came from his phone and he pulled it out to look at who was texting him. It was from Gabe.
How’s it going? I noticed you and Trudy are pretty tight now. I think I might lose this bet.
Lane stared at his phone, shocked. He thought Gabe would fight tooth and nail not to lose this bet. And now he was almost conceding? He fist pumped the air, then texted him back.
Yes, I have this one in the bag. You’d better get your razor ready.
So, you really like her?
Like was an understatement. Lane was so into her, it was difficult to be apart from her. He liked Trudy like he liked to breathe. It was a necessity.
Yes.
That’s cool, man. Do you think you successfully melted the Ice Queen?
He chuckled.
She told me she loved me.
Dude, that’s awesome. Hey, Becky was talking smack about you today. How she’s going to get you to dump Trudy because you really love her. What’s all that about?
Lane rolled his eyes.
She’s a freakin’ nutcase.
Gabe’s response came back quickly.
I know, right? She was saying you made out with her at the game on Friday, and you weren’t even there.
Becky was spreading lies about him? Lane tossed his stapler into his backpack. He texted Gabe back as he walked back to his house.
I’m going to be glad when Homecoming’s all done. Then she’ll see who I really like. I hate that she’s so into me. It gives me the creeps.
For sure. Well, see you around.
Lane shook his head as he sprinted up his front steps. Whatever Becky had in her crazy brain was all imaginary. He was so not into her. And hopefully seeing him with Trudy would fix this mess.
Gabe handed his phone to Randy. “Okay, I did what you said. Now can you use these texts to make it look like Lane is lying to Trudy?”
Randy was the team’s water boy. He was a number one nerd, but he wanted to be with the in crowd so badly, he’d do anything Gabe said. Randy nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah. This is perfect. I’m sending screenshots to my phone right now. I’ll manipulate them in Photoshop. When I’m done, this girl will hate him. I’m talking supernova level hate.”
“Yeah, whatever. Just have it all to me by Thursday.”
Randy pushed up his glasses with one finger and handed his phone back to him. “This won’t take long. I can get it back to you by tomorrow.”
“Brilliant. You’re the best.” He clapped Randy on the shoulder and headed toward the showers. This was going to be one sweet revenge.
Chapter 24
Trudy picked up her slice of pizza, not really seeing it. It had been three days since her sister came home, and things weren’t good. She’d taken a turn for the worse last night, and Trudy knew it wouldn’t be long. Her mother had tried to get to her stay home from school, but Trudy couldn’t bear to spend the day staring at Allison, waiting for her to…she couldn’t even think the word.
Jessica sat down and set a bowl of salad on the table. She’d dyed her hair a deep purple over the weekend. It suited her. She put an arm around Trudy. “You doing all right?”
Trudy nodded, although inside she felt hollow. “Yeah.”
Jessica squeezed her in a one-arm side-hug. “You can talk to me anytime you need to. You know that, right?”
“You’re a great friend.” Trudy managed to muster up a small smile. She tossed her pizza back on her plate without taking a bite and picked up her phone to see if any news had come through. Nothing. Ugh, it was driving her crazy. She needed to think about something else. She shut off her phone and stuffed it in her pocket.
Lane’s tray slid onto the table and he bent over and kissed her on the cheek. “How are you holding up?”
She let out a breath. He opened his arms and she snuggled into Lane’s embrace. Peace enveloped her as she finally allowed the tears to prick her eyes. “I’m not.”
“I’m sure the principal would let you go home, if you wanted to,” Jessica said.
Trudy sniffled, clinging to Lane. “I don’t want to. It’s good to be here, thinking about other things. It’s just right now, there’s no lecture. I’m simply sitting here thinking about my sister. I’m sure when class starts back up, it will help.”
Lane rubbed her back. “I hope so. You kind of look like a zombie.”
“I know. I can’t eat. My brain doesn’t want to focus. But now that you’re here, I feel better.” She closed her eyes and breathed in his smell. Then she backed away. “Okay. I’ll let you eat now.”
As Jessica and Lane chatted about nothing important, Trudy let their conversation flow through her. She smiled when L
ane told a lame joke and sympathized when Jessica mentioned how she’s now paired up with Christian Tyson in science class.
Christian was unlike his name in every way. He had spiky black hair, rode a motorcycle to school, and couldn’t care less about his reputation. He’d already served a stint in a juvenile detention center. Rumors about what he did to get in there still spread around school. Some say he tried to poison his stepfather. Others say it was drug-related. But no matter what he did, being paired up with him on a school project was a bad thing.
“Did you ask the teacher if you could get a different partner?” Trudy asked.
Jessica shook her milk carton. “Yes. And he said no. I’m stuck with Christian. And the project is worth half your grade.” She moaned and leaned back in her chair. “I’m going to fail for sure.”
“Maybe he’ll just let you do the whole thing.” Trudy shrugged.
“Nope. We have to show which part we each did, or we fail the project.” Jessica brushed a strand of her purple hair over her shoulder. “I’m just going to have to get him to cooperate. Maybe if I score some weed, I can lure him in. Where does a person buy weed, anyway?”
Lane made a face. “I can’t tell if she’s kidding.”
Trudy snorted. “She’s kidding.”
Devon, one of the football players, stopped by their table. “Lane. We need you, man. Something about the game tomorrow. Gabe told me to come get you now.”
“What does he need with me?” Lane squinted at him.
“I don’t know. I’m just doing what I was told.”
“All right.” He stood and leaned over to kiss Trudy’s cheek again. “Call me later, okay?” he said quietly.
She nodded. “I’ll call.”
Lane took off with Devon, depositing his tray on the way out of the lunchroom. As Trudy watched him leave, Gabe appeared and took the seat Lane had just occupied. Trudy stared at him in confusion. “I thought you were—”
Gabe shook his head. “I got Devon to distract Lane. I wanted to come talk to you.” His face was somber, like he was about to tell her he ran over her cat. He leaned closer, and Jessica leaned in as well to hear what he had to say.
“What is it?” Trudy didn’t need any more bad news. Today was already a suck fest.
“Lane’s been lying to you. He’s only been going out with you to win a bet.”
Trudy didn’t want Lane to get into trouble for telling her about the bet, so she just slowly sat back. “Really?”
Jessica shot her a meaningful glance, but she ignored her. Jessica didn’t know Lane like she did.
Gabe nodded, his mouth pulling down into a frown. “It was all fun and games at first. But now I’m afraid he’s taking it too far. I just don’t feel right about it anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Jessica asked.
He pulled out his phone and handed it to them.
Trudy squinted at it. At first, she was confused. Why was Gabe showing her texts? But then she saw Lane’s name on the top and she realized this was a conversation Gabe had had with him. She took the phone to read closer. Jessica leaned over her shoulder.
Hey, how’s it going? You and Trudy look pretty cozy. What’s going on with you guys?
She’s a freakin’ nutcase.
Trudy’s heart skipped a beat. This couldn’t be Lane talking about her, could it? She read on.
What? I thought you liked her. You mean all this is an act to win the bet?
Yes.
His one-word response sent a stabbing pain through her chest.
You are cruel. Is it working?
Yes, I have this one in the bag. You’d better get your razor ready.
Are you sure all this was just to win a bet?
I’m going to be glad when Homecoming’s all done. Then she’ll see who I really like. I hate that she’s so into me. It gives me the creeps.
How do you know she’s so into you?
She told me she loved me.
Ouch, man, you are one cold dude.
That’s where the texts ended, and Trudy’s throat swelled so much, she could barely breathe. Jessica gasped. “That lying snake. I knew it.”
Gabe took his phone back and frowned. “I just thought that was too cruel. I want to end it. This has gone too far.”
Trudy couldn’t talk, even if she wanted to. She nodded then stood up, her legs barely working as she walked toward the doors. Jessica called her name, but it sounded funny, like it was coming down a long tunnel. Trudy pushed her way out of the cafeteria and walked down the hallway, not really knowing where she was going, only that she needed to get outside and get some air.
Lane was lying. This whole time. He hated her. Couldn’t wait to get away from her. The realization that she’d allowed herself to fall in love with him made her want to throw up. She was duped, and in the worst way imaginable.
A male voice called her name, but she kept walking. She didn’t want to turn around in case it was Lane. What would she say to him? What would she do? Her feet wouldn’t work, though, and her steps were slow. She heard a buzzing noise. It was like it was coming from inside her head.
“Trudy,” Principal Brown said, turning her. “Your mother needs you to go home. She tried to call you, but you’re not answering your phone. Your sister wants you.”
His eyes held sorrow and kindness, and Trudy found herself nodding to him. “Okay.”
“I’ll tell your teachers you’ve left for the day. It’s okay. You can take Friday off as well.” Mr. Brown might have said something else, but Trudy was too numb to hear it. She turned toward the closest set of doors to lead outside and walked through them.
The sunlight blinded her, but her feet kept moving her forward. She realized she’d exited on the far side of the school and had to walk around it, but it didn’t matter. She simply walked, nothing penetrating through the thick jelly that seemed to form around her soul.
Lane had lied. Jasper was gone, probably for good. Her sister would be gone soon too. Her parents were shells of their former selves. And she was left to drift in the wind.
“Trudy!”
She heard Jessica cry out but didn’t have enough energy to turn around. Then it came a second time, only closer. “Trudy!”
Jessica came running up to Trudy and threw her arms around her. “Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry.”
Trudy knew she should be crying, but there were no more tears. She’d cried them all over the last week, and her wells were now empty. She hugged Jessica then pulled back. “It’s okay,” she heard herself say. “I’m fine. Really.”
The whole thing was odd, like she was hovering above, watching and listening to herself.
Jessica looked at her like she didn’t believe her. “You leaving?”
“Yeah. Mr. Brown told me to go.”
“Okay, then. Go home and be with your family. Call me tonight?”
Trudy gave her a thumbs up. Then she turned and headed toward the parking lot.
Jessica called out, “Don’t forget to call.”
Trudy kept walking, her body almost working by itself. Her brain didn’t seem to be functioning. She somehow made it home, and as she got out of her car, she wondered if she even stopped at the stop light. She walked into her house and went into Allison’s room.
When she walked in, Allison lifted her hand out. “Hey. You came.”
Trudy sat on the bed beside her sister and leaned down to give her a hug. “Of course I came.” Her parents weren’t in the room and she briefly wondered where they were, but it didn’t matter. She was there with Allison, where she was needed.
Allison took Trudy’s hand. “Remember that time when I was little, and you were babysitting me? You’d just fed me dinner and I wanted to go outside and play football with the neighborhood kids, but you didn’t want me to?”
“You mean the time you threw up your hot dog because you didn’t listen to me?”
She smiled. “Yeah. That time.”
“Ew, gross. Why are you thinking of th
at? You ate that hot dog so fast, it came up in only two pieces. I was so grossed out, I wouldn’t eat hot dogs for years after that.”
Allison chuckled. “I know. That was funny.”
“It so was not funny. You’re disgusting.”
“You’re disgusting. Remember that time you spilled those potato chips and Izzy bet that you wouldn’t eat them off the floor like a dog?”
Trudy shifted on the bed to get more comfortable. “It was one chip! That’s it. All I ate was one, and you guys freaked out. It’s not like they landed in mud or something. It was the kitchen tile. And I won that bet, so there.”
“What about that pudding eating contest we had?”
“The one where we couldn’t use spoons? That was your idea, twerp.”
“I got it from some TV show. We had pudding all over our faces.” She giggled and Trudy let out a laugh.
“You even had it in your hair.” She suddenly couldn’t control her laughter and the two of them dissolved in a fit of giggles. Her laughter released something inside her. She wasn’t sure what, but it was like a pressure valve was open and relief came. When she finally composed herself, she said, “I haven’t thought about that in a long time.”
Allison sobered. “We’ve had some good times together.” She squeezed Trudy’s hand even though she had no energy left. “I’m glad.”
“Me too.”
“Will you do something for me? You know, after…”
Trudy thought she had no tears left, so she was surprised when they sprang to her eyes. “What?”
“Help Mom and Dad. They are going to need you.”
“Yeah.”
Allison looked up at her. “No, I mean it. They’ve drifted apart. I’m afraid the strain will split them in two.”
Trudy’s tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. How was Allison so observant when she hadn’t even seen it herself? She’d been so stuck on what she was going through that she hadn’t thought about what her parents were dealing with. She patted Allison’s arm. “I promise. I’ll make sure they don’t split.”
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