“Cis?” It was Lance.
I jumped up.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. You?”
“I’m okay.”
“Pete still mad?”
“He’ll get over it. I’ll have a couple bruises, no big deal.”
“So you didn’t ask him.”
“He would’ve said no.”
I sighed. We stood there in the dim streetlight looking at each other. At that moment, we were the only two people on earth. Finally I said, “You followed me.”
“It’s dark, and you’re a girl walking alone. Give me some credit. I don’t want your murder on my hands.”
I chewed the inside of my lip and wiped at my tears. “I’m sorry, Lance. I know I was totally catty.”
“It’s okay.”
“I ruined our whole plan.”
He took my arm and we started toward the library. “Pete coming home didn’t help.”
I leaned into him as we walked. He’d come after me. He was watching out for me. Maybe things weren’t as bad as I thought.
It’s always nice to hope.
Chapter Nine
My mom was sitting in the car right outside the library when we rounded the corner. I froze. “It’s my mom!”
Lance stiffened. “Get behind me quick. Maybe she didn’t see you.”
I ducked behind him, and I heard her car door open.
“Emili?” she called out. “Is that you?”
I slowly came out from behind Lance. “Hey, Mom, you’re early.” I gave her a wobbly smile.
She approached me with a skeptical look. She tipped her head to the side and squinted at me in the streetlight. She glanced at Lance and her expression hardened. “I guess I am early. What are you doing out here?”
“I, uh, well, Lance was at the library, and we came outside because it was super-hot in there, and you happened to come at the same time.”
It sounded stupid even to me, yet strangely my mouth kept going. “It’s a lot cooler out here, isn’t it? Mom, this is Lance, and he’s in my…”
“Emili, get in the car.” Her voice was firm. She whirled on her heel and led the way.
I glanced frantically at Lance who gave me a helpless look, then scurried after her. It wasn’t often she got mad, but when she did, you’d better look out. She marched ahead, her arms stiffly at her sides. Her body was actually jerking with each step, reminding me of a Gestapo.
She got into the car and slammed her door. I slid into the backseat without a word. Hot air blasted from the heater. The stuffiness made it nearly impossible to breathe. Mom yanked on the gears, flipped the car around, and headed for home. The tires sprayed gravel against the curb, and I grabbed the seat in front of me to stay upright. I observed her profile in the glow of the dashboard and saw her lips set in a tight line. My life was over.
At home, I braced for the coming tirade. I’d dropped my backpack on the floor, where it lay wilting at my feet. Mom walked stiffly to the closet and methodically hung up her coat. She was a battery-operated robot, each movement precise, calculated. She faced me and said in a voice full of eerie calm, “Sit down, Emili.”
I sat.
“Explain yourself.” The words were clipped.
“I can’t.” Visions of prisoners facing firing squads filled my mind.
“What do you mean, you can’t?”
“I already told you what happened…”
“Only a fool would believe such drivel.” The words came out rapid fire as her voice rose.
She’d freak out if I told her I’d gone to an apartment alone with Lance.
“Okay,” I said, issuing a silent prayer. “I knew Lance would be there. He’s my boyfriend now.”
“What happened to Marc?”
“We’re over.” I went on, “We were walking around outside because it was hot inside the library. I’m sorry I lied.” I met her eyes. I was sorry I’d lied, but I couldn’t stop myself from keeping the lies rolling. Would she buy them?
“I wish your father were here. I’m beginning to hate him having two jobs.” She sat down beside me with a huge sigh as if all the air had been let out of her tires. She put her hand on my leg. “I know you’ll have temptations at this age, Emili, but if I can’t count on you to tell me the truth then we’re in a world of trouble.”
I nodded. “I know. You’re right.”
“You can’t lie to me again. Walking around outside in the dark is foolish. You’re inviting trouble. Plus, I don’t even know who this Lance is. I assume he goes to Bates?”
“Yeah, he’s a sophomore. He’s new, only been here about a month or so.”
“I hope he comes from a good family…”
Did he? I’d no idea. We hadn’t gotten far enough to discuss his family — I only knew Pete.
“You’ll be punished because you lied,” she said, pausing to roll her head in slow circles like it was sore. “And you’re grounded from your phone for one week. No computer time either.”
Only one week? Wow, how did I get off so easy? And had she forgotten the computer was usually at her office anyway, so being grounded from it wouldn’t even affect me?
“Okay,” I said.
“Emili, why didn’t you simply ask me if you could meet Lance at the library? Why lie about it?”
I shrugged. “I didn’t exactly lie. I did go alone. He was just going to be there, too. Besides, I thought you’d say no.”
“Omitting details is the same as lying. I might have said no. Then again, I might have said yes. You didn’t give me a chance.” She stood up. “I’m not happy about this, Emili. Not happy at all.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
I went into my room, plopped down in the middle of my bed and thought of Farah. She’d think this whole situation hilarious, and she’d be proud of me. Lying was one of her favorite sports. How ironic to realize my life was no longer boring, and she wasn’t my friend anymore. A deep sadness pressed into my chest.
I put on my sweats and climbed into bed. It was early, way too early to sleep, but I felt worn out. I traced my lips lightly with my fingers. If I concentrated, I could still feel Lance’s kiss.
I concentrated.
He’d been sweet to follow even though he was mad at me and at Pete. He was a nice guy. If only he’d stop asking about Farah. A shadow hovered over me, but I resolutely shoved it aside.
He liked me. He did.
Him following me proved it.
****
By the time the weekend came, it felt like I’d been without my phone for over a year. My hand twitched with wanting it. Last week in English, we critiqued an article about technology addiction. We got into groups to debate its claims. Everybody was hyped up, saying the whole thing was ridiculous. How could a person be addicted to something like technology? It wasn’t drugs or sex or smoking. I was right in there, agreeing with the best of them.
Well, I was wrong. Obviously, I was addicted to my phone. All I could think about was who’d been calling me, what I’d missed online, what texts were lying there unanswered. Complete torture. I tried bribing Sarah into lending me her phone. No such luck. She enjoyed the power and flitted around the house all week displaying her phone like she’d invented it.
Oh, she could get on a person’s nerves.
I slept in as long as I could on Saturday. I knew if I stayed in my room all day though, my mom would get irritated. At eleven, when I was pulling on my jeans, Sarah came dancing in.
“You could knock,” I said.
“Farah’s here.”
I plunked on my bed. “What?”
Farah pushed past Sarah into my room. “Yes, it’s me.” She waved a dismissal to Sarah. “Thanks, see you later.”
Sarah flared her nostrils at Farah and trounced out, slamming the door.
“Well, aren’t you Miss Rise and Shine. Sleeping all day?” Farah said.
“What do you want?”
“I want you to stop acting like a jerk.”
I stood up. “What? I think we know who the jerk is.”
She pushed me back down on the bed. “Come on, Emili. We’re friends. Can you come down to earth for a minute?”
“Friends tell each other things.”
Farah rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Emili, please. We do tell each other things. Did it ever occur to you maybe I couldn’t tell you where I was?”
“Why not? You didn’t want to tell me.”
“Emili, are you even listening? I couldn’t tell you.”
“What do you mean?” Now she had my attention.
She sat down. “I was with my dad. I loved it, Emili. I miss him.”
I grimaced. “What do you mean you miss him. You’re not making sense.”
“Because he isn’t supposed to see me.”
“Not following…”
“My parents had this massively huge argument about ten days ago. My dad left. Mom was furious. I’ve never seen her so angry.”
“Wait,” I interrupted her. “You never told me.”
“I know. I suppose you’ll get mad all over again.”
I sighed. “Go on.”
“Well, she raced right out the next day to a lawyer. She dug up some real crap on my dad and got the lawyer to get an injunction. Right now I can’t go see my dad. And I wanted to. Nobody consulted me about anything, so I guess I don’t count. By the way, this isn’t public information, so you can’t tell a soul. I mean it. My mother is Miss Everything’s Perfect, and she hasn’t spilled to anyone. Honestly, she is so stupid sometimes.” She took a deep breath and continued.
“I called him and he told me he was staying at The Windsor. I went over there and he got super mad. I started crying because basically if I cry, he’ll give in to anything.”
“Didn’t your mother know where you’d be? Wouldn’t she look there first? Didn’t the police find you?”
“She never called the police. She wouldn’t. And have her lovely reputation smeared? Never! Not even for her dear missing child.”
“Doesn’t she know where your dad is? Why didn’t she go there first?”
“She doesn’t know where he’s at. He’s been moving around. I don’t think she thought he’d have the nerve to see me. I had to swear to my dad I wouldn’t tell anyone.”
I sat there with my mouth open.
Farah went on. “I’m surprised she didn’t hire a private detective. I guess after paying the lawyer she didn’t have any more money.”
“You guys are loaded.”
“Yeah, about that. Mother is careful to give the appearance.”
“You’re not loaded?” This was news.
“Emili, everything is relative.”
“Then, you were with your dad the whole time?”
“Not all the time, but most of it.”
I nodded. “So you couldn’t tell me because you didn’t want your dad in trouble.”
“Right.” Farah studied her hands. “I think this is it, Emili. My mom and dad are over.”
“Why didn’t you text me after you got home?”
“I should have. But after listening to my mother scream at me for two hours straight, I didn’t have the energy for anything.”
“Why are you telling me now?”
“Emili, don’t be dumb. No matter what you were ranting about, we are friends. You’re my best friend. You’re one of my only friends — well, who’s a girl. If I had to tell you to keep our friendship, then I’m telling you. You forced me.”
I was the biggest creep who ever lived. I should’ve trusted her. I should’ve let her have her reason and respected it. And she did have a reason. A good one.
“I’m sorry, Farah. I’m so sorry.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Whatever.”
“No, I’m truly sorry. I should’ve trusted you.”
“Yeah, well.” She gazed out my window. “My life pretty much sucks right now. I had to practically sign in blood to come over here today. How come you aren’t answering your phone?”
“I’m grounded.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Well, well, well. I’m impressed. What did the angel do to deserve grounding?”
“Lied to my mom.”
“About…” She leaned closer.
“I said I was studying alone at the library and I wasn’t. I met Lance. Mom caught us outside the library.”
“Nice. I love it. What’d you guys do?”
“We went to Pete’s apartment.”
Farah jumped off the bed. “You what?”
“Keep your voice down. We went to Pete’s apartment.”
“And did what?” Farah was practically drooling.
“Not much of anything as it turns out.”
“I can’t believe it. I absolutely can’t believe it! I’m gone for two days and someone has stolen Emili. Who are you? And why didn’t you tell me?”
“You’re kidding, right? You weren’t available if you recall. We kissed, nothing else. If you must know, he wouldn’t stop asking about you.”
She plunked down on the bed. “He wouldn’t?” The sharpness was gone. She leaned forward, her voice eager, intense. “What did he want to know?”
I eyed her carefully. “Not much — only wanted to know if you were okay.” I pulled my knees up to my chest. “I’m glad you’re here and I’m glad we’re friends again. I missed you.”
She lightly slapped my arm. “Me, too. But what did Lance ask exactly?”
“Like I said, he wanted to know where and how you were. I told him I didn’t know. We got into a fight. Then Pete came home, and they got into a fight. We went back to the library, and Mom found us.”
“Wait a minute. Pete came home? He and Lance fought?”
“Yeah, because Lance never asked if we could use the apartment.”
Farah clasped her hands together. “This gets better by the minute. Did they hit each other or just yell?”
“They hit. But I left, so I don’t know much.”
“I can’t believe I missed all this.” Farah whistled softly then sank back into the pillows. She ran her tongue over her lips. “So much has been happening.” She jerked back up. “So Pete saw you and Lance making out?”
“No! Like I’m going to make out with his brother standing there watching.”
“You didn’t go in his bedroom did you?”
“No! Of course not. We sat on the loveseat and kissed a couple times.” I squirmed at the memory. “It could’ve been more — he wanted more. But we fought. I needed to talk to you because you always know what to do. It was a total disaster.” It felt good to confide in Farah again.
She nodded. “Yeah, I always know what to do. Too bad you fought, but the important thing is making up, Emili. Always remember to make up. It’s when the fun happens. What else is going on? Am I caught up?”
“I’m grounded off the phone and computer. That’s about it. Hey, does my mom know you’re here?”
“How should I know? Sarah let me in. Don’t worry about your mom, I can handle her.”
On cue, there was a knock at my door. Mom stuck her head in. She blinked twice when she saw us. “Farah, I didn’t know you were here.”
Farah jumped off the bed. “Oh, I’m sorry, Mrs. Jones. I didn’t know Emili was grounded, or I wouldn’t have come. And I feel bad about how I scared everyone the other day. You’ll forgive me, won’t you?” She walked over by my mom and nearly nestled into her. “I’m sorry my mother came over here and got you involved. My mom’s not like you. She doesn’t stay calm. Ever.”
I watched my mom’s face throughout this speech. I wasn’t sure she’d fall for Farah’s magic this time.
“Farah, she’s your mother. She was worried.” Mom put her arm around Farah’s shoulder. “We all were. You can’t take off and expect no one to worry.”
Farah nodded, a penitent look on her face. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“Where were you?”
Farah shook her head, and her thick hair tumbled behind her shoulders. �
�I was at a friend’s house and my mother didn’t think of her. I haven’t been getting along with Mother so I went over there. I didn’t think to call until everyone was already upset. It was thoughtless of me.”
My mother’s eyes narrowed then she relented. “Yes, it was thoughtless, Farah. But you’re back now and safe, which is the main thing.” She looked over at me. “And yes, Emili’s grounded, but I suppose she can visit for a few more minutes. I guess I didn’t ground her from seeing her friends.”
My mom walked out and shut the door.
Chapter Ten
Farah flounced on the bed, and curled her legs under her. “What’d I tell you?”
“Amazing.” I couldn’t help laughing. “Farah, you’re something else. Take off your coat. Mom said you could stay awhile.”
Farah pulled off her coat. She wore an out-of-style blue turtle-neck sweater. Since when did Farah wear something so yesterday? My thoughts must’ve shown on my face.
“I know. It looks like great-grandma’s, but I kind of like it.” She pulled at the sleeves until they nearly covered her hands.
“You said you were at your dad’s most of the day. Where were you the rest of the time?”
Farah’s eyes widened. “You don’t miss a detail, do you? Now there’s the Emili we all know and love.”
“Well?”
“I assume you can keep your mouth shut.”
“Farah, you know I can.”
“I was with Pete.”
“You said Pete didn’t know where you were!”
“Well, he didn’t know I went to my dad’s. I was with Pete first.” She grabbed my hands in hers. “I like him so much, and he likes me back. I think he might love me. He’s the only one who truly gets me.”
I stared at her.
“Well, it’s true,” she said. “He listens and gives me advice. He’s like a big brother in a way.”
I couldn’t help it — I rolled my eyes.
“Oh, I know we’ve had sex and everything, but he’s still like my brother.”
I flinched. “What? You’re kidding, right?”
“Emili, we’re in high school. It’s not such a big deal. Don’t be stupid.”
“Uh, yeah it is too a big deal. And I’m not stupid, so quit saying I am. Having sex is about the dumbest thing in the world you could’ve done. Did you even think about the consequences? You hardly know Pete. You could get a disease. Not to mention he’s older, so couldn’t he get in big trouble?”
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