Between Lies

by Alison L. Perry

  “Wait, what? Ms. Stratha was part of this?”

  “Yes. She was a psychologist in the program.”

  Oh my God. Everything made sense now. Her questions when I was in her class at University. Her seeming hatred of me and showing up at my new school. She’d been keeping an eye on me. And, probably my dad, too. Another thought struck me.

  “What about Nurse Edara? Please don’t tell me she’s part of this. She was so nice to me at University.”

  “Edara was part of the program but was removed like your father. She went on to work at the University, while he stayed on at The Nursery in an administrator position.”

  So many lies. It seemed everyone I knew had some sort of secret they were keeping. But where did Kade fit into all this?

  “So, Kade. How does he play into this?”

  “I do not have the answer to that, Sadie. I suspect he was pulled into things because they needed someone to befriend you. And, he does have one significant tie to the program.”

  “What’s that?”

  “His uncle was the male donor of the human blood. He now works at your school as a teacher. So, does the female donor. The process was not kind to them, however.”

  “Coach Anderson,” Harper whispered.

  “Yes.”

  “And the female?”

  “Emma Moody. When their blood was harvested, something happened. We don’t know how or why, but when they took their blood, everything they were chosen for was also taken from them. Emma used to be stunning, though, now you couldn’t tell that. And Mr. Anderson was the epitome of strength and courage.”

  I remembered how weak he always seemed. He consistently looked like he was about to vomit or cry, and all of a sudden, I couldn’t take it. “Stop. I’ve heard enough. I can’t listen anymore. I can’t think about this. It’s too much. It’s just too much.” Tears leaked from my eyes and spilled down my face. Harper pulled me into a hug and rocked me back and forth, softly hushing me. Pen was quiet as she listened to my sobs. But soon, she was rushing me.

  “I know this is much to hear. But we must speak to your father now. If I don’t leave soon, my family will find me here, and we don’t want that. To be honest with you, I’m not sure if the normal method of killing a vampire will work on you two. I don’t want to find out this evening.”

  I hadn’t thought about that. A wooden stake was always the go-to for disposing of our kind. The fact they tried a car crash, instead, was puzzling. Yet Pen was right. I didn’t want to find out.

  “Okay, let me go get him.”

  I ran downstairs, hoping he hadn’t left for work yet. I found him in the kitchen and as I skidded into the room, he looked up from the newspaper.

  “Good evening, Sadie. What has you worked up?”

  “Dad, I need you to come to my room. Now!”

  He took one look at my face and must have sensed I wasn’t kidding around. “Okay, I’m coming. What’s going on?”

  “I’ll tell you in my room.”

  When I opened my door and we stepped inside, recognition immediately dawned on his face. Without taking his eyes off Pen, he addressed me. “Sadie, explain to me what is going on.”

  But Pen took over. Without mincing words, she told him what she was looking for and why. She explained about the program still being in existence, that Harper and I were both test subjects, everything. I watched the color drain from his face as she talked. When she got to the part where Harper and I were targeted, vein shadows exploded all over his skin.

  “Why didn’t you tell us? Sadie, how could you keep your mother and me in the dark?”

  I floundered. “I… I didn’t want to worry you.”

  He put his hand over his eyes, clearly trying to calm down. A little flame of resentment flared up deep inside my heart. “It’s not like you’ve been completely clean with me either. I think maybe we should cut each other some slack until we at least get a handle on the situation.” I was proud of myself for being the voice of reason, and I could tell it hit him hard.

  Without answering me, he turned to leave. “All of that information is locked away at the office. I’ll have to see what I can do about getting in there and finding the list.” He looked back at Pen. “I’ll be in touch.” And then he left. I fumed, angry at his self-righteousness. I expected Pen to defend him. Most adults always stood up for their own, but instead, I saw sadness.

  “Give him time. We hit him with a lot out of nowhere. You’ve had time to realize there were things going on. He hasn’t. He’s your father and I know he loves you. Let him find what we need. And then you can talk it out.”

  Harper seemed to agree and I fought to stuff my anger down. I promised myself the first opportunity we had, I was sitting down with both my parents and we were going to be honest about everything. Assuming I lived that long. Panic flickered, but I squashed it, too.

  “I must leave now. Sadie, as soon as he has the list, contact me and I will find my way to you again. Do not attempt anything without me.” She turned to go back out the window but faced us one more time. “And girls. Take care of each other.” With that last piece of advice, she disappeared into the darkness.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The next morning, I was awake before the alarm clock. I hadn’t slept much, too busy rehashing everything from the previous night. I was still upset with my dad, though I knew I needed to be focusing my attention on other things right now. I turned my head and looked at Cam’s garter hanging on my closet door. I’d spent a lot of time on making it, and I was proud of the result. I’d done what I’d hoped for myself, going small and tasteful. I knew he felt bad that he’d been unable to convince his mother to scale down my mum, but it wasn’t his fault and I wasn’t about to punish him by making him wear something atrocious on his arm. I was nervous about seeing what she’d created, but I knew it was going to be bad by the fact that Cam was borrowing his dad’s car to pick me up that morning.

  I eventually struggled out of bed and took my shower. Deciding on jeans, boots, and a cute black flowy top for the day, I took my time with my hair and makeup and looked approvingly at myself in the mirror when I was finished. I had to admit, I’d gotten good at making myself look decent over the last month.

  The doorbell rang, and after grabbing the garter out of my closet, I flew down the stairs. As usual, the cat was snoozing on the bottom step, but I leaped over him, eliciting an evil hiss that I ignored. I threw open the door and stopped short.

  It was worse than I’d imagined. Cam’s face told me he knew exactly how awful it was. I wanted to reassure him, let him know it was okay, but I couldn’t. The thing was massive, at least two feet across, with a cascade of red, gold, and white ribbons, whistles, bells, and beads hanging down to the ground. The chest part consisted of maybe twelve separate flowers, interspersed with sparkly stars, two white teddy bears, red and gold feathers, my name in gold sparkles, and flashing LED lights. Cam flipped a switch somewhere on the back of it, and the school’s fight song started playing. The whole thing was attached to a heavy-duty gold ribbon that I presumed went around my neck to help keep the damn thing in place.

  “I… I’m just sorry, Sadie.”

  I tried to smile. “No, it’s okay. I mean, if school spirit is what these things are about, she certainly achieved it.” I remembered the garter and held it out to him. “I made this for you.”

  “Wow, it’s great! Is there anything you can’t do?”

  “Oh, honey, we don’t have time for that list.”

  He chuckled and, after putting on his garter, helped get the mum over my head. As soon as he settled it around my neck, I felt fifty pounds heavier. “Oh my Gawd. This weighs more than I thought.”

  He made a sour face but held his arm out to me. “Shall we?”

  I took his arm and closed the front door behind me. “We shall.” As I walked down the sidewalk to his waiting car, I found the switch for the music and shut it off. “I don’t want to run down the battery.” He gave me a knowing loo
k but didn’t say anything.

  It took five minutes to get settled in the car. Every time Cam went to close the door, more ribbons would blow out in the wind. I finally stuffed them under my butt so we could get going. I could tell he was trying not to laugh, but the whole situation was pretty funny, so I didn’t get mad. To be fair, I wanted to laugh, too. As we pulled into the school parking lot, I was greeted with the sight of mums as big as mine, and when I got out, the jingling and clanking of bells and whistles and God knew what else flooded my ears. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about standing out. Everyone looked as ridiculous as I did.

  As soon as I walked into the building I felt it. There was no way any learning would get done today. Everyone was gathered in clumps, admiring each other’s mums and garters, talking about the election, and discussing the upcoming game. Flashing lights and music overwhelmed my senses and I thought briefly about skipping the day. But as soon as Maddie and Harper showed up, I knew I was stuck. And then there was the matter of the Devil Duo. I had mere hours left to make my case since the voting was taking place during lunch. The count would happen by the Homecoming committee during the afternoon classes and the results would be announced during halftime at the game.

  Cam had a meeting with the counselor during first period as part of his rehabilitation from suspension. He’d had them once a week and today was his final one. He kissed me on the cheek and disappeared into the crowd. I sighed, wishing he would be by me all day.

  I was trying to walk through the halls with Harper and Maddie on each side of me. I kept tripping on all the stuff hanging off my clothes. To their credit, neither of them had made any comments about what I was wearing. Instead, they each took an elbow and kept me somewhat steady as we shuffled through the halls. I caught a glimpse of Angie in the sophomore wing and we exchanged brief glares. Her mum was even larger than mine, but in complete contrast to me, she looked ecstatic about it. I rolled my eyes and kept on going.

  When I got to first period, I examined Mrs. Moody, recalling Pen’s revelation about her. Like normal, she gave me her usual bright smile and then I saw it. Behind her plain features, I could see the beauty she had once been, and I felt a flood of pity for her. I wondered if she remembered what had happened to her. Had she volunteered for it? Or had the vampires simply taken what they wanted? It was a question I realized I may never get an answer to.

  Each class sped by. The teachers weren’t that interested in teaching, probably knowing whatever they said would fall on deaf ears. Coach Anderson simply started a movie in class before disappearing from the room altogether. Everyone took advantage of the lack of supervision and did what they wanted.

  Kitty sidled up to me during the last part of class. “Well, well. Look who decided they could partake in tradition.”

  “Oh, shut up, Kitty. Nobody cares what you have to say.”

  She smirked. “We’ll see about that tonight, won’t we?”

  “Yeah, we will.”

  Trina, who was sitting next to me, leaned over and whispered, “You have my vote.”

  “Thanks,” I whispered back.

  I made it through the rest of the day without further confrontation. I was surprised by how many people came up to me to tell me I had their votes. I started to feel pretty confident in my chances, though, I was ready for the whole ordeal to be over with.

  Cam met me outside my last class, and together we walked to his car. He helped me take my mum off and laid it in the backseat. Groaning with relief, I plopped down in the seat and leaned back with my eyes shut. “I am so tired.”

  He took my hand and held it as best he could with the splints on his fingers. “I know, but you have to get through tonight, and then you’re done. I mean, we have the dance, but you don’t have to wear that thing to it.”

  “And I thank God for that.”

  Harper was already at my house when we arrived. Cam kissed me on the lips, a warm, sweet kiss that made me want nothing more than to run away somewhere private with him and get lost in his touch. When I said as much, he kissed me again and reluctantly pushed me out of the car. “I’ll see my queen tonight,” he said before pulling away from the curb.

  “C’mon, we have one hour to get you ready. Maddie is going to meet us in the staging area for the Homecoming Court to do the final touches on your hair.” We walked to my room and as soon as I shut my door, she asked, “Have you heard any news from your dad?”

  I shook my head. “No, nothing. I’m starting to worry. What do we do if he doesn’t get it? Or worse, gets caught trying to get it?”

  “Just don’t think like that. It won’t do you any good to worry until there’s something to worry about. And I refuse to think that anything like that is going to happen.”

  Right then, there was a knock on my door. “Sadie, let me in,” Dad called from the other side.

  I jumped up from the chair I’d been sitting in and opened the door. Dad stepped quickly inside. “I have it. How are you keeping in touch with Pen? We need to let her know.”

  I threw my arms around him, grateful he had done it without getting caught. “I have a number I text her. Dad… I’m… I’m glad you’re okay.” I choked back the tears that I wanted to cry. He hugged me back and stroked my hair like he had when I was a little girl.

  “Shh, sweetheart, everything is going to be okay. And once this is over, we’ll talk about everything, I promise. Now, tell her we have the list and see where she wants to meet.”

  I nodded against his chest. “I’m going to the football game tonight. I’m in the running for Homecoming queen, so I have to be there. I’ll call you or text as soon as I hear back from her.”

  “Homecoming queen? When did all this happen?”

  “That’s a long story. Later, okay?”

  He patted me on the back, pride showing on his face. “My girl, running for Homecoming queen.”

  I laughed. “You don’t even know what it is,” I teased.

  “You’re right, I don’t. But I’m proud, nonetheless.”

  I sucked in a breath. It was the first time he’d ever said those words to me. I think he realized it, too, and got a little embarrassed. “Sadie, be careful tonight. Both of you.”

  “We will, Dad. Don’t worry about us.”

  “That’s like asking me not to be a parent. Impossible.”

  I sighed a little. “I know. But we’re on alert. And we’ll be surrounded by the whole school. Nothing bad is going to happen there.”

  He gave me another little pat on the back, lingering for just a second like he wanted to make sure I was really standing there and okay. I suddenly realized how difficult it must have been for him to learn his daughter was in mortal danger.

  “I love you,” I whispered, where only he could hear.

  The look on his face said it all. “I love you, too, Sadie.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  The crowd noise was insane. We were in the gym, which was a pretty good distance from the football stadium, but I could still hear the drumbeat from the band and the student body singing the fight song. The Homecoming committee had opened up the girls’ locker room for us to change into our dresses and get ready for the halftime ceremony. Maddie and Harper were with me as was Molly. She had sneaked in and with all the commotion going on, nobody was paying attention to her.

  I stood in my underwear, trying to hide behind a small towel as Maddie steamed my dress. “Is that really necessary? I didn’t notice any wrinkles.”

  She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Yes, it’s necessary. You want to make the best impression possible, right?”

  “I don’t think it matters anymore. The votes are already in. We’re just hearing the results.”

  She made a face. “Still, you need to look good.”

  I sighed and gave in. “Do what you have to do.”

  Harper was trying to touch up my makeup. “Stand still and stop shrinking behind the towel.” There was an edge to her voice that wasn’t normally there and I didn’t li
ke it. I’d learned it took a lot to rattle her and tonight she was definitely tense. I understood her worry but it made me even more nervous than I was when she showed it.

  “Sorry, I just feel so exposed.”

  “Oh, please, it’s not like you’re stark naked,” Molly said. “You’re in a bra and underwear. It’s no different from a bikini.”

  “I don’t wear bikinis, either! Neither do you. I mean, it’s not…” I stopped, suddenly aware that I almost said something about vampires in front of Maddie. Molly shot me a warning look and I could feel myself turn red. But Maddie wasn’t paying attention to us.

  “Okay, it’s done. Put it on and I’ll do your hair.” I followed her instructions, luxuriating in the feel of the fabric as it slid against my skin. I still couldn’t believe how nice it had turned out. I couldn’t wait to see Angie and Kitty’s faces when they saw it. I knew they were expecting me to show up in the original dress from hell. I giggled to myself.

  “What’s funny?”

  “Oh, just looking forward to surprising everyone with this dress. A lot of people won’t be expecting it.”

  Maddie smiled. “Yeah, I overheard Becca telling someone that you were going to look like a fool. I struggled not to say anything.” She put some product in my hair and started flicking pieces around. I stood still, letting her work, while Harper got my mum ready. I dreaded putting it on again. Only a few more hours. I can do this. She finally stepped back to admire her work. “You’re all done, chicky. Looking good!”

  I glanced in the mirror on the wall next to the lockers. Starting at my head, I worked my eyes down my body, taking it all in. She was right. I did look good. I caught Molly’s expression behind me. She was smiling and I glowed in response.

  I turned around and opened my arms to all three of them. “Group hug. I could never have done this without you guys.” Laughing, we all huddled together, reveling in our friendship. I felt lucky, and in that moment, all my cares seemed to fall away. I had this fantastic group of girls by my side. Together, we could do anything.