I turned away. I couldn’t face her. I needed to be alone. “That’s the thing, Sophie,” I said quietly. “It’s not my story to tell. It’s only mine to keep.”
“Can I at least walk with you?”
“I really need some time by myself,” I said, taking a few steps forward. “Go be with your brother and Christian. I’ll be okay.” I tilted my head slightly. “I promise.”
I said the words even though I didn’t know if I could keep them. Then I started to walk away.
IV. LIAR
Peoplesayeverythinghappensfor a reason, and they were damn right, because she was here. They also say that, at some point in time, two people from different worlds are meant to meet. Even if they are divided by lifetimes, that moment still comes. This was ours.
I tried not to look at her too much. I didn’t want her to recognize this face, the face of my brother. Identical twins. I had seen him, I knew him, but I barely remembered him now. The only difference between us was a small mole above my lip. Because of that, I dyed my hair black to cover the ice-blonde, and I painted my face so no one would start asking questions.
Now I understand why Rio hid behind the mask. It wasn’t to keep people from seeing his face. It was to hide the truth. And I was no different. If that made me a liar, then maybe I was the best one in the game.
I sat on the grave of an old man named Gerald, who probably died alone, since his was the only grave without flowers. For a moment, I almost felt sorry for him.
Two clowns sat beside me. I had met them only yesterday, but I needed someone to drink with, so I brought them along. They were new, and I didn’t even know their names. I would probably forget them by morning anyway.
When I saw the girl slowly walking, I got to my feet and I followed her toward the trees that led into the woods. Theclowns didn’t notice. Maybe they didn’t care, or maybe they were too drunk to see.
Her face was wet with tears, her green eyes glossy, and her loose curls had fallen from her bun. She looked like a doll, but not the happy kind. She looked like the kind of rag doll you could pull apart and stitch back together whenever you wanted.
Even though I had promised Rio she was off-limits, I couldn’t help myself. I had always wanted the things I couldn’t have. And growing up spoiled and rich, I always found a way to get them, one way or another.
She left her friend and was all alone.
Thank God you’re beautiful,I thought.Because you’re not the brightest.
She wiped her tears and paused in the middle of the dirt path. Her hands trembled as she pulled out her phone, dialing again and again. Each call brought nothing but silence. No one answered. Her jaw tightened, and then she threw the phone at a rock. She stomped on it until shards scattered in the dirt.
Should I tell her the phone’s no longer with us?No. That’s stupid. She doesn’t even know I’m here.
I crossed my arms, my right hand twitching as if it could think for me, gesturing at her in disbelief.
I leaned against a tree, watching her tantrum. Her small foot slammed against the broken phone while she shouted. I tried to hold back a laugh, but a short squeak slipped out. My hands flew to my mouth, and I dropped to the ground.
She gasped. And instead of askingwho’s there,she ran.
Of course she did. She wanted me to chase her. So I pushed off the ground and ran with her.
Damn, she was fast. I didn’t think those little legs could take such big strides. Every day’s a surprise, I guess.
I took the shortcut. I knew she’d be heading home. I had beenthere plenty of times, leaving roses like Rio told me to. Never saw her, though. Maybe she hid. Maybe she slept.Maybe she pretended none of it existed.
And just as I expected, she appeared at the end of the road. She was gasping for air, slowing down now but walking quickly toward her house.
The place wasn’t much. Stone walls, two floors, and not a single light on.Perfect.Maybe I could even sneak in later.
Oh, doll.
Yeah, you’re mine now.
Only mine.
I stayed back, waiting for her to reach the yard. I would wait a little longer, just to be sure she was alone. After all, I wasn’tstalkingher. I was just making sure she got home safe. Per my brother’s orders, of course.
Rest his poor soul. Dumb idiot. Who dies for a girl?
