Lily’s not a child, and I hope she doesn’t think I see her that way. I finally felt comfortable opening up to her about my story. Now she knows, and not just that, she understands.
Out of everyone in this world, she probably understands better than anyone else.
But I think about how I’m able to walk down the street here in Brookhaven while she’s locked in her tower, and a new fire fills my chest. I’m determined to get her out, but I just have to figure out how.
The director, Ms. Marple, calls an end to this scene and switches to the fight scene between Tybalt and Mercutio, which Juliet watches with rapt attention. The kids pretend to spar back and forth, and I cringe in my seat.
“This is awful,” I comment to Gwen. “They need a choreographed sequence.”
She turns to face me, and her eyes gleam with delight. “You know what? You’re right.” She stands and walks down the aisle to speak with Ms. Marple. Then she points in my direction, and Ms. Marple looks over, grinning widely.
Oh, man. What is Gwen concocting?
“Ryder!” Ms. Marple rushes up the aisle toward me. “So good to have you back in town!”
“Thanks, Ms. Marple.” I stand and shake her hand. “It’s nice being back.”
“Gwen mentioned you’re a stuntman now?”
I nod in agreement, my eyes darting to Gwen, who just smirks at me.
“I’m not sure what your schedule looks like,” Ms. Marple continues. “But we could really use your help, especially with the fight scenes. I know it’s just a silly children’s play, but I’m sure the kids would love to work with someone who has experience in the industry.”
What can I say? The only thing I’m doing these days is visiting Lily in her tower. Hanging out with the kids could be fun, and it would be a nice way to test my theory that I want to work with kids. “I’d be happy to,” I reply. Gwen raises her brows at me behind Ms. Marple. “My next job is with kids,” I continue, “and it would be good for me to get the practice.”
Ms. Marple looks like she’s going to bounce off the walls. “Fantastic! Thank you, Ryder! I’ll get you a copy of our rehearsalschedule.”
She returns to the rehearsal, and Gwen and I sit back in our seats.
“I didn’t expect you to agree so readily,” she whispers to me.
“What else am I doing here?” I ask, taking a sip from the water bottle I brought along.
“Other than visiting Lily?”
I choke on the water, and it nearly sprays out of my nose. “Wh-what do you mean?” I finally ask.
She rolls her eyes. “Comeon, Ryder. I’m not an idiot.” She reaches a hand inside my jacket sleeve and snaps my bracelet, the one I wear everywhere. “I know you didn’t make that. Besides, you didn’t come home until three in the morning, and you’re all distracted.” She shoves me with her shoulder. “Don’t try to hide things from me.”
She’s right. I shouldn’t hide things from her. She’s the only person I’ve actually opened up to my entire life. I call Peter my best friend, but it’s not like we’re having slumber parties and sharing our feelings. After growing up with parents who didn’t care and left me to fend for myself, it’s been hard to trust anyone with what’s in my heart.
And yet, I shared everything with Lily last night.
What does that mean?
I exhale heavily. “It’s so messed up.”
“What is?”
“The whole situation. The fact that Tristan messed with her. The way her dad and brothers are keeping her locked up. And how Lily blames herself for everything.”
Gwen’s face falls. “She does?”
I nod. “She plays it off, acting like she’s so annoyed by the restrictions, but I think she feels deep down that she deserves this as punishment for the mistakes she made.”
Gwen’s lips press together tightly. “That’s awful.”
“Yep.” I take another sip of my water to clear my throat. “I just wish I knew how to help.”
