Cherry let out a short laugh. “Wow. Okay. I seriously don’t want to get in a fight with you right now. Can’t we just—”
“Pretend he doesn’t treat you like crap? How do I do that? How doyoudo that? Seriously, Cherry? Deep down I can’t imagine you like the person he forces you to become around him. And what about Gabe? You know he’s not a fan, and who loves you more than your twin brother? Maybe your mom? Does it feel awesome that you have to lie to her constantly? Meneik’s always pitting you against everyone and I think if you stopped for a second and looked, you might see that Meneik is the only person who thinks he’s right for you.”
“Are you done?”
She clearly was. “He shouldn’t treat you the way he does, okay? You deserve better.” She was quiet for a long time after that, so long that I started to hope. “You know I’m only saying this because I care about you.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t need that from you. I need an alibi. I’ll text you when to call for my mom.” And she hung up.
ONE DAY LATER
Jolene:
How was Turkey Day?
Adam:
The food was good.
Jolene:
What an evasive answer.
Adam
It was pretty much like I expected.
Jolene:
You didn’t talk to your dad?
Adam:
No, he called and talked to Jeremy, but I was conveniently helping with the dishes.
Jolene:
Did you get yelled at in Dutch?
Adam:
Ja.
Jolene:
?
Adam:
That’s Dutch for yes.
Jolene:
Say something else in Dutch.
Adam:
Ja is basically the extent of my Dutch. That’s one of the things my grandfather yells about. Presumably.
