“Probably not. I’ll be packing. The furniture sold with the house,” I replied.
“Still can’t believe the courts let you live alone,” Devon muttered, shaking his head.
“Me neither, but they did. Hey, you’re up,” I said, poking Devon. He grinned and moved to take his scroll as his family cheered.
I was dreading receiving mine, and as my name was called, there was polite applause. Nobody celebrated me until a sharp whistle cut through the air. I glanced in its direction and saw Oliver standing there, cheering. For a split moment, I hesitated, and then Mr Edwards handed me my diploma, and I headed to my seat.
“What was that about?” Devon whispered as I sat down.
“No idea.”
“Suspicious,” Devon stated.
I couldn’t disagree.
I carried the bag of rubbish to the trash can and stopped as a car pulled onto the driveway. As Oliver climbed out, I squinted and then stepped back.
“Oliver, I’m too tired tonight for whatever game you want to play.”
“Just here to celebrate, Liss.”
“Why? What are you playing at, Oliver? Is this a dare or something?”
Oliver shook his head and presented a bunch of flowers. They were my favourites: lilies and tulips. An odd mix, I know. In the other hand, Oliver held a gift bag.
“These are for you. Congrats on making the honour roll.”
“Oliver…” I tried not to soften. “Thanks.”
“Come on, Liss, let’s order takeout and watch a movie, like old times,” Oliver said softly.
“What? Nobody to suck your cock tonight?” I snapped and regretted it when he winced. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologise. I deserve that. I was a randy idiot, and I realise that, Alicia. You deserved better, and I failed you.”
“Yeah, you did, horrifically so. Oliver, I suffered what was the worst thing in my life alone. You didn’t even fight when we broke up,” I said, and Oliver appeared shamefaced.
“I didn’t, and I regret that, Liss. I left you alone, and that’s unforgivable. Tonight you should be celebrating, not doing—what are you doing?”
“Packing and getting rid of stuff I can’t take with me. I sold the house and am heading to college in a week.”
Oliver looked shifty, and I wondered why.
“What aren’t you saying?” I demanded, folding my arms over my breasts. Oliver’s eyes darted there before focusing on my face again.
“Nothing.”
“Oliver, don’t lie.”
“Damn it. You always knew when I did that.” Oliver chuckled. “Can I come in, Liss? And talk over food?”
“Don’t call me Liss. That girl died a year ago, and I don’t like the nickname anymore.” I sighed. “But fine, come in. You’ll probably leave soon for the cookout. Try anything, and I’ll mace you,” I warned.
“You got feisty, Li—Alicia. It’s funny.”
“Yeah, if you say so.” I knew I was being antagonistic, but I couldn’t help it. The day I learned about Oliver’s cheating and lying, and my parents’ dying, was the worst of my life. When I buried my parents, I’d buried Liss with them. Overnight, I’d been forced to grow up, and I’d managed. Luckily, Mom and Dad had been well insured and hadn’t caused the accident. A truck had smashed into their car. The responsible party had paid quite the compensation. But that didn’t bring my family back.
Oliver followed me into the lounge and paused. “Wow, this is different.”
