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I push to my feet and shove my fingers through my hair. Finally I summon up my courage to admit, “The lies. I couldn’t live with constant lies. Not on top of what was happening at home after my father betrayed us all. Christ, Fal, he was the man I looked to as a damn hero my whole life and then?—”
“A lifetime of his lies were exposed.” Looking over my shoulder, I find she’s lifted both of her hands to her lips and tears are welling in her eyes. Instead of pity, there’s regret and something I hope I’m not misinterpreting.
It looks an awful lot like understanding.
Feeling like a weight has lifted off my chest, I lean against a stack of boxes and sigh, “Yes.”
Fallon nods. She gets to her feet and reaches into her pocket. Her head ducks as her fingers fly. She must have received a text while we were talking. I briefly wonder if it’s her movers when I feel a vibration against my chest.
Next to my heart.
Cautiously, I reach for my phone and slip it out of my pocket.
It’s her.
My eyes flash toward hers and she glances down at my phone when all I see is a street name. Seconds later, I receive another bit of information.
Fallon:
Centerport, NY
Fallon:
My address when I move.
Fallon:
I’m transferring to Vanderbilt Eagle’s Nest.
Fallon:
Fresh start. Closer to what’s left of my family.
Once the dots stop moving, I lift my head and find her eyes on me. I hold hers for what seems like an eternity before I type back.
Ethan:
I’d like to help you move in.
Fallon:
I wouldn’t turn it down; that’s for certain.
Ethan:
That’s good to know.
Ethan:
Gives us a chance to really spend some time together.
Ethan:
Talking.
Fallon:
I’d like that.