Page 21 of Ashes

But Paola and I could talk, like we’re doing now.

So if there was a cover-up, it would’ve fallen apart.

Unless everyone expected Paola would grow up to be a quiet and obedient wife, and I would never ask anything because my father never expects anyone to question him.

Plus, why would I believe anything Paola said?

If I haven’t heard her father say it, I probably wouldn’t have.

There’s something wrong about all this.

I never thought about it too much because it was easier not to.

I miss Rodrigo.

Chapter 9

VICTOR’S FACE IS PENSIVE.

I already know what he’s going to do.

He’ll just do what everyone does.

Ignore me.

Despite hearing my father say it, Victor will come up with a story to explain everything away. I’m just a silly girl who knows nothing and can’t possibly comprehend anything.

“Tell me what you believe happened that night,” he says.

My lips part in surprise.

But our fathers are clearly lying to us for some reason, and they didn’t expect we’d ever talk about it, which really isn’t a surprise.

Why would I believe Victor, and why would he believe me?

If I acted the way my father wanted me to, the conversation wouldn’t even have come up.