Page 137 of Places We've Never Been

“No, I’m saying that sometimes things happen in our lives that can make other things not seem as bad.”

“Yeah, well, maybe that thing that has happened in our lives is another thing that had me stressed in that interview today. I shouldn’t know this. And I shouldn’t know it before Skyler, Austin, and Paisley.”

“Yes, the lesson in eavesdropping is a big one too.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I said sarcastically. “I’m so happy you’re deciding that right now is the time for life lessons. Are you done or would you like to teach me about the harmful effects of lies and secrets too? I think we could all use a refresher course onthat.”

My voice must’ve gotten loud or maybe it was the sound of my heart beating in my ears, but I had not heard the others walk up until Ezra said, “Did you seriously tell her, Norah?”

My head whipped over to see all the Huttons and Ezra standing off to the side. It was obvious they’d been hiking. Paisley was red faced, Austin was guzzling water, and Olivia was supporting herself on the edge of the table with one hand. Skyler stared at me with concern.

Paisley crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s not a big secret when we all know.”

Mom and Olivia looked at Paisley in shock.

Wait, has Paisley figured out Olivia is sick?

“You toldher,too?” Ezra asked.

“No, I didn’t,” I said. “You’re the one saying too much right now and acting completely self-righteous about it.”

“Norah,” Mom scolded.

“Seriously?” I asked.

“What does everyone know?” Olivia asked Paisley carefully.

She let out a big sigh, rolled her eyes, then pointed at me. “You’ve been kissing my brother.”

I gasped and Skyler laughed.

“She hasn’t been kissingme,” Austin said. “I’m still gay.”

“Wait,” Ezra said, nodding at Skyler, then me. “You two are making out? And you’re mad atme?”

“He’s not your best friend, Ezra. It’s not even close to the same thing.”

Mom met my eyes; she was hurt. I wanted to yell out Ezra’s secret so she’d stop looking so disappointed over mine. Olivia seemed worried too. And then something occurred to me—she probably thought that if I was making out with Skyler, I had told him the other secret. Her secret. The one I thought Paisley was about to spill seconds ago.

I shook my head. “He doesn’t…I haven’t…”

“Yes, we have,” Skyler said. “We’re kissing.”

He wasn’t helping.

Olivia wobbled on her feet. She lowered both her hands tothe edge of the table now. “I’m not feeling so well. I think I’m just going to…” Before she could finish, she collapsed.

The world seemed to come to a standstill as Olivia fell forward, hit her head on the table, then landed in the dirt. An audible gasp filled the air and I wasn’t sure who had let it out. Maybe all of us.

Skyler moved first, rushing to his mom’s side. By the time he got there, Austin was kneeling beside her too.

“Is she conscious?” I heard my mom ask.

Was she? I moved forward, but she was surrounded.

“Mom?” Skyler said. “Mom, can you hear me?”

Olivia groaned.