convince me that it wasn’t what it looked like and that I was drunk and seeing things.
But I knew what I saw. And what I heard.
I ran outside, into the black of night, and the sound of waves lulled me into a false sense of security. The gentle breeze licked at my tears as I considered which way to turn.
The beach offered me a dimly lit path, and so I took it. With the waves cascading to my right, I dug my heels into the soft, cool sand and took off. I breathed in short rasps, my lungs searing. I heard voices behind me, calling out my name. I passed the McCallisters’ home to my left. The beam of a lighthouse swept over the landscape like one of those laser lights at the roller-skating rink we regularly visited. I turned to see if anyone was following me and, in the process, tripped over a drift log that had washed ashore.
“I’m so sorry, Katie,” Willow sobbed, suddenly standing over me. Where had she come from?
I didn’t say anything. I just lay there on my back, staring up at the two moons while trying to catch my breath, praying for this nightmare to end.
“I didn’t mean for you to see us like that.”
I held my tongue.
“I know it’s wrong what I did, but it’s over now. I swear to you. I’m never going back to him. Hoes before bros, remember?”
“How long has this been going on?” I asked.
Her sobs grew louder. “Too long.”
I felt sick to my stomach and wished I could be anywhere but here.
“Do you hate me? I know I would if I were you.”
I lifted myself up to my knees, wanting to wretch but unable to. “No, I don’t hate you. I thought you hated me.”
“I could never hate you, Katie.”
“I can’t believe this is happening.”
“I know, and I’m going to end it, I promise. Then it’ll be like old times again.”
I watched as a shadowy figure approached us. Was it him? I hated everyone and everything in this town, especially him. I hated myself, as well. And Harper’s Point. I even hated that scumbag Dakota and was happy he was gone from my life. If only I could graduate from high school and get the hell out of Shepherd’s Bay, I knew I’d be better off.
“Willow, don’t do this,” said the person in the shadows.
“I’m totally done with you,” Willow said.
“You know that’s not true. You know you love me.”
“Yes, I love you, but I hate you more for what you’ve done to me.”
I thought of the life growing in her stomach and wondered if she’d keep it. Would I keep it if it were me?
“I love you so much, Willow. You can’t just walk away from what we have.” He grabbed her arm.
“I can and I will. You ruined me when you got me pregnant.”
“We can get a doctor to take care of it. Then everything will be good again.”
“No, I’m going to keep the baby. Then I’m going to tell everyone in town what you did to me. And they’ll know what a jerk you truly are.”
“I can’t let you do that.” He squeezed her arm. “You’ll destroy everything.”
“I hate you!”
He slapped her.
“I don’t care what you do to me. Did you kill Dakota, too? Because you knew he liked me? Because you were jealous of him?”
“Shut up! You know that’s a lie.” He shoved her, and she collapsed in my arms. “I’m so sorry, Willow. Will you please forgive me?”
“I’ll never forgive you. You used me, and now I’m going to make you pay.”
“I’m begging you to reconsider. I’ll change. I’ll be better and treat you right.”
“I’m done with you. I’m leaving this town, and you can’t stop me.”
I cradled her head in my arms as she sobbed. His face came into full view, lit by the hanging moon. He took a step forward. Would he come over and manhandle me, too? Like he’d done to Willow? Like he’d done that night when he gave her a bloody nose? I thought of all the time I had spent with him, and it made me want to throw up.
“You two stay right here until I come back.” Then he turned and took off toward the house.
“Please don’t think worse of me.” Willow looked up into my eyes.
“I don’t,” I said, burying my chin in her hair. She was my best friend in the world, and I finally knew the truth.