The skies are dark and angry on Tuesday morning. From my seat next to Audrey in her car in the parking lot, I watch the students file into the school.

“Everything okay?” she asks, leaning forward to catch a glimpse of my expression.

“Yeah,” I say, forcing a smile.

In truth, Mason’s suspicions have wormed their way deep into my brain, and now they’re all I can think about. The idea of having to face my friends makes me feel restless. I should’ve told Sofia I didn’t feel well enough to come today.

Audrey tucks some of her hair behind her ear, not seeming to believe me. “You know you can tell me if something is wrong, right?”

“Of course,” I lie. She has no idea what kind of secrets I’m keeping from her. “But seriously, Audrey, I’m fine.”

“If you insist,” she says. “Maybe I’m just projecting.”

She told me that her plan is to give her two weeks’ notice at Antonio’s today. The thought of having to work with her ex-boyfriend any longer than that was more than she could handle.

“It’s going to be okay,” I say gently, guilt twisting my insides.

“Eventually,” she agrees, before gesturing to the brick building with her chin. “Have a good day.”

“You too.”

Bracing myself, I step into the rain, squinting as I jog to the front entrance. Pulling the heavy door open, I cross the threshold of Pender Falls High. My legs are shaky as I embark on the journey to my locker.

I see a familiar figure in my periphery, and I turn, locking gazes with Mason. He stands at the other end of the hallway, and students mill about in front of him, unaware of our unspoken conversation. He tips his head in the direction of the infamous threesome standing by Zoe’s locker, before sliding his eyes back to me. It’s as if he’s asking, Who do you trust?

Running my suddenly sweaty palms down my jean-clad thighs, I look away, heading in the direction of Zoe and the others. Talking to them is the last thing I want to do, but it might help me figure out what to think.

James is in the middle of saying something that has Damien nearly doubled over his crutches in laughter. They notice me approaching before I reach them, their good humor dying out. Damien’s face becomes troubled as I walk over to him, and I try not to think of the last time we spoke. They’ve gone silent by the time I stand before them, waiting expectantly.

I open my mouth, but all knowledge of speech seems to have vacated my brain, my face growing increasingly hot under their scrutiny.

Damien takes a slow step toward me, limping slightly. “Allie.”

They’re worried about you remembering the truth. And they’re going to make sure you don’t.