“Yes. We’re all very emotional,” I assured. “What happened can’t be changed. Marley is who’s important, anyway. If anyone deserves the apology, it’s her.” I stepped down into the backyard. “I’m sorry, Marley,” I said to nothing and no one.

The trees swayed, a random breeze shaking down delicate leaves like Marley’s shoulders used to shake when she found something hilarious.

The real Marley was laughing.

Satisfied, I walked back up and said, “If you’ll excuse Aidy and me, we have a few other things to take care of before our curfew. We Stanton girls get very busy in July.”

Aidy rose, eyes on the ground. “Thanks,” she muttered to Ms. DeVeau.

“Yes, thank you,” I added.

Once inside the house, we ran. Once out the other side, we laughed. Sprinting and giggling, we kept our quick pace until we knew we were out of sight.

July 11

Five Years Prior

Our sleeping bags had been rolled up and stacked in a triangular formation next to the Brickets’ front door. Aidy stood in front of them as if she got to decide who was worthy of getting theirs returned.

“We have to go to my house,” she said. “It’s not a discussion. All of our parents think that’s where we’re gonna be.” She folded her arms. “If we don’t do this, they’re not gonna let us have sleepovers and stuff anymore.”

Teeny laughed at her. “We’ve been on borrowed time for a while now. How you and Harrison have tricked them into thinking you’re just best friends is beyond me.”

Aidy blushed. She hated when anyone pointed out this out. We lied to our parents all the time, but Aidy had it in her head that she only lied when necessary. Otherwise, she handcuffed herself to the rules and acted like she didn’t have a key.

“We told them that’s where we were going today. So that’s where we’re going. End of story,” she scoffed.

It was rare for anyone to disagree with Marley Bricket. It was usually me to do it. Of course, my disagreements got written off by the rest of the group without so much as a vote. If anything, I served to strengthen whatever point Marley happened to be making. But Aidy was number two, the de facto leader whenever Marley wasn’t around. Her defiance made the morning memorable.

“I’m sorry, when has that ever mattered?” Marley countered. “Didn’t your parents lie to everyone else anyway? They’re not even gonna be there!”

“Only for a few hours! They’re out visiting family friends. They’ll be back by one. Two at the latest.”