“Do you regret writing it?” Asher asked me, after a moment. “No,” I said, “Because it’s the truth. Though I can’t help but worry now that I botched the whole thing. Maybe I should have just lied to them. What if this one answer costs me more than I’m willing to lose?” “There’s no shame in stayin
“Thank you, ma’am.” Sometime later, Nancy asked Asher to step out into the hallway so that she and I could talk alone. Asher looked to me for confirmation. When I nodded, he moved toward the door. “If you need me, I will be just outside.” Then he stepped outside. “Thank you, Asher,” Nancy sa
They released me from the hospital the next day, and Asher brought me home around noon. I slept for a while before my nervous energy began to spike again. “If you are feeling up to it, why don’t we go out tonight?” Asher asked. “Nowhere far. I’ve heard that the cheerleaders are having a competitio
“If you don’t watch your weight,” my ex-coach said, hitching a thumb in Asher’s direction, “then even your boy toy here might get disinterested. I’m sure even he wouldn’t want you to get too much fatter.” “I couldn’t give a shit about her weight,” Asher growled. His fingers curled around my should
Asher and I changed into our pajamas and got ready for bed, but I wasn’t tired just yet. I was still feeling bold. I’d given Nancy’s advice some more thought, and while I still wasn’t ready to ask the big questions, I thought I might take a shot at a few tests. “Asher,” I said, after he’d fini
That night, Asher and I held each other on top of the covers as we drifted into dozing. Never before in my life had I felt so safe and happy. I still had many things to be afraid of, but with my ear to Asher’s chest, I listened to his gentle heartbeat and was lulled off to sleep. In the morning, I
The investigator came forward, stepping between the two girls. They looked annoyed at first, but after noticing the investigator’s official demeanor, they quickly backed off. “I’ve heard of your misfortune, Cynthia,” the investigator said. He watched me with his piercing eyes. I wanted to hide b
“I’m sorry,” I said. “But I truly don’t have the abilities you think I do. You are wasting your time talking to me.” The investigator showed no outward sign of reaction. He simply continued to look at me. “That is your final answer?” “It is.” I nodded. “A pity. I was truly hoping we could do t