Chapter 30 - A fib here, a fib there

The next morning, I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, my eyes red from a sleepless night. I splash cold water on my face, hoping to wash away the confusion and guilt that had kept me awake. But the questions and emotions linger, just as intense as before.

As I walk to school, I rehearse my lines. I can’t tell Tamrin the truth—I can’t tell anyone. The risk is too high, the potential fallout too severe. By the time I reach the front steps of the school, I have my story straight.

"Hey, Celeste!" Tamrin’s voice was bright and cheerful, a stark contrast to my somber mood. "How was your night? Did you get any studying done?"

I force a smile. "Yeah, I managed to get some work done. All boring shit" I say and cringe at my words. That sounds like I 'm saying too much.

Tamrin raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "I can tellYou look like you’ve been up all night. ."

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Yeah I was, I guess. You know how it is with school and all." I say ly