The Lies That Define Us (Us 2)

You could say she was the resident mean girl of my school, and for some reason she had it out for me. I didn’t know what I could’ve possibly done to bring her wrath down upon me, but whatever it was must’ve been bad the way she tortured me.

Today, she’d told my crush, Jack Harrison, that I liked him.

But that wasn’t all. She’d announced it in the middle of lunch in front of the whole eighth grade.

I’d never been more embarrassed in all my life.

I’d run from the common area and straight to the bathroom. I’d sat there and cried until the bell rang when I finally had to compose myself and go to History class.

At least the school day was over.

Mom and Dad were both working but my mom had told me that we could get pizza for dinner.

I loved pizza.

I wiped a stray tear away and silently scolded myself for still crying over Anna and the mean thing she’d done. My tears gave her power, even if she couldn’t see them.

“Hey, darlin’, are you okay?”

I glanced up, jolted from my thoughts, to see a dark SUV rolling to a stop beside me.

A man leaned out the passenger window looking concerned.

“I’m fine,” I muttered, not making eye contact. I got a bad vibe from him and wanted to get away, so I started walking again and quickened my strides.

The SUV continued beside me at a slow pace.

“You need a ride home?”

I swallowed thickly.

“No, but thanks.” I tried to sound polite and not let the fear show through my voice. “My mom is picking me up around the corner,” I lied.

The SUV came to a stop and the man’s voice turned sinister. “Now, darlin’, we both know that’s not true.”

My eyes widened in surprise, and my fight or flight senses kicked in.

I took off running, and I heard the SUV doors open. Feet thumped behind me, but I didn’t dare look back.

A steel band slammed around my abdomen, yanking me against a hard chest. I started to scream, but the moment I opened my mouth a hand was there covering it.

I kicked.

I bit.

I screamed.

But there was no one there to help.

No one there to save me.

“You’re coming with us, Scarlett.” The man who’d been in the passenger seat spoke near my ear as I was dragged back to the SUV. I was shoved inside the back, and my shoulder slammed into the seat.

“My name’s not Scarlett!” I screamed back, fighting to get past him and to the safety of the outside.

“It is now.” He grinned menacingly and then his fist slammed into my face.

Everything