All the Lies (Lies & Truths 1)

Memories crush down on my brain. Asher and me in the showers. We agreed to meet outside then…then the lights went off. Something collided with my head and then everything went black.

“Did Asher see what happened?” I ask Izzy.

“I don’t think so. He did report it to the administration, though.”

Not that they’ll do anything. They found no footage the previous two times. This one won’t be any different.

My fingers tremble as I pull the sheet up to my chin. The back of my head hurts and something in my body feels sour and beaten up as if I’ve been running the entire day.

“Where…” I clear my throat from the onslaught of emotions. “Where’s Asher?”

“He just stepped out,” she says with a tight smile. “He’ll be right back.”

I try not to feel betrayed that he left me in this state, but an ominous feeling gnaws at my insides.

Something is wrong. Completely wrong.

“There you are.” Jason steps into the room, his brows scrunched.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” Izzy scolds.

“It’s fine,” I say as he sits on the side of my bed.

Jason is most likely Cloud003, but as I watch his eyes, I don’t think he’s my attacker.

“Jason!” Izzy hisses. “Stand up.”

“I was worried about you.” He ignores his mother, his features hardening. “This is getting serious.”

“Serious?” I repeat.

He exchanges looks with Izzy, as if getting her permission.

“Don’t you dare.” Izzy stands over us like the Grim Reaper, glaring down at her son.

“She deserves to know,” he says.

“It’s not our place to tell her,” she argues.

“I deserve to know what?” I stare between them.

Izzy shakes her head frantically.

“Tell me.” I pull on the sleeve of Jason’s hoodie.

He finally breaks eye contact with his mother and meets mine.

“This incident, the one from the classroom, and even the one on the rooftop were all…” He trails off.

“Were all what?” My voice is as haunted as I feel.

“They’re similar to things you dared others to do.”

“W-what?”

“I think someone is taking revenge on you, Reina. They’re making you pay for what you’ve done.”

I try to breathe, but I can’t. Liquid streams down my cheeks, and it’s then I realize it’s tears.