E

as going to combust. The taste of chlorine sat on my tongue

water, sounding too distant to my ears

o dislodge the water I had involuntarily consumed. My glasses

Don't know how to sw

of people as they started to reco

as in a floor-length dress that became heavier the more

the fun was just getting started." She turned ar

celyn faced me again. "You heard

ter. I struggled against the hold she had on my hair, gulping

struggled to get free, feeling the life

nded and the water began. My l

the crowd. Jocelyn immediately let go of my head, and I

dn't even look at them. All I wanted to do

d my limbs were now too jelly-like for m

e," I heard

my house. Girls from school flocked around them, some touching in flirtatious in

still, or more importantly, why they were staring a

heat up. Jocelyn's eyes turned in my direction as she was once agai

de itself present in my mind, and I forced my eyes down.

heading into the dining area of our house where Dad r

could and decided to go over there to fin

Dad kn

dining room. Through the glass door, I could see their lips moving, but it wa

ssue of peace. You lost that right a long time

f monster does that to a woman they claim to love?" T

song, and I gasped. To say that I w

u talking about?" I a

hat I had overheard them, while Mom just sta

. We all just stared at each othe

bout?" I asked again, unable

mself off with a shake of his head. "This is

r mother, who was your wife alone, to die. Wh

they just crossed their arms across th

is way, sweetie. But..." he exhal

face for the third time toda

another heavy sigh. "I'm not your biologi

d I staggered backward, pain st

at?" My voice caught

didn't want you to find out like this, Heina. It doesn't matter if

apart in this way. And on my birthday

ay, the twins spoke up in unison, thei

lost.