Free The Truth by Jeffry W. Johnston

you?”
    â€œHe’s moved on, believe me.”
    â€œHe may not even have the party.”
    â€œHe will. His parents never refuse him anything.”
    I shrug. “Okay.”
    â€œOkay…?”
    â€œOkay, if you say he’s having the party, I guess he is.”
    â€œHey, if you don’t want to take me—”
    â€œNo, I…I do.”
    â€œYou do?”
    I look at her.
    She steps toward me. “But…you’re mad at me?”
    â€œNo. Well, maybe a little. You did say you wouldn’t go out with me if I was the only—”
    â€œShut up,” she says, but she’s smiling. I smile back.
    â€œThey’re gonna want to talk to me about…you know,” I add. “Is that okay with you?”
    â€œMaybe we can just make an appearance then go somewhere else.”
    â€œOkay. But I…I have to check… My mother might have to work and then I’d have to watch Devon.”
    â€œYour brother, right?”
    I nod. “He’s ten.”
    â€œShe can’t get a sitter?”
    â€œWe really can’t afford… I’m usually the one to…”
    â€œI get it,” she says quietly. “It’s nice, you taking care of your little brother like that. I guess we don’t have to go to the party if your mom needs you. If you don’t mind me helping you watch your brother.”
    I look at her. “No. I…I wouldn’t.”
    â€œGood. So, are you asking me to the party?”
    My heart does little flutters. “Sure. I mean, yes.”
    Rita smiles. “I accept.” She turns. “This is my street.”
    â€œRight. I’ll see you later. Tomorrow.”
    â€œYes, you will.” Rita puts her hand on mine. “You’re kind of funny, you know?”
    â€œFunny?” I say.
    â€œIn a good way. Really.” She lets her hand linger for a moment. Then, as if suddenly aware of what she’s doing, Rita pulls away and moves off down her street. After a few steps though, she looks back over her shoulder to wave at me. She’s smiling.
    I wave back.
    Like I said, a weird conversation. But a good one.
    My heart is still fluttering as I keep walking.

13
    Now
    â€œSo killing my brother got you a girlfriend,” Derek growls. “And some new friends.” He sounds like he might start coughing again any minute.
    â€œIt wasn’t like that.” The garden shears are still in place, but at least he hasn’t increased the pressure.
    â€œIt wasn’t? Suddenly you’re Mr. Popular after showing everybody what a badass you are. And all it took was my brother’s life !”
    I don’t know what to say. I expect the blades to start shredding my flesh any minute now.
    He leans in. “You told them killing my brother was cool ,” he hisses, his voice a thin rasp.
    â€œI said it because I knew it was what Matt and the others wanted to hear.”
    â€œYou sure about that?”
    â€œYes.” My gaze is still on the shears.
    â€œLook at me!”
    My eyes dart up.
    â€œTell me the truth,” he says. “You liked Matt talking to you in front of everybody like that, treating you like you’re one of the cool kids.”
    â€œI…”
    â€œWhat?”
    My mouth is dry again, and I swallow. “You’re right,” I say. “I did like it.”
    â€œAnd you liked Rita talking to you, right? Showing interest? Even if she did treat you like crap before.”
    I feel the pressure from the blades where the blood from before has dried. “She explained that,” I whisper against the pain.
    â€œDo you think she would’ve given you the time of day if you didn’t have such a tough-guy story to tell?”
    My eyes are still on the garden shears. “Maybe not. I…I don’t know.” I look at him. “Did you hurt her?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” He stares back at me.
    â€œBefore you grabbed me