Page 154 of Tell No Lies

Out of instinct, I glanced to my side. Yup, he still wasn’t there. “I don’t know. He wasn’t in first, so maybe he’s sick?” Stating it as a question gave me another chance at her spilling what she knew.

“Oh, well I hope he’s better soon.” Nothing. That didn’t help me at all.

I nodded and fell into step with her. What had I done recently? No sneaking out with Tucker and Andy. No hospital trips. No unauthorized trips out of my house without Brandon’s approval. Just school, dance, homework, and sleep. Every day for the past few weeks. How could that have possibly gotten me into trouble?

At the end of English, Sean walked past my desk and gave me a sad smile before walking out the door. He didn’t wait for me, so evidently the entire group was icing me out. I’d officially been ostracized by my only friends.

In a way, I was grateful for Sean’s sign, as hurtful as it was. At least I knew not to even attempt an appearance at lunch. It saved me a humiliating scene in front of everyone at the quad.

I gathered my things and began my walk of shame. This wouldn’t be nearly as painful if I had the slightest idea why it was happening. If I understood, I could try to explain to Mckayla, but she turned on me with no explanation and taken the rest of our friends with her.

Amid my internal debate between sitting in the library or in the bathroom, I heard my name. I paused for a moment, not wanting to look up. Now would be the perfect time to recreate the scene from Carrie, and I was not interested in trying to make blood a fashion statement.

Cautiously, I turned toward the sound and found Gage sitting on his usual bench alone.

“Aubrey, come over here.”

My shoulders sagged in relief. Of course, Gage would still be seen with me. He didn’t care about other people’s opinions.

I slumped down next to him and let my books fall around me.

“Rough day?”

“That doesn’t even scratch the surface.” I allowed my eyes to close and eased my head back to rest against the bench.

“I could play the guessing game, but I kind of suck at it, so you’re going to have to help me out a bit.”

“Everyone hates me.”

I didn’t have to open my eyes to know he was smiling or laughing or plain not taking me seriously.

“Well, we both know that’s a lie. I’ve invited you to my private luncheon area, and I’m making conversation with you, about you, so I obviously don’t hate you.”

“Fine. All of the people I thought were my friends hate me.”

“I’m not your friend?” He teased.

I grunted. “No. Of course you are!”

“Then stop using absolutes.” He shot me a look before taking a bite of his apple.

“Fine. Mckayla, Talia, Alexis, Mike, his friends, even Sean aren’t speaking to me or acknowledging my existence.”

“Oh no! Not the holy ones! How will you go on?”

I scowled and cracked one eye to glare at him. “They’re my friends. Mckayla’s family, for crying out loud. None of them will even tell me what I did!”

“Some friends …”

I rolled my head to the side to glare at him. “Gage.”

“Aubrey. Listen to me. If those people were really your friends, they would care enough to be mature for two seconds and tell you why they’re pissed.”

“Maybe.”

“Definitely.” He nudged his shoulder against mine. “You don’t deserve the silent treatment. Maybe after they at least bring you up to speed, but definitely not before.”

I sat up and lightly smacked him. “Can’t you ever just sugarcoat things?”