Page 40 of Someone Just Followed You

‘And it gets worse. Selena Hart called me this morning and practically threatened to ruin Maple if she doesn’t take the video down.’

‘What?’ Garrett twists in his seat.

‘Right, everyone,’ a voice rasps from the front of the classroom. It’s Tom Dixon, a counselor in our ward who can recite whole chapters of the Book of Mormon by heart. ‘This week we’re going to take another look at the Book of Ether, so settle down.’

Garrett turns to face Tom, like the good Mormon he is, while I stare at the milk stain on Tom’s lapel and daydream about smashing every one of Maple’s devices with my bare fists.

An hour later, Tom dismisses us and we all file back into the hallway.

‘Selena Hart must be some kind of monster if she can threaten a child,’ Garrett says as soon as there’s a hum of conversation to hide behind, making me wonder whether he was concentrating on Tom’s monologue after all. ‘I might not be a fan of social media,’ he continues, as though I need reminding, ‘but seeing Maple do that video with Dylan, I was actually proud of her. Forget about the crazies on TikTok, but it is weird that Ella Hart has dropped off the planet. And if Selena really did make up that story about her going to London, she deserves to be exposed as a liar. I think we should support Maple in this.’

‘But Ella might not want to be found,’ I point out. ‘And Selena might be protecting her daughter. I mean, think about it. You want to take the twins off social media; how would you feel if everyone started accusing you of killing them when they go offline?’

‘They wouldn’t. The twins are eight, not eighteen; everyone will assume – correctly – that they’re having some time out. Five years’ worth.’

I shake my head. ‘Social media doesn’t work that way, Garrett. Logic and sense don’t get clicks. It’s the extreme, the just about possible, and the outright lunacy that goes viral.’

He scoffs. ‘And you wonder why I don’t want the twins to have any part of it?’

‘Well, they’re not going to have much choice now.’

His eyes narrow. ‘What does that mean?’

‘Do you really think Maple’s going to get brand work after practically accusing one of America’s favorite moms of abusing her child, then igniting some conspiracy theory about her being a murderer? I’m surprised Maddie hasn’t called me yet – maybe she’s still in shock – but I am fully expecting a call from her tomorrow morning. And if Maple stops bringing money in, then we’ll have to double our efforts with the twins.’

‘No,’ Garrett says, shaking his head. ‘I’m not changing my mind on this.’

‘God, why are you being so stubborn?!’ A dozen eyes turn to look at me. I smile brightly, then lower my voice to a murmur. ‘This is about survival right now, Garrett. Save the parenting awards for another day.’

‘Look, I’ll talk to her.’

‘Who?’

‘Maple. I’ll ask her to take the video down and explain why. Nice and calm.’

‘But I thought you were a big fan of her new venture?’

He twitches slightly, like I’ve made a direct strike with a pea shooter, then straightens his face. ‘I didn’t have all the facts then.’

I follow Garrett out of the church and let the warm breeze float over my cheeks. He’s never been as close to Maple as I am, which may be my fault; she was such a gorgeous baby, I did pretty much claim exclusive rights to her as soon as she was born. But maybe a little distance is exactly what this problem needs.

Chapter 48

Maple

@Tellatttale, TikTok

Guys, I know something about Ella Hart that explains A LOT, I think. And when I get to ten thousand followers, I’m going to tell you everything, so get sharing this #findElla

Mom and Dad are silent on the drive back from church. Aspen gabbles to Ash the whole way, something about Joseph Smith being a badass. And I try to not feel guilty.

Because I know this atmosphere is my fault. The video Dylan and I recorded for YouTube yesterday has turned into a lowkey TikTok meltdown. Everyone’s accusing Selena Hart of being America’s worst mom, and some are calling her a killer. But I will not feel bad. Because making sure that Ella’s safe is the most important thing. And if she is in England, like Selena claims, she just needs to say so online.

Dad pulls into our drive, and I jump out, desperate to get back to my room. But as I reach for the front doorknob – we never lock up for church, like we assume Provo thieves must be church-going Mormons too or something – Dad’s hand falls on top of mine.

‘Could we take a walk?’ he asks gently.

I can guess why he’s asking, so my instinct is to say no. I don’t want to fight with him about this too. But the feel of his warm, rough skin on mine is so unusual that I find myself nodding. And when he looks grateful, my stance softens even more.