Take the Fall(84)

Of course the sheriff was tight-lipped when I tried to ask about Kirsten’s supposed postcard. He assured me it was part of the investigation, told me not to worry, and had Shelly take me home. But I’ve barely slept the last two nights, my mind running a relay between anguish and fear. I didn’t realize how much a kiss could enhance a nightmare.

Now I just feel like I’m waiting . . . for something.

If Marcus and Kirsten had wanted to hurt me, they easily could have by now. That’s the part I don’t understand. She knows I showed the sheriff my photo and postcard. Marcus even encouraged me to do it. The only thing they might be hesitating over is the SD card, because if something happens to me, it could still get out. Kirsten isn’t even featured on it, but after seeing them together, I guess protecting Marcus might be enough for her. I used to feel that way too. I looked in my tin box last night just to make sure the little plastic card was still there. I even thought about destroying it, but it’s the only leverage I have.

I’ll use it if I have to.

I texted Kirsten once, but she still hasn’t answered. If she doesn’t by tomorrow, I’ll take the card to the sheriff and do my best to explain.

Though my heart still feels sick when I think of turning Marcus in.

My mom gasps from the door. “Oh, you girls look beautiful.”

I lean down to fumble with the straps on my shoes, and by the time I stand up, my face in the mirror almost passes for normal. I take a deep breath and manage a smile. It’s amazing what one formal dance has done for my mother’s spirits. I won’t do anything to destroy that tonight. She called the school hours ago to make sure Shelly would be around, and once she was satisfied with my safety, she went off the deep end into nostalgia. I would have put my foot down about going at all if it weren’t for that—and my friends refusing to take no for an answer.

Haley grabs her purse and takes my arm. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

My entire family is clustered in the kitchen, with the exception of Dina, who stops to whistle as we descend the stairs before she runs back out with an order.

“I’m not crying,” my mom says, clicking the camera on her phone like it’s going out of style. “I just have something in my eye.”

Uncle Noah leans against the counter looking tired, but he winks at Haley and me. “Best-looking dates I’ve seen since my own prom.”

“You didn’t go to prom.” Aunt Elena shoots him a look. “You and Roger Wood hopped a train to see The Cure, leaving me and Sarah Moore high and dry.”

The corner of Uncle Noah’s mouth twitches. “Oh yeah. Best concert I ever saw.”

“I found this handsome guy wandering around the restaurant.” Dina comes into the kitchen with a grin, pushing an uncomfortable-looking Yuji ahead of her. He’s wearing a tux and carrying a yellow corsage, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down when he sees Haley in her buttercup gown.

“You look amazing,” he murmurs, then glances at me. “You too, Sonia.”

“Thanks, Yuji.”

“You do.” My mom slips behind me, tucking a stray curl of my Haley-crafted updo back into place, and I do everything I can to let this just be prom night and not an underline on my growing list of uncomfortable memories. “I can’t believe no one asked you to go with them. Those boys you go to school with are the biggest morons ever.” She pauses. “Sorry, Yuji.”

I shrug, wondering if Kip ever found a date. Maybe he asked Brianne. “I told you, Mom, Gretchen and I were planning to go alone anyway.”

“It doesn’t matter. Once you get there, they’ll all be wishing they’d asked.”

My phone vibrates in my hand and I exhale. “Aisha and Derek are here. We’d better go.”

My whole family troops out of the kitchen with us, making such a spectacle that the entire diner breaks into applause. My face must be as red as Aisha’s dress, but Haley does a little twirl and blows kisses to the room.

“You kids have a wonderful night, you deserve it.”

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Be safe.”

“Enjoy yourselves.”

“It’s what Gretchen would’ve wanted.”

I cringe at this last sentiment. Gretchen would have wanted to be here, outshining everyone in her gorgeous purple dress, getting crowned prom queen, and staying out until morning.

I move to stand between Aisha and Haley.

The five of us pose together for a few more snapshots before Tyrone pulls open the door and steps inside. “You planning to stay a while, Aisha? Should I park?”

Aisha narrows her eyes. “We’ve been here five whole minutes.”

My mom smiles. “Are you going to prom again, Tyrone?”

Tyrone looks down at his tuxedo T-shirt and smirks. “No, ma’am, once was enough. Just driving.”

Dina rushes over, getting between us and the door. “Do you all have your masks?”

Haley and Yuji hold theirs up, a yellow butterfly and one of those long-nosed Venetian masks. Aisha’s is a cat, Derek’s is Batman. I dig mine out of my purse. It’s a black plastic Lone Ranger–style mask I found in the kids’ aisle at the grocery store. Plain, but I did let Felicia help me decorate it with blue glitter.

“One more picture with masks on!” Noah hollers, wielding his phone like a paparazzo.