Nets and Lies(31)

“I’m so sorry,” I murmured, squeezing his hands.

Will’s dark eyes flashed for a moment, and his emotions turned over like flicking a switch. “Well, you’re not going to listen to Garrison, right?”

Who was he kidding? In our entire relationship, I’d never stood up to an authority figure. It was probably one of the reasons I refused to stand up to Coach T about what he’d done. Finally I found my voice. “What do you mean?”

He leaned closer to me. “I mean, you’re still coming to the rally, right?”

I stared pleadingly into his face. I didn’t like how his emotions were yo-yoing out of control, but more than anything, I didn’t like the hostility he directed at me. “Will, I just told you what Garrison said—”

“Yeah, and it’s bullshit!” he snapped.

“No, it isn’t,” I countered softly.

Will raked his hand through his hair before he turned back to me. “Fuck whatever evidence they have. There’s no way in hell my dad would rape anybody. Okay, so he might have screwed Jordan, and because of that, he had to lie to my mom and me about it. But no matter what, I know he didn’t rape her.”

There’s no way in hell my dad would rape anybody. Those words stung me, and I fought to find my breath. When I didn’t respond, Will grabbed me by the shoulders. “You’re my girlfriend, Mel. I need you to support me and my dad.”

“I want to be there, but I have to do what my dad and Garrison says.”

“Look, I want you there at the rally with me tomorrow.” His voice had a hardened edge to it, one like I’d never heard before, and it caused me to flinch.

“I’ve told you I can’t. Why can’t you understand?”

He shook his head. “Don’t you see? If you’re not there, everyone is going to think something is up. If they hear about the evidence and then not see you there, they’re going to think all the rape rumors are true.”

“No, they won’t.”

“Yes, they will.” Even though he glared at me, I could see the tears shimmering in eyes. “Don’t you want to be with me? Don’t you want to support me?”

I fought the urge to shake him. I wanted to scream, “Are you f**king kidding me? Do you even know what I’m putting myself through for you and for us? Not to mention lying about your precious ra**st of a father!”

Instead, I answered meekly, “Of course I do.”

“Then come to the protest,” he demanded.

“Maybe I can talk to my dad...”

“Fine.” He started past me, but I grabbed his arm.

“Will, please.”

“I can’t talk about this anymore, Melanie.” He sighed. “And frankly, I can’t be with someone who doesn’t love me enough to stand up to her lawyer.”

No, no, no! It wasn’t possible he was giving me an ultimatum. Not after everything. And with his final words, he turned his back and stalked off toward the gym. I, on the other hand, remained rooted where I stood. My chest heaved, and I didn’t bother fighting the sobs. They rolled through my chest with such force I had to brace myself against the building for support. But it became too much, and I slowly slid down the wall onto the cold concrete.

***

To say I was in a foul mood after practice would be a mild understatement. I refused to talk to anyone at dinner. Because of the way I’d reacted earlier, Garrison and Dad decided it would be better to wait until Friday to do my deposition. It was a good thing because I bolted from the table before anyone was finished. After escaping to my room, I changed into my pajamas and then pulled the covers over my head, trying to drown out the world. Everything was falling apart, and I didn’t have the strength to pick up the pieces.

I was almost asleep when Mom rapped on my door. “What?” I demanded.

She poked her head in. “Melanie, are you all right?”

“I’m fine. I’m just tired.”

I don’t know why I bothered lying because Mom was used to deciphering my moods. She came over and eased down beside me on the bed. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”

The feel of her hand on my hair sent me into desperate sobs. I fell into her arms and told her what had happened with Will.

“He can’t really be mad over you doing what Daddy and Garrison told you to.”

“But he is. You should have heard the things he said.”

Mom smiled. “Honey, Will is going through an extremely difficult time right now. I’m sure the pressure is unbearable on him. After hearing about the evidence today, he probably just snapped. I’m sure he’ll think differently tomorrow.”

“You think so?”

“I really do.”

I sighed. “But everyone is over at Lauren’s tonight eating pizza and working on signs for the rally, and I’m stuck here. Why do I feel like I’m being punished for something I didn’t do?”

Mom patted my cheek. “I’m sorry sweetheart.” She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Even though it was barely eight o’clock, she said, “Why don’t you go ahead and get some sleep? You’ll feel better in the morning.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

Mom kissed me on the cheek before leaning over to turn off the lamp. When she got to the door, she blew me another kiss and then shut the door.