Page 44 of Liar
I tear my gaze from the window and to Savannah. The car’s engine hums between us, Alejandro opting for the sounds of other motorists and nature rather than music. It’s both soothing and uncomfortable at the same time. Probably because of who I’m sharing the silence with.
“There’s a lot to unpack,” I answer, my lips turning up slightly.
She nods. “Can I be honest with you about something? You’re the only person who hasn’t pushed me into talking about myself or what last year was like for me.”
“Thorne and Aiko push you for information?” The question’s out before I can stop it, and one my common sense answers before she does. Of course they want to know what happened. Everyone does.
“Aiko’s heart is in the right place. Since I’ve come back, she’s been my shadow, making sure I’m comfortable, constantly asking if I need anything. I found her at the end of my bed one night, watching me sleep. When I screamed, she bolted like a rabbit. You’d think she would’ve understood my reluctance to have someone looming over me while I was at my most vulnerable…”
I wait for a beat before responding, studying her profile. Did she just make a joke about her traumatic circumstances, or is she reliving the trauma right now? I can’t tell with her. I never can. That vague mask of hers is back like there’s a blurry wall between who she’s talking to and what she’s really thinking.
“She never gave up on you,” I say. “Aiko’s the only one who wanted to keep going after your trail went cold. She’s a true friend.”
Savannah darts a look at me. “Oh, of course. I don’t mean how it sounds. Just that it’s stifling.”
“Is that why you offered her up?” I glance quickly at Alejandro up front, unable to say what I really want: Is that why you offered Aiko up as our sacrifice instead of Zeke?
I’m defensive of Aiko. I don’t care if she’s angry with me and doesn’t want to be my friend anymore. Savannah has no idea, none, how far Aiko was willing to go to save her.
Savannah’s lashes flutter with what I hope is guilt. “It’s more complicated than that.”
“Is it? I understand that what you went through is sadistic and unconscionable, but you’re home now. Safe. Aiko probably just wants to ensure you stay that way. She doesn’t want to lose you again.”
But even as I’m saying those words, I think of the Aiko who I sat at lunch with, despondent and silent. I don’t believe the Savannah she wanted was the one who came back. I finish with, “There’s been a big year of change since you last saw each other. Maybe you two need to get to know your new selves. Either way, I don’t think putting her in the catacombs for us to…” I glance at the back of Alejandro’s head again, laying back in my seat. “Well. You know what I mean. It wouldn’t have helped your relationship.”
And we could’ve killed her.
“Why did you want Aiko?” I ask.
Savannah reaches up and starts playing with something at her neck. She pulls it out of her shirt collar, the gold glinting around her fingers.
I know, before I even see it, what the pendant is. Forever you. You forever.
“Because her father left my mother.”
She admits it so quietly that I take a second to understand. “Wait, what?”
“When I left, I thought Mom would be okay because she had him to fall back on. She and I, we only really had each other, but then she met Kai Nakamura, and suddenly, it was all about him. At first, I was jealous, but then I started dating Thorne, and when he introduced me into the initiation of our secret school club, I quickly forgot that my mother was putting me in second place. I still loved her, though, and the whole time I was gone, I thought she was safe and loved—a lot like you’re arguing Aiko is trying to do with me.” Savannah levels me with a look, and I remember to close my mouth. I’m hearing her, but … holy crap.
“What did it take, a month without me before Kai dropped her and chose his job over her?”
“I … I don’t think that’s what happened,” I say, treading carefully. “Aiko told me your mom shut down. She was so riddled with grief that she was barely a person anymore. Mr. Nakamura couldn’t stay with her without losing his job and the ability to care for her. From what I understand, she left him while he was overseas, and he’s been depressed ever since.”
Savannah shakes her head furiously. “You have it wrong. Mom told me everything when I was recovering at the hospital. She moved in with my grandparents because Kai deserted her, and Aiko could never replace her daughter. She was alone, and I wanted Kai to feel that same way. To have his daughter ripped away from him while he’s alone and without the support of the person he loved. To see how it felt for even a moment.”
Savannah’s voice takes on a cutting tone, so unlike her that I’m darting glances back and forth between her and Alejandro, wondering if this is the norm. The blur has snapped into 100 percent clarity, and I’m able to see every emotion flit across her face. Loss, hate, and vengeance.
I’m not about to ask if she really thought beating Aiko up would solve anything, since clearly she’s considered it. I press into my seat, picking at the hem of my skirt, praying that we’re almost at school. I aim for another tactic. “Is Thorne helping you through this … difficult time?”
Okay, yes, so this tactic also has the benefit of providing me with needed info. Are they together? Did Thorne cheat on Savannah with me last night? Am I a home-wrecker?
I may be disgusted with Savannah’s motives toward Aiko, but I’m not so innocent to think I don’t deserve a little disgust, too.
“Thorne’s playing his part very well,” Savannah says cryptically.
“What does that mean?”
“It’s obvious his heart isn’t with mine.” Her head falls back against the headrest, still twiddling with her necklace. “He’s doing what Damion wants, which is to keep up the honorable image of his son sticking by the poor, damaged, traumatized girl. The Briars never shirk their duties.” Her head falls to the side to look at me. “It’s good for the shareholders.”