Page 74 of Under the Waves

he’ll tell them everything.

Then they’ll all know just how much of a fraud you are.

A mistake.

They’ll take her away from you.

Lock her up.

Do you think Oliver will still like you after that?

Knowing you took away his mom.

You took away his life, Poppy.

Don’t take her away too.

Stop being so selfish.

You

selfish

SELFISH

little girl.

“No, don’t say sorry. None of that was your fault. I should’ve told you,I know…but it’s stupid, Jasper. It’s so stupid because surfing is mylifelineand it’s been years since I’ve been able to surf without being attacked by memories.Years. That night you saw me? I thought it was my last. I’m so tired, Jasper. So tired of it all.”

Silence.

Well done, Poppy, you scared him off, just like I said you would.

You just had to open your big, fat mouth, didn’t you?

You couldn’t keep quiet.

Not even once.

You don’t deserve my kindness.

You don’t deserve to eat.

You don’t deserve him.

You should’ve shut up.

Why didn’t you shut up?

“Let me help you.”

“What?” I squeaked.

Why aren’t you running far away from me, Jasper Ridge?

Why aren’t you losing me?

“New bet, same reward. If I can get you past your mental block in four weeks in time for the qualifiers for the Elite Academy scholarship final, youhaveto competeandyou owe me that date. What do you say?”