“You didn’t suspect the Yates family were up to something?”
“Not at all. I thought it was weird how many times Mrs. Yates referred to God since they really aren’t a religious family. But at the same time, it’s a funeral and her daughter died so I didn’t think too hard about it. I certainly didn’t think it was an elaborate ploy to get the cheerleaders to out themselves.”
“It makes sense. Funerals can force you to let your guard down and your emotions run high. I’m just thankful that it worked.”
“Me too.”
“Wow,” my mom commented with a shake of her head. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“I was scared, and I didn’t want you to worry,” I answered, taking a sip of my drink. “Look at what happened with Olive. She called her parents to tell them what was going on and they flew here to go with her to the police before withdrawing her from school. Coach Ainsley was the only one who knew. I thought she was kidnapped…or worse.”
“They had the right idea,” she grumbled. “This whole thing is…” She lifted her hands in confusion, seemingly at a loss for words.
“I know.”
“It’s scary to think about how this would’ve turned out if it was indeed one of those fraternity boys.”
I shivered. “Yeah. I don’t think it would’ve gone this way.”
“Promise me you won’t keep anything else from me,” she begged, her eyes pleading with me.
I nodded. “I promise, Mom. I’m sorry.”
“You were implicated in crimes you didn’t commit. Lost your housing and then your scholarship. Were a day or two away from being expelled from school.” She stroked my coarse hair gingerly. “I’m so sorry you went through all of this. I’m thankful that today came together like it did. But I never want you to struggle or feel like you’re alone.”
“I know.” Grabbing her hand, I clasped it between both of mine. “I wasn’t alone. And I know I can call on you anytime.”
A smile brightened her face. “You had James.”
“I did.” My heart swelled thinking of him. I considered telling my mom about me and Jay being in a relationship. But as soon as I opened my mouth, she started talking.
“How is James dealing with Carter’s death? He seemed okay. But men tend to want to be strong all the time and don’t allow themselves the permission to let their guard down. I want to make sure he’s taking care of himself.”
It’s not the time to tell her about us, I decided.
“He’s shocked and sad, but he’s okay. The first couple of nights after we found out she was gone were rough. It was hard to wrap our minds around. We were trying to reconcile the person we knew with the person she had become…and then with the loss of her altogether. It was a lot.”
Mom nodded knowingly. “It’s hard to merge the two sides of someone when they change abruptly and then they die abruptly.”
I sighed. “Knowing that she tried to get to the boat because she thought I was on it makes my heart hurt. A little part of me kind of feels like…she would be alive if it weren’t for me.”
“Brooklyn…” My mom pulled me until I scooted over to her and enveloped me in her arms. “No part of you should take responsibility or feel like you’re to blame for what happened to Carter. It was a tragedy. But it shouldn’t make your heart hurt. It should make your heart full.”
“What do you mean?” I murmured as I got comfortable.
“Earlier you said that you were hurt by the fact that she was in on the prank and then you found out that she felt guilty and tried to find you.” She lifted my head and looked me in my eyes. “That gives you the gift of freedom.”
“Freedom?”
“Yes. You can forgive her for being in on the prank. You don’t have to hold on to the hurt of any kind of betrayal. She tried to redeem her mistake and that matters. People make mistakes. It’s how they handle those mistakes that show character. It doesn’t mean you have to keep them in your life. But it means that you can move on from the situation free of any burdens that relationship carried. Carter was your friend and that was a nice chapter. And then Carter wasn’t your friend and that was also a nice chapter—it was just a chapter she wasn’t a part of. Now that she’s gone, you don’t have to worry about feeling guilty or hurt or anything. You can move on from this whole situation free.”
My mom was a wise woman.
I hugged her tightly and thanked her for being there for me.
We decided to watch a movie. She was leaving Sunday morning after checkout, so we planned to stay up late and enjoy a movie marathon. Unfortunately, she was asleep within thirty minutes of the first movie.
When my phone rang, I tiptoed to the hallway, so I didn’t disturb my mom’s sleep.
“Hello?” I answered.
“I didn’t think you’d answer,” Aiden greeted me with a light chuckle. “How are you?”
“I’m really good. How are you?”
“I’m better now that I’m talking to you,” he flirted.
“Aiden…”
“I’m sorry. I can’t help it. I had to try.”
“What are you doing? Aren’t you out celebrating Fashion Week with your mom?”
“Mom and Dad actually. He flew in. We’re a united front and all that jazz.”
My lips pulled in a tight smile that he couldn’t see. “Damage control?”
“Yeah, pretty much. I just wanted to let you know that my guy got back to me about the anonymous email source.”
“Who is it?”
“It’s someone named Jade Sheldon.”
That name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger
