(Everything That Happened)

Korri POV

Lola's hurt expression digs into me.

She doesn't know everything that happened.

Why am I freaking out about this?

But I feel like I'm ready to hide myself.

But I'm not going to hide, I don't wanna keep lying to her.

I need to do something, don't I?

Keep everyone afloat in this sea of disaster.

I suck up my pride and say, "Um, I... Hey, come on, we... should talk, about what happened. Before. Now."

Lola nods, and I basically drag her into the living room.

Lola frowns. "What's goin' on? Cause there's something you're not telling me."

I sigh. "There are some things that I'll never tell you, no offense."

"None taken."

And I can tell it's a lie.

But I don't press on it.

"I never told you the entire story,"

"I know," she says, her voice sickly sweet.

And it makes me feel sick inside.

"You got into a car accident, when we went to go get Mom and Dad their present for their-"

"Anniversary."

"I know what it is."

"You certainly didn't then."

"Anyway," and I tell her the whole story, excluding most of the parts involving Mars, and I make up some parts.

This is the third time I've lied to her, and if we're including all the mini lies in this conversation, then it's well over two dozen.

Lola shakes her head. "I definitely didn't expect that." She says, after I finished.

And I can tell she doesn't believe me, but she doesn't press on it.

"Yeah,"

I hate lying.

I really do, but I know what she would say.

She'd make assumptions.

"But... why were you holding his hand?"

The room goes cold.

"I wasn't." I say quickly.

And I'm probably blushing.

Ugh.

I start to think of excuses.

"Mmm-hmm." Lola looks at me accusingly.

"I'm not lying. Have I ever lied to you?"

She glares at me. "You did. Several times, just barely actually."

She gives me a look I can't quite place.

"Yeah, but why are we living with a stranger?" she asks.

"I DON'T KNOW! Maybe I wanted to be free of rumors for a while.

"Why did he invite you here?"

"I. DON'T. KNOW!" I whisper. "I really don't, and since he has a knack for getting into trouble, I should go find him."

"HE'S A GOD HE'LL BE FINE!"

"YOU DON'T KNOW HIM!"

"AND YOU DO?"

I frown. "I know him better than you do."

"Why is he taking us in like this? Why is this house empty? If he's been alone for years like he says he has, how has he been able to sustain himself?"

"I DON'T KNOW!"

"Then why don't you ask him?" she asks, and points to Mars, who looks so concerned it makes me feel sick.