Page 90 of I Dare You
Our suffocation.
Surrendering to the demons that rule us.
“I don’t want to be that person anymore.”It’s an almost plea.
“So you’re okay with those motherfuckers taking away your innocence?They’re walking away free, living the life you want to live.They stole that from you.They stole that frombothof us.”She jabs her thumb at her chest.
I understand what she means because she too fell victim to the monsters lurking in the dark.We’re one and the same in that light.
I wait for a mom and her kids to walk past before replying.“Of course not.”
“Stop being a coward then and finish this.”
“Finish it how?”
She steps closer, brushing some hair behind my shoulder.Her familiar touch is calming.It’s because of this that I can’t turn away.
“We find those assholes and fucking kill them.”It’s so black and white when Jupiter is involved.“Then you’ll see who you really are!”
But I’ve come to learn that life is a kaleidoscope of colors.
“I’ve tried!”I declare angrily.“They may as well not exist.”
“And you just give up?Is that it?”
Feelings of shame overcome me.I feel like I’ve disappointed her.
“You’ve changed because of your new boyfriend.I get it.He’s hot.Maybe we could share?”
Instantly, possession and anger grip me in a choke hold.I get into her face, infuriated she would say such a thing.“You shut your mouth.”
“There she is.”Jupiter chuckles.“Perhaps he’s useful after all.Maybe I can take my anger out on him, and see if he’s as pretty on the inside as he is on the outside.”
“Stay away from him,” I caution, tightening my grip.
“Or what?”
“Or I’ll tell the police everything.”
“You do that, and we both go down.”
“I don’t care anymore,” I confess, pressing us nose to nose.“It beats constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for my psychopathic ex-best friend to ruin me.”
The ex-best-friend comment was intentional, as she needs to know our friendship is over.
“So I’ll do what you want…I’ll finish this.Better I ruin myself than you.”
For once, Jupiter is silent, her lips parted in surprise as she takes a step back.She realizes I mean it.If she keeps testing me, I’m ready to call her bluff.
Consequences be damned.
I let her go, get in the truck, and drive away without looking back.She’s nothing but a small speck in my rearview mirror.When I can breathe again, I shriek uncontrollably—not in anger, but in happiness.
That scream soon turns into laughter.
I used to believe Jupiter was the one in charge, but now, I realize that I’m the one in control.
With no real direction in mind, I just drive, needing the time to clear my head.I feel somewhat better after seeing Jupiter, which is ironic, considering it was hardly a pleasant meeting.
