Deception

 

 

“Mae?” His voice is so desperate I almost want to respond. Tears spill over my eyes, and I fall to my knees. Sobs shake my entire body violently. She’s gone. The realization launches a dagger in my heart. It cuts a hole in the center of my heart--a hole that will never be filled again. Her warm smile, comforting hugs, contagious laughter, late night chats, it was all gone.  

I feel Liam’s hand on my shoulder. It has never felt colder. I jerk away from him. “You killed her!” I manage between sobs. He grabs my shoulders as I lunge for him. “You told us to split up! You were the one who dropped the bomb, knowing she would be there!” He killed my sister. Liam killed my sister. The words repeat themselves in my head, but I don't believe them. My first friend. My childish best friend who would do idiotic things just because his friends dared him.  

“Mae, I swear I didn’t know the bomb was going to be dropped at that clearing!” 

I struggle in his strong grip. “You swear on what? Your life? Your family's life? I saw you in the lab that day!” 

“I can explain—” 

“There’s nothing to explain!” I scream. His black eyes stare at me. Only yesterday would I describe those stupid eyes as comforting. How foolish I was. I jerk away, and before I can think, my fist is colliding with those stupid eyes. Liam stumbles back, gaping. My chest heaves. He will pay.  

Liam slowly walks towards me, hands stretched out, as if to tame a wild animal. “Mae, listen to me. I had no idea the republic was going to drop that bomb by the river.” My limbs freeze. I can’t move. He moves closer. “Please believe me.” I can feel his breath on my cheek. 

Then he kisses me. A quick, tender kiss. He pulls away before I can. “I’m sorry.” His voice is barely audible, but I catch them. He runs. 

           Then the world explodes.