Before the Ever Green (BTEG #1) ✔️

Chapter 28

"I can't believe I spent all those years contemplating killing myself to be with you, the one person who was my friend, even if it was only for a month. To think you were here the whole time." I say

"I'm sorry, Addilyn," Brit says, finally looking at me, "My Aunt was a bitch and I couldn't stand being with her anymore. She got mad when I left, and told the town a story I never knew—" she's looking down at her hands again.

I cut her off, "She told everyone I killed you,"

She looks up from her hands, "They did what?" her voice is almost non-existent when she says it.

"Yeah, they did. I didn't have another friend for 9 years."

"That's this year," Jaeger points out.

"Yeah, it is. The last friend I had was Brit, and she supposedly died. I was hated by the town because of my mom and for the year after she 'died' I was hated for a second reason, though I'm sure many people still hate me for it."

"Addilyn, I had no clue." She says

"I know," I say, "...and I don't blame you for anything, but it just hurts to think you were here all along. You didn't even send me a letter."

"My dad wouldn't let me. I wanted you to visit, but he said we couldn't."

"Well, I am here know, aren't I?"

"Yeah, I guess you are and I am too, so Jaegar, what's for lunch?"

"Egg salad sandwiches," he says proud and I laugh a little. Brit does too, after slapping her brothers shoulder.

I can't believe after all this time I am finally reunited with my only childhood friend. I can't believe she isn't dead. And most of all, I can't believe that she is living here.

Her life seems to be going a lot better than mine is. Even if we are both invisible, at least she is living in a penthouse with 2 siblings and a dog, I guess. What do I have? A small 1 bedroom house, a turtle, a mom hated by all, and a group of classmates who encourage people to throw food at me. Without a doubt she has a better life, even if her Dad doesn't pay any attention to her. I wish I had her life, maybe it'd be better if Mom didn't pay attention to me.

"So, what are you doing at the capital?" She asks me

"Oh, I'm just visiting friends,"

"Who? Maybe I know them, I've gotten to know a lot of people in the capital,"

Shoot. I can't tell her the truth, "No, they live past the capital. I was just passing through."

"Oh, well do you think they could spare you for a night? I'd love to have you sleep over."

"I'm sure they can do without me for one night," or forever is what I don't say. I can't tell her the truth about anything, really. But, I feel bad lying. I loose either way I go, and it's driving me crazy.

"Great. We just can't let my dad know you're here. He gets mad when I have guest over. I'm not sure why. Jaeger, Hena, you two can't tell anyone, okay."

They both nod. I smile a little. "Where is lunch? It should be here by now," Jaeger says, rubbing his stomach.

"Maybe she got fired of feeding you 10 times a day." Brit comments

"One, I only eat 3-4 times a day and two, it makes more sense for her to hate you."

"Yeah, right. I'm the one who convinced Dad to give her a raise!"

"That was me!"

"No! It was me!" Brit points at herself.

"Can you two not argue. Just call it a tie, say you both contributed to her getting a raise," I say. They both cross there arms before saying, "fine," in unison.

They seem to be exact opposites. I can't believe they are related. I'd swear they weren't, if they didn't both have black hair, blue eyes, and almost identical noses. They looked so similar, you could be fooled if you'd never seen there personalities. They almost look like twins, though Jaeger told me he was older than the others.

Plus, I am sure Brit would have told me if she had a twin brother. She was never very good at keeping secrets. I made the mistake once of telling her who I had a crush on. She practically told the whole school. Sara Jane and John didn't let me live it down for 3 years. Somehow, though, the person I liked never found out. It's kind of crazy.