Easier to Lie

Chapter One

I sat in the auditorium of my high school with the other 175 Senior class members. Principal Murphy was giving a speech about goals and dreams or something of the like. I was too busy hating how I looked in the baby blue cap and gown to focus on what he was saying. My best friend, Leah, was bored too. She kept turning around in her seat to show me how many times she could roll her eyes and yawn at the same time.

We were different, Leah and me, but we made a good team. She was pretty and popular, I was average. Her hair was blonde and curly, mine was auburn and pin straight. Ice blue eyes belonged to her, mine were the color of cinnamon. Boys wanted to date Leah while I was always the little sister. We balanced each other.

Leah picked me as her best friend when we were five years old. We've lived next door to each other for our entire lives. Only a row of oak trees separated our yards. Both of our moms were teachers at the high school so naturally they were best friends as well. I think our dads were friends because they really didn't have a choice.

Three short hours after graduation we would be on our way to Myrtle Beach, a gift from Leah's parents. They owned a condo and our families vacationed together there every summer. This year, though, our parents were letting us go by ourselves. Leah was thrilled while I was a little surprised and afraid of the gift.

The entire state of South Carolina had been in shock by recent murders. Two of the bodies that were found last week belonged to girls of my senior class. Kathryn Caroll and Julie Webster, both seventeen. I knew who they were but I had never spoken to them. Leah hadn't either and their deaths didn't affect her. She was all about living in the moment. I was terrified by the murders and had trouble sleeping at night, scared that I would be next.

The news reports were saying this killer's modus operandi (m.o.) was the same as a killer from a decade ago. Both remained unknown. The cops didn't even have any suspects. I wanted all the up-to-date coverage. I had to know where this psycho might strike next. Any clues to the identity was something I had to have.

"Regina Lee Ollison," Principal Murphy called my name.

My family and Leah's cheered me on as I made my way across the stage. Leah screamed "Go Reggie!" as loud as she could from the sea of seniors. I smiled at her then almost tripped over my own feet when I reached for the diploma. Why did I let my mom talk me into wearing heels? Bad choice, Reggie. Bad choice.

I was excited to be finished with high school. Happy to no longer waste time at pep rallies and sporting events. I attended every single one of Leah's soccer games but I didn't have an athletic bone in my body. She knew I was bored at the games but she also knew she had my full support. We were best friends.

Both of us were accepted to Clemson University. Leah received a full athletic scholarship. Me? Well, being the nerd that I am, won an academic scholarship. Leah's mom pulled some strings to make sure we were assigned as roommates.

Principal Murphy ended the ceremony by saying a few words regarding the deceased girls. Then we threw our caps in the air and walked out as adults, eager to start the next chapter of our lives.

For our celebratory dinner we really wanted Italian food, but my dad is the world's pickiest eater. If it's not meat and potatoes he won't touch it. When I mentioned going to Olive Garden he made the comment that we were American, not Italian. So, Leah and I decided on a steakhouse instead. It wasn't exactly what we wanted but it was good and kept everyone happy.

"Are you sure you'll be okay at the condo by yourself?" Mom asked, pushing my hair behind my ears.

"We'll be fine. If I get uncomfortable we'll leave." Leah shot me a disapproving look when I said that.