Love Admits Deceit

The Gift

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The days leading up to the winter dance have been nothing but chaos—inside my head and outside it. Ethan’s been excited, constantly asking if I’m ready for the big night, but I can’t bring myself to match his energy. I haven’t told him, but there’s too much going on at home for me to even think about a dance.

Dad hasn’t been home in days. That’s what’s scaring me the most. He’s been disappearing a lot lately, but this time feels different. Like something’s about to happen, and I can’t shake the dread clinging to me. When he’s here, the house is tense, but at least I know what to expect. When he’s gone… I don’t know what he’s up to, and that’s worse.

I stare at my phone, fingers hovering over the keyboard, hesitating to send Ethan a message. I need to tell him I’m not coming to the dance. With everything going on, I just can’t.

Emma: “Ethan, I don’t think I can make it... I’m really sorry.”

As soon as I hit send, my stomach drops. I know he’ll be disappointed. The last thing I want is to let him down, but I can’t shake the feeling that something bad is coming.

Almost immediately, my phone buzzes.

Ethan: “Not coming? Don’t worry. I’ve got something special for you. Check your doorstep in a bit.”

I blink at the message, confused. What does he mean? Before I can even process it, there’s a knock at the door.

“Emma, get the door!” my mom calls from the kitchen, her voice sharp.

I rush over and pull it open. There’s no one there—just a box, wrapped with a ribbon, sitting on the doorstep. My heart races as I bring it inside, placing it on the kitchen table.

“What’s that?” My mom steps in, eyeing the box with a look I can’t quite read.

“I don’t know,” I mumble, untying the ribbon. Inside, there’s a dress. A stunning, deep red gown that looks straight out of a fairy tale. It takes my breath away.

Ethan must have sent it. Of course he did.

“You’re going to the dance,” my mom says, her voice suddenly stern.

I look up at her, startled. “What? No, I don’t think I should go.”

Her arms are crossed, and her gaze is hard, like she’s already made the decision for me. “You are going. There’s no discussion.”

“I just don’t feel right about it,” I protest weakly, but the truth is, I don’t want to go because I’m scared of what might happen with Dad gone.

She lets out an impatient sigh, stepping closer, her expression softening—just enough to make me feel like she’s trying to convince me. “Emma, you’ve been tense for days. You need to get out of this house. Have fun. Clear your head.”

She doesn’t know the half of it. I’m not just tense; I’m terrified. What if Dad shows up out of nowhere? What if things get worse? But I don’t say any of that. I don’t know how to explain it without sounding paranoid.

I bite my lip, torn. The dress is beautiful, and I know Ethan’s trying to make me feel special, but I can’t shake the feeling that something bad is brewing. Still, if I stay here, I’ll just be waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Fine,” I whisper, the word slipping out before I’ve fully made up my mind.

She nods, satisfied, as if this is some kind of victory. “Good. Now, go get ready.”

I watch her walk away, and suddenly, I’m not sure if I’m making the right decision. But staying home alone, worrying about Dad, feels unbearable.

I carry the dress to my room, my mind spinning. Where is Dad? What’s he doing? I’ve heard whispers—about his debts, about people looking for him—but I don’t know if any of it’s true. I don’t even want to know. But I can’t stop thinking that the longer he’s gone, the worse things will get when he finally shows up.

With a shaky breath, I slip into the dress. It fits perfectly, but I still feel unsettled, like no matter how beautiful I look, there’s a storm waiting on the horizon.

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