Counterfeit ✓

Chapter 31

MOONLIGHT SHONE THROUGH the small window prison as Oliver paced around. Mila sat on the ground, her arms crossed over her chest and staring at the boy in front of her. For the last couple of hours, she hadn't spoken a word and didn't feel like it either.

Regardless of what had happened, Mila understood she had to come clean about why she pushed them away. But she didn't know whether Stephen followed their conversation. Her lungs constricted, and she breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth.

"We can't sit here forever-"

"I have to admit something," Mila said. "It's important to make your decision."

Oliver stopped pacing around, facing her. "Tell us."

Mila sighed. She didn't know if it was a good idea to tell Oliver and Thomas, but she couldn't stay here knowing she hadn't spoken up about why she destroyed the chip and pushed them away. Mila got up, following Oliver's earlier movements, pacing around.

"I didn't just destroy the chip to protect us from the wolves."

Before Thomas could speak, Oliver put his hand in the air to refrain him from commenting. "Feedback after her confession."

Nodding, Mila said, "Thank you. I wanted you both to hate me. I'm the one who guided the wolves to camp because I wanted the chip."

Thomas his shoulders tensed. "You weren't alone. I've helped you, remember?"

"But you didn't wait like a coward when the wolves attacked. You protected your friends while I sat there and waited," Mila paused, then, "Once I realized the chip lured them in, I still doubted to lend a hand."

Oliver closed the distance. "You did. You sacrificed yourself."

"She fainted."

Rolling his eyes, Oliver scratched the back of his neck. "We aren't on the same page."

"I've waited too long. Twenty people died-"

Thomas interfered, "Why did you want us to hate you?"

"I'm a monster, don't you see? Twenty souls lost their lives because I waited like a coward. I destroyed the chip and pushed you away to protect both of you. People die because of me. Us sitting here? A confirmation."

The boys adjourned.

Mila shifted from one foot to the other, putting her hands in her pockets as she waited for them to strike up a conversation. She just wanted them to forgive her, to tell her it was okay and that they would have done the same.

"Your fear doesn't justify destroying the chip."

Thomas was the first one to speak.

His words punched her in the stomach. He, however, made a fair point. The chip was their way out of this mess and she had damaged it without even thinking twice about the consequences. Her throat closed up.

"You didn't trust me," Oliver added.

Mila's heart pounded at a rapid pace. First, she looked at Thomas. "Didn't think. I thought that destroying the chip would protect us."

"You mostly hoped your actions would push me away."

"Yes," Mila said with a nod. "I hoped so. I regret it now, Thomas. I know the chip was your only hope of reaching your home again."

She faced Oliver. "I should have trusted you, I know. But I needed to push you away. I'm a monster. I still need to push you both away from me. I'm a disaster that just causes death everywhere I go."