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Chapter T W E N T Y - S I X

Tiana's POV

The only reason I woke up in my bed this morning was because I couldn't spend the night with Tario, like he wanted, without telling him. I didn't want to ruin his Prom night.

Before I told him, I had to tell my family. I was shaky as I walked downstairs to the kitchen. The only person missing from the table was me.

"Honey, are you okay?" Mom asked with a concerned look. She had no idea what I was about to say.

"No, I did something really bad." My voice sounded dead. I probably looked dead too.

"Oh gosh, what is it now?" My dad sighed as he put down his fork.

Sylvia looked up from her waffles with a devilish smile.

"I killed someone last summer." I admitted quietly.

"That's funny!" Dad laughed. He thought I was joking. My mother looked at him and smiled while Sylvia giggled.

"I'm not joking. I'm the one who hit Miley's brother last summer."

Sylvia's whole demeanor changed. She started to cry silently. My heart broke from the sight.

"Tiana, why didn't you say anything?" My mom asked. I don't think she knew what else to say.

"You told me that dent was from a deer." Dad shook his head.

"I was scared so I lied and kept it a secret. I only told Miley and Grace last night." I wiped under my eye.

"You killed my best friend!" Sylvia yelled.

I closed my eyes to stop myself from looking at her.

"Is Miley going to turn you in?" I felt my Mom's eyes boring into me.

I shook my head.

My dad let out a giant breath, probably of relief.

"If she won't, then I will!" Sylvia pointed at me.

"We have to keep this a secret. Tiana made a mistake and it cost someone's life, but Miley chose not to tell so we will too." My mom hugged her.

Gosh, I wanted one of her hugs too. But then I felt guilty for thinking such a thing. Sylvia was obviously feeling worse

"I hate you, Tiana! I really do!" Sylvia said as she cried in Mom's shoulder.

"It's okay. I hate me too." I whispered. I quietly returned to my room.

Next up, Tario.

***

Miley's POV

Mom and I were watching the morning news. I knew she would be going away soon so I had to tell her the truth.

"Mom, I know who killed Lucas." I said. She looked at me with disbelief.

"It was Tiana. She hit him and left him that night. She was drunk and had just caught her boyfriend cheating." I explained.

"How could she do something like that?" She gasped.

"The same way you killed Dad. And that's why I'm not turning her in. My mother is going to jail already. I'm not going to let my best friend go too." I turned away from her so I wouldn't have to look at the pain in her expression.

"So you've forgiven her?" She asked incredulously.

"Yes, but she doesn't know that. Lucas didn't deserve to die, but it's already done. What's going to happen a whole year later? Sending her away won't bring him back." I went on.