Page 37 of #Lovestrong

Lena

Idon't know what I expected when Declan invited me to dinner with his parents, but the round table outside on the patio with soft lights and pellet stoves wasn't it. It's warm and comfy in the space, and the light breeze off the lake is nice. His parents seem thrilled I'm here, and I'm so nervous I feel like I'm going to throw up.

Declan, as usual, is sweeter than I deserve. He hasn't left me alone for a moment. Candice and I have become quick friends too, which is nice. Declan is amazing, but when it comes to Jazmin's attempted suicide, I don't know, it feels wrong to confide her secrets to a guy. Talking to Candice this week has really helped, though.

There's only one downfall to tonight— Declan's sister is here.

"Come on, everyone sit down," Mrs. Carrigan says as they all come through the patio doors.

Declan pulls my chair out for me and then sits on my left. Candice is on my right with Jackson next to her. Darcy is across from me, then Declan's mom and dad. His mother bows her head and says a quick prayer before taking the lids off all the dishes scattered across the table.

The conversation is light and mostly about school. Thankfully, Declan's sister doesn't open her mouth much, and I'm pretty sure her bitchy attitude and ignorance isn't tolerated by her parents.

"So Lena, are you doing any extracurricular activities this year?" His mom takes a sip of her water and smiles at me, her face warm and welcoming.

"I made the Varsity soccer team with Candice, so I guess there's that."

Both his parents clap their hands together, congratulating both of us, and Declan kisses my cheek. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Hello, football star. You have enough to worry about," I say, laughing.

"Don't worry, Lena," Jackson says, putting his arm around Candice. "Football and soccer games are never at the same time, so we'll be in the stands cheering you all on."

Darcy scoffs and rolls her eyes before going back to her phone, typing furiously. I ignore her and go back to chatting with everyone else.

"So Mags," Darcy says after a few minutes, and immediately my temper rises.

"It's Lena, not Mags."

"Right, Lena. You lived in Decleburg, right?"

"Yeah. Born and raised," I say, trying to sound as friendly as possible.

"Why'd you move here again?" Darcy sits forward, narrowing her eyes, and something about the gleam in them makes my blood run cold.

"That's no one's business, Darcy. Enough," Mr. Aiden says, giving his daughter a stern look.

"Oh, I think it is," she says with a smirk. "Little Miss Perfect here tries to act like she's just visiting for fun, but according to a post from the New York Times last year, she's the reason some little dork shot up her school. Looks like there was a whole bunch of casualties."

All the blood drains from my face, and under the table, Candice reaches over and takes my hand.

"I think it's time for me to go," I say barely above a whisper as I pull out my chair and stand.

"Lena, wait," Declan says, but I barely hear him. As I rush through the house and open the front door, the echoes of raised voices hit my ears, but it's like my head is under water.

I can't breathe. I'm having a panic attack. It's been a minute since I've had one, but this is definitely one. My ribs feel like they're in a vice grip, and I don't know when I started crying, but my face is soaked. My legs feel like lead, and by the time I get across the front driveway to the fountain, I can barely stand.

I sit down, wrap my arms around my midsection, and double over, trying to take a breath. I just need enough air to get to the end of the driveway. I can get home, one step at a time, I just need to make myself do it.

I have to get the hell out of here.