The Lie That Binds

I am a liar.

I lie to protect myself.

I lie because I’m terrified.

I lie to keep a secret that would destroy everything in my life if everyone knew.

Holly is the new girl at school and my unwilling lab partner. She hates me because I’m one of the popular guys—one of the bullies who terrorize the unfortunate and the unpopular. For me, it’s who I’ve had to become to keep anyone from getting too close—close enough to see right through me.

When Holly finds out my secret, I have to do whatever it takes to keep her quiet—even if it means telling the most damaging lie of all—the one I tell myself.