Chapter 3

3

Suddenly, a little girl stepped forward. She looked scared, but her voice was clear. "I saw him! Mark pushed Ethan off the boat! He's wearing Ethan's life jacket!"

A random girl I'd met on the cruise, speaking up for me.

My parents' faces paled.

Mark's eyes darted nervously. "I had my own life vest. I didn't take his!"

Jessica marched towards the girl and slapped her across the face. "You little liar! Did Ethan put you up to this? Where is he? I'll teach him a lesson!"

The girl's parents rushed forward. Her father scooped her into his arms. "You don't care about your own son, that's your business, but don't you dare lay a hand on my daughter!"

A fight was about to break out, but bystanders intervened, muttering about kids being kids and telling everyone to calm down.

My parents glared at the girl's family, then pulled Mark close. "We knew Mark would never do such a thing."

Mark, relieved, let the tears flow.

They fussed over him, their concern sickeningly sweet.

I was used to this. Last Christmas, when Mark stole the cookies we'd baked for Santa, Dad had flown into a rage, then blamed me. They hadn't even asked questions, just locked me in my room for a day and a night. While they laughed and watched Christmas movies in the living room, I sat huddled in the dark, cold and hungry.

Just when I thought history was repeating itself, the little girl spoke again, her voice trembling but firm. "I'm not lying! Ethan grabbed his arm when he fell. Check his arm for scratches!"

Before Mark could react, Jessica strode forward, a dismissive laugh escaping her lips. "Scratches? Please. I'll show you. Then you can apologize to my brother." With unwavering confidence, she rolled up Mark's sleeve.

Long, red welts marred his pale skin.

Silence descended.

The blood drained from Mark's face. He frantically pulled down his sleeve, his hand shaking. "No, I did that to myself! Don't listen to her, Jessica! She's lying!"