I lied. I lied straight through my teeth, and I feel so bad. He asked me if I had kissed him, and I lied.

Is it okay to lie if it keeps from hurting someone with the truth? The truth could hurt more than just Jackson.

The next morning I answer my mothers phone call:

"Hi, mom."

"Hello, darling. I wanted to call and tell you that I am coming home early."

My heart jumped for joy, "Really?"

"Yes, I have handled things here and I should be home first thing tomorrow morning."

We finished our conversation, and then it was over.

I looked at my phone before putting it on the nightstand, no messages or calls. I hadn't heard from Liam since dinner before I fainted. He hadn't even checked on me.

"Hey, are you going to school or not?"

Jackson walked into his room fully dressed and fixing his hair with a comb.

"Oh my God, do I have to? I look like death."

"Better hurry up and fix that, we leave in 15."

I jumped up, causing my head to be dizzy, and took off to the guest room. I changed into a pair of denim joggers and a Metallica Tshirt. I didn't feel like putting my contacts in, so I kept with the glasses and simply braided my hair. Black Vans for the win on the way out the door.

"You did that in 7 minutes?"

I nod, proud of my accomplishment.

"Then why the hell does it take you three hours any other time?"

I roll my eyes, "I need to get my backpack on the way."

He pushes me towards the stairs, "Then hurry up. Go get it and I will meet you at the end of the driveway."

I ran across the road and grabbed my backpack, meeting Jackson in his car at the end of the driveway.

The car ride to school was awkward, but peaceful in silence. I walked alone to first period, keeping my head down.

"Hey..."

I turned to see Sarah standing at the door to biology.

"Oh, hey."

She made an awkward face and bit her cheek, "I'm really sorry about your dad."

I nodded slowly, "Thanks."

"Do you want to hang out after school?" She acted almost nervous, with her arms cross over her chest.

I attempted to smile, "Sure."

Her nerves disappeared and a smile spread across her face, "Cool, I will see you at lunch!"

She skipped off down the hallway, and I took my seat next to Grant.

He was complaining about a team that lost over the weekend.

"Hey," Heath leaned over his seat and whispered, "I heard about your dad, I'm really sorry. Are you okay?"

I faked a smile and nodded my head, not ready to talk about it.

Class was a blur, probably because I didn't pay attention. The bell rang and I gathered my stuff and rushed out the door.

I ran straight into someone.

"God! Watch where you are going."

I meet eyes with Liam, his expression never changes.

"I'm sorry."

He pushes past me and walks to the group of guys hanging around the lockers beside the gym. I don't know what all happened the night that I fainted, but he hadn't spoken to me since.

"How are you feeling?"

Jackson leaned up against the lockers beside me.

"I'm okay. How is your first day?"

He slowly nodded, "It's... okay. I have World History next. You?"

"Actually, same. We can just walk together if you want."

He smiled and opened my locker for me to swap my books out, "Sounds good."

I checked over my shoulder at Liam one more time before walking to class. We connected eyes, but he looked away just as quick.

World History class seemed to drag on and on, until the bell rang and it was time for lunch. Jackson walked with me to the cafeteria to grab a plate and then we found a table outside.

I waved Sarah over from the vending machines.

"Does she really have to sit with us?" Jackson rolled his eyes as he took a bite from his sandwich.

"Hello losers," Sarah sat down between us, "What's the plan for this afternoon?"

Justin slides in on the other side of the table, "This afternoon? Y'all could come to the court. We are having a pick up game around 6."

Sarah clapped, "Its settled. Emilie, you can come home with me after school and we can just meet you boys there!"

Jackson cut his eyes at Sarah but held his tongue. Justin just continued to stuff his mouth with food.

Two tables over, Liam joined a few of the baseball guys. They all joke and laugh for the entire lunch period. I wasn't prepared to run into him at Sarah's house this afternoon.

"Hello, earth to Emilie!" Sarah waved her hand in front of my face.

"What?"

"What are you staring at?" She started looking in the direction of her brother.

I grabbed her shoulder, "Nothing, I was zoning out."

"I'm going to go get my stuff for CrossFit, peace out Girl Scouts." Justin left the table, and pointed at Jackson as he finished his sentence.

Sarah left almost immediately after Justin. Only Jackson and I remained at the table.

"So about last night, I just want to assure you that I won't let Justin bother you anymore."

I knew deep down that Jackson meant well, but he was no match for Justin, "That's sweet, but-"

"But nothing, he won't be bothering you ever again."

I gave a soft smile, "Thank you for looking out for me."

I looked over my shoulder one more time, Liam was paying me zero attention.

"So does Sarah know?"

I turn back around wide eyed, "Know what?"

"That you have it for her brother?" He shoved the last bite of food in his mouth.

And once again, I lied, "I do not have anything for her brother. In fact, I can't stand him anymore, I wish I had never met him."

A deep cough came from behind me, and I didn't have to turn around to know who it was, "Tell me how you really feel, Em."

Shit.