I had always want Gem to know the truth. I never meant for the outcome to be bad like this. I didn't want to hurt her. Who am I kidding? Rylee said, "You told her."

"She has to know. I couldn't lie anymore." I begin to sob. Rylee grasped me for a hug.

"You did the right thing. She is family."

Mom and Henry came in, laughing. "We should do this more often," he said as he closed the door. Mom looks at our grief-ridden faces. "How are things at home?"

"Not good."

"What did Gem do?"

"Nothing. She's just upset."

"Did she try to climb trees?"

"I told her about Dad," I confessed.

"Jem, what did I told you?"

I explained to Mom about everything. About the date, my plan, and how Gem reacted to it, and how it lead to the truth.

"Jemina! We talked about this and your father." I grew mad at Mom.

"Look, Gem has the right to know," I yelled.

"She's much trouble as your dad. Stubborn, defiant..."

"She is still my sister. You know that. We all do. And you know what?"

"What?"

"Ms. Stanley accepted Gem. She even respected her! You never try, Mom! I'm sick and tired of your criticism, and your stupid assumptions about Gem!" I ran off.

"Jem. Jemina!"

I stopped at Gem's door. I thought that she needs some comfort. She sounds quiet, though. So, I went inside. The window is open, and leaves were coming in. I saw Gem's bed empty.

I ran back to the kitchen. Rylee, Henry, and Mom were talking. "What's wrong, Jem," Henry asked. They turned to me.

"She is gone. Gem is gone!"

"What? That's impossible! I sent her to bed," Rylee said.

"I looked." Henry went to Gem's room. Mom began to worry. She said, "It's all my fault."

"Sherry, calm down," Rylee said.

Henry replied, "The bed is empty."

"Where could she be at this late at night?"

I thought and said, "I know just the place."