Page 25 of Drop Three

I expect to see shock painted across Dr. Banks’ face, but the opposite is true. It’s not a smile but more of a smirk. I’m not sure if therapists are allowed to react, which makes me think she did her best to hold it in.

She makes no effort to respond to my sadness, and her next question sinks me further into uncharted territory.

“Do you think her absence was a driving force to that night in the car with Gwendolyn?”

One hundred percent.

“Absolutely. It altered my fucking brain chemistry.”

My eyes lift at Dr. Banks leaning back in her chair before she replies, “What makes you say that?”

Good question, Doc.

I’ve waited years to admit it, finally.

“Because right before the accident, I caught her in bed with my dad’s brother.”

9

NAVY

Red isthe color of the season, right? December has always been more of a red than a green month to me.

However, hot pink is my signature, and I’m a sucker for the fun vibes that come with a flirty lip.

It’s too bad lime green isn’t an acceptable option, as it is my favorite color.

I should check and see if lime-colored lipstick is a thing. If it is, I’ll order the entire stock. Although, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone with lime-colored lips.

Wait, where is my hot pink lipstick?

Damn it. Tenley has it. I remember letting her borrow it before her date the other night, and she never returned it.

Good thing I have extras.

I’m a certified girly girl. I love a good quality shopping trip to stock up on cosmetics and new outfits.

Looking my best makes me feel sexy and confident. I thrive on the feeling and it’s crucial for me to feel empowered.

It seems silly for something as superficial as makeup and clothes to make me feel powerful, but it’s true.

Growing up, I played with pretend makeup and dressed up like most little girls in my generation did, but I craved meaningful attention underneath it all.

I always have.

Don’t get me wrong, I have the most incredible parents. I have nothing but great things to say about them. There are a few things I’ve now realized as I’ve matured that make sense, like how I was the only child until I turned thirteen.

That’s not what I learned, though; it’s what came after.

My older brother, Callaway, was adopted into our family when he was fifteen and I was thirteen. Going from being an only child for so long to suddenly having a new sibling was both a blessing and a struggle.

I adore Cal. He’s my best friend, always has been, and always will be. My parents’ adoption of him was quite literally the thing I wished for most in the world.

Cal is the undisputed champion of the Best Brother Ever award.

He’s protective of me but in a respectful way. We both respect each other’s boundaries and trust each other’s decisions. The system works for us, making living close and working together more fun than testing.

The only drawback has been the unintentional—I’m sure of it—lack of attention I receive from my parents now. I’d never tell them I feel that way because I know with all my heart it would crush them, but the effects of this over the years have been substantial in my relationship with them.

---