Page 25 of Dead to Me
“Do you hate me?”
I looked at my sister.
She was nervous.
I could ask her now. I could show her the picture, bring up the text, or say I heard everything in the hallway.
Instead, I smiled.
“No.”
She relaxed all over, and for a moment, that almost made me angry. China stood and hugged me. I let her.
“I missed you so much,” she whispered.
I kept my eyes open. Over her shoulder, I saw our reflection in the mirror.
Reminding me of our cute twin trick. From switching seats in class, taking each other’s tests, confusing boys at parties. I never thought she’d use my face to steal six years of my life.
China pulled away.
“I want tomorrow to be perfect.”
“It will be.”
“You promise?”
I smiled.
“I promise.”
She kissed my cheek and picked up both champagne glasses.
“I’ll let you get some rest.”
“China?”
She turned around.
I almost asked her, but instead I looked at her hand.
“Do you still have Grandma’s ring?”
Her expression shifted.
“What ring?”
“The diamond one.”
“Oh.”
She lowered her eyes.
“No, I lost it years ago.”
“When?”
She hesitated.
