Lisa, are you even listening? Emily's voice cut through Lisa's thoughts, yanking her back into reality.
Lisa blinked, realizing she'd been staring out the window, lost in the haze of her own secrets. She forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as strained as it felt. "Sorry, Em. What were you saying?"
Emily narrowed her eyes, studying Lisa with an intensity that made her squirm. "I was talking about the Halloween party. You know, the one we've been planning for weeks?"
"Oh… right. Of course," Lisa replied, attempting to sound enthusiastic. But even to her own ears, her voice fell flat, the enthusiasm clearly forced.
Emily didn't buy it. She crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "Are you sure you're okay? You've been… different lately. Distant. Skipping out on plans. And don't even get me started on the disappearing acts."
Lisa's heart thumped uncomfortably. She tried to brush it off with a laugh. "Come on, Em. You know me—I'm just busy."
"Busy with what?" Emily pressed, a hint of frustration edging into her voice. "And don't say 'studying.' You've been disappearing at odd hours, and you barely text back anymore. I feel like I hardly know what's going on with you these days."
Lisa swallowed, glancing away to hide the guilt flashing in her eyes. She couldn't tell Emily the truth. How could she explain bringing Liam back from the dead? Her best friend, as supportive as she was, would never understand the kind of madness that had led her here. But Emily was also too sharp to let things slide easily.
"Look, I've just… been dealing with a lot," Lisa finally said, avoiding the details. "It's hard to explain, but I'm fine, really."
"'Fine' doesn't cover it," Emily replied, her tone softer but still concerned. "Lisa, I'm not trying to pry… but I know you. And I know when something's wrong."
Lisa felt a pang in her chest. She wanted to tell her, to lean on her best friend like she always had, but there was too much at stake now. Too many secrets that could unravel everything.
"It's… it's complicated," Lisa said, her voice barely above a whisper. But I promise, I'm handling it.
Emily's brows knit together as she continued to study Lisa, but after a beat, she relented, leaning back with a sigh. Alright. But you know I'm here, right? Whatever's going on… you don't have to go through it alone.
Lisa forced a smile, nodding. Thanks, Em.
But deep down, she knew the walls between them were growing higher, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Over the next few days, Lisa tried her best to maintain her usual routine. She met Emily for lunch, made casual jokes about their classmates, and even pretended to be invested in their Halloween plans. But every time her phone buzzed with a message from Liam, a strange, guilty thrill shot through her. She'd find herself glancing over her shoulder, hoping Emily wouldn't catch her slipping away to meet him.
The secrecy weighed heavily on her, casting a shadow over her friendship. Emily's lingering suspicions seemed to follow her everywhere, like an itch Lisa couldn't scratch. No matter how carefully she tried to cover her tracks, Emily's watchful eyes caught even the slightest slip.
One evening, Lisa was leaving a coffee shop after a quick meeting with Liam. They'd sat in the corner, talking quietly, their conversation laced with half-truths and suppressed laughter. But just as she stepped outside, she caught sight of a familiar figure across the street.
Emily.
Lisa's heart dropped. Emily stood there, staring at her with an expression that was half-surprise, half-hurt. Lisa's first instinct was to turn away, to pretend she hadn't seen her, but it was too late. Emily was already crossing the street, her gaze locked on Lisa with uncharacteristic intensity.
What… are you doing here? Emily asked, her tone laced with confusion and a hint of betrayal.
Lisa scrambled for an excuse, her mind racing. I… I was just grabbing a coffee. Needed some fresh air, you know?
Fresh air? Emily repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You've been acting so weird, Lisa. You disappear without a word, and now I find you out here, sneaking around like you don't want anyone to see you.
The guilt tightened around Lisa's chest, suffocating her. She tried to laugh it off, but it came out shaky. Em, you're overthinking this. I just needed a break.
Then why didn't you tell me? Emily's voice softened, and Lisa could see the hurt beneath her words. You used to tell me everything, Lisa. But now… now you're just a ghost.
Lisa felt the sting of Emily's words, her mind reeling. She wished she could reach out and explain everything, but the weight of her secrets kept her silent.
"Look, Emily," she began, forcing herself to meet her friend's eyes, I'm sorry. Things have just been… complicated lately. But I didn't mean to hurt you.
Emily searched her face, as if looking for the truth in her words. After a long moment, she let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping. I don't know what's going on with you, Lisa. But whatever it is… I hope you find your way back.
Without waiting for an answer, Emily turned and walked away, leaving Lisa standing alone in the dim glow of the streetlights, her heart heavy with regret.
Later that night, as Lisa lay in bed, her phone buzzed with another message from Liam. She stared at it, the glow of the screen casting eerie shadows across her room. Her guilt flared up, mixing with the strange, thrilling pull that Liam held over her.
She'd already lost part of herself in bringing him back—was she willing to risk losing Emily too?
But as she closed her eyes, she felt his presence lingering, tugging at her in ways she couldn't explain. She didn't have the strength to walk away—not yet.