10
DENIAL
CLAUDIA
When I entered, the lights were out in most of the house. It was so quiet. I was surprised Michael wasn’t waiting by the door. He must have already disappeared to his room, hoping I wouldn’t discover he was spying at the end of my date.
I headed up to my room. I felt him before I heard his voice, like a draft emanating from the left.
“Ah —you’re home,” Michael said as he came from the living room.
I exhaled loudly. “Yeah.”
“So, did you have a good time?”
I tucked my bottom lip beneath the top one. He caught sight of the dress in my hand before I could answer.
“Oh, wow! What is that beautiful gown for?”
Did he seriously not know?
“John got me this dress for the prom.”
“Oh, how lovely and kind of him.”
I smirked slightly. “You didn’t know?”
Michael shook his h
