Conflicted (Secrets and Lies) Read Online Free PDF

him. I met Trey and Micah on my first day in this godforsaken neighborhood. I was very eager to make friends. My uncle made it clear immediately that life with him was going to be anything but pleasant. Every wonderful childhood memory I had those two were there. Trey always reminded me of Micah. It brought me more pain than I cared to admit. We were so close growing up and remained that way until last year. I spent more time at their houses than anywhere else. Their mothers treated me like one of their own. It was hard to be around Trey because it pushed all the memories of Micah to the surface.
    We had been together since we were sixteen. Before we ever started dating, we were best friends. Puberty hit and feelings started to develop for Micah that was anything but friendly. After weeks of subtle touches, glossy gazes, and intense flirting, we discovered that there was something more than friendship and that it was worth exploring. Micah made me feel safe and cherished. He was protective of me growing up. He made so many of the hardships of having no parents manageable by making me feel like a priority to him and his family. Falling in love with him was inevitable.
    "Yes, I'm thinking. It doesn't mean I'm going to share any of that with you. Why are you here?" I snarled, as memories of the three of us ran through my head.
    His expression shifted from concerned to angry. He pulled his hands out of his pockets and clenched them into tight fists making his knuckles turn white as he tried to contain his temper. His muscles rippled against his fitted charcoal muscle shirt. If anyone else was on the receiving end of his stature, they would flinch but I knew him so it didn't even faze me.
    "Mia, I know you see him every time you look at me. I can't change that but I'm not him. I didn't leave and I'm not the one who hurt you," Trey snapped.
    My eyes returned to the silhouette of the city. The agonizing pain that I blocked from coming to the surface was starting to spread throughout me. I had gotten to a point of coasting along in life. I was indifferent about everything and everyone but there were exceptions that triggered all the emotions I suppressed on a daily basis - Trey was one of them. I existed fine by controlling each situation that I was in by never allowing anyone to get too close to me. Bri was the only person who paid enough attention to know how shattered I was on the inside.
    "It's a beautiful spot in a shady neighborhood. You've got to admit that right?"
    Trey relaxed his fists letting out a light laugh. I watched as he shook his head probably having a few nostalgic memories of his own.
    "You're dancing around my question. Why did you come up here?" Trey asked.
    "My meeting went well. I'm considering the possibilities of what my options are going forward," I mumbled.
    His jaw tensed as he gave me a cold stare demanding for me to elaborate more on the matter. I pierced my eyes at him stubbornly holding my ground. He ran his hands through his buzz cut before giving me a look not to argue with.
    "Come on. My mom has been driving me nuts checking up on you. Let's stop at my house so she can see with her own eyes that you're alive and well."
    Mrs. Donovan was the best. I loved her as if she was my own mother. She was a worrywart and was always fussing after us whenever she had the chance. I missed her so much that it tore at my heart now even thinking about it. After everything that happened in this last year, I avoided most people and places that reminded me of Micah. I missed his family. I knew having dinner with them would be painful but it would be worth it.
    "Is she making her famous stew?"
    "Once she sees you, she will make you anything you want. She called on my way out here and I said that I'd drag you over to the house. I'm glad you're willing to go and I don't have to take you there kicking and screaming," Trey muttered.
    I winced. "Trey, I really am sorry about how I've been acting towards you. I'm sorry it's