Half Lies by Sally Green Read Free Book Online Page B

that. Look at that.” And I woke up.
    • • •
    I do believe that our Gifts reflect our true selves, but I’m not sure what my Gift says about me. I thought it meant I was in tune with Black Witches and Half Bloods, as I can transform into Gab and Caitlin, but I don’t feel in tune with Aiden. Gab thinks it’s simpler than that. He says it shows how much I love him and Caitlin. He added, “But, when you transform, you don’t really become those people—all you do is experience how the world reacts to those people. When you transform to look like Caitlin, you aren’t her. You’re still you.”
    I asked him, “And you? Are you still the Black Witch Gabriel?”
    He didn’t answer.
     
    22nd February, 2014
    I’m going to see Sam tonight, one last time. I sent a message to the Bean Counter with Caitlin. We’ll meet at the cemetery like before. I know he’ll understand about me going to Switzerland, but I need to tell him. I really love Sam. I want to tell him that too.

 
     
    Dad,
    I found this diary of Michèle’s when I was going through her things. I think you should read it.
    I found the letters from Sam too, and I’ve left them on the kitchen table. They’re beautiful—and remind me of the ones you sent to Mum.
    I’ve been trying to make sense of it all. I’m still not sure exactly what happened, but I know for certain that Caitlin betrayed Michèle to Ethan, and he and his friends killed Michèle. My hands shake when I write that. I’m still so angry and afraid for Michèle. I hope she didn’t suffer too much for too long, but I lie awake at night thinking the worst.
    Despite what he has done—taken Michèle’s life from her and from us—I can’t blame Ethan for wanting revenge for the attack on him. I can’t blame Sam either; he loved Michèle and I’m certain he knew nothing of what Ethan had planned. The Whites have punished Sam: from what I’ve heard, he was imprisoned for a month, which is nothing, but his life is ruined forever. Caitlin, I do blame—she knew Sam and Michèle were in love and knew they were going to meet. Michèle would still be alive if it wasn’t for her. The worst of it is that she was Michèle’s friend. Michèle trusted her.
    Aiden and his Half Bloods caught Caitlin three days ago (they went onto White territory to snatch her). She’s dead now. I hoped I’d sleep better after that, but I realize now that it will take much more time. And that hurts me so much too—to think of my time, my life ahead, without Michèle in it.
    Skylar has asked the White Witches to send Michèle’s body back, but they’ve refused. I fear that’s because her injuries are worse than we would want to know. (Aiden’s informer says she was hanged but before that who knows what they did?) Now the White Witches are using Caitlin’s death as an excuse for further reprisals, and Aiden is loving it. He delights in fighting and will never stop; this is all just an excuse for him. As for me, I’ve had my revenge and I want to forget it if I can.
    I loved Michèle, and I love her still, and I’ll always have her in my heart. She was, is, and shall remain my darling, wonderful, kind and loving, plate-throwing sister. I want to remember her as she was on the beach when she had her Giving—that was a perfect evening and she was truly beautiful. I can’t think of her without tears in my eyes now, but I believe I will someday smile at the thought of her, as I do when I think of our mother. Michèle wanted what she couldn’t have—maybe we’re all guilty of that—but the more I think of it I don’t see that as a fault. She loved you and I hope you know how much.
    I’m sorry to leave you. Skylar will check up on you, and Aiden too. I’ve tried to tell you all this, but I’m not sure you’ll remember any of it. I’ve left as much money as I can with Skylar, but she will not buy you any booze.
    I have to go, both to get away from this place and to see Mercury in Switzerland, in the