Page 194 - My FlipBook

L IS A J. L A W R E N C E

Priya recoiled. “Say what?” When Greta didn’t answer
immediately, she asked, “What part might that be?”
“Well, for one, I drank way too much. I was trying to
keep up with everyone, and I hardly drink at all. That was
stupid.”
“Greta—”
“It wouldn’t have happened if I’d been sober, or at least
not passed out.” There it was. Greta realized the weight of

those words as soon as she hoisted them onto Priya. So many
layers to work through. So many stories she had whispered
to herself.
“Greta.” Priya reached across the table and touched
Greta’s hand. “I’ve drunk too much at parties before too.
Guess what happened to me?”
“You got sick?” ADVANCE READING COPY

“Yeah, I did. I’ve thrown up. Once, I passed out. I’ve had
hangovers.”
Greta waited for her to continue.
“This kid at my old school got alcohol poisoning. That
was kind of scary. But those are some of the things that
happen to your body when you drink too much. Guess what’s
not on that list?”
Greta shrugged.
“Getting raped.”

Greta flinched. It was too much, that word. She wanted
to protest. Priya had it wrong—full-on rape was something
different. This was something different. But the words swelled
and jammed in her throat. They pushed water into her eyes.

184