Chapter 2

Taking her Innocence 2

LilaI stood on the porch, arms crossed, watching the dust cloud rise behind my parents’ car as it disappeared down the gravel drive. I didn’t wave. I didn’t even lift a hand. Mom had tried one last hug, all teary-eyed and “call us anytime,” but I’d just nodded. Dad, predictably, had waited until the last second to roll down his window and launch into the lecture.“Respect your elders, Lila. Help out around the house. No attitude. And stay out of trouble.”Classic Dad. Like I was still twelve.I didn’t reply. I just watched until the car was a speck, then nothing.The screen door creaked behind me.