#Chapter 39: She’s Lying

It takes several long moments for me to recover enough to actually understand fully what Thea is saying. I’m in shock, I think, trying to make sense of it. All this time, I’ve been willing to give Thea the benefit of the doubt, thinking her someone caught up in Garnar’s web. But now, I’m beginning to understand that she’s not just a young woman being influenced by an older man, but an active player in my betrayal. I’ve focused most of my hatred on my errant husband, not realizing that my sister wanted what she wanted, and got just that. “She’s lying,” I said, first to Thea herself, and then to our mother. “She’s lying, Mom.” “Don’t start this, Esther,” Mother says. “My heart can’t take it.” “But it’s true. I’ve never cheated on Garnar. He’s the one who cheated,” I say. I look back to my sister. “With Thea.” “Bullshit,” Thea snaps. “Language,” my father corrects. “Thea has been having an affair with Garnar for who knows how long,” I say. “I’ve only recently discovered t