Hannah careened down the driveway and out the gate, fishtailing wildly on the soft dirt road. Cody was breathing hard, his arms cradling his head as he rocked dangerously close to the dash.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” he mumbled.

“Just breathe, Cody. I’m right here,” Hannah murmured.

She wanted to rub his back soothingly but she didn’t dare take her hands off the wheel. She was driving at a breakneck pace and each bump threatened to send them hurtling toward the trees.

“Those things he said . . . it’s all true isn’t it? He’s my brother. He got Elena pregnant. And his father . . . our father covered it up?”

“It’s not all true, Cody.”

“What part?”

“The part about everyone choosing him. I didn’t choose him. I’m choosing you.”

Cody looked at her for the first time. His face was a bloody mess but he smiled ruefully, reaching his hand over to take hers. They laced their fingers together and squeezed. “Thank you,” he whispered.

They finally reached the main road, but Hannah still didn’t feel safe. She glanced in her rearview mirror repeatedly, expecting to see Harrison tailing them.

“Where to?” she asked.

Cody laughed. “I don’t know. Where do you go after learning your life has been one big lie?”

Hannah squeezed his hand affectionately. “I know just the place.”

* * *

Hannah pulled up to the grassy ridge overlooking the stables. It was almost more beautiful at night. The frantic pounding of her heart finally began to slow. There was nothing around them for miles. They would be safe here. She looked over at Cody. His eyes were closed tightly, as if he was wrestling heavy demons.

“Wanna get some fresh air?” she asked.

He opened his eyes and visibly relaxed once he realized where they were. “I like your choice of location.”

“Someone once told me this place makes everything better.”

Cody tried to smile. “At least some things are still true.”

“Come on, let’s get some air.”

They exited the car and walked to the front, leaning back against the warmth of the grill.

“The stars look beautiful from here,” Hannah remarked.

Cody remained silent, staring off into the distance.

“Nothing has to change unless you want it to,” Hannah whispered, slipping her hand into Cody’s.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in tight. “But I want things to change. I want this . . . us . . . to be real,” he said with resolve.

Hannah gazed up at him, watching the starlight that danced across his dark eyes. His face was bruised and bloodied, but he’d never looked more beautiful to her. Cody inched his face closer to hers, his breath catching when it mixed with hers.

“I do too,” she whispered, stretching to her toes, closing the distance until their lips touched.

For a moment the world stood still. Her lips on his—breathing as one. And then they let go and lost each other in a kiss that transcended all others. It spoke of undeclared love and compassion, and longing. It promised trust and faithfulness. And above all, it was pure—untainted with any motive other than their hearts’ honest desire for each other.

When they pulled away they were breathless. It was Hannah who spoke first.

“Cody, I want to be here for you. Whatever decision you make, I’ll stand by you.”

“I don’t know what to do, Hannah. But I can’t live with all these lies anymore. It’s killing me.”

“Then let it out.”

“How?”

“I have the video. I got Harrison’s whole confession on camera.”

“How did you manage that?”

“You don’t want to know.”

“I don’t want any secrets between us,” Cody pleaded, gently tucking back a stray hair from Hannah’s face.

“Harrison set up a camera in the car. He planned to record his conquest,” she said softly.

“Hannah? Did he hurt you? Because I swear—”

“No. But I think he would have if you hadn’t shown up when you did.”

Cody’s hands shook as he placed them on either side of Hannah’s face letting his forehead rest against hers. The anguish on his face was excruciating. His whole body trembled with the strain of the night.

“It’s okay,” Hannah soothed gently trailing kisses over his cheeks and eyelids. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

“Hannah, if I lost you . . .”

“Shhh . . . I’m right here, Cody.”

He opened his eyes and looked at her. “Tell me what to do. How do I fix this?”

“I say we share the video. Now, before Harrison has time to cover it up.”

“But . . . what about you. You’re on the video too.”

She nodded.

“I don’t want to drag you into my messed up life.”

“I think it’s too late for that,” she smiled running her hand through his hair affectionately.

“True.” He sighed. “So you really think I should do this?”

“Yes.”

“Now?”

“I think the best thing you can do right now is follow the rules.”

“Rules?”

Hannah smiled shyly. “A very wise man once taught me three important rules to success. Be truthful. Do what I say without question. And work quickly.”

Cody laughed for the first time since they arrived. It was good to hear the familiar sound. “You know I was really just winging it, right?”

“Turns out you were pretty spot on.” Hannah replied. “Listen Cody, the decision has to be yours, but if you want to do something about this I think it has to be now. Or you run the risk of Harrison covering his tracks.”

Cody’s jaw twitched with apprehension, but he nodded. “You’re right.”

Hannah opened her clutch and pulled out the tiny camera.

“Are you sure about this?” Cody asked.

“Cody . . . I’m all in.”

He kissed her forehead and took the camera, adeptly connecting the Bluetooth to his phone. He uploaded the video to the Stanton student page and stared at the file for a long time. It was eleven minutes and thirty-six seconds long. That was the time it would take to change his life forever.

“I don’t think I can press post.” Cody handed the camera to Hannah. “Can you do it?”

“Let’s do it together,” she offered.

They climbed up onto the hood of Cody’s car. Hannah shivered in her tattered dress and Cody draped his tuxedo jacket over her shoulders. Then, they linked hands and pressed post.