“I wasn’t abused,” Gia whispers, her eyes wide. “Did you tell her that?”
“I couldn’t tell her anything, since you won’t tell us what happened,” Marin replies easily, refusing to soften at the sight of her daughter’s distress. “A social worker will be contacting us soon to get more information. Visit the home to understand the situation.”
“What does that mean?” Gia asks, fear in her voice.
“It means if they think your father or I are the reason you have bruises, then they can take you away and put you into a foster home.”
Part of Marin welcomes the look of horror on Gia’s face. Now maybe Gia can understand the hell they have been living through. One thing Gia has always taken for granted, Marin is sure, is the comfort of her life. The thought of anything else is destabilizing.
“But that’s not true.” Gia tenses, withdrawing into herself. She drops her head, hiding from them. Seeming to come to a decision, she wraps her arms around herself. “My friends and I play this game. It’s stupid.” Gia glances at Marin, who is listening intently. “I knew you guys would be mad so I didn’t mention it.”
“What?” Raj looks to Marin first before settling his gaze on Gia. His voice getting louder with anger, he demands, “What the hell kind of game?”
“We hit each other to see how much pain you can endure. The one who cries uncle last wins.”
“Which friends?” Marin demands, watching Gia carefully. She considers Amber then dismisses the thought. An innocence still lingers on her. Something that Gia no longer has.
“Why does it matter?” Gia demands.
“Who came up with the game?” Raj interjects, giving Marin a warning glance. One that implores she tread lightly.
“It’s something kids do. To keep things interesting.” Gia turns toward Marin, begging her. “Can you tell them that? The social worker?”
“Are you telling us the truth?” Marin demands. She had read stories of teenagers hurting themselves—cutting, choking, and now beating one another up. Furious at Gia for participating, her tone is biting. “Or is this another lie?”
“I’m telling the truth,” Gia says. “I promise.”
Night has fallen. The window in Marin’s office reveals the stars in the sky. She lies on the sofa, not having moved since Gia offered her admission hours ago. They have left the cleanup for the housekeeper, and Gia has gone upstairs to finish her homework. Marin said nothing to Raj about Adam. Gia gave her a grateful glance as she said her good-nights.
Marin replays the day’s events and Gia’s admission in her head. Marin knew all of Gia’s old friends. They come from upstanding families. As does Gia, Marin thinks. Going through the list, she tries to imagine which one would play the game. One name after the next she mentally crosses out.