The Lie That Binds

<p>I am a liar.</p><p> I lie to protect myself.</p><p> I lie because I'm terrified.</p><p> I lie to keep a secret that would destroy everything in my life if everyone knew.</p><p> Holly is the new girl at school and my unwilling lab partner. She hates me because I'm one of the popular guys-one of the bullies who terrorize the unfortunate and the unpopular. For me it's who I've had to become to keep anyone from getting too close-close enough to see right through me.</p><p> When Holly finds out my secret I have to do whatever it takes to keep her quiet-even if it means telling the most damaging lie of all-the one I tell myself.</p>