Chapter 22: Truths and Lies

"What may friends usually do whenever they do the hanging out?"

"Well," I smirk, "Normally they just talk about random things or tell each other stories or say some of their deepest secre—"

"Let's skip that. What else do they do?"

She's figuring me out. I sigh and think, "I guess they play some games and stuff like that." All my tactics keep being eliminated, so looks like we'll have to stoop this low.

"Games? That sounds better than talking!" Bingo. "What shall we play?" Malinda suddenly looks all excited then, "Anything besides Kiss, Marry and Kill."

I laugh, "Don't worry, that's not it. I'm sure we don't know similar people, anyway. So, how about…" I say the other first thing I could think of, "2 truths and a lie?"

"How does that work?"

"There are three rounds. We tell each other 3 things about ourselves and just as the title already explains, 2 of those are true and one of them is a lie. Each player has to guess which one it is. The player who guesses the most wins the game."

She clapped her hands, "That's interesting! Can you start it off, first?"

I was surprised she would agree to that. I was even surprised I thought of that game quickly because I had no idea where this is going. She's been avoiding everything that would make her talk, so I assumed she doesn't understood what the game is all about yet.

I begin, "Okay, let's see. One: I am 16 years old. Two: I have a little brother. Three: Everyone hates me. So, which one is the lie?"

Malinda looks deeply in my eyes seriously, which made me sort of uncomfortable then she answers, "The lie is number three! Not everyone hates you."

I shake my head, "Wrong! The lie is the second one. I have a little sister, not a brother. I told you yesterday how everyone bullies me, remember?"

"Well, then you cheated!"

"Wait, what? How?"

"I don't hate you, Rhys Harrison. If I count as someone in your life, then not everyone hates you."

Not expecting that, I stutter, "Ah, well. I meant it metaphorically. So, I still win!"

Malinda kicks the water, "Flabbergaster! Fine, you have won that one round. Hmm, your little sister—what's her name?"

"Her name's Rose. And she's literally the cutest. She talks a lot and she also write a lot. We had a midnight snack yesterday and she also ate a lot because she's always so hungry. That's why I call her Grumbly."

Malinda laughs, "She sounds like a fun person. I wish I could see her once."

I smile sadly, "Yeah… okay, you're next. Tell me 2 truths and 1 lie."

"Hmm… 2 truths and 1 lie about myself, right?" She says. Then, she looks at me irritated. She must've figured out what the game is by now.

With a smirk I say, "C'mon Malinda, we're just playing a little game."

She sighs, "Alright." This is it! I can learn some juicy things! "Firstly: I am female. Secondly: I have a friend who is a frog. Thirdly: I am not trapped inside this cave." Now, she's the one who's smirking and not me.

"Seriously?"

"Yes, I am being serious."

"Wow, that's a hard one." I comment sarcastically, "Let me guess, the lie would be the third one."

"You're right! You're good at this game, Rhys Harrison." Malinda cheered.

"Yeah, yeah. Okay, my turn." Maybe, if I could say something a little bit more personal, she can also say something. "One: I only have 3 really good friends. Two: I skip school whenever I feel down. Three: My dad left when I was 11."

Malinda has a concerned look in her face while pondering, "Is the second one the lie?"

"Nope. Third one. My dad left when I was 12."

Even if it's a serious topic, I find it a little silly to use that trick as a trump card.

"I see." Malinda's tone became soft, "Did you think about what I told you yesterday?"

I was thinking a little about it before sleeping yesterday. That was the first time someone talked to me about this whole thing, so it was special. "I did and thanks, by the way. Don't worry about it now."

Malinda asks softly, "Do you mind telling me about your 3 really good friends?"

"Oh, their names are Theo and Cyrus. They are complete idiots, but we do really belong together. I mean we have been stuck with each other for around 10 years now."

Malinda gasps, "That's a solid friendship! But you only mentioned 2 names, who is the other one?"

"It's you, of course! We already agreed that we're friends earlier, remember?"

Malinda blushes, which was kinda cute, "Oh. But you said 3 really good friends. Am I good friend?"

"Sure." I grin, "Okay, your turn."

She was even quiet longer right now than earlier, so I'm hoping that I at least get something at all.

Malinda doesn't look at me when she talked, "Firstly: It's my fault that I'm trapped in this cave. Secondly: I also did not have a decent relationship with my family in my previous life. Thirdly: I only have a little more time inside this cave."

There we go. "I think the first one is the lie."

"Incorrect. The third statement is the lie. I have still have lots of time to go before the spell will end." Malinda explains cheekily.

"Really? So that means that you trapped yourself here?"

She hesitates before nodding yes.

If I ask some more questions, we might start arguing again and she could give up on the game. Gotta keep it smooth. I change the topic, "And your family? You weren't okay with each other?"

"My parents were always telling me what to do. I never had any of my own freedom. I had so many rules to abide by. I had to act perfect. It was exhausting. All I could do was sing. Singing is the only way I could let all my emotions out. But... they found out I could sing one day and so they held and hosted many events with me as the leading star. So many people would come. But they were all strangers! My parents just wanted me to sing for them. And then one day they… they…" Malinda growled. She looks at me, as if she forgot I was there. "Anyway, you were incorrect and that is that. It's time for your turn now."

I know I said I wanted for her to tell me more, but I didn't exactly mean to trigger her like this. Because of the way she is right now, I don't want to do that anymore.

Though, something did pop up in my mind when she was talking. We both wish for our freedom. I guess, we're similar than we think.