The Lies She Told, The Truth I Kept

My roommate claimed her boyfriend was the crown prince of Chicago, a notorious bad boy. Street fights, drag racing, showering her with gifts – he’d even get her the moon if she asked. The other two roommates were starry-eyed, completely buying it.

“So romantic! You’re so lucky!”

“It's like a dream come true!”

“I hear the ‘Chicago Crew’ are tough, but he’s so sweet to you, Mandy. You’re so blessed!”

Mandy, basking in the attention, giggled, "It's nothing really, just our everyday stuff. Oh, he said he’ll take you all out to dinner sometime."

Their eyes lit up. “Really? Will the whole ‘Chicago Crew’ be there?"

"Of course! We hang out all the time. Sarah, you coming too?"

I’d been quietly enjoying the show. Finally, my chance: "You said your boyfriend is the Chicago prince, Ethan Blackwood?"

Mandy beamed. "Yep, that's him!"

I looked at her, serious. "He’s not like that." Ethan had a reputation, but few outside his circle knew the real him: a disciplined, mature, and reserved man. His upbringing wouldn't allow for such reckless behavior. Not him, not his three buddies, either.

Mandy scoffed. "Small-town girl like you wouldn't understand. You’ll never run with that crowd.”

I started to speak, but another roommate, Heather, interrupted. “Mandy, don't waste your breath on her. Let’s go shopping.”

Watching them leave, I thought for a moment. I pulled out my phone and texted Ethan: “Hey, you done with work yet?”

His call came quickly. His voice, deep and smooth, "First day of classes, how’s it going?"

"It’s okay. Hey, are you… seeing anyone?"

A pause. Then, with a touch of exasperation, “Wouldn’t you know?”

Ethan and I had been close for nearly ten years. He'd always been focused, with no shortage of admirers, but I’d never known him to have a girlfriend. But if not Ethan, then who was Mandy talking about?

His voice came through the phone again, low and husky, "Come downstairs. I’m at your dorm.”

Downstairs, a sleek, black Mercedes waited. Students glanced, whispering about who it could be. Pulling my hoodie up, I ducked into the back. As the car pulled away, I pushed the hood back, meeting his gaze.

I grinned. "I thought you were busy today."

He brushed a stray hair from my forehead. "Finished early. Disappointed?"

"Not exactly. Just a little… conspicuous."

He chuckled. “Don’t worry. Let them know who you are, and they won't mess with you.”

“No way! Then I’ll never make any friends! What am I supposed to do for four years?”

This time, he just smiled. Checking his watch, he said, "Let's get going. They’re waiting.”

‘They’ were the other three members of the “Chicago Crew.” They'd missed my graduation party and promised a small get-together.

As we drove, I spotted Mandy and Heather. Mandy glanced at the license plate, then looked away, resuming her conversation. The supposed girlfriend of the 'Chicago Prince' didn’t even recognize his car. Interesting.

College life kept me busy. Ethan had promised that if I maintained my grades, ...