The Five

by Lily White

“You move into this new neighborhood with your mom. You meet the new neighbors and immediately begin a sexual relationship with the oldest brother, Jacob. Sex for drugs, right?” Another nod, her eyes meeting mine, open and honest. “Within a few months, you’re sleeping with the father. Also a sex for drugs relationship. Another few months after that and you’re sleeping with Joel.” “That’s right.” “And then this incident occurs with Frankie. You’ve slept with an entire family at this point.” “All of them except for Rowan.” A slight grin, sheepish. “I warned you I was a slut.” Holding up a hand, I sucked in a breath to temper my reaction. “First, you need to stop referring to yourself that way. In my opinion, you made some poor decisions (incredibly stupid decisions, I didn’t say) and by calling yourself a slut, you are basing your view of yourself, valuing your worth, on those decisions. But those decisions don’t make up for who you are. They are events. Memories. Mistakes. But they are only parts of Rainey, not all of her. Do you understand what I’m saying?”