Chapter 42. Don’t Believe Anyone

Erica’s POV

I take a few steps away from Ashley and Bryce. I hold my free hand over my ear and listen carefully.

“Mom?” I say and my voice is stunned.

“It is me, Sweetheart. I just want to call to check in.” My mother’s voice rings through the phone and tears begin to stream down my face. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, Mom.” I hesitate. “There is so much to tell you.”

“We don’t have much time,” my mother says quickly and I notice that she is whispering into the phone.

“Do you know what you are saying you did?” I lower my voice and look around the crowded mall. I want to make sure that no one besides Ashley and Bryce are trying to listen to my conversation.

“I do,” my mother hisses through the phone. “Please don’t believe what they are saying.”

“I would never believe such a ridiculous claim,” I assure my mother. “I know you wouldn’t steal from the school of all places.”

“Thank you, Baby,” my mother says sweetly. “I don’t have much