Chapter 19

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Liana Cates was an exceptionally beautiful girl, even for a cheerleader. She had long dark brown hair and big brown eyes. She was the feminine version of her twin brother Steve. She was in the middle of leading a cheer so Sam and Martin hung back to watch. When the cheer was done, they walked up to Liana, introduced themselves and then the three of them went to go sit on the bleachers.

"I understand that you and Jeremy recently broke up. Can you tell us why?" Martin asked.

Liana straightened her skirt and hesitated a moment. Sensing that Liana was uncomfortable talking in front of a guy, Sam turned to Martin and asked, "Martin, can you go to the car and get my palm pilot?"

Martin knew she didn't own a palm pilot but thankfully he got the message.

"Sure, be right back." Martin stood up and walked down the bleachers and out the gym.

"Sorry, it's just…" Liana trailed off.

"It's okay." Sam gave Liana a gentle smile and softly asked, "So what happened?"

Liana took a deep breath and said, "He told me that he cheated on me. That he was in love with someone else."

"Did he tell you who?"

"No." Liana replied firmly – a little too firm.

Sam nodded and gently asked, "Was there anyone you suspected?"

The young girl shook her head. "No."

Sam took a deep breath. She realized she would have to press the young girl to talk, "Liana, anything you know could really help us find Jeremy. If you know something, I promise it will stay between us." Sam's voice was soft and sincere.

Liana looked at Sam with wide eyes and started crying. Sam reached over and put her hand on her shoulder and let Liana cry for a little bit.

After a few minutes, Liana wiped the tears away and quietly said, "I still can't believe it."

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Liana and Jeremy were sitting on the bench in her backyard. He sat on one end while she lounged next to him, kissing his face and biting his earlobe. Jeremy seemed disinterested and distracted.

Finally unable to take Jeremy's divided attention she asked him, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Jeremy replied while looking away.

"Something must be wrong; you haven't paid any attention to me." She smiled gently and brushed the hair away from his face.

He grabbed her hand and pulled it away from him. He turned and looked at her, studying her expression.

"What is it, J? You can tell me anything, I love you." Liana whispered.

He looked at her unsure but softly said, "I think we should break up."

Liana just looked at him devastated. "Break-up? Why?"

"You are so wonderful and I am just not what you need."

"I don't understand. Is there someone else?" Liana looked at Jeremy who simply remained quiet and looked down at his hands. "Who is she!"

Jeremy shook his head and replied, "It's not what you think."

Liana sat up straight and stared intently at Jeremy. "Who is she, Jeremy? Obviously she's important enough for you to dump me for her!"

Jeremy sat there for a few moments staring down at his lap when he softly whispered, "It's not a she. It's a he." Jeremy looked into her eyes and said, "Liana, I'm gay."

"What? But…no." She stuttered. "No, you can't be."

"I'm so sorry. I wanted to tell you but I was so ashamed." Jeremy grabbed Liana's hand and held it tightly.

She just looked at him with sad eyes and leaned into his shoulder and cried.

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"Once I stopped crying we talked about it. He told me that he always knew but tried to be normal, like his parents wanted, but he couldn't keep living a lie." Liana bent her index finger and tried to smooth away the mascara. "He wanted to come out to everyone he loved but was afraid that they would reject him. I told him I was hurt but I would always be his friend."

"Do you know if he told his parents?" Sam gently asked.

"He told me that it was going to tell his parents after me but then his father got into an argument with someone at the gym and suddenly he was afraid to tell them."

"Did he tell you why?"

"No, he just said he was afraid of his father's reaction."

Sam nodded in understanding but there was one more thing she needed to know, "Did he ever tell you the name of who he was seeing?"

Liana shook her head and replied, "I asked him several times but he would never tell me."