The Lying Game

This chapter begins section four of the novel, “Rule Four: Never Lie to Each Other.” Owen is glad to see Isa and Freya, though he is surprised they are back so soon. Owen’s questioning frustrates Isa. Isa wants to tell Owen the truth but does not want to betray her friends. Meanwhile, police positively identify Ambrose’s body. Isa buys a pack of cigarettes and smokes one, then feels dirty and showers before feeding Freya. Isa lies to Owen and says she threw away the package. Isa receives a bouquet of red roses from Luc with a note apologizing for his behavior. Later, Isa gives Owen a watered-down explanation about a misunderstanding over Freya, then says she does not want to talk about it. Isa throws away the roses. 

Isa has difficulty sleeping. She believes that she must constantly stay alert and protect Freya. As she lays in bed beside Owen and Freya, she thinks about Luc. Isa remembers that Luc was “beautiful enough to break your heart” (232). She recalls how much she desired Luc and admits that Luc was her first crush. She fantasizes about Luc lying on the jetty in the moonlight, and about reaching out her hand to touch him.