ℕ𝕆𝕀𝕊𝔼

•034•

• 𝙲𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚍 - 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙹. 𝙶𝚎𝚒𝚕𝚜 𝙱𝚊𝚗𝚍 •

She didn't sleep.

She couldn't.

She had stayed up all night with her eyes wide, staring at her bedroom door.

Her parents had found her in the living room crying to herself — perfectly in-tact. She never answered any of their questions, only repeating, "I have to go back, I have to go back, I have to go back."

They brought her into her room, thinking she would get some rest.

The next morning, Martha had knocked on her daughters bedroom door, asking for permission to come in. Bea didn't say a word, only turning her head to her window to see light seeping through the blinds.

The woman smiled softly. "You feelin' up for school today?"

The room was silent. Bea barely moved a muscle. Martha sighed as she took a step into her room, trying to make conversation. "It's Will's birthday today. You mailed his letter yesterday, right?"

She nodded slightly, not even glancing at her mother. The woman looked down at her feet before slowly walking to the door. "I'll inform the school you can't make it. Get some rest, sweetheart."

And with that, her bedroom door was closed and she was alone again.

•••••

Mike was now in California, spending his spring break with his girlfriend and best friend. He had met them at the airport when he was introduced to Jonathan's new friend Argyle.

He's a weird dude.

El told him all about her friends. The ones she wrote to him and Bea in her letters. Will was surprised to find out she's been lying to the both of them.

When they had finally made it home to drop off Mike's stuff, Will found an envelope on the kitchen table with his name on it.

He snatched it from the polished wood and ripped it open once he realized whose handwriting it was. Taking the folded paper out, he smiled — it smells like her.

Sitting at the table, he started to read...

Happy birthday to the best boyfriend ever!

Will. I hope you are having the best birthday ever! I know you won't 'cause I'm not there, but you can try since you're in California.

Have fun watching Mike and El suck face for a week, Loser!

Life is still quite boring here. The twins are always a blast to be around though. They always make me laugh.

I was listening to Paradise City again today. I miss home, and everyone who lives there. I miss when we were all together.

Lately, I've been missing Barb, too. I don't know what it is, but I feel something coming.

S̶o̶m̶e̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶b̶a̶d̶.