Daydream || Rick Tyler [DC's Stargirl]

• Chapter 36

Just a heads up! Chapters will be getting longer here on out! Okay, have fun (:

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The following morning, Molly couldn't seem to get out of the car. All she could manage to do was stare at the entrance of the school, her hands resting lightly against the wheel. As students started bustling inside, Molly felt frozen. She was still processing that The Shade was gone... and she had no idea how long he would be gone. She felt lost and confused.

When Molly's eyes flickered over to her right, she saw a bright yellow 1966 Mustang pull into the parking lot. Her eyes followed it the entire time it pulled into a parking spot and the engine turned off. However, Molly couldn't help, but be surprised when both the driver's side and passenger side doors opened. Rick and Beth both popped out of the car, seeming deep in conversation. Molly felt her heart tug in her chest, but she immediately felt guilty. Beth was her friend. She was also Rick's friend. He was allowed to give her a ride to school, especially since she didn't have her own car.

So why did Molly still feel a tinge of jealousy?

What in the world is wrong with her? Rick is allowed to spend time with other people. She shook her head in annoyance at herself before reaching over to the glove compartment of her car. When she opened it, she was intending to grab another pack of pens since she used her last one yesterday. However, she was caught off guard when she saw an old leather journal inside. It definitely didn't belong to her.

Nevertheless, she pulled it out of the glove compartment slowly. There was a soft click as the door to the compartment closed. Molly stared at the front of the journal, which contained no words. It was just a dark brown. She opened the cover, and she jumped back a little in her seat when a folded up piece of paper slipped out. She picked it up from the passenger seat and saw her name scribbled along the front of it. A shaky breath escaped her lips, knowing who this was probably from. Once the paper was open, she began to read it.

Molly,

I apologize for leaving on such short notice. This is something that I must take care of. Not only for my safety, but for yours. I don't understand what is happening, but I won't come back until I know you're safe.

Inside this book are many notes I have written throughout the years. I hope this will help you while I'm gone. Continue your training. You've already accomplished so much. I know you'll continue to do so.

If you need me, you know how to reach me.

Richard Swift

Even though she knew he wasn't gone for good, a tear still escaped her eye. She quickly wiped it away, feeling ridiculous for wanting to cry. However, part of her was angry with him because he left. She thought he would stay for her. But he still left. But part of her still wanted him to come back. Whether she liked to admit it or not, he was her father.

Molly shoved the letter back in the book and threw it as hard as she could in the back seat. Without even glancing at it, she got out of the car, swung her bag over her shoulders, and slammed the car door shut. She walked as fast as she could into the school, not meeting the eyes of anyone staring at her.

———

During third period, Molly had gotten a text in the group message from Beth. Based on what Beth said, she had a pretty good idea on what Rick and Beth were talking about this morning. Apparently, somebody had anonymously sent Beth many documents through the goggles. The papers displayed proof that the Gambler was blackmailing someone and that Beth was working on figuring out who he was doing it to. She should have an answer by lunch.