Chapter Twenty-Seven

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Nick

After Sky told us everything that she's been through, it's hard to believe that such a kind person could go through so much trauma. "What do we do now?" Azania asks and that's the real question. "I have no idea where to go next from here." Maybe that's why Sky was lying about getting messages from X.

"Well, I think we should continue on with the case we don't have a lot of time." "I mean, we do have the rest of the year. How deep can Aurora story go?" I say. "Yeah, you're right, it couldn't be that hard to figure out a case." She says, looking tense. "What's wrong?" I ask her.

"It's just that She went through hell. Sky our Sky right underneath our noses and we didn't even know. How could I have not noticed? I mean, what kind of best friend am I if I don't even notice when my best friend is going through so much every day?"

"Hey, don't blame yourself, you couldn't have known. She hid it from everyone, remember she made there was no evidence left behind." "I know, but still, I feel as though I know nothing about my best friends. I mean, I didn't know what Natalia went through.

I couldn't even sense it. I mean, I couldn't do anything. I didn't I notice that Sky was going through all of this stuff. Why I feel like the worst best friend in the world." I pull her into a hug. "Are you kidding me? You saved her life. Without you, Sky would have still been going through that hell."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." "You shouldn't cut yourself short. Saving a life is no small thing." I would know since I've ended so many. "Yeah, well I just hope that there's no other surprises like this that might pop up." She says. "Yeah."

"You should probably go home. I'm gonna stay here at Sarah's for the night." She says, pulling out of my embrace. I looked down at her to see that her eyes are glassy but no tears. "Alright, call me if you need me." I say moving back and heading home.

24Th July 2025

It's Sarah's birthday today. It's been a couple of months since Sky told us her story and nothing from X has come up yet. Unfortunately, we haven't gotten anywhere near as close as we should be to ending this case. In fact, we haven't even moved forward.

We've just been stuck in the same place. Molloy did start up the adoption for Sky and Natalia, but it could take a while for it all to go through. "Are you ready to surprise her?" Azania says. "Yes, we've got everything ready. The balloons are set up, the cake is waiting for her." I say,

trying to calm her nerves. "Alright." "Guys, she's pulling up the driveway with Mike." Natalia says, looking through the front curtain. "Alright then, everybody in their positions." Molly says, then hides behind the counter. Someone switches off all of the lights and I'm forced to crouch behind a table.

when Sarah enters the room, everybody else shouts happy birthday. Sarah seems surprised which means that we did a good job at hiding it. "Here's your birthday hat." Azania says putting a hat on Sarah's head.

"Wow, I really didn't expect this. Maybe a few happy birthday texts, but not this." Sarah says, completely surprised. "Well there's a cake with the candles waiting for you on the table." Molly says with the smile on her face, hugging Sarah before ushering her to the table. Before Sarah got a chance to blow out her candles, we all get a notification on our phone.

Happy birthday to the birthday girl and as a birthday gift I won't tell them your secret. Because you will do it yourself. By the time the clock hits midnight, you better have. Otherwise I will. I'm sure everybody would love to know what happened two years ago. The secrets have been buried for a long time. But they will all come out. Nobody is safe.

-X

Nobody says anything, but we give each other a look that tells each other that we all know who texted. Sarah blows out her candles and we eat the cake. But after she read the text, she didn't look the same. She had a distant look in her eyes, almost like she wasn't even here with us.

"Hey, are you ok?" Azania asks Sarah. "Yeah, I'll be fine. I mean, I guess it's about time that you know." Sarah says. "You know what can cheer a person right up. A party." Azania says, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I like the idea." Natalia says. "But X-"

"Fuck X I don't care about him. This is your birthday and you deserve to have some fun and celebrate. A party is a great idea. I mean the night is still young." "I agree with this idea. Let's do it." Natalia says. "I don't know. Parties at this time of year are crazy." Mike says, a weary look on his face.

The only time I ever see him concerned is when Sarah is involved. "That's exactly why we should go now." Azania says. "Fine, let's do it." Sarah says, finally giving in. Azania and Natalia drag her upstairs to her room to change into their outfits.

Sky is walking behind them quiet as usual, but something about her seems lighter. Her brothers are at a friend's house for a sleepover so that Sarah and the girls could have some alone time. Sky seems to be happier like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders.

Her father is in jail, her mother is gone, and she is now almost adopted by Molly. "We'll be ready in just a second." Azania says, looking over her shoulder. And by the look in her eyes, I have a feeling it's not going to be good.

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