Super Teens | Book 2: The Deity

Chapter 4: Old Wounds Opened

The absence of Mary from school that morning was impossible to ignore. She was always the first to arrive at the Commons, waiting for the rest of us. But today, her usual spot was empty, and it made the entire group feel uneasy. We sat down, exchanging looks, each of us silently wondering what could have happened to her.

"I mean... you don’t think she..." I trailed off, not wanting to finish the thought.

Connor sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Carter, normally I’d say no, but with the way she’s been lately... I just don’t know."

Anne shook her head, her eyes darting around as if she expected Mary to walk in any moment. "This isn’t like her. Why isn’t she here?"

Ellis crossed his arms. "I know she’s been struggling, but she always makes it a point to at least stop by. Even if it's just for a minute."

Our conversation was interrupted when Bryson appeared at the table. He stood there awkwardly, like he wasn’t sure whether he was welcome or not. It had been a while since he’d tried to talk to us.

"Hey guys, uh, been a while, hasn’t it?" Bryson said, trying to sound casual.

The mood around the table shifted. No one really knew how to act around him. He had caused so much pain—using me and Mary, the whole jealousy incident, and then Micah’s death. But part of us knew it wasn’t entirely his fault. He had been consumed by something far darker than any of us realized. Still, most of us hadn't fully forgiven him.

Ellis was the first to speak. "Yeah, it has. What’s going on?"

Bryson shifted his weight, his eyes scanning our faces. "I’ve been trying to call Mary. Last night, this morning... no response."

I folded my arms, feeling a flash of irritation. "Maybe she doesn’t want to talk to you."

The table went silent. Everyone stared at me, shocked by my bluntness. Bryson blinked, clearly taken aback.

"No, she still loves me," Bryson said, his voice defensive but uncertain. "Deep down, I know she does."

Connor’s eyes narrowed. "You really think that? Bryson, she’s been through hell. Do you even understand what she’s dealing with?"

Bryson’s expression softened, but he didn’t back down. "Her aunt, the jealousy thing, and then Micah..." He paused, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Yeah, I know."

We all exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. Then Bryson raised his head, his brow furrowed. "But... have you guys ever thought about why Mary’s struggling more than the rest of you? I mean, you were all close to Micah, too."

Ellis frowned. "We were close, but Mary... Micah was her childhood friend. Someone really special to her."

Bryson looked directly at Anne and Alexia. "You two were childhood friends with him too, right? But you seem to be doing okay."

Anne and Alexia exchanged a quick look before nodding.

Bryson’s voice dropped, and he leaned in slightly. "What if she had feelings for him? What if she loved him, even before she met me?"

The words hung in the air, shocking everyone into silence. None of us had ever considered that. I felt a pang of annoyance at Bryson’s theory, though.

"Or maybe Micah’s death is just the latest in a long line of terrible things," I snapped. "Her grief isn’t just about him. It’s everything—her aunt, the jealousy stuff, all of it." I gestured vaguely, hoping my words made sense. "It’s like one more layer on a grief cake or something."

Everyone nodded slowly, processing the idea.

Bryson shrugged. "Maybe. But whatever it is, I just came to see if any of you know where she is."