Do you remember?

Chapter Nineteen

I sat in my car, parked in front of my school. Kids rushed past trying to get into school before the first bell. I was ready to go back. At least I was telling myself I was ready. I couldn't bring myself to go in. I kept telling myself to move or I will be late but my body was frozen. I slumped back into my seat, throwing my book bag to the passenger seat. My phone was buzzing. It was most likely Theo wondering where I was. I had told him I would be at school today. Technically, I was at school, I was on school property. Going to school meant I would have to act like I was fine. There would be teachers and classmates asking about my kidnapping and how I'm coping with Rowan's death. I'm not ready to lie yet. I couldn't face the fact that going to school meant I would be alone. I wouldn't have her beside me. We wouldn't be laughing as we walked down the hallway. We wouldn't be planning our mall trips or sleepovers in study hall. There would be an empty spot at our old lunch table. No one can take Rowan's seat, she was always particular to sit in the same spot everyday. I would be alone. People would walk with me in the hallway. People would keep me company in study hall. But I don't want anyone else to fill Rowan's spot. No one can fill her spot.

Tears filled my eyes. I threw my car into reverse, backing out of my parking spot and speeding off the property.

I drove endlessly for god knows how long. I drove past all the places I would go with Rowan. It was like rubbing salt in my broken heart. I felt my phone vibrate for the thousandth time. I pulled of the side of the road and got my phone out of my book bag. I scrolled through the messages. There was about 30 from Theo wondering where I was. There was a few from my mom because the school called and said I was a no show.

Then there was one from an unknown number. I stopped and read the text and suddenly I felt chills cover my body.

The text read, "We are waiting for your call. The truth... is just a call away."