It's been five years since the sudden disappearance of Cora Cadigan's mother. Five years since the case was closed before it even began.
In the final summer before the end of high school, Cora knows it's her last opportunity to find the answers she...
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"Okay, Ceeks, what's the plan?"
The summer breeze is blowing in through the open door. Despite the sun setting hours ago, the humidity lingers.
We are all sitting in New River's best cafe. It stays open late in the summer, perfect for our meetings. I tie my hair back in a messy bun, watching my friends closely.
"Well...um."
"Oh no," Wesley groans, his head falling against the table. His fiery hair flies out around him as he repeatedly knocks his forehead against the plastic.
"You haven't thought of a plan yet, have you?" Dory sighs, whacking Wes to stop his antics.
Here's the thing. For the past three summers that I've searched for my mother, it has always taken me a while to start the adventure. But there has always been a deciding factor, something that sets me off. Something that makes my brain start ticking.
Everyone is waiting for an answer. An answer I don't have.
"CeCe..." Cameron groans, leaning back against the cushioned booth.
Teagan sips from her vegan milkshake nonchalantly, ignoring everyone else. She's too engrossed in her phone, probably stalking Timothée Chalamet.
"Look, guys," I hold out my hands, surrendering. "You trust me, right? I always come through eventually, don't I?"
"She does have a point," Ryan nods, pointing a finger at me.
He steals a few of my chips and I roll my eyes. No wonder he's being nice to me. He just wants to steal my food.
"I promise that I'll think of something soon. It's only a matter of time."
"Have you tried your dad's office drawer yet? The locked one?" Dory questions, taking a bite from his burger.
"Not yet. I will soon."
"How's he been anyway?" Tea asks, pocketing her phone.
"He's been drunk," I snort.
No one laughs and I sigh, taking a sip from my coke. "It's okay, idiots. You're allowed to laugh."
