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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"Want something from the vending machine?"
My head lulls to the side on the uncomfortable, hospital chair. Much the same as yesterday, the waiting room held no one except for the circle of my friends.
"No thanks," I mumble to Wesley. He offers me a solemn smile before walking off to get himself something to eat.
Teagan was sitting opposite me, next to Cam. Their hands were close on the armrest but never quite touching. I couldn't find the strength to have a conversation with anyone right now, as much as I wanted to know what they meant to each other now.
I could feel Ryan's eyes on me from my periphery. I hadn't been able to look at him yet, despite his insistent stare that felt like it was burning a hole in the side of my face. I knew that if I looked over, he'd take it as his invitation to apologise. But I only wanted his regret if he felt it, not because he pitied me because of my dad.
He was in surgery right now. I'd seen him a few hours earlier, just in case he...
Well, it wasn't worth finishing.
I hug my knees to my chest, my body leaning against the entirety of the small chair. I'd barely slept at all last night, staying over at Teagan's. I had wanted to escape dawn, wanting to freeze time and pray that the future didn't harm me.
Wesley appears next to me, throwing a can of soft drink at Dory. He then crouches down in front of my chair, withdrawing a snickers bar, my favourite. His lopsided smile melts my heart and despite not feeling hungry, I take it from him gratefully.
Dory rests a soothing hand on my back, tracing patterns with his palm. "We've got you, CeCe. No matter what, we've all got you."
I blink rapidly, closing my eyes momentarily. I didn't want to cry. I didn't want to cry.
Wes grips my hand, crossing his legs and sitting down in front of me. He wipes the stray tear that leaks from my eye. He pinches my nose, making me smile.
"Family for life," he whispers, brushing my hair away from my face. "Forever."
I wasn't sure I'd be able to survive without them. Any of them. As much as I felt independent, I knew I'd break without their support.
