I'd climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you
And fix what I've broken
Oh, 'cause I need you to see
That you are the reason
- Calum Scott, You Are The Reason
After we finally left the archives, we returned to my house rather than stopping at the bakery, with Jon making a quick pit stop to drop off some stuff at home.
Thankfully, the rain held off as we made our way inside. I dropped my bag by the shoe rack and headed straight into the warm embrace of my cozy kitchen. The familiar scent of vanilla and cocoa greeted me like an old friend.
Jon followed behind me, his presence bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity. As I began pulling out ingredients for my signature fudgy chocolate peanut butter swirl brownies, Jon raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Brownies?" he questioned, a hint of amusement in his voice.
I chuckled softly. "You know I bake when I'm stressed."
Jon nodded knowingly, recalling the countless times he had found me in the kitchen surrounded by flour and sugar during moments of anxiety or uncertainty. It was my way of finding solace in something sweet amidst life's chaos.
He rolled up his sleeves. "Well, okay, then. Let's get started."
As we worked together to mix and measure ingredients, our conversation flowed effortlessly. Jon's calming presence eased my racing thoughts as we focused on creating something delicious together.
The first batch of brownies went into the oven, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma that promised indulgent delight. With each passing minute, I felt myself gradually unwinding as we sat in the living room watching crime documentaries on TV.
The flickering light from the screen cast shadows across Jon's face, highlighting his thoughtful expression as he listened intently to every detail unfolding onscreen.
As soon as I sat down from checking on the brownies, the front door rang.
"Ugh," I grumbled, getting up. "Who could that be?"
Entering the foyer, I could see a figure standing on the front porch.
"Hello?" I answered, looking up. "Mr. Haggerty?"
What was he doing here? I know I have completed all my assignments for his class.
"Oh, Harley. Hi. I didn't know you lived here."
"It's in my file."
"Oh, I know. But teachers aren't privy to the addresses of their students. That's more for the secretaries and principal."
That still didn't answer what he was doing here.
I looked up at him with a raised brow.
"Oh. I just moved in down the street and was introducing myself to my new neighbours."
I didn't quite know how I felt about living in the same neighbourhood as my teacher.
I couldn't exactly lie about being sick, not that I ever have.
Okay, maybe once, but that's it.
"Oh," I answered.
"Harley?" I heard Jon come up behind me. "Who's at the do-" He paused. "Oh. Um, hello, Mr. Haggerty."
YOU ARE READING
The Vanishing Girls Of Willow Creek (Willow Creek, #1)
Tajemnica / Thriller*Edited* In the small town of Willow Creek, nestled among the rolling hills and whispering trees, lies a dark secret that has haunted its residents for generations. Over the years, more than a hundred young women and girls have vanished without a tr...
