The Vanishing Girls Of Willow Creek (Willow Creek, #1)

Chapter Twenty Nine

Close friends are truly life's treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. With gentle honesty, they are there to guide and support us, to share our laughter and our tears. Their presence reminds us we are never really alone. - Vincent Van Gogh

As Jon and I walked out of the police station, a heavy silence hung between us. The weight of what we had just witnessed pressed down on our shoulders, casting a shadow over our usual banter and laughter.

I could see the concern etched on Jon's face as he glanced over at me, his eyes searching for some sign that I was okay. But how could I be okay after hearing Mr. Killian confess to killing Miranda? The shock of it all still reverberated through my mind, leaving me reeling with disbelief.

We made our way back to my house in sombre silence, each lost in our own thoughts.

Upon reaching home, exhaustion washed over me like a tidal wave, and all I wanted to do was collapse onto the couch and forget about everything that had transpired.

Jon draped a blanket over me before settling into the recliner nearby.

But when I reached out to him, asking him to lie with me, he didn't hesitate. He joined me on the couch, wrapping his arms around me as we lay side by side.

As we watched the flickering images on the TV screen in front of us, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Jon's presence. His unwavering support and loyalty were like a lifeline in this storm of chaos and uncertainty.

"How was basketball practice?" I asked, trying to distract myself from the dark cloud looming overhead.

"It was good," Jon replied. "Same old drama with Jake being a jerk."

I chuckled softly at his mention of Jake's latest antics. Despite his tough exterior, Jon had always been fiercely protective of me, ready to stand up against anyone who dared disrespect or hurt me.

"He kept talking about you today," Jon continued. "Saying how he'd wear you down and make you go out with him."

I rolled my eyes at Jake's audacity. "Yeah right. As if that would ever happen."

Jon nodded in agreement before quoting the words printed on a poster hanging in my room: "'I'm not a princess. I don't need saving. I'm a queen. I got this sh*t handled.' "

A smile tugged at my lips as he recited those empowering words back to me. It was moments like these that reminded me why Jon was not just my best friend but also my rock—always there to lift me up when life knocked me down.

"I love how much you care about me," I whispered softly, feeling tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "Thank you for always being there for me."

Jon tightened his hold on me, pressing a gentle kiss against my temple as he murmured back, "Always."

Then suddenly, a low, growling sound broke through the peaceful atmosphere, shattering the moment.

"Was that you?" Jon asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

I chuckled sheepishly. "I knew I should have eaten something. Ugh, but I don't want to get up."

Jon raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any leftovers?"

I shook my head. "Maybe we can order something instead."

"Mmm. Chinese food sounds good," he mused.

"Stir fry noodles and chicken balls?" I suggested eagerly.

"Mmm. And don't forget the chicken fried rice," he added with a grin.

"Of course," I replied with a laugh. "How could I almost forget the rice?"