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

Chapter Thirty Five

It takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it. - Unknown

It started out like any other day.

I had finished all my homework, much of it having piled up due to me constantly being by my mom's side.

I brought it with me, having every intention of working as I sat beside her, just letting her know I was there, but I always ended up focused on her. I was just waiting for her to open her eyes.

The doctors seem hopeful, claiming that her brain activity is on the rise. But I can't help but wonder if they're just telling me what I want to hear. Is it really promising or just another false glimmer of hope? The thought of her waking up fills me with both excitement and fear. What if she's not the same person anymore? What if she never wakes up at all? It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and I'm not sure which one to hold onto.

There have been times when I've fallen asleep just watching her, and doctors or nurses have had to come in and wake me up.

They all tell me she will wake up when she's ready.

While me sitting there may be comforting, there's no guarantee it will speed up her recovery.

My answer was the same every time—exactly what I told Detectives Lambert and Carillo.

She had been there for me my entire life, protecting me and looking out for me. Now it's my turn to do the same for her.

Buzzzz!

My phone vibrated, letting me know someone was either calling me or had texted me.

Picking it up, it read an unknown number.

Frowning, against my better judgement, I answered.

"Hello?"

"Harley?"

"Mr. Haggerty?" I asked, sitting up.

"Yes. Oh, thank goodness you answered. Look, there's been some last-minute changes to the play."

"What kind of changes?"

"The leads both called in with food poisoning. Their understudies, nobody can get a hold of. I could really use your help."

"Okay. Okay. I'll be right there."

"The venue is at the town theatre."

"The theatre?"

"Yes. It's much bigger. We'll be able to fit more people."

"Okay. I'll be there soon."

My heart racing, I hurried into my walk-in closet and hastily pulled on a pair of faded denim shorts that hugged my curves in all the right places. I reached for a black tank top, its fabric soft against my skin, and slipped it over my head.

My bag sat on the floor, waiting for me to pack it with all of my necessities.

With trembling hands, I carefully selected my makeup essentials, from foundation to eyeshadow palettes. I also grabbed my trusted hair products and a hairbrush, knowing the importance of looking flawless on stage. I wanted to be prepared for anything the makeup team might need from me during today's performance. As I zipped up my bag, a sense of excitement and nervousness washed over me. I was eager to see what the day had in store for me.

The stairs thumped as I ran down them at record speed.

This is awful. We worked so hard on this play, namely Mr. Haggerty, and on the day of our grand performance, the two main characters come down with food poisoning.