Diamond
The sky is a sea of stars by the time Chance drops me off at the apartment. The drive home wasn’t as awkward as I expected it to be. We managed to keep the conversation flowing in spite of knowing that we were heading toward the end.
Chance hits the brakes in front of Xavier and Aveena’s building, and I unbuckle my seat belt, dreading the goodbye ahead. We’ve been good at filling awkward silences so far, but this one feels inevitable.
I turn to look at Chance, mustering an uncomfortable smile. “I’ll see you around?”
“See you around, Dia.”
I’m out of his car in a heartbeat, waving at Chance from the sidewalk. He cracks a small smile and then drives away. Just like that, our story is over. Good thing I’m interested in someone else’s story.
Finn’s, to be exact…
Chance convinced me earlier. I owe it to myself to hear Finn’s version of events. I need to have all the information before I can even think of moving on with my life.
I’ve just stepped inside the apartment complex when my phone chimes with a text. My stomach sinks at the sender.
It’s Jesse.
Jesse: Don’t forget dinner tomorrow.
It’s barely been two weeks since I agreed to meet Dave and Jesse at the restaurant, so why does it feel like two months? So much has happened since the day Jesse showed up at the dorms to invite me to dinner. Finn came back in the picture, for one. But hey, if I’m willing to let Finn explain himself, the least I can do is give my family the same chance.
Dia: I won’t forget.
I’ve had more than enough time to prepare a list of questions to ask Jesse about my birth mother. I know exactly what to say to him tomorrow. Problem is, knowing what questions to ask doesn’t guarantee that I’ll be able to handle the answers.
Jesse texts me back right away.
Jesse: I’ll pick you up at the dorms at five.
I’m quick to correct him.
Dia: I don’t live there anymore. I’ll send you my new address.
I’m halfway to the apartment when Jesse replies with a simple “Ok.” I fidget with my keys as I take the stairs two at a time, my mind reeling with Joel’s message for Finn. In three years, the sicko will be free, and if his message is anything to go by, Finn is the first person he’ll want to see.
I need to talk to him about this. He’s the only one who’ll understand how it felt to see that man again. He was right there with me when Lexie died. No one in this world can relate as much as he can. And if I’m going to talk to someone about what happened, it might as well be him.
I select Finn’s number in my contacts and type a quick message.
Dia: Where are you? We need to talk.
He replies with one word.
Finn: Roof.
I don’t bother asking him what he’s doing up there, continuing down the hall and past the apartment. I remember Aveena mentioning that tenants had access to the roof during the summer. I find the metallic stairs leading up to the roof shortly after and text Finn back.
Dia: On my way.
I make it to the top just moments later and push the steel door open. I don’t see Finn right away, distracted by the warm string lights illuminating the well-furnished space. A handful of cocktail tables sit in the center of a wooden deck, surrounded by white plastic chairs and topped with colorful flowerpots. This place must be crawling with tenants during the day.
I snap out of it, scanning the area carefully, and spot Finn lying on a blanket near the edge of the roof. He’s staring at the night sky with his forearm propped under his head, seeming lost in deep thoughts. My stomach twists into a big knot when I notice a few empty cans scattered around him.
Is he drinking again?
I don’t get the chance to take another step before Finn sits up on the blanket, bracing his forearm on top of his knee and glancing at me over his shoulder.