“I am.”
“Well, okay then. I’ll see you later, Sis.”
“Bye.” I lifted my hand in a small wave and watched him take off down the hall.
Maybe I wasn’t as alone here as I thought.
* * *
I ate lunch on my own in my car. I wasn’t hiding, that wasn’t it at all. I just didn’t feel much like being around people.
I’d spotted Miles and Marcy making out on my way to the parking lot and while it didn’t bother me, it did make my heart ache.
I didn’t like Miles that way—maybe I never had. But I liked the idea of having someone. That one person who was yours. Who liked you—maybe even loved you—for you. Not because they wanted to change or fix you, but because your soul called to them.
Last night, there had been a moment when I’d thought Zane was that person. But his continued radio silence was making any hope I still had rapidly fade away.
Surely by now, he hadsomethingto say to me. Even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear.
We could figure this out. I knew we could. If he would only talk to me.
I grabbed my cell phone, silently willing him to text me. I was so focused on Zane, on the memories of last night that when it started to vibrate, it startled me.
“Crap,” I breathed, taking a steadying breath.
Disappointment clanged through me when I realized it wasn’t Zane.
Chloe: I don’t suppose Zane is with you?
My brows furrowed as I texted her back.
Me: Why would he be with me? I’m at school.
Chloe: No shit, Sherlock. Kye and Nix are worried. He left school earlier, gave them some stupid excuse about feeling unwell. But now he isn’t responding to their calls.
Me: Do you think something happened with Miriam?
Dread tossed in my stomach.
Chloe: I don’t know. He’d tell them if it was about her though, wouldn’t he?
Me: Maybe I should go over there. Check in on them?
Chloe: No, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’ll call Mom and ask her to check in. Just… if you hear anything, text me.
Me: I will.
I gnawed the end of my thumb. There were a hundred reasons Zane could have cut out of school. But none that would make him lie to Nix and Kye.
Chloe was right, I shouldn’t go over there. It wasn’t my place. Besides, I’d promised Dad I wouldn’t cut class again.
But what if something was wrong?
What if they needed help?
I glanced at the clock on the dash. Lunch was over in twenty minutes, but I had study hall for the hour after that. I could be there and back before fifth period.
Decision made, I quickly texted Max and asked him to cover for me while I was gone.