Page 146 of How You See Me
Maybe Josie can find one.
Pulling out my phone, I type my first message to her.
Me:Thank you for the note. I miss you too.
I go to attach a photo of the beach when another message pops up.
Raidyn:When are you arriving?
Me:Don’t know yet. Heading to the airport soon. Everything okay?
Raidyn:She’s had a rough night and needs her hero.
My jaw locks. I could do without the cryptic bullshit.Just tell me what the hell is going on.
But I don’t push. Not yet.
On my way back to the van, I type:
Me:I’ll text you my ETA from the airport.
A quick search pulls up a flight from Long Beach to Charlottesville, Virginia. First available ticket. Two and a half hours from now.
One click and it’s mine.
There’s no time to think. No time to second guess.
Just time to go.
???
The wait at the airport feels like a slow bleed. Hours dragging by as if the clock is playing a cruel joke on me. But I’m finally on the plane, strapped in, and one step closer to Ava.
As we taxi toward the runway, I remember my unsent message to Josie.
Shit.
Guilt presses at the edge of my exhaustion. I should’ve sent it hours ago. I should’ve told her she mattered, again and again, even from two hundred miles away.
But first—I open a group text with Mom and Raidyn and fire off a quick update:
Me:Flight ETA in Charlottesville = 19:00.
Raidyn:OK. I’ll be there to pick you up.
Me:Not necessary. I can rent a car.
Raidyn:I’m picking you up.
Me:Fine.
Raidyn:Kayla and Victoria should be here by the time you arrive. Family reunion.
Me:What abouthim?
A long pause.
Mom:Yes, and you will be respectful for Ava.
