“Do you want me to go get you some breakfast?”
She sits up in bed, massaging her temples. “No. I’ll just vomit it up.”
Glancing at my watch, I say, “I’ve got to go.”
But I don’t want to leave her. Despite my internal struggle, I know Mom won’t let me stay home when I’m fine.
“I hope you feel better soon,” I say as I walk to the doorway. I turn over my shoulder and blow her a kiss, and I’m rewarded with a chuckle.
I make my way downstairs and go to the kitchen.
Iris smiles. “Good morning. What can I get you for breakfast this morning?”
“Hello, sorry, no time,” I reply and lean over the counter and grab an apple from the fruit bowl.
“Where’s Misty?”
I cringe. “She still isn’t feeling well.”
Iris’s eyes widen, then something flashes across her face, but it disappears.
“Is Mom home?” I ask.
“She will be out today. Pilates, then lunch at the resort, and I think she mentioned shopping as well. I would say you’ll most likely beat her home. Your father mentioned he was going to be home late from work tonight as well.”
“Thanks.” I sling the bag over my shoulder and dash out the door.
The limousine is waiting in the driveway. I open the door and slide along the leather seat next to Knox.
“Cutting it fine today. Where’s Misty?” Kane asks across from me.
I pull my bag onto my lap and lean over to pull the door shut. “She’s still sick.”
My stomach churns. I feel terrible leaving her there. Iris will be at home for a few more hours to help her if she needs it, though it does nothing to ease the guilt.
“I’m surprised she hasn’t gotten me sick yet,” says Kane.
Shrugging, I think the same thing about myself.
The limousine drops me and Knox off at school, then takes Kane to work at the casino. It makes more sense to drop Kane off first, given the casino is closer to their home, but he enjoys seeing Misty every day before school.
The day goes by slowly, and school isn’t the same without Misty. I peer down at my phone at all the messages I’ve sent throughout the day.
Misty
How are you feeling?
Are you okay?
Why aren’t you replying?
Knox is in a few of my classes and I have acquaintances, but Misty is my only close friend. I feel lonely and spend the day scolding myself for leaving her alone when she’s sick.
At the end of the school day, I call her, but it goes straight to voicemail. Knox and I walk to the limousine.
“Misty’s still not answering!” I say with frustration.
“She could have forgotten to charge her phone,” he replies.
