“What?”
“Willow is still really angry with me and probably for good reason. I didn’t handle things like a real friend would have, because I was too blinded by my hurt feelings.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Just don’t let this all be for nothing. Win her back. I know she’s in love with you.”
“Thanks, Scorpio.”
I stand from the table with a new found sense of determination in my soul.
The game is not over.
Freak
There’s no response to any of my calls or text messages that I send to Willow. She must have me blocked. But that’s okay, because I have something better than technology in my back pocket. I have a network of Copper Grove students who have my best interests at heart and will get me any information I need. The head of this underground network is the head of the cheer squad, Vicki Parsons.
“She’s scheduled to catch a five o’clock Amtrak train to New York, Freak.” Vicki tells me over the phone.
“How’s she getting there?”
“Uber, maybe?”
“Is she on crutches?”
“Yep.”
“Can you send me a pic?”
“Freak, this isn’t mission impossible. I got you the information you wanted. Anything more and we’re breaching all types of privacy laws.”
Okay, maybe that was too much of an ask.
“Thanks, Vicki. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Go Panthers!”
“Go Panthers.”
I estimate that to catch a five o’clock train on crutches, knowing my little planner like I do, Willow will leave her dorm at about two.
I can’t let her get on that train.
It almost feels as if I allow too much time to pass between us, that we’ll never find our way to each other again.
Ironically, it’s Aaron who allows me to borrow his car for the day. We have a complicated relationship (which some families say is normal) but when it comes down to it, if I need him, he always delivers.
I sit in his silver sedan and wait patiently for Willow to exit the door. My nerves are frayed and I’m biting on a hangnail when she finally appears.
It hurts me to see her on crutches, limping slowly through the double doors. A girl I don’t recognize is helping with carrying her duffle. I don’t see an Uber waiting for her yet, so I exit the car and approach.
Her expression is unreadable once she sees me, and I don’t know whether that’s a good or bad sign.
“Freak.”
“Hi, Teach.”
“What are you doing here?”
