At least when we’re at uni, I’ll have a room of my own and Patrick can spend nights with me.
We can’t wait.
My parents know what’s going on—at least, my mother does. I’m not sure about Patrick’s parents, but they’re in the midst of packing the house to move and we never get a moment alone at either house.
But I’m content in a way I’ve never been.
I wish the years we weren’t close hadn’t happened, but now it’s like old times—only better.
Patrick’s parents are away tonight—most of the packingis done and they’ve taken a trip to Wellington to see Patrick’s grandparents. They’d given permission for Patrick to have the farewell party, although Patrick’s been in two minds about having it now he no longer hangs out with the crowd he used to. But there are good people that he knew—people that he wants one chance to say goodbye to.
It’s coincided with a promise I made to my father to help with the stocktake of the hardware store he works at. I’ll get to the party late, but I’ll be there, and I’m looking forward to the chance to let my hair down before Patrick moves.
It’s the end of January, and while the Crosses move in a couple of days, there’s still another month before I shift to Auckland. It’s going to be the hardest month of my life.
By the time the stocktake is over, it’s even later than I thought it’d be. I’ve texted Patrick with no response, but then he’ll be surrounded by people and music and I’m not sure he’ll hear his phone.
I walk through a house full of people from school. Dave Pratt watches me from across the room, and I frown. I didn’t know he’d be here.
The music’s thumping, but the party’s not out of control which is a relief. I think his parents would kill him if it was.
There’s no sign of him in the living room, or the kitchen, and a quick scan of the backyard doesn’t give me any clue of where he is.
Until Kelly Banks comes bouncing into the kitchen.
Why the hell is she invited?She’s Vicki’s best friend.
Unease creeps up my spine.
“Are you looking for Patrick?” she asks.
I nod, unable to speak.
“He went up to his room. It was all a bit noisy for him.”
None of this makes sense.
I climb the stairs, the pit in my stomach growing with each step. If it was too noisy, why didn’t he send them all home?
Why is Kelly here?
Patrick’s bedroom door is closed—all the doors up here are, presumably to keep people out of the rooms.
I draw in a deep breath before reaching for the door handle and turning.
The room is lit dimly—only the bedside lamp is on.
Blonde hair fans out from the pillow closest to me. My head swims.
I come to a halt, unable to believe the sight in front of me.
There’s a kissing sound before the blonde sits up and smirks at me.
The beat of the music fades as blood rushes in my ears.
Vicki meets my gaze, the sheet pulled up over her bare breasts. “Oh. I didn't thinkyouwere invited.”
“Patrick?” I croak.
