I breathe inher. Mum wears vanilla, and it’s the scent that gives me comfort. It always has been, and now is no exception.
“I know it hurts,” she whispers. “But one day you’ll look back on this and wonder why you worried about it.”
I shake my head. “No, I love him, Mum.”
She leans back and gazes into my eyes. “I know you did. But he wasn’t the right one for you. If he was, he’d never have done this. One day you’ll find the right one. I promise.”
“I’m such an idiot. He never loved me.”
She frowns. “Are you sure about that? He adores you, Cassie. It’s in his eyes every time he looks at you.”
“It was all some sick prank. He’s been with Vicki all along.”
Mum shakes her head. “That can't be right.”
“That’s what she told me last night. And he was right there not saying a word.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Her jaw tightens. “If you don’t want to see him, we’ll keep him out. Okay? They’ll be gone in a few days.”
“Not soon enough.” I sniff.
“I’m so sorry. I thought he was better than that.”
“Me too, Mum. Me too.”
9
CASSIE
The house is so quiet.
It’s been a month since Patrick left, and I’m still feeling so empty.
In a few days, I pack up and move to Auckland for uni. I’m not sure if I can avoid running into him given we’re both studying medicine, but maybe by then my heart will have healed enough to talk to him.
“Cassie. We’re going to get some stuff for the garden. Did you want to come for a ride?” Dad calls.
Mum and Dad have been trying to get me out of the house. I’ve made it into the backyard for some sunshine, but I haven’t been able to face going anywhere local.
Maybe today I need to get out of this funk. At least I’ll be with them and not alone—if we run into Vicki or any of that crowd, they won’t say anything if I’m with my parents.
“Okay.”
Mum bites her bottom lip. “Patrick called again. I toldhim you didn’t want to talk to him, but I really think you should.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine. Next time he calls, I’ll talk to him. Okay?”
“I know you’re hurting, but maybe it would give you some closure. If he’s still trying to talk to you after all this time, then maybe things aren’t as bad as you think they are.”
I shrug. “Maybe dumping me in person is part of their prank.”
“He sounds miserable.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to him. Can we go shopping now?”
Mum smiles at me as I walk out the door and toward the car.
The summer sun beats down and I take a moment to breathe in the sweet air and feel the warmth.
