Grace
For now???
Kelsey
Please tell me Theo’s okay.
Piper
“Okay” might be the wrong word, but I’m with him. He’s probably not going to come back, though.
Mollie
HUH?
Jade
NO.
Kelsey
Tell his ass to get back here! There’s no way he’s leaving because of some stupid shit put in a Facebook group! It’s probably not even true.
I looked back at Theo and then to the text chain, not sure of what to say.
Grace
Is it true?
Kelsey
I respect you, Grace. But don’t even try me.
Jade
No, wait. We know Theo has a bad past. Piper mentioned that it’s why he’s so distant. It’s true, isn’t it? That’s why he’s leaving.
Piper
Yeah. It’s true.
I watched multiple typing bubbles come up, and my heart was in my throat.
“If Joey’s pissed you off again ...” Theo’s voice was rough with sleep. “I might go kick his ass. I have nothing to lose.”
“I’m ignoring Joey, trust me.” My voice was flat. “How are you?”
“Miserable. How are you?”
“Miserable,” I added with a humorless laugh.
We both fell into a heavy silence. Theo sat up and gazed toward the window, his mind no doubt on Strawberry Springs.
Mine was too.
“We need to talk about things, don’t we?” I asked quietly.
“We do.”
