“Any news?” Hayley asks me, and I shake my head.
“None on my side either. But Detective Jones says they will be in touch. They’re questioning teachers, parents of the children who clocked in late.”
It’s still not enough. That woman in the video has my baby.
I sigh and walk over to her. Our parents glancing at each other as I bring Hayley to me, kissing her head.
“It’s only a matter of time till she’s back here with you.”
She holds onto my shirt, and I rub circles on her back as she cries. “I’m sorry, baby,” I whisper, and it only makes her cry more. She rubs her eyes with the back of her hand, backing away an inch.
“I shouldn’t do that. It isn’t helping anything.”
“You can do whatever you want, Hay. You don’t have to be strong. You don’t have to hold it all together. I’m here now; let me.”
I notice our mothers slipping away.
“Have you eaten?”
She shakes her head.
“Shall I make you something?”
“Your mom already has. I just don’t have an appetite. My stomach churns at the thought of eating while god-knows where London is or if she has anything to eat.”
That makes her sob again.
“Hey. Hey, look at me.” I take her face in my hands. “We are going to get through this, but I need you to do just one thing for me. Take care of yourself, for London.”
“It’s just so hard. Why did it have to be London? Why do people do this at all?”
“I don’t know, baby, but we are going to find out.”
I walk over to the stove and dish up some scrambled eggs and greasy bacon for the two of us, warming it and bringing it over to the island where she sits.
I refill her coffee and pour myself a cup.
I start to feed her some, and she eats it one bite at a time. I feel weighed down by her sadness.
“When you find her, make the ones who took her pay.”
“I fully intend to. I may be scarce for a day or two, but I’ll keep you posted. Just be safe.”
“My mom and yours want to stay on a few days. I could use the company.” She smiles at me weakly.
I’ll bring back your smile, Bella. I swear.
