t by the window. Just as I'm about to start doodling in my note

's your usual sidekick, Malfoy?" Jeff says,

an from our dear Odette before her hair

. Perez says, making everyone fall silent. I count down the minutes to the end of detention, then das

exist. Please check that it is dialed correctly," the answering machine replies. I redial a couple more times and am

I get out, I brush my mane of hair free and add some conditioner to prevent frizz. I get dressed in an emerald green Vera Wang dress t

y back, my face bare of makeup, and her favorite perfume-Shalimar by Guerlain-lingering on my skin. I tell myself it's to keep my father happy, but the truth is, I do it to pretend she's still here. I wear her pe

rk thoughts and wander down

ust stunning," my fath

her if she were here, so I never complain. Even though I know his business has been slowly going bankrupt since she passed-her death left him depressed, and his employees started embezzling funds. Now, he's somewhat out o

not exist. I try his social media, but it's like none of his accounts ever existed. Growing increasingly worried, I consider going to his house, but it's late, and I've never been there before. We always hung out at my place. I'd never even met his parents-any time I brought up c

appened. I know how much I needed support after my mom died. So, with a determined heart, I

ential. As I walk along the length of the abandoned amusement park, my confusion grows. Only then do I realize tha

teria. But before I can sort out my muddled thoughts, a voice cuts through with a sigh. "You

but I'm shocked whe

idn't exist, and every mode of contact had just vanished, like you were wiped off the internet," I say

brilliant idea is to come

nly friend. I couldn't just leave you," I say

's gone before I can decipher it. There's a stra

stion you have is if I'm okay?" he says, his voice tinged with barely concealed anger that leaves me

membered where you are, didn't

eathe out. "What's happeni

wrapping me in his jacket. "And next time, don't leave the house barely clo

at's happening?" I ask,

ing his hand away with a sneer. I s

e I've forgotten you do," he says one last time

walk in. As soon as I reach the kitchen, I slump and break int

ks with concern. I look up at