72

A few days later, I haven’t decided, but all I can think of is our conversation that night. I perform my usual routine like a robot, but my mind is elsewhere. Brandon and my answer to his question, Oliver is still missing, my growing mixed feelings for Cassius, Pauline’s status in Brandon’s life, and last but not least, the card Jason left days ago.

I spoke to Mom the other day about Jason, and she indeed saw them right after I left Lawrence.

“Hey, Mom, um, this is about Jason...” I bit my lip, then chuckled nervously. “He found me here in New York, and I’m sure he’s with the rest, Chris and Arianna. Have you perhaps met them there? It’s kind of impossible, right? Since they were suddenly gone... And...” I sighed. “I’m asking just in case it was you....”

“Honey, I wanted to surprise you,” she told me excitedly as if their sudden farewell hadn’t bothered her before. She cried when they left too.

“Did they tell you why they left?”

“Oh.” She clicked her tongue. “I told you many times. Th