I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day

Author:Christine Day
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2019-07-17T16:00:00+00:00


20.

Say a Prayer for Them

July 10

That was the worst trip downtown in history. I don’t think anyone has ever been so miserable at Pike Place Market.

“Thanks so much for joining us, Edie,” Amelia’s mom says as we arrive at my house. “Hope to see you again soon.”

“Thanks.”

Amelia and I don’t have anything to say to each other. I unbuckle my seat belt, Libby climbs out of the car, and I squeeze past her through the open door.

Libby smirks at me. “See you around.”

I don’t have anything to say to her, either. I just shove my hands into my pockets and cross my front yard with dread pooling in my stomach.

Mom opens the front door for me and waves goodbye as their car pulls away from the curb.

“Hey,” she says. Her voice is bright and cheerful. “Did you girls have fun?”

I head straight for the kitchen, avoiding eye contact and her arms, which are opening for a hug.

Mom flinches, surprised. “Edie?”

I shrug and head straight for the kitchen. She follows me, a little cautiously.

“Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine.” I open the fridge and am met with a rush of cool air against my skin. There are packages of grapes and tomatoes, blocks of cheese, cartons of milk and juice.

“Are you hungry, sweetheart? Should I make you a sandwich?”

I sigh and close the fridge door. “I can’t eat stuff like that right now, Mom. I had a hard enough time eating mac and cheese.” My voice breaks awkwardly on the word cheese, and I duck my head, shielding my face behind a curtain of hair.

“Really?” Mom asks, sudden and concerned. “That painful?”

“What do you think?” I mutter. “I hate having braces.”

She steps aside for me as I leave the kitchen and start typing a message to Serenity.

Serenity? Hello? Do you have service yet?

I hit send and immediately write another.

I really need to talk to you. Are you friends with Libby now, too? Did you know she and Amelia have been hanging out? You can tell me.

I push through my bedroom door and flop down on the bed. My back is to her, but I can sense my mother standing in the doorway, watching me.

“I’m sorry they’re bothering you, sweetie.” She pauses. Waits. “Is there anything I can do to help you? Anything else you want to tell me?”

I press my face against the pillow. Shake my head.

“Okay,” she murmurs. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

She waits for a moment. Then her footsteps retreat down the hall.

Serenity still hasn’t responded to my texts. But Amelia sent a few of her own.

Amelia: You didn’t have to be so rude to her, you know. She’s actually really nice.

Amelia: And she wants to help us with the film! She can draw the people, while you draw the background stuff.

Amelia: It would be cool if you texted me back.

Amelia: Are you giving me the silent treatment?

I plug the phone into my charger and walk over to the closet. Remove the art chest. Pull the folded letter free from my pocket.



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