CHAPTER NINE
268 Words
The ride from Sullivan High was quieter than usual.
Evelyn sat upright in the back seat , hands resting neatly on her lap , eyes fixed on the road ahead , Becca sat beside her,watching the city pass by, counting the seconds between breaths.The silence wasn't angry- it was worse.it was expectant.
"you didn't answer me earlier",Evelyn said at last.
Becca turned slightly."I didn't know how".
Evelyn glanced at her. "That's not like you".
"I know".
The car slowed as they passed through the tall iron gates of the Allen estate. Becca felt the familiar pressure settled in her chests- the awareness of how different their worlds were, even when she was welcomed into Evelyn's.
Inside the house, everything was calm and polished, as if no difficult conversations were ever meant to happen there. Evelyn led the way into the sitting room and gestured for Becca to sit.
"I felt alone yesterday", Evelyn said, choosing her words carefully, "Not because of the symposium- but because you weren't beside me. you usually are".
Becca lowered herself onto the sofa." You had Cyrus ",she said quietly.
Evelyn frowned." That's not the same, and you know it ".
Becca nodded slowly." I didn't step back because of you ", she said." I stepped back because I wasn't sure where I fit anymore ".
Evelyn's expression softened, confusion replacing frustration." You fit with me", she said simply.
"I know you believe that", Becca replied. "But sometimes believing isn't the same as feeling".
The room fell silent.
Before Evelyn could respond, footsteps echoed from the hallway.
"so this is where Everyone vanished to".
- Writer
