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After all this time, I guessed she was right.
Within thirty minutes I’d changed my clothes and packed my favorite items into a bag. The few personal items I had, including my mother’s prized ring that she carried with her everywhere, all shoved into an easy-to-carry bookbag and a small suitcase. I was ready to go. A glance back at my flat showed a cheery space. One I was going to miss after finally having a home for so long. Just as I was about to unlock the door, there was a sharp knock.
When I glanced through the peephole, my heart stopped.
"Whoa, what are you doing here Gemma? It’s late. "
"I had to find out if something happened. You missed class this afternoon and our meeting at the café."
I hadn’t bloody texted her. I’d completely forgotten. I'd been too busy getting ready for seeing Conner, and I hadn't given a single thought to go to class or that Gemma might be waiting.
"Um, sorry, I had some things I had to take care of at the center.”
"Well, it doesn't matter. I brought Pimms, and we missedThe Bachelorette, but it’s dvr’d. We can still watch if you’re up for it.We don’t have class tomorrow.We can stay up past our bedtime."
I frowned at her. "The Bachelorette?"
She laughed like I was joking. "Yes, honey,The Bachelorette. Just that show we've been watching together for well over two years now. What is wrong with you tonight?"
Right,The Bachelorette. It was a long-standing tradition. "Fuck. Sorry. Like I said, busy day. Listen, can we reschedule?"
I was blocking the door, but Gemma just barged right in. For a little thing, she was surprisingly strong. And I didn’t want to hurt her. "What the hell is going on?" she asked.
"Come right in, why don't you?"
"Yeah, thanks. I think I will. What is happening? You're acting weird. You never miss class. N-E-V-E-R! What is happening with you?" She saw my bags by the door and frowned at me. “You're going somewhere?"
"Gems, it's not what it seems like."
"Yes, by all means, tell me what’s happening. Cause you know what I think it looks like? It looks like you are going somewhere and weren't planning on telling your best friend."
"Listen, my foster mother needs some help with something, and—"
Gemma crossed her arms. "I don't fucking believe you. You and I are going to sit down right here, right now, and you're going to tell me everything. Something's been going on with you for ages, and you're not saying a word. Tell me. Did Andrew say something? Do you not feel safe with him?"
"Andrew? He's the least of my problems right now."
Her voice went soft, and she took my hand and said, “If you’re in trouble or something, just tell me. Talk to me."
"I don't have time for this. Honestly, I just—"
"Well, make time, because I'm not leaving here until you do."
I watched her face. She wasn't kidding. She really had zero intention of leaving until I told her what the hell was going on.
How much could I tell her?
"Okay, but not here, all right? Let's at least get as far away from here as possible."
She frowned. "Are you in some kind of trouble?"
I thought about the men chasing me. All the things my mother had said, the ways I'd resented the chaos that came with her and her ramblings.
I was worried and scared.
"Honestly, I'm not sure. So let's keep moving."
By the time we grabbed my bag and I'd walked her home four blocks on the outside of campus, I had told her everything I could say about the last twenty-four hours and what little I could share about Mum.
