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“I can’t make any promises,” Uncle Mason repeats one more time.
“But you have to,” I beg of him, and that’s when Mom steps closer.
She takes me into her arms and says, “I’m here for you, Ladybug.”
ChapterTwo
Piper
March 5th
He’s just missing.
It’s not over.
He’ll come back to me soon.
My heart knowing Archer isn’t dead doesn’t change the pain that shreds my insides. This is the kind of pain I can’t just push away. The level of hurt is so profound I can’t do anything. The rest of the world doesn’t matter. It’s hard to breathe without him. I’m not okay, and maybe I won’t be until he’s back by my side.
Mom stays with me for a couple of days. By the third day, my fathers arrive at my penthouse to pack some of my things and take me back to Seattle.
“Embrace life,” Pa says during the flight back from New York. “You can’t just wrap yourself up in a blanket and wait until you’re ready to ride out the storm.”
“Not the time, Matthew,” Dad reprimands him the way he does every time Pa doesn’t take things seriously.
“One day, you’ll learn to lighten up, Tristan. There are times when you need a little comedic relief. I don’t want to see my ladybug drift away.”
I should ask them to stop calling me ladybug. I’m not five anymore, but I don’t have the energy to do it. Maybe I need them to baby me. Twenty-three is still young enough to have your parents cater to all your needs, right?
“I don’t either, Mattie, but you have to be more compassionate.” Dad moves from where he sits and is now next to me, holding me. “What can I do for you, Ladybug?”
“Find him,” I mumble.
“The Organization is doing the best it can,” Dad assures me. “We offered financial help to expedite the search. Mason created a team dedicated to look for Archer. He won’t stop until they find him and bring him home.”
“That’s a promise,” Pa confirms. “In the meantime, you have to continue with your life.”
“I don’t know if I can.”
“You should stay with us,” Mom chimes in. “The kids will be happy to have you with us.”
It’d be nice to be around Kip, Keith, and Winter. Will Greyson call home while I’m around? I haven’t seen him since he left for Vienna two months ago.
“It’s just for a few days,” I mumble.
“Have you been in touch with the St. Jameses?” Mom asks.
I shrug. Even though I adore Archer’s family, I don’t have the energy to speak to them right now. “His family has texted me, but I haven’t had the time to respond.”
“Don’t crack a joke,” Dad warns, and I’m assuming he’s stopping Pa from saying something silly to lighten the mood.
“The St. Jameses love you, just as we love Archer,” Mom reminds me. “Don’t push them away, sweetie. They’re part of the family.”
“I know,” I mumble instead of telling her I’m not ready to be there for them.
Archer is the one who kept the family together after their parents’ divorce. Donovan and Florence’s separation was messy and too public. His sister Teddy, who was unaware of their terrible marriage, had a nervous breakdown. His five brothers expected the fallout but didn’t react well when it happened.
Since then, Archer has been the rock his brothers and sister lean on. I help the best I can. My mind knows I have to step into the role of their guide and protector, but I’m not there just yet, and I hope Archer arrives before I need to step into his role.
