Page 93 of Wherever You Are

Lo and Ryke exchanged a look, and then they offered to cover the cost of me breaking the lease. They’d help me find a new flat ASAP and pay the rent.

I wiped the mist behind my glasses.

Overwhelmed, because their love is unconditional. They’d do just about anything for me, no strings attached.

But I couldn’t accept.

It’s always been hard to sayyes.

Yet, I’ve accepted a worse offer before. The one from our dad that does have stipulations and uncomfortable strings.

It’s not pride that stops me from taking money from my brothers.

It’s something else.

With my decision set, they flew back to Philly after we put in a security system and had dinner together. We hugged, leaving on good terms.

Now I’m racing around the flat in search of missing pink roses, and I can’t help but think this wouldn’t have happened if I moved.

“It’s okay, Willow,” Garrison consoles. “They’re just flowers. I can send you more.”

Palms sweaty, I switch the phone to my other hand. “You put a lot of thought into them though.”

“Maybe they’ll turn up. Look, don’t worry about it.”

I turn as Tess exits her room, carrying a khaki satchel with textbooks. Pretty sapphire earrings complement her dark-brown skin, and I’d ask if they’re new or from Sheetal, but on her way out, she must see my distress. “Hey, what’s happening?”

“Did you see any flowers get delivered?”

Tess shakes her head. “No, I don’t think Sheetal did either.” She sweeps the wine bottle graveyard. “Ugh, Salvatore left his shit out again?” She sighs, then says, “I meant to tell you, we’re doing a charades thing tonight. You should join us. It’ll bereallylowkey.”

I shift my weight, hotter all of a sudden.

Their idea of “lowkey” isn’t exactly mine. I know because the last “lowkey” flat party involved dares and tequila shots.

“Um…” I hate rejecting their invites. I can tell they feel like they’re banishing me to my room.

But I’d rather be there.

I worry the longer I live with Sheetal and Tess, the more likely I’ll lose them as friends. I’m the standoffish one, and I know I should make a bigger effort.

It’s hard when parties are drainingand my bedroom is a foot away with comic books calling out to me.

I thought we could watchThe Flashtogether once a week, but no one paid attention to the TV and they always suggest other things when I bring up movies or shows.

My new eulogy:that anxious turtle, Willow Hale, she should’ve taken her brothers’ offer when she had the chance.

“It’ll be fun,” Tess smiles and nudges my arm with her elbow.

I think about it and then nod. “Okay.”

Tess high-fives me, and then says she’ll see me tonight. She has a huge advertising project that’s due later today.

Once she leaves the flat, I put the phone back to my ear. “Did you hear that?”

“Yeah.” Garrison sounds tense. “Why’d you accept the invite?”

“I don’t want to lose their friendship,” I say softly, checking the bathroom for lost flowers.