“No, just that she’ll come back with a solution,” I reply, slumping onto his couch.
Declan sits down next to me, running a hand through his hair. “This is a mess, man. We need to figure out how to support her, but also be ready for whatever she’s going to decide.”
I nod, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “I just want her to be okay. She’s been through so much.”
“We all have,” Declan says quietly. “But we’ll get through this. Together. I wish could get through to Finn. He hasn’t been showing up for practice and I am beginning to think he might miss finals.”
We sit in silence for a while, each lost in our own thoughts. The uncertainty of the next few days hangs heavy in the air, but knowing Declan and I are in this together gives me a small amount of comfort.
The next few days pass in a blur. I go through the motions at work, but my mind is constantly on Millie. The group chat is quieter without her and every time my phone buzzes, I hope it’s her.
It never is.
***
Leaving work feels like a relief, but not in the usual way. My mind’s been on Millie all day. As I head to my motorcycle, I reach into my pocket and feel the dog treats I always carry for Peanut. I miss him too, damn it. The house feels empty without Millie and Peanut’s antics.
My phone buzzes just as I get to the motorcycle. It’s Declan. I answer immediately.
“I found Finn,” Declan says, his voice serious. “He’s in Arizona at his brother’s place.”
“Shit,” I mutter, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. “I’m heading home now. Let’s get packed and go.”
We’re on a plane within a few hours, flying to Arizona. I can’t stop fidgeting, thinking about Millie and everything that’s happened. Declan looks calm, but I know he’s just as worried. This whole situation is fucked.
When we land, we drive straight to Finn’s brother’s house. It’s a nice place, but I barely notice as we march up to the door. Finn’s brother opens it and it’s clear from his expression he knows why we’re here.
“Finn’s inside,” he says, stepping aside.
We find Finn in the living room, staring at the TV but not really watching. He looks up, surprised to see us.
“Declan, Chase,” he starts, but Declan cuts him off.
“Millie left us,” Declan says bluntly, watching the shock register on Finn’s face.
“What?” Finn’s voice cracks.
“You fucked up, man,” I add, not holding back. “You need to fix this. And you can’t miss anymore practice.”
Finn starts to protest. “I just needed some time to think—”
“Think on the plane back,” Declan interrupts, his tone firm. “We’ll tie you up and carry you home if we have to.”
Finn looks scared, his usual bravado gone. “I’m scared, guys. What if I can’t handle this?”
Declan softens, stepping closer. “The best thing about this is we’re all here for you. It’s all of us or nothing. If you love her, you need to fight for her.”
Finn takes a deep breath, looking at us both. “All right,” he says finally. “Let’s go.”
By evening, we’re on a plane back to Chicago. The tension is palpable, but there’s also a sense of determination. We’re in this together, no matter what.
As the plane soars through the sky, I can’t help but to think about how much has changed. Millie, Finn, Declan, and I—we’ve become a family. And right now, our family needs healing. It’s going to be a long road, but I know we can do it.
“Think she’ll be okay?” Finn asks quietly, breaking the silence.
I nod, even though I’m not entirely sure. “Yeah, she will. We all will.”
Declan chimes in, his voice steady. “We’re going to make this right. Together.”