Page 39 of Bring me Back

She shrugged. “For me?” Bringing her hand to rub her face, she angled her body toward me. “I kept drawing the same dress, but I did nothing about it. I guess I just finally did. Not that I will wear it anywhere or…”

“But it is for you?”

Hallie nodded. I glanced her way. “Tell me about it.”

“No.”

So firm it curled my lip a little.

“Will I ever see it?”

“You’re so curious.” It wasn’t a no.

I smiled to myself, stealing furtive glances of her face. She kept her body turned to mine, her head tilted to the side and cheek to the seat. Relaxed with a leg bent, she looked so right inside my truck.

Ms. Handall jumped up and down when she saw Hallie. This school was completely different from Bluehaven High. Not just because it was obviously in need of help, but Hallie’s reactions were completely different. Back home, even when the halls were empty, Hallie still found difficulty negotiating them. Here, she walked in confidence, her step firm as she led me to the small room where she knew we could find Ms. Handall.

The teacher was another surprise. She wasn’t a woman in her fifties rocking a mullet like our Mrs. Carr. No, Ms. Handall was young; younger than me, but older than Hallie. Curly hair piled on top of her head, glasses and mismatched clothes with the strangest patterns. Maybe it was a regular thing for drama teachers to be a little bit odd.

The woman squeezed Hallie, who didn’t cower or tried to escape the embrace. She actually hugged her closer and smiled when Ms. Handall let it go.

“I miss you so much!” she said, holding on to Hallie’s hand.

“I miss you too.” Hallie’s cheeks reddened.

“God, it’s like the only person who gave a damn left!” Ms. Handall gushed.

Hallie bit down on her lip. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh no. I’m not saying for you to feel guilty. Jesus, you had to get away from that horrible place you used to live.” And she turned to me, still with the same breath. “Have you seen her old apartment? It wasn’t safe. I’m telling you. It wasn’t.”

“You live in the same building.” Hallie pointed out.

Ms. Handall waved her off. “Yeah, but I know how to mind myself. I’m glad you’re out of there. Even if I miss you.”

Hallie smiled, glancing at me quickly. “This is Daniel. He came to help me collect the costumes.”

“Oh, yeah!” she nodded like it finally explained my presence. “I’m Spencer.” She extended her hand to me.

I took it, wondering why Hallie always referred to her as Ms. Handall and not Spencer. It was clear they were friends and living in the same building. But then I wasn’t sure if Hallie ever opened up enough to consider anyone a true friend.

Spencer moved on from our introduction. Quick on her feet, she brought over the bags with costumes, chatting to Hallie as she did it. I tuned out, looking around the room as they kept going over the costumes. There was a wet-looking cardboard box with lost and found written in running ink. A couple of broken instruments leaning against the wall, and many other things that looked like broken pieces of an old theater set and, right in the middle, chairs in a circle. The room looked like a dump, and clearly where Spencer taught. I understood why Hallie wanted to help. Compared to Bluehaven High, it was ridiculous to think we needed money.

I turned right in time for them to finish talking about the costumes, as two big back bags were beside Hallie. “Should we go? I don’t want to arrive late. Dad will worry.”

I stuffed my hands in my pockets and nodded. We still had a couple of hours together, but what I really wanted to ask was to Hallie to have dinner with me. I wanted to keep her, but I knew tonight wasn’t the night.

“Thank you,” Hallie told Spencer. “I’ll be back once we finish. Dad will give me a ride or…”

I opened my mouth to say I’d definitely drive her back when I noticed Spencer’s cheeks warming with the mention of Preston. “Whenever you like, Hallie,” she said in a weird voice.

Huh.

“Do you know Preston?” I poked.

She looked flustered and scoffed. “Only saw him once. When Hallie was leaving.” She clapped her hands. “Anyway. They are yours, Hallie. Take your time.”

“I’ll bring them as soon as I can,” Hallie guaranteed.

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