Page 69 of Three to Fall

SO serious. Josiah threatened Hayley Jade, so now I’m on the run with her, Kyle, and my sister. We’ll be in Providence in hours. You said you live near there, right?

Golden:

Yeah. Just across the town border in Saint View. I can’t believe this. Can I see you when you get here? Tonight?

Tulip:

YES! Where? Can we go somewhere fun? Somewhere where I can dance on tables and drink alcohol?

Golden:

You aren’t twenty-one.

Tulip:

Shit.

Tulip:

If I can steal my sister’s ID, we can still go? Please? I am so full of adrenaline right now I can’t even sit still. I’m trying so hard to play it cool so my sister doesn’t suspect anything. She’d never understand if I told her about all of this. She’s so scared of everything out here. Even her own shadow, it seems. I thought she was going to hold my hand to cross the road when we stopped at a gas station. I just want to stick my head out the window like a dog and scream that I’m free.

Golden:

Don’t do that. I’ve got some things to take care of in the city tonight. Can you get there?

Tulip:

YES!

Golden:

Text me when you get to your sister’s place.

Tulip:

Oh my God. I can’t wait to hear your voice.

Golden:

Alice?

Tulip:

Yes?

Golden:

I love you.

Tulip:

I love you too, Xan.

Tulip:

We’re here. I’m so excited. I can’t wait to meet you.

Golden: