Page 98 of By the Fae

Gently, I twisted the front door handle, eased it open, and slipped out before I could hear anymore. Before I could feel anymore guilt.

Chapter 33.

Holly

The work from home request was easy enough to figure out myself. I filled it out for Monday and Tuesday, and spent the entirety of both days on my bottom bunk with the curtains drawn staring at the lock-screen of his phone.

His flatmates had called him. Several times. And left even more text messages. Which I could only read in the preview pane, because despite my efforts, I couldn’t figure out his passcode.

Joey (saved as Sugar Paste) had texted:

If I find out you’ve actually run away and left that poor girl pining, I’m going to fucking kill you.

I’ll be like sixty when you get back, but I’ll still kick your ass.

Are you really leaving without saying goodbye?

I hate you.

Please, just let us know you’re okay.

I’m going to tell her your real name.

Taurin’s texts read:

Mate, where are you?

We all miss you. Come home.

Whatever is going on, we can work it out.

I love you man. Can you stop ignoring us?

Dima’s read:

Are you missing my face yet?It included what I assumed was a selfie, but in fact, showed only the velvety lining of a coffin.

Alright then, how about a dick pic?The attached picture showed the same coffin interior but, I’d guessed, taken a little lower down.

I’m gonna make a move on your girl. If you don’t text me back, I know you’re on board with that.

I’m in your room. Can I have your signed Mike Ryder poster?

I let Not Ludo sleep on your bed. I know how much you love cat hairs on your things.

Mal sent only one message. It was the only one I read and reread over and over. The only one that gave me any semblance of hope.

Don’t make me come and get you.

Please do.

Please go get him.

By Wednesday, I couldn’t ignore August and work any longer, so I dragged myself in. I was meant to be shadowing Goldie, but how could I shadow a ghost?

“You don’t know where he is?” asked August, leaning forward on her desk.

“I think,” I said, hesitating, unsure how much I wanted to reveal in case she figured out it was all my fault. How I’d not only destroyed my chances with the only man I’d ever loved, but also torn apart his family. “He might have gone home to his parents. For a while.”

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