Page 181 of The First Time
I lean in close enough to whisper. "What happened?"
"My mom ODed."
"Is she—"
"She's okay. In the hospital but okay." He presses his palms into his quads. "That's all he said."
"Is your dad there?"
He nods.
"Are you—"
"Yeah." He looks at me funny. "I should go."
"Yeah."
He leans in to kiss me, but that's hollow too. I run my fingers through his hair. I slide my tongue into his mouth.
He pulls back. His eyes find mine. "I'll call you when I get in."
"Yeah." My heart breaks for him. But there's something else too. Some part of him is missing. Some part that used to be mine. I need it back. I don't think. I jump to my feet and wrap my hands around his wrist. "Can I come?"
He looks at me funny.
"You should have someone there. To hold your hand. I have work tomorrow but I can get someone to fill in."
"Yeah." He nods. "But I'm leaving now."
"How?"
"I'll buy a ticket on my phone. The soonest one available."
"We can take my car. If that would be easier."
He nods, his eyes still hollow. "Let's get your stuff at your place."
"Yeah."
I follow him out the door, no longer concerned about someone seeing us.
No one does, but that doesn't make me feel any better.
I tell myself it's shock, that he'll be mine again soon.
But I don't believe it for a second.
