Page 59 of Hidden

I look at that for a moment. The weight of four words from someone whose face I can't picture, whose name I don't know, and who’s been leaving me flowers and coffee and a bracelet that I’m wearing on my wrist right now.

Someone I love, I type. Then delete it. Too much.

Sadie.

Just someone.

It doesn't matter. It always ends the same way.

Ghost.

Not always.

Sadie.

You don't know that.

The reply takes a beat longer this time.

Ghost.

I know.

I lean my head back against the wall and close my eyes for a second. The cold of the brick comes through my jacket.

Sadie.

Everyone lets me down. I'm just waiting for it with you.

Ghost.

Then keep waiting. I'll still be here.

Sadie

That's easy to say.

Ghost.

Yes, it is. I'm saying it anyway.

Sadie

Don't make me regret this.

Ghost.

You won't.

I breathe. I can’t believe my brother, and I can’t believe how crazy I’m being with this stalker of mine.

The door opens behind me.

It’s Juno, with Cara right behind her, which means the whole table probably clocked something was wrong and sent the two most useful people.

"Hey." Juno's voice is careful. "You okay?"

"Yeah." The word comes out clean. "We should get to practice."