Monday morning, dad drove us to school. Since that time at the beach, I had been down and kept to myself. The rest of my time in New Jersey was dull. The family had noticed my change and tried to cheer me up even without knowing the reason. The boys stopped teasing me unnecessarily and Aunt Linda made time and took me shopping. Only Bridget knew what happened. I saw their genuine efforts and pushed the text message to the back of my mind. I didn't want my sour mood to ruin their mood so I had fun with them until it was time to go back home.
We returned sunday's evening by flight and no sooner had I stepped into the house did the shadows return.
I was startled when my phone buzzed in my hands. My heart pounded as I thought of the possible sender of the message but I rested when I saw it was only Connor.
"Anything wrong?" Dad asked as we approached the school.
"No." I assured him and opened the message— I'm in school, where are you?
