THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS

[39]

[39]

- EDEN -

-

OUR LAST NIGHT in the Netherlands was maybe one of the best of our whole trip. Julia said that she needed a distraction and delved into her phone, scouring around for something to do near us.

I tried to get her to meet my eyes, but she just wouldn't. Her eyes were completely focused on her phone and when she finally looked up, she snapped her eyes to Dawson and Atlas, telling them that there was a drive-in movie playing a few minutes from us.

Jude said he didn't want to go, earning a deep frown from Julia. She didn't raise an argument, but Leah did, telling him that we only had 2 weeks left until we had to go back home. Jude shrugged, eventually agreeing.

As I was slipping on my skirt and a fitted shirt, a knock sounded at my door. I called out "Come in!" and I saw Leah walk in from the mirror. I turned around and smiled at her.

"Hey, Leah." I said, walking over to my bed and picking up the comb I threw a few minutes ago. I watched her smile at me and sit down on the bed, watching me run a comb through my hair.

She avoided my eyes for a second and took in a deep breath. When her eyes met mine again, it looked like tears were ready to slip down her cheeks. I froze, my hands falling from my hair. I moved towards her and took her cold hands in mine.

"Leah, what's wrong?" I asked.

That question seemed to make her angry, her face turning a deep shade of red as she angrily took her bottom lip between her lips. I frowned, my hold on her hands loosening a bit.

"Leah--" I started, but when she angrily stood up and moved towards the door, I panicked. I chased after her, calling her name as she angrily stormed downstairs.

"Leah!" I called out, thoroughly concerned and confused, "What the fuck?"

When she reached the kitchen, she grabbed her phone off the counter and tossed it to me. I fumbled around with it in my hand before I finally gripped it between my ice-cold fingers. I looked at her, confused and watched the angry tears roll down her cheeks. "Read it."

I looked down at the phone and noticed that the screen was open to her messages with my mom. I frowned as I read the latest of their text messages, my face paling.

——

July 21, 2021
7:16 PM

Helena: How are you and the girls? Having the time of your lives yet?

Me: heck, yeah! europe is amazing and i'm loving every bit of it. the food, the museums, the boys, the clothes! UGH i want to stay here forever </3

Helena: That's amazing to hear, Leah. At least you guys are having a little bit of fun before you start your senior year.

Me: yes, exciting!! what about you, ma'am? how are things at home? how's dia?

Helena: Oh, things are great! We're up to our necks in boxes and Lydia doesn't want to help pack. She's her usual lovely self.

Me: packing?? where are you guys going

Helena: Eden didn't tell you?
we're moving at the end of the summer.

Me: Oh, yeah. I remember her mentioning it.

Helena: Yeah, we'll miss you so much and you have to promise to visit us during breaks.

——