Jack Cook’s memorial was held in the cafetorium at our school—that is, the cafeteria/auditorium/gymnasium, and even with the folding doors open encompassing the entire space, the place was jam-packed with people so that there were people standing in the back behind the rows and rows of folding chairs. Despite the chilly December air, the doors were propped open because there were even people on the walkway outside.My family had ridden together, though Cadence was sitting in the front with Jack’s family and her friends. My mom, dad, and I sat a few rows behind them. I had been crying most of the morning. The thought of saying goodbye to Jack for good was just too much for me, and the burden of knowing something was going on with my sister and I had no one to talk to about it was almost more than I could bear. I was glad Elliott was still around, but for the most part, all I’d gotten from him was sympathetic smiles. Now that Lucy and Emma had forgotten

“I hate funerals, too. Hopefully, we won't have any more for a while." Cadence ran a hand through her hair and turned to survey the room. Elliott was over with her friends now, talking, and they looked like they were having a nice conversation. I saw a flicker of what looked like jealousy cross my sister’s face. I felt it, too. She shrugged it off. "Mom said you guys were leaving pretty soon, too.”“That’s good. I wish I could just ride back with you." I was ready to leave.Cadence frowned. "I'm sorry, Cass. But Elliott drove Aaron's Lamborghini, and it's just a two-seater."Before I could say anything, Milo chimed in, "Lamborghini? That's so cool."I couldn’t help but feel disappointed—and trapped. “Okay,” I said, staring at the toes of my shoes.My sister exhaled loudly. "Wait a second.” She touched me lightly on the arm and then went over to talk to Elliott. He shrugged, and then she ap

Ah, December! The time of year when everything smells like mint or chocolate, sometimes both, you can’t get that annoying version of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” out of your head (and let’s face it, which version of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” isn’t annoying?), and everyone has a crazed look in their eyes like they’re trying to be happy despite the fact that you know if they remember that they’ve forgotten just one more person they needed to buy a present for, or one more social event they neglected to put on their calendar, they’re going to end up in an asylum somewhere muttering about “crack-nutters” and “rotten fruitcake” for the next few months until spring hits, and we can all escape from the doldrums. It really is the most wonderful time of the year isn’t it?Actually, I’ve always liked Christmas for the most part. I’m only fifteen so I don&rs

Wow—my mom was being particularly harsh to my sister on the phone. I was relieved when my own phone rang, and that she heard. Mom turned and looked at me. “I’ve got to go. Have a nice time.” She disconnected the call and let out a deep breath. “How long have you been standing there, Cassidy?”I didn’t answer my phone because it was Lucy, probably wondering if I died while she was waiting for me to call her back. In light of what had been happening around town recently, you might think that’s a little harsh, but it’s true. Lucy would’ve asked that. “Long enough,” I admitted. “I tried to let you know I was here, but you seemed busy.”Mom let out a sigh. “Your sister isn’t planning on coming home for Christmas.”I know my eyebrows shot up so high they probably ended up on the back of my head. “Not at all?”Her shoulders hunched. “I

“You really do need to tell me what’s up with that,” I said, gathering up my trash and placing it on top of my mostly empty plate.Lucy took my tray like she was the waitress and stepped over to dump it into a nearby trash can before she returned to the table. Now that Liam was gone, and without her mother in sight, she sat back down. “I just don’t like him,” she replied with a shrug, pulling her phone out of her pocket.I knew Lucy well enough to know that there was more to it than she was letting on, but I didn’t question her further. Regardless of what Liam had just said about me, Lucy was gorgeous. She has long, dark-blonde hair that flows past her waist and bright blue eyes. She complains that her nose is too small, but I think it’s perfect. He could’ve just as easily have been talking about her being the prettiest girl in the mall.“Em said she wishes she would’ve come with us. Her dad is tr