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Skye slowly rose from the couch Neither of her parents looked up; Mom already had her phone back in hand She said, "I’ve had a long day" Which was putting it lightly "I’ave her a distant sort of sirl, Skye" We’re so pleased with you for dropping the subject See how easy denial can be? "Sweet dreaain, Skye started work
She pulled out her largest suitcase, stared at it for ahorse trips instead Into it she tucked only a couple changes of clothing, a few toiletries, and the picture of Dakota and her on their white-water rafting trip
Then she saw her phone, still sitting where she’d dropped it hours ago Balthazar’s text es were all hours old by now, but there were several from Clem: R U there?
OK, I know u r busy but srsly txthere
Skye?
Quickly Skye sent a feords back: I’m safe--but barely Will tell u the rest l8r She paused before adding, Luv u That was kind of sappy for her and Cleht Skye felt like she’d rather say too h Like Dakota had told her, you could never say those words too often
She glanced around her room, saw an equestrian trophy, and snapped a photo of it with her phone before tucking the phone into her coat pocket At least that way she could still look at it
Then she stood at her bedrooht would silhouette her to anyone watching frohts and waited Within a fewon the bark of the tree outside, which made her breath come a little faster just in case it wasn’t--but it was Balthazar appeared outside her , clinging to the tree branch with unearthly grace, and she slid the pane upward to allow hihts are still on"
"They’re probably talking with their cronies at the state house, finding out how the vote is going" Skye didn’t bother to whisper Even if they could hear, they weren’t listening "Balthazar, you were right I have to leave Darby Glen"
He studied her for ahow serious she was about this She knew that he understood her; he would see right away that she meant it But he asked, "Your parents didn’t believe you?"
"I never got as far as telling the about Dakota, they just … shut down, same as always" Disappointe to cry She’d been through tooto find the courage to learn how to deal with this gift I have, and be able to find Dakota again--I’ to have to do it on my own I can’t do it while I’m with them They won’t let me"