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"Slon and tell us what happened," Lennon says

Avani glances over her shoulder "Froan’s mom called your mom, Zorie And that’s how it all started"

Oh, God No, no, no

"Reagan’s dad got sick," she says, "and they couldn’t fly to Switzerland, and then apparently Reagan calaot kicked out?"

My sto to stone

"It was Brett’s fault," Lennon says

"Oh," she says, distracted for aher head "So, anyway, your dad called Dr Vira for you"

"What?" I say, alarmed

She nods "Your dad was really upset, and he said he and your et in touch with you, but you weren’t answering texts--"

"Our phones died," I argue, but all I’ about is that phone conversation with Mouess the last time your mom had heard from you, you told her you’d be here at the star party yesterday, so he was freaking out And Dr Vira to call the police and file apersons report And so" She squeezes her eyes shut "I told hi here with Lennon That you were supposed to arrive yesterday"

"Oh, God," I mumble

"Dr Viramontes called your dad back and told hiot here But you didn’t show up last night--"

"We were just running late!" I say, exasperated

She nods, glancing at Lennon, who is biting out filthy curses under his breath

"What happened?" I ask

"I just overheard a few things," she says "Your dad is loud when he’s angry He was saying stuff about the Mackenzies, and how they allowed Lennon to kidnap you"

"What?" I say, pressing ainst my temples

"And I tried to butt in and defend you, Lennon," she says, glancing over her shoulder again "But Mr Everhart iswell, he yelled at --"

"Oh, for the love of Pete," I say "Wait, wait, wait You said you overheardyou said he yelled at you On the phone?"

Avani bites her lip and shakes her head "I’m so sorry, Zorie I texted and called to warn you a couple hours ago, but you didn’t answer"

And that’s when I look in the direction she’s been glancing The door to an RV swings open, and three people file outside Dr Viramontes is the first And behind him are my parents

25

"Zorie!" my mom shouts from across the campsite, relief in her voice She rushes ahead of the ht"

"Moht words will come out, but I’m stuck between her concern and the shit stor