Chapter 61

I sit at the bus station, waiting anxiously for the coach to the city, and watch the huge clock over the ticket box tick slowly. I’ve watched the oncoming arrivals like a hawk for any sign of my family or Arrick’s. I do not doubt that once they realize I’m gone, they’ll check the bus terminals for me, and I can’t face any of them. I’ve mulled over every scenario—running to Jake to talk sense into my parents, running to Leila, but it all comes down to one very unavoidable fact. When my dad gets something in his head that he thinks is for the best, then no one, and I mean no one, can stand in his way. The fact he thinks I’m some alcoholic in need of saving, and the only way is to condemn me to dry out, means he’ll make sure it happens no matter what anyone else says to him. No way in hell I’m going through that kind of insanity.

My phone rings in my bag, and I haul it out nervously. I’ve been waiting for the calls to start, but I see red when Camilla’s name flashes on the screen