Chapter 45

• Hours later, Emerald found herself back in the sanctuary of her father's house. She succumbed to the weariness in her legs, tossing her bag onto the nearest couch, while her attention returned to her phone, which continued to dial Justin's number.
• Justin hadn't shown up at school at all, which was quite unlike him, and his absence worried her. Compounded by his lack of response to her messages and calls, her concern only grew.
• "Emerald, you're home," her mother's voice pulled her from her thoughts. Smiling, Emerald welcomed her mother's affectionate kiss. Without warning, her mother took her hand and led her toward the kitchen.