... and Forever (Next Generation: Chaos Bleeds 1)

She saw the realization in the woman’s eyes. Slamming her back against the door, she didn’t let her go but loosened the hold to help her to breathe. “The next time my son is ill, you will send him to the receptionist. He will call me the very fucking second he even whimpers. Do you understand? I’m one of them, Miss Andrea, and believe me, I’ve got no problem hitting women, especially sluts like you!” She threw her into the bathroom stall. The woman crashed to the floor, collapsing around the toilet. “Have a wonderful time.”

Flicking the lock, she stepped out, walking back to where her son was still eating his baked potato.

Her heart raced but she made herself look toward the restroom. Miss Andrea came out and Tabitha kept her gaze on her until she was out of sight, stumbling away as she did.

Returning her attention to the table, she saw Daisy watching her.

“I’m guessing she deserved whatever happened in there,” Daisy said.

“Whatever do you mean?”

Daisy snorted. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that look on your face.”

“What look?” She tried for innocence but probably failed miserably.

“You’re not a very good liar.”

“I don’t have a clue what you mean.”

“Of course, you don’t. Who would?”

“Mommy, can I go on the bouncy castle? Uncle Anthony is going to take me.”

She looked toward Anthony. His brow rose as he waited. He was giving her time with Daisy to properly make up.

“Sure, of course. If you want to.”

“I do.”

Daisy had stepped away from the table but returned holding a couple of drinks. “He’s not very subtle, is he?”

“Who, your boyfriend?”

Daisy sighed. “Now tell me. What is this I hear about you agreeing to go on a date?”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s not a big deal.”

“I’d say it is. You’re assaulting teachers, offering to go on a date. Tell me what has happened to the sweet, quiet Tabitha, or was that all a lie?”

“None of it was a lie.” Tabitha took a sip of the hot coffee. It was bad, but it was a drink, and she needed it. It wasn’t alcohol.

“And what’s going on now?” she asked. “Do you want to go on this date?”

“No, I don’t. You should know me by now. I don’t want to date.”

“You’re still hung up on Simon?”

“No. Of course not.”

“Did they tell you the news?”

“About his latest sighting? Yeah, they told me. Dad stopped by. It was around the time I kept saying I was fine and he wanted me to go on a date to prove it. You know, all of these ‘sightings.’” She air quoted the last word. “It makes him sound like some kind of alien.”

“I think, in a way, he kind of is.”

“How?”

“He disappeared into the night, and if you think about it, there have been rare occurrences where he just pops up.”

“You and I both know they didn’t exactly put in a great deal of effort to find him.” She took another sip of her coffee.

“Why do you think that?”

“We both know this club. When they want to find someone, really find them, they do.”

“Their hands were tired with this one.”

“It doesn’t matter.” She shrugged. “I’ve accepted that I’m alone.”

“You’re not.” Daisy reached across the table. “You’re far from alone. I’ve always hated it when you thought you were. I’m here. I’m always going to be here and that’s not going to change.”

That was true. Her best friend had opted for a local college rather than get out of Fort Wills.

“Can I ask you something?” Tabitha sat up, trying not to show she cared or that the answer mattered more than it did. This was very hard for her, but she needed to know the answer.

“Sure, go ahead.”

“I know there have been a lot of sightings with Simon. What makes this one so different?” This one had warranted her father coming to see her. He’d stayed for dinner, helped to tuck Nathan into bed, and they’d talked. It had been nice.

Looking back, she’d realized there had to be something important that she was missing when it came to Simon’s latest appearance.

Usually, she got a nice little text or a phone call. Most of the time from Lash or from Angel, depending on where he was.

This was different.

Daisy sighed. “I don’t think I should tell you.”

“Now you’re going to start keeping secrets for the club?”

“It’s not about keeping secrets. It’s where he suddenly appeared.”

Tabitha’s heart raced. “Where?”

“I don’t think I should tell you. It’s not going to give you any kind of real closure.”

Tabitha gripped her friend’s hand and held it tightly. “Please, tell me. I know, I get it. You want to protect me. To spare me the pain. You’re the only person I know who won’t sugarcoat this. Just give it to me real. Please. It’s all I’m asking.”

Daisy licked her lips and she saw how uncomfortable her friend was.