I smile at him, the tight ball in my chest loosening now that I’ve cleared the air with Arthur.
“Good luck, Arthur. See you around.”
I turn and head down the hall, which is close to empty now that everyone’s gone to class. The conversation wasn’t as terrible as I thought it would be, and we sorted everything out. I feel good, great even. That confrontation wasn’t horrible at all. Maybe I’m getting good at this “being honest with my feelings” stuff.
Arthur calls after me, “How about the second date? Should I bring Mom then?”
I turn around and send him my best glare. His eyes widen, and he nods like he’s received the message loud and clear even though I’ve said nothing.
“That’s a no . . . which is cool . . . because I was totally joking . . .”
“Leave Barbara at home, Arthur!” I exclaim as I turn and resume my journey to class.
I’ve done my duty to Arthur’s future dates by saving them from the absolute force that is Barbara. It’s up to Arthur to do the rest.
I make it to class before the bell, and despite everyone turning to stare at me and whisper as I walk through the aisle to my seat, I’m in high spirits. I feel like I’ve regained a sense of control by talking with Arthur, and there’s no bad blood between the two of us now.
This has only motivated me even more to talk with Kalani. I’m going to tell her exactly how I feel, and we’re going to sort everything out between us. Even if it doesn’t end the way I want, at least I won’t feel like there’s something hanging over us.
Now all I have to do is find her.
Twenty-Two
Kalani didn’t come to school today.
She’s ignoring my texts, so I message Emmett, who says he hasn’t heard from her at all today either. I even ask someone who shares second period with Kalani, and they confirm she isn’t here today.
None of that deters me, though. I said I was going to talk to her today, and that’s what I’m going to do.
After school, I drive directly to Kalani’s house and ring the doorbell. No one answers. I ring again and even peek in through the window, but the house remains dark inside.
There are no cars in the driveway, but Kalani’s could be in the garage.
Maybe no one really is home. I know her parents try to stay at work late to avoid talking to each other, especially since they’re still living together during the divorce process. Ailani hasn’t come home from California, and Maleah’s school ends later than ours.
I sigh, sitting on the patio chair on Kalani’s porch as it starts spitting rain. I wanted to do this with her while I still had the drive, but it looks like that’s not going to happen.
I try calling her again for one last-ditch effort, but it goes directly to voicemail like it has every time I tried today. Emmett’s not going to answer since he’s in an after-school study group, and I made Emi promise not to say anything to Kalani until I’ve had a chance to speak with her, so she would have less of an idea than I do about Kalani’s whereabouts.
Is she not going to come to school at all until exams? Is she going to avoid me forever?
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I look down to find a text from Jay.
How’d school go today? Need me to beat anyone up?
I laugh out loud. I’m not sure if he’s joking or not, and I don’t know if Jay’s ever even been in a fight before, but it makes me feel better nonetheless.
No need, Emi’s got that covered.
His response comes quickly.
She is kind of scary when she wants to be.
And I don’t even think he’s witnessed her yelling at anyone yet.
He sends another text before I reply.
Did you talk to Kalani?