“Good. Get your purse,” said her mother, a secret grin lighting her face.
“Why?”
“We’re going shopping.”
Hannah blinked rapidly. “B-but I can’t.”
“Why not?” asked her mother, her hands planted on her hips.
“Well, because, because I have plans with Rory.”
“Seriously, Hannah. You’ve seen that boy every day for the last month. Can’t you spare one afternoon for your mother?”
Hannah gnawed at her lip.
“Just call him. I’m sure he’ll wait one day for you.”
Hannah relented.
“Rory?” she said as he picked up on the other side.
“Hullo, love. I’m glad you called.”
“Yeah, well, I’m calling to say I can’t meet today.”
“Oh, you can’t?”
“My mom wants to have a mother-daughter day. Do you mind?”
“Of course not. Go, have a good time. We can see each other tomorrow.”
“Are you sure? You’re not going to leave, are you? Maybe run away to Mexico? Or find a hot babe to hang out with?”
He laughed. “You and your imagination. I have no plans to run away to Mexico or anywhere else, and since I already have a hot babe, there is little reason to seek another.”
Heat flooded her cheeks. “Oh, so I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”
They talked a few more minutes before she hung up the phone. Shopping with her mother was nice, but Hannah couldn’t wait to get home. As soon as she walked through the door she looked at the clock, but it was too late to call Rory.
First thing the next morning, she picked up the phone.
“What a face. Did someone steal your waffle?” said her mother as she walked through the kitchen door.
“No. Rory’s not answering.”
Her mother waved her concerns away. “Maybe he is sleeping late. Just call back later. I’m sure he’ll answer.”
Hannah couldn’t stop the fear gnawing in her gut. At lunch she called back, this time receiving a fast busy signal. Over and over she repeated the action with the same result.
Grabbing her shoes, she raced out the door.
“Where are you going?” asked her mother.
“To see Rory.”
She slowed as she approached his house. Her heart raced and her palms sweated. Something was wrong. Things didn’t look right. No curtains hung in the windows. No car sat in the driveway. No lights blared.
She knocked on the front door and waited. No one came. She walked around and stared inside the windows but saw no one.
Sitting on the top porch step, she allowed sorrow to envelope her. Tears pooled in her eyes and drifted down her cheeks.
Rory was gone.
Pearl Valley Page 18