Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 129

RYAN

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Stephanie was laid to rest today and I didn't even bother showing up, not that I didn't want to, or that she didn't deserve my last respect, but because Jake is getting picked up today and I do not want to miss the FaceTime with Lily.

Angelo had to go in place of the family because well...my father blatantly refused to go. He swore that nothing would connect him to that family ever.

My phone vibrated on the table, and the moment I glanced at it and saw an unsaved number I picked it up without even waiting for a signal from detective Balham.

"I'm switching it to FaceTime." Jake informed me before the call switched.

Lily's beautiful face stared back at me. The pain and emptiness in her eyes showed me that she is slowly losing it and that I have to get her out of there quick.

"Lily," I breathed out and the tears which had polled in her eyes rolled down her cheeks. "I'm sorry.” I apologized.

I shouldn't have maintained my stance on her not going, or I should have left with her, then none of this would have been happening. "I miss you, the boys too but we're all strong for you, the same way we want you to be strong for us."

Her opened her mouth and spoke, but I couldn't hear a thing of what she said. That bastard muted her mic.

"I love you Lily," I reminded her, "Give me a nod if you can hear me." She nodded slowly which made me force a smile for her sake. "I'll get you home soon Lily, and I swear on everything I have, I'll but a bad dream which will make you forget all these crazy ordeal, it will be nothing

never will come true."

As she nodded. More tears rolled down her cheeks.

Jake picked the phone up. "Your time is up Ryan, I'm heading out, and like I said earlier, in three days you'll recieve a mail telling you of her location. Lwas certain you'll not fail

me."

Before I could respond, the call disconnected I turned y to detective Balham and his crew. "Were you able to find the location of the call?"

working with the machine shook his head. "You should have

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Chapter 129

Aug

out in

to the area of Tursujug national park, but no

on my shoulder and squeezed. "Do not worry, we'll

home soon."

surviving on water alone is daunting right now. "I hope

me, "I'm sure she'll

home."

call, which means she's far

too."

the window at the setting sun. The room was quiet, shadows lengthening as the day drew to a close. My mind was drifting, thinking about anything but the heavy events of the

weight of the day. He didn't say anything at first, just

as a funeral could, I guess. Everyone was trying to keep it together.

asked, a hint of concern in

at me, his expression tense. "Stephanie's mother saw me. She

I frowned. "What happened?"

She thinks it's your fault that

words. "Why

found Stephanie's journal," Angelo explained. "There

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Chapter 129

heart. She thinks that's what pushed

more irritated than anything. "That's ridiculous. We

I wasn't the cause of

sure,

grief makes people look for someone to blame. Right now, you're that someone for