“You should look at that,” she told me, gesturing toward the bright blue stick still in my hand. “I didn’t read it,” she went on to add quickly, “but it seems like there’s something on there for you.”

I almost went to one of the computers in the back and plugged it in then and there, desperate to know what David had left for me. Was it an explanation? Or a clue to where he’d gone?

But I was afraid it might not be either of those things, and I couldn’t stand the idea of bursting into tears in here, in front of these people who were trying to be nice to me, but weren’t really my friends.

No, there was only one place I wanted to read this. And only one person I wanted with me.

•••

“You’re sure?” Bee asked, her hand on my shoulder.

We were sitting in David’s house, at the computer in his bedroom. I still had a key to the place, although with Saylor dead and David gone, none of us had any idea what to do with it. But for now, it sat like it always had, most of David’s things still in his room.

Including his computer.

Nodding, I plugged in the drive and clicked on “Open.”

It took me a minute to find what I was looking for. I was scanning the various documents looking for my name, so the first time I saw it, my eyes actually drifted over the file meant for me. It was Bee who leaned forward and tapped the screen, saying, “I think it’s this one.”

Egregious Felicitations.

With a choked laugh, I shook my head, murmuring, “You idiot.”

Bee gave my shoulder a quick squeeze, and then went to sit on David’s bed, leaving me alone with the computer.

I opened the file. Pres, it started, and then the tears were on my cheeks, splashing onto the desk. I know you’re going to say this is dumb, and I know you won’t understand. Which is why I asked Bee and Ryan for help. Don’t get me wrong, I like fighting with you, but there are some things you just can’t argue. This is one, and I hope you’ll come to accept that.

I have to leave Pine Grove. I have to leave Alabama, and I have to leave you. After tonight, that’s all completely clear to me. This whole situation is so effed up (hope you appreciate my discretion there), and it’s clear to me now that the only way to un-eff it up (do I get bonus points for that one?) is to take myself out of the equation. Without me, you, Bee, and Ryan can just be you, Bee, and Ryan. Not Paladins or Mages. People. With your own lives.