Theodora buzzes that she’s spent a five-star holiday with Frederica Leroy and Tessa in Manhattan, but I can sense the sarcasm even in her written words. Maude also buzzes with a chipper “Merry Christmas to us” that makes me miss my friends so much, I almost can’t stand it.

Staring down the twinkly tree in our vast living room, lacking any wrapped presents nestled beneath it, it occurs to me that right now, I understand my friends’ lonely existence more than I ever realized.

• • •

When I return to Darkwood after the break, I’ve submitted all fourteen of my college applications, and I’ve completed video holo-calls with several of the schools that require interviews for admission. I’ve received a couple of buzzes from Ollie, mostly photos with funny captions that don’t really tell me much about what’s actually on his mind.

I miss him, and I feel so anxious about what things will be like when we both return to school. I also miss Levi. I want to ask him what he did over the break, and whether he missed me. I know I can’t, though, and won’t.

I arrive at the circular drive on the Thursday after New Year’s Day. We’ll have the long weekend to get settled before classes resume. I’m alone in my room, unpacking, when I see the envelope from my father sticking out of the side pocket of my suitcase. I’d forgotten it was there. I yank it out, ripping it open along the edge.

Inside is a printout for two plane tickets. A summer graduation trip to Europe. My dad has scrawled a handwritten note.

Just us. No work, no plums. Are you in? Love, Dad

I feel my pulse catching in my throat. It’s an olive branch, I’m sure of it. Last year, I would have been cautiously optimistic a trip like that would be a fresh start for us. But now, I wonder if it can make up for everything that’s transpired between us? I don’t know.

“You aren’t seriously considering heading to Italy for the first time in your life without me?” a voice behind me demands.

I whirl and see Ollie standing there, holding his rolling bag by the handle.

Relief floods my body. He’s here, making a joke. He’s not mad. At least, he’s not acting like it.

“Snoop much?” I tease, running up and hugging him, careful to pull away quickly. “How was your trip—”

“How was home—”

We both laugh.

“Jinx,” I say, wheeling his bag inside and praying we can have some semblance of normal. At least for a little while. I need my best friend right now. I can’t bear the idea of us not talking, not hanging out like always. “Harry Potter movie marathon?” I suggest.

“Do you really have to ask?” he teases.