I twist Micah’s friendship bracelet on my wrist and watch my phone, hoping maybe my friend, who only yesterday promised we’d be together forever, will decide to check in after all. But it never buzzes. After a while, Ivy comes in to tell me she’s bored, so we go outside. I lift her up on Rainbow, and I sit on my mom’s old lawn chair and read Charlotte’s Web.

“For inspiration,” Ivy said when she chose the book.

“Inspiration for what?” I asked.

“On how to save Lucy.”

Chapter Twelve

When we go back inside, I check my phone for texts. There’s one from an unknown number: Hey, Rachel! It’s Sierra. Come to the beach later!

I bet Sam gave her my number, or maybe Micah! I add her name to my contacts. Like a real friend. Maybe she is one! Then I text Micah.

Me: Are you going to the beach?

Micah:

Me: I think we should go.

Micah:

Read

Me: I know you’re there. Reply!

Micah:

Read

I scroll through GIFs and find a sad-looking kitten to send him.

Me: [sad kitten]

Micah:

Read

I wait and wait, but he doesn’t answer.

Me: You’re not being very fair.

I glance around the room, trying to remember if I hung up my wet bathing suit after the party or not. I see it on the floor, underneath my stupid stained T-shirt. The bird on the sleeve is wrinkled and looks like it has a broken wing. I’m sure everyone else at the beach will have different bathing suits on from what they wore last night. My suit is still a little damp, so I run downstairs and throw it in the dryer, even though we’re supposed to use the clothesline outside in the summer.

“Hey!” Ivy says, coming up behind me. “You’re not supposed to use that.”

“It’s an emergency.”

“Why?”

“Because Sierra invited me to the beach and my suit is kind of gross.”

“Can I come?”

“No.”

“But I don’t want to stay home alone! You’re supposed to stay with me.”

“Mom and Dad will be home in a few hours.”

“That’s too long!”

“Well, little kids aren’t invited. You know how to take care of yourself. You can just watch SpongeBob all afternoon.”

“I’m tired of SpongeBob.”

“I thought he was comforting.”

She pouts.

“Don’t be a baby.”

“Micah won’t care if I go.”

“Micah won’t be there.”

“Why not?”

“How should I know?” I know I’m being a jerk, but I can’t seem to stop myself.

Ivy stands there looking let down in this pitiful way.

“Ivy, please just let me go alone this one time.” I try to soften my voice, but I still feel bad.

“Why can’t I go? I won’t even sit near you.”