Landon waited patiently outside, his arms crossed. *** She didn't move, and her voice quiet. "I'm sorry."
Val approached from down the street. Her long, dark hair was in a messy bun and her normal winged eyeliner was absent. She seemed tired, although she looked less severe and more gentle, her skin like cream against the stark white of the snow. She still wore her black jacket and she approached him, her arms crossed. “Hey.” *** He was quiet. “We broke up,” he said bleakly.
He cocked his head with a bright smile. "Hey!" *** She looked up at him, not letting go. "I had no idea.."
She watched him, her head cocked in confusion. “How are you so... happy?” *** “I know,” he said, pushing up his glasses. I’m sorry.”
She squinted at him, trying to figure out if he knew. “Because...” She paused before shaking her head, knowing if she discussed it she would start crying. Again. “...never mind. Let’s just go in.” *** “Callie, I kissed you. That... that’s not right.”
She paused for a second, before glancing up at him. “Could you just give me a second? I have to send a text.” *** “No, it’s not,” he said, punching the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry. I don’t even know... how it happened.”
"Okay," he said quietly. "I'll wait." *** She stepped back and sat down, her expression conflicted. "I'm going to tell him today.. I wanted to wait."
“Thanks,” she said, stepping away. She typed a quick messages on her phone addressed to Callie. “You need to tell him today. This isn’t fair. He doesn’t deserve it. Tell him today or I will.” *** He sighed, shaking his head. “I’m so sorry, Callie.”
Landon cocked his head. "Everything okay?" *** She shook her head, pinching the bridge of her nose as she got a notification. "It's.. I am too," she said softly, furrowing her brow at the message. "I know. He doesn't deserve it at all. I'm going to tell him today. I know. I'm sorry. Sorry."
She nodded, crossing her arms. “Yeah. Just been a rough couple of days. Come on, let’s go in.” *** Arlo frowned. “What’s wrong?”
"Okay," he said quietly, looking down. "Let's go." *** She shook her head and put away the phone. "Nothing."
They entered and were instantly greeted by a swarm of officers. Val frowned. “What’s... going on?” *** He sighed and shook his head. “I should talk to him. You didn’t even want to kiss me.”
Val frowned before stepping forward and addressing an officer. “Excuse me, sir, but what happened here?” “We’re looking for the editor in chief, Maxine Urvette. She’s been reported as missing. Do you work with her?”
“Yes. Didn’t come home two nights ago. Her husband is very worried.” *** He was quiet, his hands folded in his lap. “...you did?”
Val was silent, her brow furrowed over as her eyes darkened. “Please let us know if you find her,” she replied, giving the officer her card. “Please.” She turned on her heel and left quickly, her hands in fists at her side. *** “Yeah. Yeah. God... I still should talk to him. It wasn’t your idea.”
