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instant. The already mounting tension in my body froze at that realization. He could find me anywhere.
    Lauryn’s voice shook me out of my thoughts. “Come sit, Sadie, I have a couple of questions.”
    The basement looked like a ‘50s diner with booths and a jukebox. The black and white tiled floors and disco ball hanging from the ceiling added to the feel. This was by far my favorite room of the house.
    I sat and listened, not wanting to answer any of Lauryn’s questions.
    “I know that you don’t want to talk about what happened, and I get that. I just need to know what you’re going to tell people when they ask why you moved here. Everyone in this town will ask, trust me.”
    I’m planning to tell everyone in the town the same thing. I didn’t want any confusion, and I knew I didn’t want to slip up and say something about Rob. It only takes one wrong person to know I’m here, and Rob will find me.
    “I needed a change and came to stay with you,” I told her, smiling. That was the truth.
    “You know that they’re going to push for more than that, right? Like where you moved from.”
    Blowing out an exasperated breath, “They may, but I’m not giving them anymore. If they want to know about me, then I’ll tell them, but if they want the why … it’s not coming. If they ask where I’m from, I’ll just say up North.” With that, I stood up and headed toward the door. “I’m hungry and tired. I’m gonna grab a bite and head to bed.”
    Lauryn began running up to me before I got far. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to push.” I knew that she didn’t, but I was just done for the night. Moving to a new place really took its toll on me.
    “I’m fine. I really am just tired. It’s been a long day.”
    I ran up the stairs, grabbed a sandwich, and headed to my room, shutting the door.
    Flopping on the bed, I pulled out my laptop. I still hadn’t deleted all my accounts yet so I thought I would do that first since I had every account imaginable.
    Instantly, my instant messenger popped up. Macy’s name showed up in bold letters. I couldn’t help the smile that came across my face.
    Macy and I have been friends since our first day of Kindergarten, when a photographer for the local newspaper snapped a picture of us holding hands. That picture is still proudly displayed in my parents’ living room and explained to anyone and everyone who comes into their home. The thought made me smile.
    We’d had our ups and downs as any friendship would. We’d gone periods where we didn’t talk for months at a time and others where we stayed at each other’s houses ‘til all hours of the night. We went through the terrible ordeal of high school together, just barely getting by—by the skin of our teeth.
    We even roomed together in college. We endured the frat parties, boyfriends, overnight guests, stealing of the food, and the almost ending of our friendship … stealing of the Diet Coke. Okay, so not really ending our friendship, but one does not touch my Diet Coke stash … ever.
    But through it all, we’d remained friends, and I’d deeply miss her.
     
    Macy: HEY! What are you doing?
     
    Me: Talking to you.
     
    Macy: Funny. How are you?
     
    Me: Good.
     
    Macy: Okay … what’s wrong? Answering in one word isn’t you.
     
    Me: Just tired. It’s been a long day.
     
    Macy: Did the move go okay?
     
    Me: Yep, all moved in.
     
    Macy: You gonna tell me where you went?
     
    Me: Nope. I already told you. I’m in need of a fresh start.
     
    Macy: It’s not like I’m gonna tell Rob where you are. I hate him just as much as you do.
     
    Me: We talked about this before I left. This has to do with me. I needed to break away from Mom. She’s my crutch. I need to be free.
     
    Macy: Right … whatever. If you think I believe that, you’re full of shit.
     
    Me: ☺
     
    Macy: You can smile at me all you want, but you’re still full of shit.
     
    Me: I am shit-tastic.
     
    Macy: You’re nuts! I just wanna