Page 42 of Autumn Secrets
“How’s school, Aurora? I’ve hardly seen you lately.”
“I know, I’ve been kind of busy.”
“School is all right though?”
“Yep, it’s all good.”
“What about your friends?”
“I have Lexi, Mia and Jasmine who I’m close too. I actually really like it here in Angel Falls. It’s different, obviously, but in a good way.”
“That’s good to hear.” Mrs Peters smiled. “We are so glad that you and Helena are back here with us.”
“But there’s something that’s really been bothering me lately.” I looked at her.
“And what is that, Aurora?”
“Neither Lexi nor I can remember each other. Don’t you think that’s a little bit weird, when I can remember everything else so clearly?”
I studied Mrs Peters, who diverted her eyes to the cup of tea she was holding in her hand. Just like Mr Peters, she seemed to be looking for the right words.
“Well, you were little—”
“Yes, I know that. But why do I remember everything with my grandparents, the details of the library, and other things that happened before I moved away?”
“Well, memory can be very selective. We can’t always choose what we remember, even if we would like to.”
“I guess you’re right,” I said and took a bite of my bun. Well, maybe she was right? I mean, maybe it really was that simple?
After finishing our tea, I helped her with the cleaning before she left the manor for the day. I grabbed another cinnamon bun that she had left out on the kitchen bench, sat down and waited for Mum to get home.
Later, after Mum and I had finished dinner, a text message came through from Jasmine. Her parents were happy to lend their house to us for the upcoming weekend, and she wondered if I would be able to come. I replied a quick ‘yes’ before I looked at Mum.
“I’m going away this weekend, with the girls.”
“Oh?” Mum said, loading the dishes into our dishwasher.
“Yes, if that’s okay with you?”
“Sure, I still have some work to do before I’m up to date with everything. And who are the girls you’re referring to?”
“Lexi, Mia and Jasmine. It’s Jasmine’s parents’ holiday house by some lake.”
“Do you know where it is?”
“I don’t know what it’s called, but it’s not more than a three-hour drive away. Is that okay?”
“Of course, it is. I’m glad you’ve made some friends that you like to spend time with.”
“Speaking of friends—” I started but was interrupted by Mum’s phone ringing.
“Sorry, Aurora, I have to take this.”
I nodded and reached for my phone again. I needed to cancel my movie night with Julian. A date with him was not going to happen, not right now anyway. I sent him a text, telling him I was going away and wouldn’t be able to make it to the movies after all. I had a feeling he would be quick to reply to try and set another day, but after several minutes, I still hadn’t heard anything back from him.
“Are you expecting a phone call?”
I jumped slightly in my seat. I hadn’t heard Mum come back into the kitchen.