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Today was the day all our schedules collided. Naturally, Lily and Cadie, who had no afternoon classes, joined us for lunch at our campus. The cafeteria was bustling with students, fighting for better tables near the water dispensers.
We chose our usual table in a quieter corner closest to the bins, resembling little mice chewing at food and chattering between laughter. Leon immediately started picking at his food, drumming his fingers on the table between bites.
“So, Allard family and plus ones. What's the plan for this weekend? Do we drive together?” he asked, looking around the table and putting an end to the peaceful mood.
“I have no idea,” I replied, stirring my soup absentmindedly. The familiarity of our arrangement was comforting, but it was hard to stay present.
In the back of my mind lived the ongoing issue with Theodore and Lily. In the forefront, Grandma's urgent invitation weighed even more heavily. She had invited me before, but never with this sort of urgency.
That country house must hold her greatest gifts and horrors. It was unfair for everyone that I couldn't remember that day…
“It’ll be easier if we all go in one car,” said Lily, her eyes darting to Theo. She twirled a strand of her blonde hair nervously. “You will come with us, right?”
Theo nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. “Of course, Lil. Wherever it is, I am there for any of you.” He gave me a quick wink along with that.
Leon glanced at Cadie, who was quietly tapping her fork against the tray, her face set in a determined expression. “Cadie, will you come too?”
Cadie looked up sharply. “I will. Not for you, though.” She stood up abruptly, clearly not interested in engaging in a conversation with him.
“Well it seems we need to talk about this,” Leon said gently, though his eyes showed his frustration. “It’s important that we’re all on the same page.” He shot me a pre-planned look.
It was time to talk about this.
“Cadie. I understand you only want to help,” I said slowly, trying to keep my voice steady, “But is it not better to sometimes live in bliss or whatever that phrase says.”
“Besides, we don't know if that's what Grandma wants to tell us,” added Lily, looking between us, her blue eyes wide with concern.
Cadie sighed, shaking her head slightly as she addressed us. “Guys, let me do this. I may be new to all of this,” she said, gesturing with her tray, “but I want to earn a place here.”
Leon leaned forward, his expression softening. “Harriet’s decision on this is final. Besides, you already have one, that does not imply doing any of this.”
Cadie’s eyes flashed with defiance. “I’m not deciding for anyone. Do you guys not get it? You have gotten used to this sad standstill. ”
Theo interjected, his voice calm. “I get that you want to help. Really, I do understand the whole being an outsider thing.” He looked at her with camaraderie. “But happiness is for each their own.”
Cadie crossed her arms, her expression hardening. “And sitting around doing nothing isn’t going to solve anything. You all tiptoe around this like it’s going to magically fix itself.”
“It’s not about doing nothing,” I said, feeling the tension rise. “It’s a bigger issue… than me or my family. You can’t just force your way in.”
“Force?” Cadie scoffed. “I took a step back, investigated on my own, and what I found is no joke. I am aware that you don’t want to hear of it. But closure is not worth it?.”
Leon reached out to touch her arm gently. “Exactly it's a difficult topic, we are going in baby steps and you are running a marathon.”
Cadie looked between us, her frustration evident.
“Fine. I understand. What about this,” I said, trying to calm the tension. “If you find from this trip something no police report had, then you have my full support.”
“Deal,” she said, satisfied. “Thank you for trusting me. She gave me a clumsy hug with one arm, balancing her other objects with the other.
Leon sighed, watching her leave, then turned back to us. “I’ll talk to her. I know she means well, but sometimes it feels like she’s digging into things that should be left alone.”
“She is our friend and is trying her best,” I gulped dry. “The only thing I worry about is dragging something that is impossible to solve. So if this is going to end up being something… it will be for good.”
“I adore her like a piece of my heart.” Lily bit her lip. “So if this is what you want and Cadie says she is confident… I do not see an issue.”
“Are you serious?” said Leon in disbelief.
Theo nodded thoughtfully. “I understand where you are coming from, but Cadie has a point. Maybe she’s found something we haven’t considered. Remember. Harriet is the most important opinion on this subject.”
Leon frowned, still unconvinced. “But what if it just stirs up more trouble? I mean… The nightmares are no joke. They make you so tired.” He pleaded with his twinkling eyes.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their concern. “I appreciate how much you all care. Really. But maybe this time, we need to take a risk. If Cadie’s findings lead nowhere, we can close that chapter. If they help, then it’s worth the effort.”
Leon sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. I’ll go along with it. Tell us if it makes you uncomfortable at any stage.”
“I won’t,” I assured him. “Either way we handle it together.”
“There will be serious damage to night terrors that make you cry. I will find a way to beat them up!” Lily laughed, extending her arms so I could hold her hands.
Cadie returned briefly to grab her things, shooting a final glance at Leon before heading out, her expression a mix of frustration and determination. She shook her head slightly, muttering under her breath as she walked away
ns 15.158.61.54da2
