Barely Breathing (The Breathing #2)(105)

But as I got closer, the kids' laughter grew quiet, and the wind picked up. I squinted against the bright sun, spinning in a circle. Everyone was gone.

"Dad?" I called out, searching for him. My hair whipped in my face. I clumsily pushed it out of my face, trying to see. "Dad!" I yelled, becoming more and more frightened. I spun around again, but I was alone. "Dad!" I screamed.

"Emma!" I opened my eyes and shot up in the seat, blinking around in surprise, disoriented by the sun setting behind the trees. There was a knock on my window.

"Emma, have you been in your car the entire time?" Casey asked from outside. She was sweaty and her face was flushed. I opened my door and swung my feet onto the dirt parking lot, trying to catch my breath. "You missed the entire practice."

"I did?" I shook my head, trying to pull away from the dream completely. "I can't believe I did that."

"I hope coach will let you play in the game on Sunday."

"Is he still here?" I asked, searching the fairly vacant lot.

"No," Casey replied. "I was about to leave when I saw your car. Are you okay? Are you sick or something?" 

"No," I shook my head. "I got here early, and guess I dozed off. I still can't believe I slept that long. Wow."

"Are you going to Jill's tonight?"

"Yeah. I should get to Sara's. I'll see you there I guess."

"Okay," she replied with an unsure smile. "You'll be at practice tomorrow, right?"

"I will," I promised, hoping missing practice hadn't jeopardized my starting position for Sunday.

The team was part of a traveling spring soccer league. It wasn't affiliated with the school district, and there were strict rules about missing practice―especially since we only practiced a few days a week. Coach wanted to make certain every player was serious about being there. He was more than willing to replace anyone who slacked. I needed this league to get in shape for Stanford and didn't want to jeopardize it by falling asleep in my car.

When I arrived at Sara's, I found her and Anna laughing in the kitchen. Sara was taking bites from a slice of red pepper that she'd plucked from a cutting board while Anna cut up ingredients for a salad. I felt like I was intruding, and it struck me that I hadn't knocked. Maybe I was supposed to now that I didn't live here.

"Emma," Sara exclaimed when she saw me. "Perfect timing. You can tell my mother that she is wrong about Kyle, and that he's not going to bring his college friends to this party tonight."

"Um," I began, trying to catch up. "No, Kyle's not like that."

"Oh, because he likes hanging out with high schoolers, even though he graduated last year," Anna rebutted with a smirk. "I'm sure he's going to bring some friends from Syracuse."

I shook my head when she said it, realizing who that could mean. "I hope not."

Sara started laughing, catching sight of my dread. "That could mean Drew. Em, that would suck so bad. I have to call Jill." She disappeared upstairs before I could say anything, even though her phone was in the front pocket of her jeans.

"It's great to see you, Emma," Anna offered, mixing the contents of the salad in a bowl. "I feel like it's been a while since you've been over. How is everything going with your mother? I just had lunch with her the other day. She seems so happy."

"Really?" I tried not to sound so surprised. "Everything's really... good."

"I'm glad to hear that. She and I talk a few times a week, so I get the updates on your busy schedule. But we've missed having you around."

Before I could react to her comment, the front door opened and Carl bellowed hello.

"Hi, Dad," Sara said as she came down the stairs. They appeared around the corner together.

"Emma, I'm glad you're here," Carl acknowledged, setting down his briefcase. "How've you been?

"Great," I replied automatically.

"I spoke with your Stanford coach today, and I have your housing information. I think we should look into booking a flight soon."

"Uh, yeah, sure," I replied, hit with the realization that graduation was only two months away. "I'm staying the night, so maybe we can do it tomorrow."

"Sounds good," he agreed. "I'm going to change before dinner." He kissed Anna on the cheek. "Do you need me to do anything?"

"No. Dinner's ready whenever you come down."

When Carl was out of earshot, Sara told us, "Jill said Kyle was bringing a few friends, but she wasn't sure who they were. But it's not going to be a crazy college party or anything, Mom."

"I just want you to be smart," Anna warned. "Call me if you need a ride home, okay?"