Chapter 35

Since leaving London, Tatum and Sabrina often spoke, and with that, strengthened their friendship. On the flip side, Tatum strived to grasp what was becoming of her and Lyndsey's relationship. At first, Lyndsey was open to the idea of a romantic bond, but Tatum repeatedly resisted due to various warnings from Sabrina.

Conversely, Kyle and Logan had become inalienable from the sisterhood. So much so, when friends tried to call, there'd be no answer. As a result, conjecture escalated, as did a degree of misgiving. In other words, the brothers no longer interacted and were rarely seen without Lesley and Dena.

In the same vein, friends sought to reach Trina and Jasmine, but unlike Kyle and Logan, the girls hadn't appeared anywhere. Not the less, it was the midpoint of the holiday recess, so everyone assumed they'd gone home. But, even if that were the case, Jasmine and Trina were known as gregarious, so the extended absence seemed strange.

"I'm worried..." Lyndsey expressed. "First, Trina and Jasmine, then Kyle and Logan; I don't get it."

"There's more..." Tatum responded. "And you should hear it sooner rather than later."

"What's going on?"

"Sabrina's not coming back."

"What do you mean?"

Tatum adjusted, lamenting.

"Trust me..." she explained. "It's best this way."

"That's it then?"

Tatum paused, knowing this wasn't something Lyndsey wanted to hear. And though she and Sabrina weren't close, surrendering the bond felt saddening.

"I'm afraid so."

"I bet it had something to do with Karen and Luis's relationship."

"Karen hated her by virtue of his interest..." Tatum explained. "Another reason, Sabrina wasn't well, so being home was best."

For some time, Lyndsey and Tatum speculated, but they weren't adept at secrecy or masking reality. Whatever the case, memories of Sabrina's physical and intellectual mutations remained vivid, though Tatum kept her word and said nothing of it.

"Does Karen know?"

Instantly, Tatum rustled.

"Not yet, unless Luis has told her."

Coincidentally, Tatum sat unnerved as news reports about missing students flooded the airwaves. In which case, she remained one of the fearful few, understanding Sabrina's genius and nefarious tendencies. Notwithstanding that, she'd conquered many fears due to Sabrina's council, but now stood at an inevitable cross road. Which implies she'd spent many nights alone, immersed in diverse passages of scripture.

"Our last conversation sounded bizarre, but Sabrina disclosed everything."

Expectedly, attention peaked.

"What'd she say?"

Drawing the comforter, Tatum nestled tight.

"It wasn't what she said, but what she didn't say."

Predominantly, Tatum believed, but despite a growing love for Lyndsey, Sabrina meant far more. If so, no one affiliated with the synagogue was trustworthy, hence Tatum would do the unthinkable and choose a side.

Again and again, Lyndsey groaned.

"Tatum, I need to know..." she murmured. "You are coming back, aren't you?"

Following a deep breath, she remained reluctant to answer.