Desire (Desire, Book 1) - By Missy Johnson Page 0,6

knew. The pit in my stomach returned with a vengeance.

God, I hoped they were good kids.

“So, you haven’t seen them in a while?” He tone wasn’t accusatory, just curious. I didn’t blame his curiosity. It wasn’t like I lived a huge distance away. The drive to Silver Lake was less than half hour away, so the distance was hardly reason enough to keep me from returning home.

“No. It’s weird, I was so nervous about seeing them again. Especially Neri. It went much better than I thought it would.” Sitting down opposite Devon, I smiled slightly at him, “So what now?” I said, trying to avoid further questions on why I had left home.

“Well, we keep looking for your mother. In the meantime, we will arrange support to make this transition as easy on you as possible.” Transition. That made it sound so permanent, so final.

I toyed with the handle on my cup, my nail running over the groove of the chipped paint in the porcelain. I hadn’t given much thought to mom’s disappearance, as awful as that sounded. I’d been so overcome with the idea of looking after two kids, mom’s disappearance hadn’t had a chance to sink in.

“What do you know? What happened?” I wondered.

Regardless of my issues with mom, she was always there for Neri and Sam. The idea that she’d up and leave them was ridiculous. Me, on the other hand, that was a different story. She’d had no problem abandoning me when I needed her.

“We don’t have much information yet.” Devon admitted, tapping the rim of his cup, avoiding my eyes, “She left for work, and never arrived. Her car was found, with her bag, purse and phone all inside. Her bank accounts haven’t been touched.” He added. I felt sick. “The good news is ninety-five percent of missing people show up fine within 72 hours.” He smiled softly.

Why did I feel he only added that last bit for my benefit?

“Okay.” I began, a million things whirled around in my brain, “So I guess I should chat to the kids.” I stood up. Devon stood too, taking the hint that it was time for him to leave.

“Hey, thanks for your help.” I added as I walked him to the door. He shook his head.

“Seriously, it’s no bother. I will drop past tomorrow to see how things are going.” He was halfway down the path when I called out to him. He turned around.

“Will you call me if you hear anything?”

He smiled, cocking his head to the side, “Of course I will.” I smiled, already looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.

Chapter Four

“Is there anything you want to ask me?” I spoke softly.

Neri, Sam and I sat on the couch. I had no idea what to say. Neri sat with her legs tucked under herself, focusing way too closely on fingernails. Sam looked up at me, confused.

“Who are you?” Sam asked innocently, brushing his golden bangs out from his eyes. Neri smirked. I shot her a look, and smiled at Sam.

“You don’t remember me? I’m your sister.” Sam didn’t look convinced. I didn’t blame him. Neri was his sister and he saw her every day. For a five year old, having a sister you don’t remember, or know, would be a big thing to get your head around.

“Why don’t you live with us, then?” He asked suspiciously.

“Because I came here to go to college. You were only a baby when I came here.” Sam seemed to accept that. I glanced back at Neri, who was now scowling, and still playing with her nails. “Guys, I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. I wanted to. I didn’t think you’d want to hear from me.”

“What, things get too hard so you just give up?” Neri’s voice was laced with sarcasm as she glared at me.

“You hated me, Neri. You told me that enough before I left. You wanted me out of your hair. Out of your life. Gone.” I protested weakly. I knew I’d let her down, I’d known that from the day I left.

“I was eleven! I didn’t know what I wanted.” She sighed, shaking her head, “Look, it’s fine. Whatever. Is it okay if I go and read?” I nodded, watching as she flounced off to her room, not that she had waited for an answer.

Sam still sat next to me, stealing glances at me. For his sake, I put on my happy face.

“So, Sambo. Tell me about you.”

I half listened as Sam chattered on about Angry Birds,