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The hallway was swarming with people when we got to my floor.

"News sure travels fast," I whispered to Tyler. Everyone asked questions I didn't have answers to, and everyone was crying.

"Where's Violet?" I asked Everly when we reached my door.

"Can you take me to Ellie's?" she asked. I stared at her, thrown by her lack of an answer. "Something is going on with Emerson, and we need to go to our parents' house. Violet is going to crash in my room for the night."

I glanced into her room at Sabrina.

Everly shook her head. "She's staying with Violet."

I took her hand and squeezed it. "I'll take you whenever you're ready."

She went into her room to pack a bag, and I went into mine to grab my truck keys and wallet. I sent my dad a quick text to let him know what was going on.

"I'm coming with you," Tyler said.

"You don't have to."

He pulled me into his arms and rested his chin on the top of my head.

"Someone has to help you hold it together on the way back."

Everly came through the door with her backpack and a duffel. "Can we go?"

***

The drive to Elodie's house was quick.

Elodie ran outside and pulled Everly into a hug as soon as she got out of the truck. I exited, too, and Tyler opted to stay inside.

Everly went into the house, and Elodie stayed outside to talk to me.

"Have you heard anything about that girl?"

I shook my head, trying to stifle a yawn. "It's still too soon. And, you know my dad can't tell me anything, anyway."

"Can't." She made quotation marks with her fingers.

"Won't," I amended. "He shouldn't."

"But, you're his girl, and he'll keep you updated," She smiled at me and nodded her head toward the car. "Is that the guy you had the photo shoot with?"

I was glad it was dark out, so she couldn't see me blush. "Yep. That's Tyler."

"What is that?"

"What is what?"

She looked straight at me. "That tone. Like, you're irritated with him."

I sighed.

"You'll work it out." She winked at me. "The people we love have a way of irritating us the most."

"I don't —" She raised her eyebrows at me. "What's going on with Emerson?" She knew I was changing the subject, but, luckily, she let it go.

"She had a big fight with Caleb about wedding planning. I think he's toxic, but she loves him."

"Yeah, Ev said the same thing a few weeks ago."

Everly leaned out the front door to call Elodie back into the house and waved at me.

"Let one of us know when you get back to campus," Elodie said, turning to go back into the house.

"Are you okay to drive back?" Tyler asked as we got back into my truck.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I looked over my shoulder to back out of the driveway. "I just want to go back to bed."

"I meant about Luisa."

I sighed. I hadn't had the chance to start processing everything that had happened. There was no way Luisa was just gone. How could someone who was a lifeguard just drown at a party?

"Forget it," he turned to look out the window.

"Why are you acting like this?"

"I'm not acting like anything."

"You are, Tyler. You're distant."

"I'm fine, Ali. Just drop it."

We sat in silence on the rest of the drive back.

When we got upstairs, I sent a text to my dad and Everly letting them know I was home. I checked in with Dakarya, and Tyler went with me into my room.

I finally took the chance to scroll through the messages in the Florentine group chat. No one had any new information, but there was a lot of speculation about what had happened to Luisa.

I put my pajamas on, switched my phone to silent, and climbed into bed.

Tyler: I'm sorry about earlier. And Luisa

Tyler: I'm here if you need me

Tyler: Good night, darling

I tried to sleep but couldn't. I was so emotionally exhausted, but my mind was racing.

Tears started rolling down my cheeks, and within a few minutes, I was sobbing. I tried to be quiet so I didn't bother Tyler. I should have known it wouldn't work.

"Ali," he called from the futon. I ignored him.

"Ali," I heard again, this time closer. I lifted my face from my pillow and saw the silhouette of his profile next to my bed.

He reached up and brushed the tears from my cheeks.

"I was supposed to be there with her," I choked out.

"Come down here," he whispered.

I ignored him again. I just wanted to be alone.

"Darling. Please."

Reluctantly, I climbed down from my bed and curled up next to Tyler on the futon. He pulled me into his arms and held me as I cried.

"You know it's not your fault, right?"

I shook my head.

"I was supposed to be there with her."

But if I'd been there with her, I wouldn't have been here with Tyler.

I couldn't let myself consider what might have happened if I hadn't spent the afternoon and evening with Tyler.

"Will you sing to me?" I asked softly, not giving him a chance to respond.

"Anything for you," he whispered and started singing softly to me.

I was asleep within minutes.