Art wasn't in school today. That's a little odd. Art was one of my school's top students attendance-wise. 

I decided to shrug it off as I headed into my homeroom class. As I sat down, I felt someone tap my shoulder and I looked up. It was Vance.

"Have you seen Art anywhere today? She's supposed to meet the two of us by the trophy case in the lobby, but I haven't seen her anywhere and she hasn't answered or even read any of my texts." Vance said. I shrugged and checked my phone. "The last time she texted me was last night, she called me for help on a homework problem."

"Oh. Well, maybe she has a doctor's appointment or something and she's coming into school late today. Anyway, class is starting, I don't want to get yelled at for talking." Vance said. "Please let me know if she shows up to your math class or texts you at all, okay?"

"I will." I said, facing forward and listening to the lecture my teacher was starting. 

________

The day was passing by rather quickly, and there was still no sign of Art anywhere. I checked around the cafeteria one more time for her before sitting down at my usual table with Vance.

"This table is so lonely here without Art." Vance said. 

"Yeah. But, she'll probably be back tomorrow! You know how much she loves school." I said. Vance laughed and said, "You're right, Edison. She'll be back."

I grinned and started eating the school pizza when an announcement came over the loudspeaker.

"Will Edison Fraser and Vance Lopez please report to the guidance counselor? Thank you."

"That's us." Vance said, quickly packing up her lunch and standing up. I shrugged and threw away my lunch tray. "Do you know why they called us? At the same time?"

"No...but now I'm a little bit worried as to why." Vance said. I shrugged, pushed in my chair, and made my way to the guidance counselor's office.

"Hey, I'm Edison, I was called down here?" I said to the secretary. The secretary pointed me to the office and Vance and I sat down in chairs. The guidance counselor smiled sadly at us and said, "You two are friends of Art Fischer, correct?"

"Yeah...I'm her best friend and Edison's her girlfriend, why?" Vance asked. The counselor sighed and said, "Unfortunately...Art...Art passed away unexpectedly this morning."

"What?!" I yelled, jumping out of my seat and bursting into tears. The counselor nodded sadly and said, "Both of your parents have been notified and are here to pick you up."

_______

"Hey, kiddo." Ben said as I got in his car. "I heard what happened, I'm so, so sorry."

I blinked and stared out the car window. "I don't feel like talking."

"I get it. Which is why you're not coming on set with me today, I'm going to take you home. I think you need the rest, and I trust you home alone."

"Thanks." I said.

"Also, I know this might not be the time, but...um...would it be okay with you if I adopted you?" Ben asked. I sat up, wiping a few tears from my eyes.

"What? Really? You would do that?"

"Of course I would, Edison! So...is that a yes?" Ben asked. I blinked back a few tears and decided I was truly ready to accept that I would never be going back to Ireland.

"Yes."