When it rains it pours. Two weeks later, on my way to English composition, I receive a call from my mom. “Hello?” I answer on the first ring.

“Riley?” My mom questions, although I’m one hundred percent positive she knows it’s me.

“What’s up?” I glance at the clock. “It’s early, aren’t you still at work?”

She sighs and my stomach clenches in fear. “Honey, I’m afraid I have some bad news.”

My hand grips the phone tighter, and my heart begins to pound in my chest.

“What’s wrong? Is Dad okay? Mikayla?” My words come out rapid-fire.

“No,” she continues. “It’s Jesse’s grandmother. She passed away this morning.”

“What?” My voice booms, and I drop my bag on the sidewalk. “When? How? Does Jesse know?”

“Yes.” She sighs again. “He came home last night. She had another stroke, but there was nothing they could do this time. I’m sorry to call you now. I know you have classes but Ms. Collins asked me to phone you. Jesse isn’t taking it well.”

Of course he’s not taking it well. Jesse never met his dad’s parents, and his maternal grandfather died before he was born. Mrs. Pepretts—Gram was the only grandparent he ever knew, the only grandparent he had. “Mom, I gotta go,” I say, but then add, “Thanks for letting me know.”

“You’re welcome, honey. By—”

Before she even finishes the word, I hang up the phone and dial Jesse’s number, but the call goes straight to voicemail. I hang up and dial again. When his recording picks up a second time, I decide to leave a message. “Jesse, it’s me. I just heard. Call me. Please.”

I end the call and pull up our last text thread.

Riley: Call me, please

Walking at a furious pace back to my dorm, I punch Liza’s number into my phone.

Her bubbly voice answers after the second ring. “Hey, girl, what’s up?”

I don’t bother with greetings and get straight to the point. “I need to borrow your car.”

“Is everything okay?” she asks with genuine concern in her voice.

“I need to get home. Jesse’s grandmother passed away this morning, and I need to get to him.”

She doesn’t question me further. “Keys are in the top, right-hand drawer of my desk.”

All the breath rushes out of me, making me dizzy. I stop walking and squeeze my eyes shut. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for.”

* * *

By the time I approach exit fifty-six, the exit I need, Jesse still hasn’t called, even though I left him numerous texts and voicemails. It’s a gamble, but I drive straight to his grandmother’s house in West County rather than his mom’s house. Most of his mom’s family lives in West County, so I’m assuming that’s where everyone will be.

It’s been a while since I’d visited his grandmother’s house, but I remember the way (mostly) and only have to turn around once. When I pull onto her road, I know I’ve made the right choice, because there are at least seven cars parked in the driveway and street. I pull the car onto the side of the road and run straight through the grass to the front door. I don’t knock, just walk in, which, in hindsight, I guess is pretty rude, but I’m not thinking of manners or etiquette…the only thing I’m thinking about is Jesse.

I find his mom first, sitting in the front living room talking to her sister, Jesse’s aunt, Rhonda, and one of Jesse’s cousins whose name I don’t remember. She stands when she sees me, and I rush to her arms, embracing her in a hug.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper, and she hugs me a little tighter. We both pull back and I ask, “Where is he?”

“Kitchen.” She gestures with her chin toward the back of the house.

“Thank you.” I squeeze her hands and turn away.

Jesse stands near the breakfast bar, talking to his Uncle John. His eyes are bloodshot as though he’s been crying, and he wears a Briar basketball t-shirt and faded grey sweatpants.

His eyes snap to mine and widen in confusion as I rush toward him. Wrapping him in my arms, I speak softly into his ear. “I’m so sorry.” Twining his arms around me, he nods once before I continue. “Are you okay?”

He shakes his head no and I squeeze tighter. “Wanna get some fresh air?”

Pulling back slightly, he nods his response. His eyes have a misty sheen to them and my heart breaks for him, for this boy who is usually so strong, so capable. In this moment, I would do anything to take his pain away.

He discreetly drags his palms across his face, and I run my hands up and down his back in what I hope is a soothing gesture. “Whatever you wanna do. Whatever you need…” My voice trails off as a young girl enters the kitchen, hair tied back in a ponytail. She wears black yoga pants and a Briar t-shirt, as well. She looks familiar.

“Jes, I found a—” She stops abruptly when she sees me with Jesse, and it’s then, when her eyes meet mine, that I remember who she is: Lily.

“Charger?” She sets a white cord and plug on the counter and Jesse reaches for it.

“Thanks.” He pulls his phone out of his pocket and says to no one in particular. “It’s dead.”

The words sound so cruel, so cold and callous, given the circumstances of why we’re all here. He turns away from us and plugs in the wire.

“Hi.” I reach my hand forward in greeting. “I’m not sure if you remember me. I’m―”

“I know who you are.” Lily’s voice is severe, almost accusatory. I must make a face because she smiles (or at least attempts to) before saying, “Sorry. You’re Riley. Jesse’s friend from back home, right?”

I don’t get a chance to answer before Jesse looks at me and asks, “Are you ready?”

My eyes volley between him and Lily. Can you say awkward? “Um…” I hesitate, but then I realize Jesse isn’t going to ask Lily to join us, so I do. “We’re gonna get some air. Wanna come?”

She seems unsure and looks to Jesse for an answer before saying, “I think I’m gonna head back. It’s a long drive, and I want to get on the road before it gets dark.”

Jesse snaps out of his fog. “No.” He meets Lily’s eyes. “Stay. My aunt fixed the bed in the spare bedroom for you. It’s too late to head back now.”

Lily’s gaze turns hopeful. “Okay.”

I offer a shaky smile as Lily continues, “Let me just grab my phone and then we can—”

Jesse’s voice cuts her off. “I just want to be alone right now. I’ll catch up with you in a little bit, okay?”

“Sure.” Lily’s smile slips.

We both watch as Jesse opens the door. He’s halfway onto the porch when he pauses and glances over his shoulder. “You coming, Ry?”

With one last, sad smile at Lily, I turn and follow him outside to wherever he wants to go, because he needs me right now, and that’s all that matters.