69

My mother encouraged me during that eternal week when I felt completely alone and abandoned by the person who had told me to move forward. Still, I understood to a large extent that Jack was taking his time to come to terms with what was happening with his daughter, and I wasn't one to invade that space he was taking.

However, when the horrendous seven days had passed, I slumped into the cafeteria chair, letting out a long sigh that made Nia, Ryan, and Cody raise their eyes from the appetizing food on their trays, puzzled by my behavior.

"What's going on?" Nia asked, raising one of her eyebrows, confused by my exhausted expression.

"Nothing," I sighed, depressed, before taking a spoonful of that sticky rice into my mouth. Its taste was definitely disgusting, but it was better than starving.

"Is it because of Jack, right?" Cody questioned with a mocking smile before putting a piece of meat in his mouth.

"Shut up, Cody. You don't know anything," I grumbled, furrowing my brow, causing Ni