Silenced 2: The Overtaking (Silenced Series) by RaeBeth McGee-Buda

used you. He wanted you in his life to make up for what he was lacking.” I was trying to make her feel better.
    Patrick’s attention turns to our conversation, and he jumps in, “I know this isn’t my place, but you need to forget him. Just like Amber said, he used you. He was filling in where his girlfriend lacked. I know you see it, so why not just forget about him?” Patrick asked.
    I felt my face turn red. Okay, call me an ass, but I just said that. Damn, Patrick… listen up buddy... if you’re going to jump into someone’s conversation, at least say something that hasn’t already been said. Ugh!
    “ I think he gave me something to look forward to,” Casey replies. “He made my day less boring. All I did was work, and I’m getting ready to go to WVU. I need someone to rely on besides my dad...most of the time he doesn’t even listen.”
    I can’t believe she’ s still wrapped around that loser. Jeez, she was talking to me the other day, and it sounded like she’s over him and missed Patrick. This girl definitely needs to get her guys in order and pick one.
    “ How long is this ride?” Casey asks after no one comments on her last remark.
    “ Shouldn’t you have asked me this before we left?” I laugh, “It takes about nine hours.” I estimate.
    “ I thought it was going to take a day.” Landon jumps in. Well, I guess he’s off of his whining horse, and decided to join us in the real world.
    “ It depends on how many times we stop. The more we stop, the longer it’ll take.” I say baffled that they’re acting like they’ve never been on a trip.
    “ Why don’t you tell us about some memories you have down here?” Landon suggests.
    “ That’s easy… Sarah and I have been friends for a long time. We have or had our own secrets. Our bond was strong. We never had a fight. We had disagreements but we never went to the point of not talking. We’re the type of friends that were inseparable. When you saw Sarah, you saw me too.”
    I continue talking as a knot forms in my throat. The words are getting harder to say because I realize there wouldn’t be any more memories made. It’s like I just realized my lifetime friend is gone. I feel lost as a tear runs down my face.
    “ I’d rather not talk about this anymore.” I manage to say, holding back more tears.
    I guess Landon didn’t realize just talking about good times would upset me. I’m sure he’s only trying to help but his therapy isn’t going to work on me. I’m not the type of person that can be shrinked easily.
    Casey jumps in. “I have an idea, why doesn’t Pat start by telling us how his life is going, besides what we already know.” She’s trying to change the vibes I’m putting off.
    Although I think it’s not the proper thing to change to; I realize it doesn’t bother Patrick, because he begins answering her question.
    “ I have a new job working for a drilling company that drills natural gas. I’m not sure if I like the hours, but the pay is great. I’m in the process of buying a new truck. Cars aren’t the best for my field of work. Oh, and I have my own place,” he rambles.
    “ Um... Pat… we all know this.” I say sardonically.
    “ I didn’t.” Casey chimes in. “I thought you were living with your mom and dad. What happened to make you want to move?”
    “ I don’t want to be twenty-six years old, living at home with my parents. I want something to be proud of. He motions to Landon. “That is why I’m there all the time.”
    “ Why don’t you tell them about Stacey?” Landon suggests. He knew what he’d say, but he wanted to prove his point to Casey.
    “ She and I are doing okay,” Patrick answers. “We’ve been dating for three months. She stays with me on the weekends when she doesn’t have class. She’s going to WVU for nursing.” He looks at Casey.
    I c an tell this isn’t what Casey wants to hear. I don’t understand why Landon brought it up. Patrick’s phone ringing pulls me