Chapter 48-5

Taking the winding route around the cliffs, I can spot a few trash bags placed along the rocks. The boys have spread out, tending to the lakeside and giving it a thorough clean. Hector's freakishly tall figure is the furthest up the stretch of pebbles, and I feel nervous. I wonder how long this awkward phase will go on for. As Naz and I hop off the truck, the boys seem to be in a world of their own. I call each of their names loudly, and they flinch unexpectedly. "Edward!" I yell, picking up a trash bag as I join a nervous looking Eddie. "I hope I'm not too late. You guys have done a lot of the cleaning. I feel bad." "It was-- nothing." He clears his throat. "Hector did most of it..." At the mention of his name, Gomez turns around and gives me a direct look. It's been a whole week since I've seen him, and he looks awful. No smile. No sleep, either. He has dark bags under his eyes and his ever-present slicked back hairstyle is missing. His slightly longer yet r