They Canceled My Ticket I Canceled Them Chapter 03
The next morning, the chime of the elevator woke me.
When I checked my phone, the group chat already had the day’s plan.
Daniel: *Bainbridge Island today. Lobby at nine.*
I got ready and went downstairs, reaching the lobby at 8:55.
The other four were sitting in the lounge area. Madison held an iced coffee.
The moment Marcus saw me step out of the regular elevators, his face darkened.
“Where were you last night? Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
I walked over.
“My phone died. I grabbed a bite and went to bed.”
Tyler gave a short, sharp laugh.
“Looks like you slept well. We waited for ages at the restaurant. Madison’s stomach was starting to hurt, but she still insisted on not ordering without you.”
I looked at Madison. She looked perfectly fine, an empty breakfast container on the table in front of her.
“That’s a shame.”
I didn’t explain. I didn’t apologize. I didn’t ask if she felt better.
They clearly hadn’t expected that response.
Marcus opened his mouth to say something, but Daniel was already on his feet.
“Enough. The car’s here. Let’s go.”
The ferry to Bainbridge Island was packed with tourists.
Madison didn’t want to stand in the sun, so Marcus and Daniel flanked her, shielding her from the people squeezing past on deck. Tyler forged ahead to find seats.
I fell behind, separated from them by a tour group.
When the ferry docked, the crowd surged down the gangway. By the time I reached the pier, the other four were gone.
My phone buzzed.
Tyler had sent a voice message to the group chat.
“Ellie, since you didn’t guess the restaurant last night, we’re changing up the game today.”
“This is your second test. We’ll be waiting somewhere on the island that you love the most. Let’s see if you can find us before dark.”
Madison followed up with a cheering emoji.
*Do your best! If you can’t find us, you might have to take the ferry back to Seattle by yourself.*
I looked at the screen and almost laughed.
The place I loved most?
Did they even know what I liked?
When I first started dating Marcus, I mentioned wanting to see the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Years ago, the five of us had come to Seattle together. That time, Madison saw an ice cream shop on social media and insisted on waiting in line for it, and my plan was scrapped.
I put my phone in my bag and followed the signs to the museum.
Sunlight dappled the houses and trees along the road. I wandered through every gallery by myself, listened to a guided talk, and bought a postcard at a shop near the waterfront to mail to myself.
No one argued with me. No one expected me to change my plans for them. I didn’t have to watch anyone’s expression.
It was the most peaceful afternoon I’d had in years.
At four o’clock, messages started popping up in the group chat again.
Marcus posted a photo.
In it, a new pearl bracelet adorned Madison’s wrist. The background was a café overlooking Eagle Harbor.
Tyler: *Ellie, you’re hopeless. We’re on our third coffee and still no sign of you.*
Daniel: *Are you lost? Need me to come get you?*
Marcus: *Don’t bother. She’s just pulling a stunt for attention. She’ll get tired and call us, begging.*
I sat on a bench by the water, watching the ferry come into the harbor.
Then I typed two words.
*No need.*
The chat went silent.
A moment later, Marcus messaged me privately.
*Elena, what the hell are you trying to do? I just bought Madison a bracelet. Do you really need to take that tone?*
I didn’t reply. I turned off my notifications.