Searching (Gatekeeper Series Book 2)

Isaac Lahey

I yawned as my alarm rang for the fifth time. I had tried taking those sleeping pills my mom had given me but they didn't work this time. Maybe I was too restless or my body was used to them. Whatever the reason was, it meant that I had barely slept and, as I looked at my phone, I was going to be late for school. I hurriedly got ready and ran to the garage to get my bike. I didn't notice Allison's car until I pulled the bike out completely.

She rolled down her window, "Come on I'll give you a ride." 

I put my bike away and climbed in the passenger seat. She handed me a coffee cup as she pulled away from my house.

"Thanks," I took a sip and ignored the heat burning my tongue. "How did you know?"

"I haven't been sleeping well either. I'm sorry for your loss by the way. I feel like it's not something you've heard anyone say."

I hadn't. "Thanks but he made his choice. I just have to deal with it and move on."

"He only killed those people because of what Kate did."

I shook my head, "It doesn't excuse what he did."

"Is that why you've been so quiet lately?"

"I've had a lot on my mind. I've been meaning to ask, who was that old guy at the funeral?"

"My grandfather. Did something happen? First Scott was asking about him and now you."

If Scott hadn't told her does that mean I shouldn't either? Luckily I didn't have to make that decision. 

"Hey you two," Lydia spoke as she approached us, acting as if she hadn't been missing for two days.

"Lydia. Glad to see you're back in school."

"Yeah well I couldn't go missing school forever. Plus I hate the hospital." She started towards the entrance doors but turned around when she noticed Allison and I hadn't moved. "Hello? School is this way."

Allison gave me a look that said we'll talk about this later and we followed Lydia.

"So do you remember anything about the two days you went missing?" I asked.

"They called it a fugue state. Which is basically a way of saying 'We have no idea why you can't remember running around the woods naked for two days.' Personally, I don't care. I lost nine pounds."

Allison paused at the doors, "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"Please. It's not like my aunt was a serial killer." I lightly elbowed Lydia's side to which she gave me a shrug before yanking the door open.

The corridor was busy with students walking in all directions. The door slammed shut behind us and everyone froze, staring at us in dead silence.

"Maybe it's the nine pounds," I whispered.

After a few seconds, Lydia whipped her hair back and walked down the steps towards her class, ignoring all the stares she received. I turned to face Allison who was frowning slightly.

"It'll be okay," I said before heading off to math.

"You look like you haven't slept in days," Danny spoke as soon as I sat down next to him. He already has his books on the table, waiting for class to start.

"That obvious huh?"

"Yes that obvious. What's keeping you up? Or who? I don't judge."

"Just feeling restless. I'm sure I'll pass out as soon as I get home," I said trying to close the subject. Danny, however, had other plans.