The Burning of Sadie Bluebell

Part Two

Jess knew Sadie was up to something.

     Jess was absolutely certain. Over the past months, Sadie had begun to grow more and more distant from the village. Of course, she had always been distant, but now she seemed to be in her own world all the time.

     Sadie also seemed more tired than usual. But those observations weren't why Jess was so certain that Sadie was doing something she wasn't supposed to.

     One early morning, Jess had woken up only to find that Sadie was gone. She was nowhere to be found. Then, almost an hour or so later, Sadie came back and went to bed, as if she had never been gone. Jess had pretended to be asleep, but in actuality she had been wide awake.

     After that, Jess got up earlier for a few nights, and again Sadie had gone off to who knows where.

     What was Sadie up to? Why did she leave every single morning?

     Jess was quite determined to find out. She couldn't outright ask Sadie, obviously. She would just lie, and then she would be even more cautious when she was sneaking out.

     Jess slowly walked down the hallway, brushing her hand against the wall, eyeing the staircase. It was noon, and Sadie was outside milking the cow. Her parents were downstairs, drinking tea.

     Jess debated whether or not she should tell her parents about Sadie's mysterious endeavors.

     Oh, how badly she wanted to. How funny it would be to see Sadie's expression when their parents would shout at her. Jess smiled slightly.

     Jess didn't mean to hate Sadie, but she just couldn't help it. Sadie had always been closed off and awkward, and it was just so easy to laugh at her. Besides, she didn't see why her parents always kept Sadie around. All she did was take up their parents' attention.

Jess shrugged. Why shouldn't she tell their parents? Sadie would eventually get found out, even if Jess decided not to tell anyone.

Her mind made up, she descended the stairs and stepped into the kitchen. Her parents sat at the rickety wooden table, drinking tea from small cups.

Her father hardly glanced up from the book he was reading. Her mother peered over at Jess questioningly, grasping her cup.

"Is there something the matter, Jess?" Julie asked softly. Jess thought for a moment, before replying.

"Yes. Father, Mother, haven't you noticed how strange Sadie has been acting?" she asked.

Marcus paused, raising his brow as he set his book down.

"Oh, Jess. Sadie has always acted different," her mother said nonchalantly with a wave of her hand. Marcus nodded silently.

"No, you aren't understanding. It is true Sadie is weird, but now she's acting even more strange." Her parents shared a look, and Jess continued.

"Just a few nights ago, I woke up and Sadie wasn't in bed. Then after an hour, she returned, and went back to sleep," she explained. Her father frowned.

"Did you see where she went?" he asked. Jess shook her head. Julie pursed her lips.

"Hm. I doubt it's anything too serious, but I would like to know where she's going. Can you find out what she's doing?" Marcus said calmly. Jess nodded immediately.

"Good," he said, and took a sip of tea. Seeing that the conversation was now over, Jess turned and went back up the stairs.

She paced down the hall and into her room. She wouldn't let her parents down. She'd see what her sister was up to, no matter what.