Safe

Chapter 7

I have a great life, you'd say. I'm rich, beautiful, the daughter of the president, and engaged to a handsome man. Well, that's how I appear to most people. In reality, my parents are too busy stealing the forgotten's money to care about me and my fiancé is in love with a sweet kind forgotten. If Stephen hadn't fallen in love with Zara, I think I would have been friends with her. Truthfully, I've been in love with Stephen since I knew what love is. He's handsome and my parents approve. What more can I ask for... well I can ask for him to love me as much as I love him. When my parents announced that we were engaged I was 8 and the most excited that I've ever been. It was not because it was Stephen – that was a plus – it was because I thought someone might love me. Like my parents were supposed to. Over the years Stephen and I grew close, not romantic close but still close. So, when I found out that we were both going to Summer Camp I was ecstatic. Then I watched as Stephen fell in love with the kind forgotten and completely forgot about our friendship or relationship. Feeling hurt, I had a meltdown. I mean what was I supposed to do. At least I had Violet, we never really got along at home – she did date Stephen but we've kind of become friends now. Clover as well; she helped me a lot when I found out about Stephen and Zara.

Though as I sit alone at the dance while everyone parties, I feel the overwhelming sadness. Stephen had disappeared and Zara was still gone from wherever she was going. The only people here were Clover and Violet, but they were busy dancing and giggling to themselves. I do hope they get together, they'd make an amazing couple. Deciding to go to bed for the night I head back to the cabin falling asleep immediately.

I woke up to frantic yelling and shouting. When I look up, I see Clover crying and Violet hugging her. Daria stood in front of them, a grave look on her face. Suddenly the door bangs open and Stephen marches in. His face is determined yet bloodshot, bags hung under his eyes.

"She's not anywhere, I searched the whole camp," he panicked.

"What is going on?" I asked sleepily.

When no one answered me, I asked louder. They all turned to me, Clover suddenly pissed and Stephen's eyes held a fury I'd never seen. Suddenly I felt a searing pain on my face as a slap echoed through the room. Clover growled at me before storming out of the cabin. Violet and Stephen going after her, leaving me confused and in pain. I held a hand to my cheek as tears sprang to my eyes. Why did she slap me? I thought we were friends.

"What is going on?" I asked Daria quietly.

"Zara didn't come back last night, we think she might be missing," Daria informed and I nearly fell over in shock.

That's why Clover was upset and Stephen was angry. Being the last one to see her, that put me in a bad position. I might not have liked Zara but I didn't want her to go missing. Daria leaves me alone and I'm distraught. Another person is missing; that makes two. I need to go home. Being utterly alone at home is better than being kidnapped. Sighing I get changed out of my dress into plain clothes and head to the dining hall. Clover and Violet aren't there and Stephen sat with Daria whispering to each other. Sitting down as far as way as I could from him, I ate my food quietly. I felt like I was back at home. Soon Violet and Clover entered – Clover looking a little better than when she slapped me – holding hands. Shocked I processed their relationship. I knew they liked each other but I didn't think they'd go public. What would Violet's parents say? I'm happy for them but worried about how it will affect everyone involved.

"Got a problem?" Clover snapped, looking at me in rage.

"No, I'm happy for you guys," I muttered.

Violet sent me a slight smile as Clover dragged her over towards Stephen. Daria soon walked over to me and gave me a small hug.

I tried not to burst into tears when she whispered in my ear, "Are you ok?"

"No," I whimpered before looking down at my empty plate.

She nodded and went back over to the people who now hate me. All because I was the last person to see Zara. Don't they know I already feel guilty? After they finished eating Daria stood up.

"I know this is hard for everyone and in a time like this we need to be there for each other," Daria announced.

"I am not being there for her," Stephen growled, pointing to me.

"Yes, you are," Daria snapped.

"Whatever," he huffed.

Violet nodded in agreement; Clover however mumbled swear words under her breath but eventually nodded. I wondered where Edgar was. Maybe talking to the police, he should be doing that.

"Is Edgar talking to the police?" I asked quietly.

"No, he has locked himself in his office. I believe he was kind of close to Zara. I am going to call the police now. I will see you all in the morning. No morning run," Daria said defeated, and left the hall.

Stephen and Clover immediately ran out of the hall. I thought they hate each other. Violet went to follow her friends when I stopped her.

"Wait Violet," I called.

"What do you want Gracie?" she sighed, exhausted.

"What will your parents say about you and Clover?" I asked.

"Look Gracie, I'm your friend but right now I need some space. Everyone does. I don't think you had anything to do with Zara going missing and neither does everyone else. Just give them time to cool down, Zara meant a lot to everyone."

"Would they be this upset if I went missing?" I questioned, tears filling my eyes.

"Probably not," Violet whispered and walked towards the cabin.

I want to go home. Tears slipped down my face as I ran, I hate running but I need to do something. I collapsed on the cold grass and screamed. I screamed until my voice was raw. Until I didn't feel like disappearing and never coming back. Would the world be better off without me? 

Putting those scary thoughts out of my head, I got up and pulled myself together. I'm going to figure who's kidnapped Cameron and Zara. Maybe if I figure out who did it and find them, everyone will become my friends again. Before I could help it, I fell asleep on the grass; with a promise to find the kidnapper.