Kidnapped

Chapter 1: New School Year

Clay POV:

It was the start of a new school year, I still didn't know if I felt excited or if I dreaded doing another year. I sat up in my bed before flinging the covers off, making my way into my bathroom and stepping into the shower, letting the warm water travel through my hair and down my body.

I threw on some jeans and a t-shirt once I got out, shoving in whatever school books I could find into my bag before finding a clean pair of socks to put on. I took my phone off charge and looked at the time. shit I thought to myself as the group were already waiting for me at school.

I raced down the stairs and saw my mum in the kitchen. I quickly grabbed my lunch from the fridge, stuffing it into my bag. "Have a good first day sweetie" she smiled over to me. "Thanks mum" I shouted through, dashing out the door and over to my car, throwing my bag into the passenger seat.

I parked my car in its usual spot, thankful that no one had taken it. I throw my bag over my shoulder and lock the car before making my way inside. I navigate my way through the crowds until I reach my locker, seeing most of the boys chatting, most likely waiting for me.

"Clay! Finally I thought I was gonna have to drag your ass out of bed" Nick smiled "We should probably get going guys, our first class starts in 5 minutes" Karl added as I stuffed some books into my locker so my bag wasn't as heavy.

"I have English first what about you guys?" I asked, Nicks face immediately lighting up with Karls "We do too!" I smiled at them as we then made our way to our first class. "Hey guys" I spoke up "Yeah?" Nick responded, Karl looking over at me too. "I wanted to go check on Georges mum after school today- do you guys want to come with?" Nick looked at me like he just got a lump in his throat "Is..Is that today?" he asked and I simply nodded.

"We will meet you at your car after school" Karl faintly smiled then opening the door to our English class, all of us stepping inside and finding seats in the back corner relatively close, Alex already being seated.

I didn't talk about George much anymore, it wasn't because I didn't care or had forgotten about him, it was simply too much of a touchy subject for me to handle, we didnt leave on good terms and the thought of him possibly being dead-

"CLAY!" I jumped at the sound of my name and looked up to see Wilbur who was smirking back at me.

"Hey Wilbur" I faintly smiled. "Are you gonna join this years football team?" he questioned and I pondered at the thought. I was the captain of the football team last year but things changed and I couldn't focus.

"Im not sure yet, I'll consider it though" I responded which seemed to be a good enough answer for him as he turned back around to face the teacher.

The lessons dragged. No different to all the years before that but yet I thought that this year would be different. When lunch finally came around I met up with Nick, Alex and Karl. Sitting down at our usual table as we all pulled out our food to begin eating.

"This year is already shit" Nick sighed, finishing his bite of food. "Its just started! be more optimistic than that!" Alex smiled but anyone could see it was forced.

It was hard to see the whole school normal once again, but to us it felt basically empty. After George left we even lost contact with two of our other friends, Zak and Darryl.

None of us knew why but we just figured they needed space, or time to process. We all tried to make excuses for them so it hurt less for us.

"Clay cmon we've gotta get going to our last lessons" I sighed, louder than intended and picked up my bag, following the others to our next class.

The time went by ridiculously slow. To be honest I was watching the clock the entire time. It had been 2 months since I last saw Georges mum and I was nervous, I had no idea what to expect when I walked through her door. I just really hoped she was okay.

As the last few seconds counted down I wasted no time in getting out the door, rushing to my car. Karl and Nick had informed me Alex would be coming with us at lunch so I waited impatiently for the 3 of them.

After a few minutes they approached my car, all of us getting in and buckling up before I pulled out, making our way to Georges house.

The drive was only about 10 minutes, George didn't live too far from the school. I pulled my car up to the front of the house, all of us leaving our bags in the car, anxiously walking up to the door. I lightly knocked on the door and awaited a response.

After a couple moments an all too familiar women unlocked the door, greeting me with a warm but tired smile. "Clay! Its good to see you" She steps aside to allow me to walk inside then greeting the others. She knew us all very well so it was never weird

"How have you boys been? Are you hungry I can make you some food if you'd like" Sapnap immediately agreeing.

"You don't have to make us anything" I add and she shakes her head. "I like doing things that make me feel normal"

We all go into the kitchen and sit on the stools, watching her make up some waffles quickly. "We've been alright, todays been a bit draining on all of us so we thought we'd come see you" I say, faintly smiling.

"Yeah its..its not great, but I'm glad you came to see me, ive missed seeing you guys around here" she smiled, putting food in front of us. We all got a sense of comfort from being around each other.