Jealousy, Jealousy (Part 1)

30 - Lauren

"If it's the Amelia I know, she's regretting what she did," Noah told me at recess. He had come over to give me a carton of chocolate milk.

"Noah, are you positive it was her? I mean, you don't really have proof."

"Trust me, okay? I know it was Amelia," he answered confidently.

"Except it wasn't," came a voice from behind us. We spun our heads around and saw Norah.

"What?"

She sighed. "It wasn't Amelia who told Jason and Wren where you lived. It... it was me," she continued. "I'm sorry. They just asked me and I thought it was pretty obvious because you live with Amelia. Also, since I'm the president of this grade, I have to take notice about how people get home, just for their safety. I guess I remembered you walking towards River Street and it all just kind of came out."

"Norah, what are you saying?" I asked, still confused.

Norah took a deep breath. "I told them where they could find you. I didn't know they would target you like they did, though. I really am sorry."

I let out a sigh of relief. It really wasn't Amelia who told. I'm so glad. Noah on the other hand stood up and walked right in front of Norah.

"What you did really wasn't benefiting anyone's safety, don't you think?"

"I know, I said I'm sorry. Lauren, please forgive me. And... Amelia. I should apologize to her too," Norah replied.

"Amelia!" I burst out. "Noah, you blamed Amelia. We have to talk to her."

Noah nodded, cast one more glance at Norah, and followed me out the door. We ran all the way to her classroom and arrived just as the bell rang.

"I don't see her anywhere, do you?" I asked.

Noah shook his head. "Let's just talk to her during gym, okay?"

But she was nowhere to be found. Even Mr. Phipps, the PE teacher, was confused about where she was.

When I arrived home, there still was no word from Amelia. I walked into the living room and saw my mom and step-dad frantically reading a piece of paper.

"Lauren, you're home. Have you seen Amelia?" my mom wanted to know. Her eyes shone with worry. Oh gosh. Was the whole town looking for her?

"No, I haven't seen her since this morning. She was missing from all her afternoon classes as well."

"This isn't good," Father said. "Take a look at this." He handed me a piece of paper with writing I recognized as Amelia's. The letter read:

Hi. I'm flying to New York City. To see Aunt Kinsley. I'm sorry but I had to. By the time you see this, I've most likely already left. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I need to spend some time away from Westchester, to be in a new environment. I wasn't happy back home where you are. And I won't be unless I take some time away and then go back as soon as possible. Take care of yourselves and I love you all. See you very soon.

Love,

Amelia M.

PS: Call me anytime :)

"What is this?" I gasped. There was no way Amelia just took off to a completely different city, right?

"I better call Kinsley!" exclaimed Father, picking up his phone and heading off to a different room.

Mom gave me a hug and I hurried off upstairs. On my bed were multiple pieces of paper. I picked up the one with my name on it and read it right away.

Hey Lauren, it's your step-sister. You might be pretty mad at me right now. But before you tear this letter up, make sure you give the letters labelled 'Noah' and 'Esme' to the proper owners. Thank you. You might want to know why I left. There's a simple explanation. I miss my aunt, I really wanted to see her. Part of that reason is because she looks a lot like my mom and I miss my mom so much. A lot of things changed this year but above all, I'm truly glad I became your step-sister. I'm sorry for blowing up on you. You didn't deserve that. I know the guys paying SO much attention to you isn't your fault. You're just too awesome, I suppose. Yes, I was jealous of you. The truth is, I liked Noah for a long time, but I hadn't realized until this year how much I care about him. If he likes you and you like him back, you guys have my blessing. I know he'll be a great guy for you. Thank you for everything. I'll make sure to bring back souvenirs from the Big Apple! I'll miss you. Love ya!

~ Amelia