Degraded

Chapter 12-Derek

When we arrive at the bowling alley, I grab some shoes for Sam and I. She, grateful, takes them and tries to strut to the alley. Her strutting makes me want to puke.

I savor the moment, soaking up every second I have to be without her like a sponge. I need to find some way to ask her about the journal without her getting suspicious.

"Ready?" I ask, typing in our names. She nods her head yes. The only thing I'm really thinking about is leaving here, away from her.

We start to bowl, and I take the chance to collect my scattered thoughts. I pick up each thought one by one, being careful not to drop it, in fear I might lose it forever.

I decide that I should ask her something, but not as straight forward as, "Have you seen a journal that holds all your brothers life secrets?" Though that's really is the easiest route to take, I think she would get a little suspicious.

"So," I interject, acting like I just thought of something that could spark a conversation, even though that's not what I'm doing, "your brother and I used to be friends. I remember one time he mentioned something about a journal, red like a pepper?"

I didn't want to straight out ask she if she's seen it, that would raise chariness. So, by just skimming the topic, I thought it would get her to answer in a more volunteering way.

"Huh. No, I never heard him say anything like that." Sam answers, makings me feel like she is holding something back.

"Are you sure?" I say too quickly and eagerly, "You never saw it? Not even something that color?"

"Well, no." Sam responds. She is definitely holding something back from me. The fact she said 'well' raises my suspicion.

Not wanting to push it, I decided it's best to wait and ask at another time. Patience is a virtue, I think.