The Closet Is Made Of All Kinds Of Wood

Chapter Four - Surprises

Written by @qualifiedfornothing from Abby's perspective .

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"The mysterious disappearances continue at Marchindon High. Eva Bradley was last sighted at the school on Wednesday, March the 3rd. If you have any details about her whereabouts, please come forward. You can call crime stoppers on 1300 000 999."

The local news station had been run rampant with a constant feed of information since Eva's disappearance. No the whole town hadn't seen her for what, two weeks now? Eva was all they could talk about.

I guess it makes sense, because nothing interesting ever happens to this town. I used to wish for something, anything to make my life more exciting. But I didn't want it like this.

I turn off the television, make sure that my blue and orange school uniform is fitting correctly - skirt not higher than my finger tips, sleeves unrolled - and get ready to leave.

From the moment I woke up this morning, my mother has been trying to convince me not to go to school. I know it's just because she cares, but I can not be trapped in this house any longer. Over the weekend she had me on lock down. I can hardly go to the bathroom with out being interrogated.

Jai, my younger brother isn't going to school. Mother hasn't let him out of her sight over the past two days, and he is cracking the shits over it. Their arguing is constant as I get ready for school.

"But Mum," Jai whines. "I'm twelve, not two! I can handle myself.

"No Jai, I can't lose you. Not after your father." My mother says firmly, and I notice tears coming to her eyes.
Watch out Jai, she's pulling out the big guns.

My father was hit by a drunk driver a little under two years ago. It ruined what our little family had, but mum has kept us going, taking extra shifts at the hospital - like the amazing woman she is. I really wish I could do more for her. After dad passed, I got a job at a small cafe in town to help out. It isn't much but it is something.

"Bye mum," I call out from the front door grabbing my keys on the way. I start to close the door as fast as I can, desperate to avoid conflict. "I'll see you after school."

"Abby, I truly don't think you should go." Mums voice calls back. Shit. Shit. What do I do? I don't really want to go to school, but I can't just stay home because I'm scared.

"How come she gets to go? The kidnappings aren't happening at my school!" Oh Jai, your whinging comes in handy once in a while. I close the door on an arguing Jai  run to my extremely crappy car and pull out of the driveway as fast as I can. Free at last.

School comes into view as I drive over the hill. Marchindon high. should have stayed home.

*

I've nearly made it to hometime and now I must battle through the last class of the day: Science. 

I open my locker and reach in, grabbing my science text book and a mysteriously familiar lined card. It's another love letter from Lily.

Roses are red; violets are blue.

I like spaghetti; let's fuck.

xx Lilly 

So romantic. 

I stash the note in the pocket of my skirt, and continue on my way to class; where I am unfortunately met with Ethan Richards. 

"Hey baby, how you doing today? Big Man Richards is gonna to light up your world."

Sexist cat calls and extremely derogatory, for lack of a better word 'flirting'  is the only shit that comes out of Ethan Richards mouth. He's an idiot, and I'm not exactly sure what my cousin Tess was thinking  when she dated him.

And his undivided attention has now, unfortunately fallen upon me. Seriously? Last period. So close, yet so far. Damn, he really ruined scienceclass, but so far I had been able to avoid his 'flirting'.

"I'll be right back team, don't do anything I wouldn't do."

No Mr T, don't leave, I pray as our teacher goes to get matches for our experiment. Fuck. He's gone. Great, just great.

"Hey Abby, how's my favourite nerd going?" Damn, Ethan's well muscled ass has sat down next to me. Abandon ship, Abandon ship! For all those who don't know, I'll fill you in. Ethan is my cousin's ex. Tess and Ethan went out for about two months before she realised that Ethan only wanted to get into her pants.

"Hey Abby, I'm serious. How are you?" Here we go.

"I'm pretty well, Dick. And your self?" I smile politely. trying to get through this as quickly as possible.

"Oh, still got that feisty streak. I like that." He says while moving closer. I shuffle back.

"Well Ethan, is there anything I can do for you or can you please leave?" I glance at the door. Gee Mr T, you take your time.

"You know Abby there is something you can do for me. Can you possible please just for me, hook me up on a date with your lovely friend tess? I wanna retry."

Ladies and gentlemen, the true reason Ethan has graced us with his presence.

"No." I say bluntly.

"No?" Ethan mutters.

"Yes Dick, no. I'm sure that word isn't in your vocabulary. Would you like me to explain it to you?" The whole class turns and looks. Crap, now I've got everyone's undivided attention.

"I found the matches."

Mr T has marched back in, thank the -

A rough hand grabs my face and I'm suddenly lip to lip with Ethan. What the fuck?. Gross, slobber! I push back on his chest trying to get him off me. Is this guy made of bricks or what? I am suddenly relieved of one jack ass. I wipe my lips and look up furiously to see Mr T holding Ethan by the scruff of his neck. Mr T is 5 foot 6 and a little geeky so this is surprising.

My blood boils as I look at Ethan's smug face. Before I can stop myself, my fist is swinging across the room into Ethan's face. Pain explodes through out my hand. Fuck that hurt! 

"Ahhhrg, she broke my nose! You little bitch!" Ethan screams through blood and snot. Lovely.
"HOW DARE YOU!? How dare you?" I scream as I go for Ethan again, but this time it's me Mr T is holding back. The whole class is going crazy, some people clapping, others screaming that I be expelled.

"Abby, why don't you wait in the hall." Mr t says as he grabs a tissue for Ethan.

"BRING IT, BRING IT, BRING IT," Students scream as I am saved by the bell. Kids flood out the door, me included.

"You're probably a lesbian anyway!" Ethan calls after me as I run out of class. Like hell I'm waiting in the hall. As my adrenaline wears off, tears stream down my face.

I knew I should have stayed home.