The Misspent Youth

Chapter One

"You're better than this, Ella."

The nineteen-year-old raises his voice, with the paper clenched in his fist. His temper had been getting worse since the disappearance.

"It was one test. It's not like you've never failed in your life. I mean look where you are." I gesture around the dirty house.

Dallas scoffs, crumbling the paper and tossing it aside. "This isn't about me."

"Sure it isn't."

The door opens behind me, probably being one of the boys. "Leave us alone," Dallas said. The person hesitates, but one glare from Dallas sends them away. It distracts him long enough for me to grab my backpack and head downstairs. The older boy's footsteps echo as he follows me out. I grab the old door handle right before his hand grips my bicep, turning me.

"We're not done here."

"Yeah, well I am." I pull back from Dallas, continuing on my path out the door. With my bike laying in its usual spot, I made a quick move to grab it. All the built-up frustration makes me turn around for one last word. "Oh and by the way, just because we grew up together and you may have adopted most of us from our shitty foster parents, doesn't mean you get to dictate our lives."

Dallas stood there, trying to process what I just said. I didn't wait around to hear his response, as I got on my bike and rode away. I've always had a thing for getting the last word.

I've always liked the idea of riding my bike at night.

I rode my worn-out bike into the driveway where I dropped it off behind the oak tree. While walking up to the house, I spot the living room tv lights flashing through the curtains.

"Oh shit."

I open the door, walking in to toss my phone and keys on the table near the front door. Making my way further into the house, I stop in the kitchen to grab a water bottle, not bothering to see who's in the living room. A quick glance at the clock tells me I should've been home hours ago.

Turning around, I'm met with Finley, who casually sits on the couch staring at me. "Why are you out here?" I furrow my eyebrows in confusion and exhaustion.

"Where were you?" His usual quiet demeanor is heightened with demand.

"Not in the mood." I snapped.

"That doesn't answer my question." He leans down to rest his elbows on his knees, his head turned to look at me. His eyes narrowed, representing his low patience.

"Just drop it." I rolled my eyes, heading towards the stairs. I was looking forward to climbing in my bed and falling fast asleep. Finley had other plans.

"Word of advice." He spoke from his spot, still leaning forward like this was a casual conversation. "Don't piss Dallas off any more than you already have. It'll just end badly for all of us." The seventeen-year-old's husky voice becomes darker.

"Got it." On my walk to the stairs, I could see the light creeping out from under the basement door. The rest of the boys must be playing video games, Finley being tasked with dealing with me once I got home.

Laughter floats through the house as I finally reach the top of the staircase. Glad they're having fun tonight. I change out of my jeans into plaid pajama pants. I found comfort in the sweater that I was already wearing so I left it on. Then, I found myself sitting in the silence of my room, the closed-door blocking everything else out.

Downstairs, the front door slams shut as voices start raising. "Where is she?" I heard Preston yell. He was most likely the one to make the loud noise. It could've also been Kai, but he wouldn't be home for hours. "Atlas, is she here?"

The pounding of footsteps follows the yelling as the boys start heading up from the basement. "Shut the hell up, Preston." Atlas's voice wasn't as loud as the younger boy's, but I could still hear it from my room. "Finley..." His voice got quieter, inaudible to me.

A while later my bedroom door creaked open, as someone came to check on me. I stayed still, remaining in my position of staring at the ceiling. If they knew I was awake, I didn't care.

"Yeah, Milo, she's in here." I could hear Finley whisper. Their feet shuffled in the hallway before the door was finally closed. Footsteps continued towards my bed, making my body stiffen. I closed my eyes, hoping if I pretend to be asleep they'll leave me alone.

The person nudged my shoulder, laughing under their breath. "I know you're awake, Ella." Milo. "Scoot over."

Giving up on my charade, I move closer to the wall allowing enough room for my twin to lay down next to me. We lay there in the continued silence, neither of us making a move to start the conversation.

Finally, Milo spoke up. "I take it your phone died."

An odd way to start the conversation, but I continued nonetheless. "I forgot to charge it last night."

"I figured. You wouldn't go all day without answering me unless you had a good reason."

"Maybe I just didn't want to talk to you." I toyed with a hole in the sleeve of my sweater.

He laughed at that, not loudly, but I still heard it. "Maybe." He took a deep breath. "I don't know what you said to Dallas this morning, but it affected him pretty badly."

"That was kinda the point." I readjust my head on the pillow, looking over at the boy. "I'd rather not talk about it right now, though, so if that's why you're here, I suggest you leave."

"I sense when I'm not wanted." Milo stood from the bed, letting out a sigh as he walked to the door.

"It's just been a long day," I explain to the retreating figure. "We can talk tomorrow. Goodnight, Milo."

"'Night, Ella." The door closed behind him, leaving me in the silence that once was. I turned to face the wall, hoping sleep would come to me soon.