Friends Don't Look At Friend That Way | Jake Baker

Chapter 14

Jake's POV:

The next morning I woke up and Maddie wasn't with me. Weird. I just shrug it off thinking she's down stairs making breakfast or something.

I quickly get dressed and head downstairs, my best friend no where in sight. I start to panic. Where is she?!

Charlie's POV:

I'm half way through getting changed when me door swings open. "Knock much?"

"You got kicked off the football team." My dad states holding up a letter.

"Well, look who decided to be a parent!" I say sarcastically.

"Let's check that attitude, Charlie." I chuck my shirt in the wash.

I roll my eyes, "I don't fit in this town dad. I'm going back to Midland."

"You are not dropping out of school and, you are not walking out on this family." Dad says sternly.

"What family?" I scoff. "Since we moved here, everybody's been looking out for number 1, especially you and mom. And you have been using Maddie as your house maid."

"Your mother and I are doing what we think is best for everyone." Dad states.

"Woah, woah, woah. You did not take this coaching job for us." I shake my head in disbelief. "You took this job because you were a loser in college while Shake was being a superstar. And if you want your shot at glory, dad, if you want it all, you do what you gotta do, but quit feeding us this line about being a happier and stronger family. This move was about you!" 

"And you know what?" I grab my jacket off the hook, "I don't have to sit here and pay the price for your life choices. I'm leaving!"

My dad stops me, "You're staying."

"Are you gonna make me?" I challenge.

He sighs, "Charlie, I love you. I want you to have the best life you can have. And that means you are getting you're diploma."

"When I graduate, I'm gone." I decide. I look around my room quickly to spot my keys but I don't find them. They must be downstairs.

Jake's POV:

She's not here. No one has seen her since last night. She's gone.

I see Charlie searching around near the door, looking for something. "Charlie?"

"Have you seen my car keys, Jake?" Charlie asks.

"No..." What if...? "Did you have them last night?"

"Yeah, I left 'em on my side so I knew where they were but they weren't there." He chuckles under his breath.

"Oh no..." I trail off... Maddie, what have you done?

"What Jake?" He asks.

"I think I know where your keys are." I say awkwardly.

"Great, 'cos I need them." He stands up and looks at me.

I rush outside and unfortunately, my theory is proven correct. The cutlass is missing.

"Jake, what's going on?" Charlie asks. "Where's my car?"

"Its Maddie." I state. "She took it."

"What?" He asks quietly. "How'd you know?"

"Dad was shouting at her last night. I thought I calmed her down, but I guess.... I didn't. I woke up today and she was gone." My voice cracks with worry.