Across the Lake

Chapter 3

"They must've took the car." Claire would say as we both looked concerned. "Why wouldn't they tell us though." I'd say as she would comfort me. "Stay strong, I'm sure everything's okay." she'd say as we would hug. "Thank you." I'd say as we both went inside to have some dinner for the night. "I was planning to read the rest of my book tonight, but I can come outside with you if you want." she'd say as I looked excited. "That would be lovely." as she came outside with me.

     We would walk around the lake together, enjoying the scenery. Everything felt peaceful at night. I'd see a part of Claire that felt like she was trying to stay strong for me. It was rare to ever see her get emotional growing up. She had a heart made of steel. "Are you okay?" I'd ask as Claire would laugh nervously. "Of course, there's nothing to be sad about." she'd say as I nod my head. "Don't be afraid to tell me when somethings wrong." I'd say as she replied "Totally!" We would continue to walk around until we would see Paige.

     "Hey Paige! I see you're also walking around." I'd say as Paige looked right at me. "Doing some midnight walking, nice to see you around." She'd say as she joined in with us. We would all have a chat as it was Claire's first time seeing Paige. She got to introduce herself to her. I think it truly brightened up her spirit to be able to have a talk with a friend of mine. "You always meet the right people." Claire would say as I looked at her with a grin on my face. "Don't act like you don't too." I'd say jokingly. She would slowly light up a smile as I'd laugh.

     "You always know what to say to make me happy." She'd say as I felt joy inside of me. "I'm really happy I can make you happy." I'd say as we both would hug, as Paige would seem to tear up. "What's wrong?" I'd ask as I comforted her. "You two have such a bond me and my sibling don't have." I'd be quick to hug her, and try to cheer her up. If only I could do something more to help. "I'm sure someday things will turn around." I'd say as an attempt to cheer her up. Claire would look on, nodding her head.

     "I really hope you're right about this." Paige would say as she'd wipe the tears from her face. "You're a nice person! Good things happen to good people." I'd say as she would grin. "You know, you're right." she'd say as we all would walk back together. We would go inside as Paige went to sit next to the lakes again. Claire grabbed her book from the counter and sat on the couch, while I practiced my guitar for a few hours. I'd feel a bit teary eyed as I try to distract myself from my parents leaving so suddenly.

     Claire would walk in and notice the tears running down my face as I'd play the guitar. "Hey, what's wrong." she'd ask as I stopped playing for a moment. "Oh, i'm just still concerned you know?" I'd say as she sat right next to me. "Try and stay strong, I know it's difficult. You can count on me." she'd say as she held on to me. "You're always so confident." I'd say as she laughed. "I want you to share the same confidence! Just knowing things will be okay." she'd reply as we both shared a moment together.

     "Why would mom act so strange though?" I'd ask as Claire looked a bit off. "She's probably messing around, you know her." she'd say as she laughed nervously. "I guess you're right, she never lied to us." I'd reply as she'd say "Exactly, you can continue playing guitar, I just wanted to check in on you." she'd say as she'd get up and walk out of my room. I'd continue playing my guitar, trying to be as confident as she is. It was a bit hard to pull off, but I know I could do it.

     I'd stop playing after sometime, and put my guitar back in my case. I went to head into the living room to check on Claire. "Are you almost done your book?" I'd ask as Claire looked back at me. "After weeks, I can safely say yes." She'd say as I was surprised. "That was a lengthy book, I don't know how you did it." I'd say while laughing. "It was a book I was passionate about, romance books never fail." she'd reply as I'd leave her to it. I'd go into the kitchen to get a snack as I still felt something was wrong deep down inside.

     I'd lay down for what felt like ages, not feeling the need to sleep. I'd head back in the kitchen to grab something to drink as I felt restless. It was unlike my mom to not tell us what was happening. I went in my room again to grab my guitar and went outside, at this point nobody else would be outside. I grabbed a chair, and started playing a song that was stuck in my head. I'd tear up a bit as I felt something horrible happened. While I continued to strum on my guitar, I'd see Laurie walk up to me. She'd touch my shoulder as I jumped.

   "Sorry if I scared ya." she'd say as she laughed. I'd take a deep breathe and wipe my face from the tears. "No problem! Nice to see you're finally coming around." I'd say as she would pull up a seat and ask "I heard your guitar playing, you have talent!" she'd say as it would bring a smile to my face. "I get told that a lot, I just never believe it." I'd say as I put my guitar to the side. "You're absolutely crazy." she'd say with a gasped tone in her voice. I would remain speechless as I was feeling all sorts of emotions. "Anyways, get some rest! It's late." she'd say as I shook my head. "You're right, I should get going." I'd say, grabbing my guitar and waving goodbye.