𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟾

ISABELLE

PACING ACROSS THE ROOM, I nibble the skin on my thumb, thoughts running in every direction, heart thumping against my rib cage.

Where the fuck is he?

Is he okay?

What's he doing? Who's he with?

They clash against each other, pushing themselves to the front of my brain but it's all jumbled. I can't think straight. See clearly. Everything is hazy.

"Izzy!"

"What?" I snap my head towards a concerned Marcus, his eyes staring at my every move. Slowly getting up from his place on the sofa, he walks towards me, face softening at something he sees on my face.

"Oh," He coos, wrapping his arms around me. "It's okay." It's not okay. It's not. He's out there alone, suffering, while we're here doing nothing. Why aren't we doing anything!?

"Where is he?" I cry out, fisting his polo shirt carelessly. "Im scared, Marc." His hand softly cradles the back of my head, leading it towards his chest.

"I know," He mutters, warm hand rubbing my back, "I know, me too. We'll find him." The words dissolve into thin air, floating around aimlessly.

How can we find someone who left no clue where they went..

"We have to go search around again." I attempt to move out his hold but he stops me, leaving me to pathetically struggle against him. "Let me go."

"No," His voice is soothing and calm where as his hold is strong and soft. "He's just lost his dad, Izzy. He needs time. Give him time."

He needs time.

Give him time.

He's been missing for three days. Three fucking days. Why does it feel as if I'm the only one freaking out.

"He's out there," I croak, "All alone." Fat, chunky tears roll down my cheeks, leaving a visible patch on Marcus' shirt. I didn't know I was crying. It's all I've been doing these past few months.

Cry because of my body.

Cry because of my mum.

Cry because I lost Luke.

Cry because Kane has disappeared.

I know his dad was his lifeline. He loved the man. The only person who kept him sane. The man who had him waking up in the morning. He needs his dad. I know he needs his dad. But he hasn't got him anymore. He died. Luke died.

"He's going to hurt himself, Marc." A small whimper leaves my mouth at the graphic images that fill my head. I don't wanna imagine that. No.

I feel Marcus nod against my head. He nodded, it was small but was surely there. He's just as worried as I am. He might not show it but he's scared for him. For what he's capable off.

"Can we check the streets again," I sniffle, rubbing the back of my hand against my nose, eyes stinging, feeling itchy and face feeling wet. "Please."

Marcus sighs but slowly retracts his arms, instead cupping my face in his large hands, eyes full of concern and sincerity. "We can look again, Belle, but hold onto hope when we don't find him."

"If." I interrupt him, "If we don't find him. But we will." We will. We have to. Marcus nods, thumb caressing my cheeks and wiping below my eyes, smiling warmly at me, eyes slightly glazed.

"We will." He whispers back, voice cracking. I can't help the loud sob that leaves my mouth, quickly wrapping my arms around him and this time holding him. He's allowed to cry too. Kane is his best friend. Our best friend.