The Grabber

For My Next Trick

"Okay. Today is the day," Andrea sighed as she tried to control her nerves. The group stood by the baseball cage before school. "You all remember the plan?" The three nodded. Rebecca quickly pulled her backpack in front of her as she reached for something inside. Once she found it, she handed it to Michael.
"Here. It's the note for Andrea. If she doesn't come home today, you'll just give this to the school tomorrow." Michael took it as he looked it over. "It basically says that Andrea is out due to illness. The phone number on the bottom is James'." Michael nodded as he knew the reasoning. The plan was that Andrea's parents were meant to think that she is staying at James' house for a school project. James nodded as he remembered this part of the plan as well.
"Got it," Michael nodded. He folded the paper carefully and slipped it into his pocket. "Everyone else good on the codes?" Rebecca and James nodded as they remembered. Michael did as well in response. Andrea took a deep breath as she looked at the group.
"I can't tell you how nervous I am," she said. "I'm gonna miss you guys so much." She could feel tears beginning to surface from fear and nervousness. The group quickly came in for a group hug.
"We're gonna miss you more," Rebecca croaked. Andrea hugged the group tightly as she tried to keep her tears at bay.
"At least come back with a souvenir," James tried to make light of the situation. Andrea chuckled.
"I'll try." The four pulled away as they knew this would be their final time seeing each other before the event takes place. "I love you guys."
"We love you, too," Michael smiled as his voice broke. He tried his best to not show his true emotions. Andrea could see right through.
"I'll be back soon. When I do, I'll tell you guys everything. Every detail."
"You better," James joked. Rebecca lightly shoved him with her elbow. Andrea took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She looked over at the bleachers for a moment as she remembered a new crucial part.
"If you guys happen to meet anyone named Al who is asking for me," she said as she carefully looked at her friends. "Don't tell him the truth. If he brings it up, just say I'm busy with homework or something."
"You told Al the plan?" Michael asked with a sudden change in expression.
"I had to," Andrea sighed. "I couldn't just leave him not knowing what was going on. That's not what friends do."
"So you're actual friends now?" Rebecca asked with skepticism. Andrea slowly nodded.
"Yeah... friends." Rebecca and Michael looked at each other for a moment before looking back at Andrea. "Alright. We won't tell," she sighed.
"Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it. I'll explain when I get back." As the four parted ways after one final hug, Andrea felt more fear come to surface. What if Al was right? What if she didn't come back? The Grabber's victims have never shown themselves since their abduction. Maybe there's a reason for it.

...

Throughout school, Andrea couldn't focus on a single assignment or lesson. She couldn't even bring herself to eat lunch. The closer the end of the school day came, the more nervous she became. During her final class, she had asked to use the restroom. She usually never used school restrooms, so her teacher seemed a bit concerned when asked, but allowed her to leave. Andrea walked down the empty hallway towards the restroom. She tried to catch her breath. She was starting to hyperventilate from her fear. She shoved the door to the restroom open and went to the nearest sink.
"It's okay, it's okay," she said between gasps. She looked up as she tried to calm herself. She gulped through her fear.
"Oh god, why did I do this," she wheezed. "What am I doing? What am I doing, what the.." she kicked one of the stall doors. "Fuck!" She staggered back into a sink; gripping it as she trembled from the fearful energy building up inside of her. "What the hell am I gonna do?" She whispered to herself. "What am I gonna do?" She turned to face the sink; her head hanging. She felt as though she may puke. "Jesus christ." She slowly looked up at her own reflection as her breathing began to slow. "Come on, Andrea," she muttered to herself. "Don't chicken out. You're strong. You're smart. You'll be okay." As her breathing calmed, she closed her eyes to take a deep, shakey breath. "Okay," she whispered. She gazed at her reflection. Some tears she didn't notice took refuge under her eyes. She sighed as she splashed some water on her face. She quickly grasped some paper towels to dry with.
"I gotta do it, I gotta do it," she told herself as she dried. "It'll be okay, it'll be fine. I'll be fine." She tossed the paper towel in the trash as she looked at herself again. "You can do this. You got this. You're a badass, son of a bitch," she nodded. "You can do this."