Preston Greens

29. Missing Not Just Bleach

I saw that Vicky didn't come to school today. I was very excited, but when English class began and her seat was empty, I lost a little bit of my excitement. Maybe she would be back by Monday. I was still very happy and jolly, enough for people to notice. Belinda asked if there was anything wrong with me, but I explained I was taking my neighbors to Pizza Hut and then come back home to play in the backyard tonight. We could stay up as late as we wanted and when they were ready to go home, they just had to cross the street/yard. It was very convenient and awesome. I couldn't stay still in my seat, ready to get out of school. Just one more period left! I thought, thinking about after school. Charlie and I were going to play ball after school in his backyard- the weather was nice and brisk today. Then we were going to ride our bikes to the ice cream store down the street and get some ice cream. Today was going to be active and cool. I couldn't thank my parents enough for the trip and I couldn't sit still. If the old Vicky were here, she would be snickering. 

Mr.Koolaid shot me the "Sit down and stop moving or I'm going to give you detention" look, so I stopped immediately. I felt a little embarrassed, because the last time that happened was when I ate too much candy at lunch and I kicked my neighbor in the shin by accident. I bent over my notebook and was glad Vicky wasn't here, the new one or old. I didn't want to hurt Belinda's feelings, since she felt a little bad at lunch from being left out from the Pizza hut thing, so I texted mom to see if she could come over on Sunday earlier, and I checked my phone to see if I got a response. 

MOM: Sure thing sweetheart, <3 u. 

I almost banged my fist on the desk, but stopped myself before Mr.Koolaid saw me looking at my phone. I wiped my forehead in relief, glad I had quick reflexes, and continued taking notes.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Can Charlie come eat pizza with us after mom and dad get home from karate?" I asked Shannon from the backseat of their minivan. "Sure thing! I'm pretty sure Charlie will be excited." She replied. Apparently Charlie stayed behind or something, because we had to park the car; we were holding up the line. Maybe I should have walked out with him or something, I hope he's not looking for me. I sent him a quick text as Shannon organized her car. The spirit was having serious effect on her, and their house is probably the cleanest I've ever seen. It's like you can't touch anything- it's all perfect. 

Minutes and minutes passed, and after a while, Charlie comes running to the car, with all his books in his hands and looking extremely distressed. I was wondering why he was ten minutes late, because I only took two. He jumps into the front seat, panting.

 "What happened?" Shannon and I ask at the same time. 

"This kid was about to beat me up, so I outran him." He said. I could tell he was going to say more, but I knew he needed to catch his breath first. I reached my hand from the backseat and put it on his shoulder. 

"Everything is okay now. You aren't hurt, and you are safely in your car, on the way to your house, your safe haven. Everything is going to be okay." I reassured him. 

I could tell he was feeling better by the moment, and I felt proud. 

"Well, you might be happy after you hear this." Shannon said, making a sharp turn onto University Drive. 

"What?" Charlie said after a few moments. 

"Would you like to go to Pizza Hut with Carly and Lisa and Belinda?" She asked him. 

"Really?" Charlie said, sounding excited. 

"Yes. If you want, you can go." She said with a huge, warm and comforting smile.