arcade

viii

"Sarah Beth said her mom lost ten pounds by going vegan!" I exclaimed.

Vance and I were on the way to the grocery store for some snacks. He was focused on the path, while I was blabbering his ear off. He never told me to stop, so I kept talking about nonsense that he better be listening to.

"Sarah Beth's mom is also an alcoholic with depression. Her weight loss also stems from her lack of appetite." Vance grumbled, his eyes never leaving the book.

"Maybe, but I think I should try it. That way I fit into my dress for Winter Formal!"

"Baby, you're perfect just as you are. You don't need a new diet." I hummed at his words, but it wasn't changing my mind. I'm not sure when my insecurities started appearing. Perhaps, it was when I entered middle school, and puberty made my baby fat disappear or when I was entered in millions of beauty pageants. All I know was that appearances were a big deal for me and my family.

My mom never scolded my body, but I could tell it was on the back of her mind. It was in the little things, like scolding me when I made a second plate. Mom had an eating disorder in high school because of bullying, so I know she's just looking out for me.

"Seriously, baby. Don't do it. Your body is beautiful just as it is, and changing your system won't make it any better." Vance continued. His eyes were full of such certainty that it made me falter. How did I land such an amazing boyfriend?

As we continued our walk, I noticed a homeless man asleep on the floor. He was leaned against an old building that no one used anymore. He was wearing worn out clothes, and sneakers that had holes on the top. His clothes definitely did not suit the chilly weather.

I've always had a soft spot for the homeless. My father always says I shouldn't fall victim to their begging. He says that most of them are this way because of their addictions, and they ruin it for the people that actually need to beg. He says I shouldn't risk fueling their drug usage by giving them any money. I never listen. I believe that addiction is an illness. These people don't have the resources to get the help they need.

Unfortunately, I didn't bring enough cash to give to the homeless man. I had exactly enough for snacks, and mom always counted how much change I came back with. I tore my eyes away and attempted to keep walking. I noticed Vance had let go of my hand, so I turned around.

He stood there, staring down at the man. His face was expressionless as he offered his coat to the man. No words were exchanged, but I could tell the man was grateful.

As soon as the man accepted the coat, Vance returned by my side, holding my hand. I smiled at my boyfriend. I didn't know it was possible to fall in love with someone multiple times. Although I know Vance mainly did it for me, I know another part of him did it because he truly was a good person. Vance wanted to help that man.

I wished the world saw this side of Vance as much as I did.

~

"The police questioned Gwen and Finny about Robin's disappearance yesterday." Nancy told our table. I rose an eyebrow.

"Who are they?" I ask as I ate a blueberry.

"They were friends with Robin. Gwen's best friends with the kid I babysit, so I heard it from her." Nancy explains. "I don't think they knew anything helpful, but Gwen claims she saw what happened in her dreams."

"She's a little kid. I'm sure it was a nightmare. That's normal." Nicole shrugs. We all hummed at the thought, brushing off the idea that some random little girl was psychic.

As always, my days went on in a mundane routine. There's not much to report, so I won't bore you with the details. All you have to know is a lot of people are talking about Robin. The sheriff has been getting a lot more backlash from parents about how enough is enough. Too many boys have been taken for this to continue.

Personally, I understand both sides. I'm irritated by the lack of information, but I also understand that there's no evidence. There's nothing there for the police to go off of. The Grabber is good at what he does. I hate that.

"I have to drop off the kids I babysit first if that's fine with you?" Nancy asks. She's driving me to her house since it's Friday. When we were little, we always had sleepovers on Friday until Vance started coming over everyday. Now that he's gone, we've decided to start that up again.

"Of course not." I smile, staring out the window. School ended thirty minutes ago, but we're waiting on the road of the elementary. Before I know it, two little girls run up to Nancy's car.

"Hi, girls. This is my best friend, Holly Whales." Nancy introduces me. She briefly looks at the girls before reversing out of our spot.

"I'm Gwen Shaw." A girl with chestnut hair in two braids informs me. I immediately of what I heard at lunch.

"Nice to meet you, Gwen."

"You're pretty." She compliments. "No wonder that blonde kid keeps thinking about you."

"What?!" I ask. My eyes widen. There's no way she's referring to Vance.

"Your boyfriend. I'm sorry about what happened, but don't worry, I know he still thinks about you all the time."

"Thanks for telling me, Gwen." I face forward in my seat, unable to face the psychic girl. I know I'm going to spiral if I keep hearing her claims.

Nancy reaches over to hold my hand. She's trying to comfort me, but I don't even feel her touch. My mind succumbs to my internal turmoil of what happened to Vance. I thought I was doing better, but one little girl giving me hope has crashed any progress.

I don't say goodbye to the girls when we drop them off. I can't. All I can do is smile because I'm afraid of what will leave my mouth. Or how much I'll crumble once I speak.

"She must've seen a flyer or something and recognized y'all from around town." Nancy suggests, trying to make sense of it all. I nod, but in the back of my mind, I'm praying that Gwen was right.

I want nothing more than for her to actually be psychic. I want nothing more than for her to tell me Vance is still okay and that he is thinking of me.

I want Vance to come home.