arcade

ix

I knew I wanted to marry Vance Hopper when I was twelve years old.

It was a stupid little crush that manifested after he "protected" me from all the other boys. I wasn't oblivious to their stares, and I knew I was pretty for most girls my age. I was blessed with my mother's genes.

When I entered middle school, Vance was still the friend from school, who I only hung out with on weekends and birthdays. We weren't exactly inseparable, but I did hangout with him more than anyone else could ever dream of.

I'm not sure when Vance's attachment to me began. He claims it was elementary, and I believe it was when I grew boobs (he hates when I accuse him of that). None of that matters because in the end he chose me.

I wasn't necessarily lonely before I had him. I had my friends every weekend, my family everyday, and I was preoccupied with homework or piano lessons. I thought I was fine without Vance in my life. But, once he was in, he quickly became my life. Everything reminded me of him, and everyday was spent with him. I don't even know when I fell in love with him. All I know is one morning I woke up, and he was all that I could think about. Life felt more special, and I felt like I could I was breathing for the first time in forever.

I was fine before I had him. But, now that I don't, I'm a wreck. I'm a carnival with no rides, a bird with no wings, a beach with no water; all completely useless without its counterpart. I'm useless without Vance.

Although I kept Vance in line most of the time, he had filled my life up with endless joy and love. I can't think of anyone else in my life that has ever loved me as much as he has, and I doubt I ever will.

Gwen's brother, Finny, went missing yesterday night. The police said he didn't come home after school, while Gwen went home with her friend. The town did a huge search party, but there was no sign of him.

Okay, this is going to sound crazy. But, hear me out.

Finny going missing feels off. I can't really explain it or what's different about his kidnapping besides the fact that I have a feeling about it. I've never met Finny, but a small part of me is hoping he'll make it. Maybe, it's because I met his sister, and I just want to believe that it's possible to escape the Grabber.

I can't imagine what the Grabber has done to all of the boys. To Vance. I don't want to picture it. I can't.

All I can do is pray that they'll be okay. I pray everyday that Vance returns home, but I've been losing faith. However, there's not much else I can do.

~

"Holly!"

I'm taking out the trash when I hear someone yell my name down the street. I snap my head up and see Gwen bicycling towards me.

There are tears streaming down her face, and she's clearly out of breath. The poor girl doesn't look like she's slept in days.

"You have to help me! Please!"

"Gwen, calm down. What's going on?" She shakes her head, her bike carelessly tossed to the pavement.

"My brother. He has my brother!"

"I know, Gwen. I'm sorry."

"No, you don't know! I-I get dreams of him and what's going on. Like-like signs from the other victims. Messages."

"Gwen, that's not possible."

"It is! I swear. If it's not, then how would I know that your favorite food is pizza!" Gwen is practically screaming at this point.

"M-maybe Nancy mentioned it."

"No! I got it from Vance! L-like, I saw that y'all have a secret money stash under your bed for when you graduate." My heart plummets. "It's under his clothes, and he put a picture of y'all in a photo-booth inside the box. It was from the day he asked you out!"

Only two people know about that box and its contents. One of them is me, the other, you guessed it Vance.

"How is that possible?"

"I don't know, but you have to believe me! My mom had visions too, but I need your help to find Finny."

"Gwen, even if I did, what could we do? We can't fight the Grabber."

"I-I'm not sure, but my visions can help us find them. I know it!"

Now, this is where my story escalates. I'm just as surprised as you are because I thought it would just be me moping for the rest of my life and reminiscing on Vance. It must be the desperation or my need for closure, but I did the stupidest thing I have ever done in my entire life.

"Okay, I'll help you."

"Fuck yeah!"

•••

I'm back!! Sorry for the late post. I've been distracted by school, and I feel unmotivated for this story. I feel like it's not as good as I hoped it to be, but oh well lol.