I didn't see Dobson again the rest of the night. I hated that I didn't get to say good-bye to him, but part of me knew that's how he preferred it. Misty forced me on the dance floor even though I'd never danced a day in my life. "What would the council say if they could see us now?" Misty laughed. She jumped on Rocco and I took that opportunity to leave the dance "floor" (which was really just an area of the lawn she sectioned off with chairs). Sophie and Gordo were talking on the porch. She looked relaxed and happy, so I fought the urge to join them. I repeated Dobson's words over and over to myself: "He wouldn't do that to his brother, he wouldn't do that to his brother." Dobson knew Gordo better than maybe even Griff, so I trusted his judgement. Suddenly I wanted to be near Griff so bad it brought tears to my eyes. I was looking for him, when something caught my eye down the sidewalk.
A white Robe. It was running quickly toward us. I saw hair flying, but couldn't see much more. "Griff?" I called, "Misty? Rocco?" My friends weren't as distracted by the party as I thought. They were already behind me watching the figure.
"Annie?" I whispered as she came closer. Griff grabbed my hand, and Misty my arm. "I think the party's over," Rocco said to us. Then louder, "Party's over guys!" Say what you will about Rocco, but when he yells, people listen. Our guests dispersed in a hurry until only Sophie and Gordo were left by the time Annie reached the house. "Gordo? Could you take Sophie into the house?" Whatever was going on, I wanted to protect Sophie from any commune drama. Without a word, he led her away.
I never would have guessed Annie could run so fast. "Come on," Misty pulled me down the sidewalk to meet her. The others pounded the pavement behind us. "Annie!" I put my hand on her heaving shoulder. Her hair was wild, her robe streaked with dirt and grass. "It's okay," I lied. Whatever was going on, definitely wasn't okay. "It's okay. Tell us what happened."
"They found out," she forced out. "They mustknow. And they have Gibby." She put her hands on her face and sobbed. Roccocursed loudly. Misty and I wrapped arms around Annie. "We'll help. We're goingto help. Let's get you back to the house."
YOU ARE READING
Three Converts
General FictionLucy is born into a community that requires its members to recruit three people before they turn twenty. Or pay the price.
