Together

Prologue

They said that true friend is hard to find, whoever stated those words didn't lie. My best friend was literally hard to find. I clearly remember how her fiery red hair standout as the sun sets behind, her eyes showed the reflection of tall grasses around, and her authentic warm smile that you couldn't stop looking at. With that pretty face she presented every day, you won't think that kind of girl would out of the blue vanish.

                So far as I could tell, there's no apparent reason why Courtney Ernst would choose to hide from everything. Maybe she's afraid of something that we never distinguish, or maybe just putting on a show? That's not rational thinking. Whatever motive that made her do it, she kept it by herself.

                How could you possibly discern Courtney's difficulties if she always showed the brightest smile?  She constantly gave the hideous laugh ever. People say it was weird but for me and our other friends, Courtney is born with little joy from different kinds of happiness.

                Four days before she went, we had an amazing night together. I just got home from New Mexico. After a long-mile drive, Courtney called me if we could hang out in the mall and buy something useful or watch movies. I took a nap for an hour and answered yes to her. Well, I couldn't say no and besides, I want to spend time with her just before the school resumes from winter break.

                "Paige?" she called, the very last time I heard it from her. "Don't tell me this walkway is icy." It's my mistake for opening the host and spread it on the aisle. I thought it would help to melt the snow, but the conclusion became worse.

                "You go first," I commanded.

                "No way, you cause so it's you that should take the first step. I'm the only one around to witness how you slip."

                I went through our three-step stair. I gave a really tight grip at the side and I unclench when I reached the edge of the way. Courtney's eyes glared for the moment of waiting me to be humiliated. The first standing was successful, but when I move my right foot, my butt fell on the frozen ground. As usual, Courtney burst in laughter that she almost ran out of breath. That kind of mortification would eternally be committed to memory to her.

                That night was the last delightfulness we have together. If I ever saw her again, things like that are different when it is done exactly the same. What would be our reaction if we passed each other at unfamiliar road? Will I jump for joy because I see my friend again? Will I run away and cry to her why she just went? Or will she be glad that we meet again?

                When our life in bliss ended, I walked Courtney back to their house. I didn't think of what would happened next and I never expect that it would be the last time I am going to see her.

I visibly remember: it was around nine o'clock, the road in front of their residence was damp and deserted, thick air was touching our face, and Courtney and I were the only ones that making noise in the neighbourhoods. "Glad that mom and I have arrived home at the same time." She's pointing Amanda's car on the other side of the road driving towards home. "Maybe you should go now. Mom is there to accompany me at home." Courtney smiled and ran away.

I glanced back at her seeing Courtney approaching Amanda's car that was parking towards their house.

The thing about my best friend's disappearance makes my head and heart really sick. I want her back. I want everything to be okay again. But the truth is things can't go back the way it was.