Perfectly Broken

Chapter 2

I wish for a moment that time would lift me out of this day, and into some more benign one.

— Audrey Niffenegger

Alina came out of the trance-like state she usually entered while painting when she heard her phone beep. She sighed and put down her brush and wiped her hands. She'd been painting for four hours, so she might as well take a break.

Alina picked up the phone; someone named Thomas was texting her. He told her his girlfriend's name was Hannah Donfort, and she started shaking uncontrollably. It got worse when Cleo, Richy, Jessy, and Dan were added to the group. A flurry of messages came through, and Alina's eyes swam, her chest tightening with worry. How dare these people start asking her questions after all of this time? Suddenly they need something, and for Hannah, of all people.

Cleo: Alina?? Why did Hannah send your number?

Thomas: You know each other?

Cleo: We take an art class together.

That was not the whole truth, but the others didn't dispute it, and Alina preferred it that way.

Dan: Well, lookie here. Long time no see, babydoll.

Jessy: OMG, Alina?! I can't believe it!

So much for her anonymity, now Thomas would want to know who Alina was, too.

Lilly: Answer the question! Why did my sister send your number? What did you do to her?

Alina vaguely remembered hearing about Lilly being Hannah's little sister but never met her. It wasn't like Hannah and Alina were ever that close.

Alina: I'm so sorry about Hannah. I don't know why she sent my number to you. I haven't talked to her in years, and I really can't get involved in this. I'm sorry.

Alina has left the group.

She was hoping they would leave it at that, but she should have known better. A few minutes later, Cleo called, and for some reason, she answered. "Alina, please don't hang up," she begged. "You know Hannah's my best friend. She must have given us your number for a reason. Can you think of why?"

Yes, of course, she could think of a reason why. More than one reason. But Alina wasn't about to share that with Cleo because it would only make things worse. "I really can't. Hannah and I haven't talked since–then," she reasoned. "I'm really sorry, Cleo, but you should leave this to the police."

"It's been three days!" Cleo exclaimed. "For three days, she's been in that monster's clutches, and the police are no closer to finding her. Wouldn't you want everything possible done for you if you were missing?"

Alina closed her eyes. If she went missing, nobody would look for her. No one cared enough. But Hannah had this whole group, plus her family. As much as she feared the idea of communicating with all of them, could she really say no to such a plea? "I...let me think about it, OK? But if I agree to this, absolutely nobody can know that I'm helping you. Do you understand? My privacy is extremely important to me."

"Of course. I'll let the others know. Thank you, you won't regret this!"

"But I didn't–" she sighed. Cleo had already hung up. "I didn't agree yet," Alina mumbled.

She was about to put her phone down when she received another text.