Dear Cheyanne

The Plan

My head was spinning while I was sitting in Leah's living room. I was in complete disgust with every event that had happened in the past 24 hours. It was the next day after my visit with Vada and we were making the plan to confront Vada. I wasn't doing this part alone. Thomas was explaining everything to Ben and Leah, who were shocked. But not like I was. Truthfully, I think I am in utter shock still. I am nauseous. I sat on the floor, staring off into space hearing the voice muffled.

I never believed the phrase, 'everybody's got a dark side'. But now, I am not so sure who I could really trust. What if the people I'm sitting in the room with couldn't be trusted? Oh, don't think like that Emma. These people are all you got. When I slowly raised my gaze to everyone, it looked like everyone was talking and using their hands. I just could not concentrate. I tried so hard, but it was hard. All I could hear was the buzzing in my ears.

My thoughts went to before Cheyanne died and we were all close. We were having a sleepover at Cheyanne's, we were playing board games and eating junk food. We were all laughing, throwing popcorn at each other, enjoying the time we had together. We spent the entire night being ourselves and not questioning if we would ever become enemies. Now, one of us is dead and the other is a killer. That curdled my stomach more. I miss those friends.

"—being careful because we don't know what Ezra is truly capable of." I could hear Leah's voice chime in, pulling me back into reality.

"That is true, considering he did what he did." Thomas spoke. I just watch everyone's lips move, not saying anything.

"Well not to mention he does beat Vada he's capable of a lot. He's an angry person." Ben chimed in. "So, what's the plan?"

"We got to get him to tell the truth without force. Maybe someone should try to get Vada to confess?" Leah spoke. From my eyes, it looked like everybody liked that idea. But then all eyes were on me and that made me uncomfortable quickly. "Emma, any ideas?"

I shook my head, not knowing what to say. My head was pounding from the anxiety. Everyone's eyes were on me while I sat motionless. They looked concerned for me.

"She is in shock don't expect her to think about too much." Thomas mumbled. I looked over at him, realizing that she was right. I was in shock, and I needed to get myself together and do this for Cheyanne. This is why she has been coming to me. She wants me to lock him up for good, even Vada in my eyes. I nodded, finally back to reality.

"Yes, we need to get them to confess it without being forceful. Both will know something Is up if were forceful on it. Maybe I can try to talk to Vada first, see what I can get from her." I explained, taking a small breath. Thomas smirked next to me.

"She lives." He spoke sarcastically. I scoffed at him.

"Leave her be she's got a lot of her mind." Ben grumbled. I eyed Ben, telling him to be nice through my facial expression. "Someone needs to go with her in case things go south."

"I agree with Ben. It's risky going alone." I replied with Ben. I gave him a small smile, as he gestured one back to me.

"Okay so how about this—" Thomas started saying, clearing his throat. "I'll go with Emma. I'll stay outside while she talks to Vada. But I think you should hide your phone and record the entire conversation. That way It's her word against anything. You'll get more out of Vada than Ezra. Then if things go south then I will be there to get you."

"I like that. Don't stop recording the entire time." Leah agreed. I nodded. I stood up, needing to move around. If my parents could see me now. I'm risking my life to get answers. This could get dangerous fast.

"So, when should we do this?" I asked the one question I was scared to get an answer for. Everyone looked at each other waiting for ideas to pour out. After a moment, Leah stepped up.

"We should do it tonight. Get it over with. It will better than the anxiety building and waiting." Everyone nodded in agreement with Leah's suggestion.

"The sooner the better." I mumbled. Everyone stood up as we gathered.

"If either of you need help. Do. Not. Hesitate to call, okay?" Leah spoke, looking towards both Thomas and me.

****

It has been two hours since our talk about our plan. We were getting ready to go and I was jumpy. I did not know what to expect out of this. I am praying that it turns out fine and Vada gives us the information that I want. But I'm also hoping she doesn't throw herself under the bus instead of Ezra. Maybe I can convince her to run off and forget about Ezra. As I was getting ready to go, my arm was grabbed by Ben. He pulled me off to the side so we could talk alone.

"Why do you have to do this?" Ben whispered, looking around to make sure that nobody was listening. I sighed, understanding where he was coming from, but I needed to do this.

"Ben, you don't understand—"

"No, I don't. But I know you are doing this to find the truth. I just want you safe." I smiled at Ben's protection. I reached down, grabbing his hand to hold gently. I wanted him to see that I was going to be okay and that I could do something good. The fact I have been depressed over wanting to know who did this and I am here now, it is amazing but scary.

"I don't need you worrying about me. You need to stay here with Leah and wait. If you need a ride to get us, just call Tia." I comforted him gently, squeezing his hand tightly. He nodded, giving me a small smile.

"So—when are you going to let me kiss you?" He asked nonchalantly. I couldn't help but let a laugh escape.

"When I come back." I whispered to him. I could see Thomas over Ben's shoulder, nodding to me that we needed to go.

"We got to get there before sundown." Thomas called out. I nodded, my eyes returning to Ben telling him goodbye. I hugged him tightly before walking towards the car.

My anxiety was shot now. In that moment, I knew I was not ready for this.