Burn the Evidence #ONC2023

11| the desperation hits hard

BY THE TIME I was able to put myself back together, Max had called the police and shown them the photo.

They had to take this seriously now.

Unfortunately, the cop leading the pack was none other than Sheriff Jim, his eyes foggy with suspicion.

God, I wished the town had hired another sheriff between then and now. Everything would be so much easier if we had a competent man leading the charge. And now Mel was on the line.

Luke and I had to go into overdrive.

"I heard you kids have a picture I would be interested in?" Jim's voice held a condescending tone; one that made me want to punch him in his smug little face.

"Yes sir," Luke said, sending me a warning glance. My wish to cave Jim's face in must have been written across my features. I tried to relax my face, but it was no good.

"Well, then, let's see the picture. I don't have all day."

"To do what, sit around in your office? This is a real kidnapping and you're acting like it's some joke!" I exploded, walking away. I couldn't handle being in the same room as Jim right now.

"Young lady, I will not tolerate that kind of utter disrespect-" Jim started before Max cut him off.

"Sorry, sir. She's a little frazzled because her friend was taken. If you would please look at this picture, and the message below it, I think you will find some intriguing evidence." Max was cool, calm and collected.

I had no idea how he did it.

He held up my phone and handed it, unlocked, to Jim. I was glad I had let him have the phone because I couldn't deal with that.

I allowed the boys to take charge and walked to the first floor powder room to cry in private.

Melody, the first person who didn't stab me in the back after two years of friendship. Melody, who took me into her friend group when I was a bona fide nerd. Mel, who I had gone to the mall and the movies and stupid diners with. Melody, who was one of my closest friends.

Kidnapped and brought into this whole mess, because of me.

My mascara was already a mess, but now I looked like a raccoon with extra-large eye circles. Most of my concealer and foundation had melted off during the party, so the mascara was not stopped from running down my cheeks.

This wasn't fair.

If they were going to take someone, they should've taken me. I'm the one who was involved. Mel didn't even know I was looking into Jamie, which I guess I would have to stop.

I looked up to my reflection in the mirror.

Oh, my god. I would have to stop searching for Jamie if I wanted my friend to be okay. I would have to choose between them.

And I think I would have to choose Mel.

This made me cry even harder, my headache getting even worse with every tear that was released.

"Ava, sweetie, are you in there?" a girl's voice traveled through the thick wood of the door. "Max called and said you might need a girl to help you."

Immediately, I knew who it was.

"Oh my god, Carey?" I sobbed, too sad to be happy.

"Hey, babe. Can I come in?"

I nodded to myself before opening the door, experiencing a paradox of emotions. Sadness was flowing through me like a river, cold and unforgiving and willing to drown me in its depths. But joy, a small ray of sunshine compared to all the flooding was also there, though it was small.