Tracing Footsteps

Bronwyn

Dear Baxter

I woke up to the sound of my radio as I do every morning. The weight of reality lessens it's clutch in the mornings when I'm half awake, but then again the grip tightens when the realization hits. Like today. It's been a week since her disappearance, and even though I never knew her properly, something about Ciara Barrow's unknown whereabouts creeps me the hell out, maybe it has something to do with you. Maybe not. I never feel like eating anymore, or sleeping. It makes me realize that shady things can happen to anyone, though then again I understand I never knew Ciara. And never tried to. Unlike with you. I didn't exactly have a choice with you. Ughhh, what the fuck Bronwyn. Get your head out of the clouds.

Even school feels different. Maybe it's because Ciara had a shock of brilliant blue hair that always turned heads. Apparently she had it dyed in Spain, but no one really knew because no one really asked. Just like the empty sadness that filled the halls when you...left. No one really cared. Until she disappeared. It's funny how much they pay attention now, all the "we wish she was still here" and "she will always be with us" crap. As if she was already dead. But I feel otherwise, I really do. I don't know why, maybe because I felt the opposite when you went missing. Walking the corridors just kind of feels empty now. It feels as if all the fish had swam out of the ocean. Kind of bare...

I get slapped around the back of my head. Back to reality again I guess. My best friend Hallie appears in front of me grinning. "Did you revise for the physics test, or was your mind still hooked on that beautiful, missing girl?" Hallie smirked.
"Oh come off it Hal," Honestly, I regret telling Hallie anything sometimes, "I'm not gay, no matter what your hopes and suspicions are. And jokes about missing people? Kind of insensitive?". I guess it wouldn't matter if I was gay, right? I mean, no one would even care...Well actually, mum and dad-
"Brony? I said you can borrow my notes if you want," she wipes the smile off her face and begins to look sort of sorry, "It was just a joke Bron, I'm sorry if I upset you. I know about your strange interest in the Ciara case but they closed it days ago-"
"Don't worry, I wasn't thinking about that," Which is obviously a white lie. What Hallie doesn't know won't hurt her. I say that as if I had anything to do with the missing girl, but I don't. Well, I don't think I do anyways, "I was thinking about when we have physics...When do we have physics anyways?"
"Ummmm...Next?" My wide eyes contrast Hallie's sheepish ones as I abruptly snatch the revision cards from her hands. Hallie chatters away as I read the revision cards while we slowly walk to physics as the bell fades away.

I've got it. As I can't get Ciara out of my mind, I might as well make use of that. I'm going to try and solve the case. I know what you are thinking. I'm 16, about to sit my exams, but I might as well make use of my wandering mind. I won't tell anyone unless it's necessary of course, especially Hallie, mum and dad, but I think I have an idea of where to start. I will look through all the news articles all around the internet. I won't miss a thing. Not this time. I know I was too late to help you, my love, but I can't fail this time. I will save Ciara, because I have a funny feeling she may lead me to who murdered you. I will get that fucking murderer back, whoever they are.

forever and always,

your loving sister Bronwyn xxxxxxxx