The Disappearance in Liverstone

CHAPTER 9

Maeve stared at interview. It was Monday and it had just been released. Maeve felt tears prick at her eyes. Ella? Schizophrenic?  Shock. Utter shock. But so many questions. Why didn't she tell Maeve? When was she diagnosed? Is she okay? 

Maeve left her laptop open and ran out her room. She left the door open, not caring. Out of breath, Maeve looked into the kitchen where Maeve's mum and Fiona were chatting and having a cup of coffee. Maeve's mum looked round at Maeve. "Everything alright?" Mae watched as her mum put down her mug of coffee. Maeve's jaw hung open slightly. "Maeve? You look like you've just seen a bloody ghost? What's wrong?" Maeve breathed in and out quickly. She fought for words, but none came. Fiona and Maeve's mum both looked confused. "ELLA!" Maeve finally screamed. Her mum and Fiona's face's turned to show a horrified look. "WHY!!" Maeve dropped to her knees, sobbing. She listened as her mum got up from her seat and walked over to her. Her mum was now kneeling down next to her on the cold kitchen floor. "Maeve. I know. It's difficult." Maeve's mum rubbed her back. Maeve screamed louder than she ever has. She screamed again. Again. Again. Finally, she looked up. Through the blur in her eyes, she watched Fiona stand up and head to the living room, leaving Maeve and her mum in the kitchen. "Maeve?" Maeve's mum was confused. "DOES SHE NOT TRUST ME?! WHAT HAVE I DONE? IT'S MY FAULT!" "Maeve! It's not your fault she went missing! There's something else to this story. please, you can tell me." Her mum said sternly. Maeve was still kneeling on the floor, sobbing. She couldn't help herself. Tears were racing down her face at a million miles and hour and hitting the cold floor. "Maeve. Come on, sit up at the breakfast bar." Maeve's mum helped her off the floor Maeve felt broken. As if she had her life torn in front of her.

She sat at the breakfast bar, her face in her hands. Maeve wanted to speak again. But she felt like her voice box was just ripped right out of her. "Fiona...I want to...talk...with her." Maeve said gradually. "Oh, okay." Maeve's mum sounded confused again. Mae listened as her mum walked out the room and got Fiona. Fiona came walking back into the room. Maeve listened as Fiona sat up on the stool next to her. "Hey, I know. It's difficult.." Fiona comforted her. "No...Not that." Maeve rubbed her eyes. Fiona tilted her head. "Schizo...Schizophrenia?" Maeve sobbed as she said the word. Fiona sighed and rubbed Mae's back. "I know. It was diffi-" "Why didn't she tell me? IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME?!" Maeve interrupted Fiona. Maeve wiped her eyes again to face Fiona. Fiona was tearing up too. "Maeve. Listen." Fiona said softly. Maeve turned round again. "We only found out...2...weeks ago. She was going to tell you when you weren't stressed with exams. She'll be annoyed I told you." Fiona giggled a bit at the last part. Maeve sobbed again. She felt like she could barely breath. She panted heavily. "I CAN'T! I JUST CAN'T!" Maeve jumped off her chair and ran back to her room. 

She slammed the door behind her. She dropped to the floor again. She screamed. Screamed again. 

****

Maeve had finally woke up. It was Tuesday. Her mum had let her be off school because of last night. Maeve slowly got herself out of bed and looked in the mirror. She looked like she had only slept an hour and her mascara was still stained down her cheeks. She sat herself down at her vanity and wiped off the mascara. Mae couldn't make up her mind if she looks better or worse without the mascara. The whole house was silent. Taking her time, Maeve made her way into the kitchen. A small bit of white paper sat on the counter. 

Hi Maeve

I've quickly popped to the shops. I'll buy you some sweet treats to get yourself through the next little while. 

Mum xx

Maeve placed the note back down on the table. She must be home-alone. She grabbed 2 slices of bread and popped them in the toaster. While she waiting for her toast, she sat herself down at the breakfast bar, like she would every morning. Every few seconds, Maeve would check her phone. Awaiting a message from Ella asking "who's picking who up". She knew it would never come. As Maeve looked out the large window at the rain, her phone buzzed. 

1 new notification from Fiona (Ells' mum) 

Maeve grabbed her phone and quickly logged on. The little red dot appeared over the Messages App. Maeve pressed on the message. 

Hi Maeve

It's Fiona. I'm so sorry about last night. I tried to get Ella to tell you sooner, but she didn't feel it was the right time. I'm dropping off Ella's phone to the police today. Was wondering if you would like to come along. I can treat you to a coffee if you want. 

Fiona x 

Maeve felt herself tear up again as she read her best friend's name. Ella. The name had a different meaning now. She now knew it as the Schizophrenic girl who's missing. Not the perfect girl with no problems in life. Maeve didn't mind which meaning it was. It was still her best friend. Ella Sara Davies. 

The sound of the door unlocking disrupted Maeve watching the tv. "Maeve?" Her mum said as she closed the door behind her. "Mhm?" Maeve quickly wiped her stained cheeks before her mum saw her. "Your awake. How are you?" Maeve's mum was holding 2 carrier bags. Mae switched off the tv and stood up. "Not my best." She followed her mum into the kitchen. 

Dara was sleeping in her bed. She looked up as she saw Maeve and her mum walk into the room. Mae sat herself on her breakfast bar stool again. She felt Dara rub against her legs as she walked past. "Fiona messaged me." Maeve's mum looked up from the bag immediately. "And?" "She's taking Ella's phone into the police today. Asked if I wanted to come with her." Maeve looked at her fidgeting fingers. She felt vulnerable. Sensitive. Any little harsh word could tear her world apart again. "Ooo, that's nice of her to ask you. Do you want to go?" Maeve's mum tilted her head as she finished her sentence. "Maybe. I don't think I'll be able to stand the police."