WHAT IF! cole walter

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX, love admist chaos

Hollyn flinched at a loud thunder boom, reminding her fear of thunderstorms. She didn't know why, but thunderstorms had always frightened her. They were too loud and too bright and it made her nervous. It was probably silly, but that was how she felt. Lottie, sensing her distress, kept a close eye on her and occasionally nudged her. Hollyn appreciated the concern from her dog, and she made sure to give her lots of pets and kisses. Hollyn had been thinking about everything that had happened today, how crazy it had been, and how different her life was going to be now.

Hollyn had been so lost in her own thoughts, she didn't realize where her feet were taking her. She hadn't realized where she was until Lottie had barked, getting her attention. She didn't recognize where she was. She paused and looked around with confusion, furrowing her eyebrows upon seeing tall trees around her. Where was she? How did she get here? How far did she walk? Hollyn took a moment to gather her bearings, realizing that she had walked quite a distance from the house and into a wooded area.

"Just great." She muttered under her breath, shaking her head. This was the last thing she needed right now. Hollyn sighed, running her hand through her hair. She looked down at Lottie, who stared up at her with a tilted head, a small whine escaping her.

"We'll be okay, girl. Don't worry." Hollyn said, forcing a smile as she reached down to pet her. Lottie whimpered, nuzzling against her leg. As Hollyn stood in the wooded area with Lottie, the impending storm added another layer of tension to the already overwhelming situation. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves and making the trees sway. The distant rumble of thunder grew louder, the rain starting to fall faster and harder. Hollyn shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. She didn't know where she was or how to get home. 

She takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "We really need to get back." Hollyn muttered to herself, glancing at her phone to check for a signal. Unfortunately, there was none, and panic started to set in. She knew her family would be worried, especially after the emotional rollercoaster they had all experienced. She started walking down a path with Lottie close by her side. She hoped to find a signal to call her parents to get help.

The sound of thunder echoed through the forest, and the wind had started to pick up. Hollyn felt a shiver run down her spine, the hair on the back of her neck standing up. She quickened her pace, feeling an overwhelming sense of anxiety and fear. She held her phone out, trying to get a signal to call her parents. When she eventually got one, she quickly called her dad, hoping he would pick up. Her heart dropped when he didn't. She tried her mom too, and she grew more worried when she didn't pick up. She's sure they're dealing with settling mom in at home and comforting each other after finding out the devastating news, but she didn't know what to do. She didn't want to bother them and stress them out even more, but she was freaking out and scared.

Hollyn looks at Lottie, who seemed to sense her distress and was giving her a worried look. "We'll be fine, Lotts. I'll try calling the Walters." She murmured, pulling up the Walter house phone number she had in her saved contacts.

To her surprise, the line rang only once and Cole's voice came through the other end. "Hello?"

"Cole, hey." Hollyn sighs with relief. "It's me, Hollyn."

"Hey, Hollyn. What's up?" Cole's voice sounded confused and concerned.

"I'm...In the woods. And there's a storm coming." Hollyn stammers, glancing up at the sky nervously. "I went for a walk with Lottie, and I think we might have gone too far."

"Of course, Hollyn. Stay calm. I'll come get you. Anything stand out around you?" Cole questioned and she could faintly hear the sound of keys jingling. That made her sigh with relief at the fact he was already coming to get her.