Murdera

Chapter 2: Shifting Gears

Indie was packing her bag for a sleepover with friends, excited to get away for the night. As she was putting in her favorite clothes, Luna caught the edge of the shirt and pulled it backwards, causing Indie to stumble forward.

"Hey, what's the problem, Luna?" Indie asked, annoyed, as she tried to wrestle the shirt back from her sister's grasp.

Luna looked up at her with a pouty face, "I want to come with you, Indie. Why can't I go to the sleepover too?"

Indie sighed, trying to be patient, "Luna, it's just for us friends, and you're too young. Besides, Mom and Dad said no."

Luna's face fell, and she let go of the shirt, looking down at her feet, "It's not fair. I want to be with you, Indie."

Indie felt a pang of guilt but didn't want to give in. "Luna, stop it. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

Luna looked up, a hint of excitement in her eyes, "Yeah! And when you come home tomorrow, can you bring me something? Maybe some candy or a new toy?"

Indie hesitated, not wanting to make promises, "Let me think about that, okay?"

Luna's face scrunched up in annoyance, "You always say that and never do it! You're the worst sister ever!"

Indie rolled her eyes, "Whatever, Luna. I'll see you tomorrow."

And with that, Indie zipped up her bag and headed out the door, leaving Luna behind.

Indie hugged her mom tightly, "Goodbye, Mom. Tell Dad to pick me up in the morning, okay?"

Her mom smiled and kissed her forehead, "Of course, sweetie. Have fun at the sleepover. We'll see you tomorrow."

Indie smiled back, feeling a mix of excitement and relief to be getting away for the night. "Love you, Mom."

"Love you too, Indie," her mom replied, waving goodbye as Indie climbed into the cab.

As the cab pulled away from the curb, Indie waved again, watching as her mom's figure receded into the distance.

The cab drove to Emma's house, and Indie got out, excited to start her night. Emma greeted her at the door, and they hugged tightly.

"Yay, you're finally here!" Emma exclaimed. "I've been waiting all week for this sleepover. But, why didn't you bring Luna? I thought she was coming too!"

Indie rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Ugh, no! I told her it's just for us friends. She's always trying to tag along."

Emma looked surprised, "But I thought we were all going to hang out together? I even set up an extra sleeping bag for her..."

Indie sighed, "I know, I know. But trust me, it's better without her. She would have just annoyed us all night."

Emma shrugged off to disappointment of Luna not coming and decided to make most of their night.

Indie and Emma settled in for a movie marathon, munching on popcorn and giggling over their favorite rom-coms. As they watched, Emma leaned in, a sly grin spreading across her face.

"Guess what I heard?" Emma whispered.

Indie's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What?"

Emma's voice dropped to a whisper. "Maddie and Taylor broke up! I know, I was shocked too. They were like the ultimate power couple on campus."

Indie's eyes widened in surprise. "No way! What happened?"

Emma shrugged. "I don't know, but apparently, it was a messy breakup. And guess who Maddie's already moved on to?"

Indie's eyes narrowed, her heart sinking. "Who?"

Emma's grin grew mischievous. "Ryder! I know, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it too. The Ryder. Your Ryder. THE Ryder."

Indie's eyes widened in shock. "Mine?"

Emma nodded, a sly smile still plastered on her face.

Indie shook her head, still trying to process. "It's been months since we broke up...I had no idea he was even seeing someone new."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, and it's Maddie of all people! They're complete opposites, Indie. She's all about academics and extracurriculars, and Ryder's...well, Ryder's got his own thing going on."

Indie nodded in agreement. "I know, right? I have no idea what Maddie sees in him."

Emma's expression turned serious. "Honestly, Indie, it's good you two broke up. Ryder's changed a lot since then. He's been hanging out with some shady people, and I've heard rumors he's involved with some goon stuff."

Indie's eyes widened in alarm. "What? That's not the Ryder I knew."

Emma shrugged. "I don't know, it's just rumors. I don't even know if it's true."

Indie's eyes sparkled with interest. "What kind of rumors?"

Emma hesitated, unsure how much to share. "Just stuff, Indie. I don't want to spread gossip."

Indie nodded understandingly. "Okay, no worries. Let's just forget about it then."

Emma nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's just focus on our own lives."

As they chatted and giggled, the conversation shifted to more lighthearted topics. They talked about school, friends, and their favorite TV shows, eventually drifting off to sleep with the movie still playing in the background.

.....

Indie stood outside Emma's house, candy in hand for Luna, and dialed her dad's number. She waited for what felt like an eternity, but he didn't pick up. She tried her mom's number next, but it went straight to voicemail. Even Luna wasn't answering her calls.

Emma noticed Indie's frustration. "Hey, do you want me to call my dad to drop you home? He's free today."

Indie shook her head, trying to hide her annoyance. "No, it's okay. I'll just call a taxi."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? It's no trouble at all."

Indie forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm positive. Thanks, though."

As Emma went back inside, Indie tried calling her dad again. Still no answer. She sighed, feeling a bit stranded and annoyed that no one was picking up her calls. She hailed a taxi and got in, candy still in hand for Luna, wondering why her family was so unreachable today.

Indie stormed into the house, still fuming from no one answering her calls. She swung the door open, ready to confront her family about their negligence. But what she saw made her blood run cold.

The living room was in disarray, furniture overturned, and blood splattered everywhere. Indie's eyes widened in horror as she took in the scene before her. Her parents and Luna lay lifeless on the floor, their bodies covered in blood.

Indie's mind went blank as she stumbled forward, her eyes fixed on the gruesome sight. She felt like she was in a nightmare, unable to process what she was seeing. The candy in her hand slipped to the floor, forgotten.

Her mind struggled to process the carnage. Her mom lay on the couch, her eyes frozen in a permanent stare. Her dad was on the floor, his body twisted at an unnatural angle. And Luna...little Luna was slumped on the armchair, her small body covered in blood.

The room was silent, except for the sound of Indie's own ragged breathing. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of red. The blood seemed to be everywhere, pooling on the floor, staining the furniture, and splattering the walls.

Indie's legs trembled beneath her as she took a step forward, her eyes fixed on her family. Her mind screamed for her to run, to get out of there, but her body seemed rooted to the spot.

She tried to speak, to call out for her family, but her voice was barely a whisper. "Mom...Dad...Luna..."

The silence was deafening. Indie's world had come crashing down around her, leaving her shattered and alone..