Clashing Cliques

Jessica's POV

"Why wouldn't he be alive?" I join the conversation. I feel Lauren glance over at me. There was a pause, which made me think harder. Why is Joe against us going to the cops and talking to them?

"Listen, all we know is that he's missing. We don't know if he's dead or alive. If he's alive, he should be home. That's all I know. Which is why I think we should talk to the police because maybe, just maybe, it'll help them find him." Lauren says. I do agree with her, but I'm also scared to talk to them, because what if I accidentally slip up and tell them about my stalker? I can't risk that. He could hurt Lauren next.

"Why don't you want to go to the cops, Joe?" I add.

"Because I feel like it's pointless. It isn't going to help, since none of us actually saw him go missing. For all we know, he could be shacked up with someone right now in an abandoned building and will resurface in a few days."

Deep down, I feel like Henry won't resurface. I feel like he's gone, forever. Of course, I don't let this be known to them. If there is a hope that Henry is still alive and he's just being tortured somewhere, I want him brought home. Although, I can't help thinking that he's gone. I have this gut-wrenching feeling that my stalker killed him. All for talking to me.

I start spiraling. I can't believe my stalker is killing people for me. I don't want this. I never wanted this. I wish it would stop. God, how bad I want it to stop. I don't want anyone to die for talking to me or even looking at me. I feel nauseous at the thought of it. I need to protect Lauren at all times, she's my rock. I can't make it in this life without her. If I was gone, maybe all this would be over. He would disappear and I wouldn't have to worry about him hurting anyone else I care about.

Maybe I should just disappear...