Invisible Monsters

Chapter 4: Unexpected Visit

 The next week was normal. Except for one thing. Zack didn't show up for school. I first noticed on Monday in math class. He's normally a couple of seats to the left of me, but his seat was empty. I didn't think much of it at first, but when he didn't come in on Tuesday I started to get a little worried. I thought about how he said that he went on patrol sometimes. He's probably just sick with a bad cold, but what if he got into trouble with a monster? The thought of him getting seriously hurt or worse turned my stomach. I could text him, but what if it's nothing and I just annoy him? I asked Jack about it and he said he hadn't heard from or seen Zack either. By Wednesday night I was so worried I had trouble going to sleep. I lay on my back staring up at the ceiling. I want to text him, but what if I annoy him? Though I suppose he has a responsibility to let Jack and I know he's okay; or does he? I sit up and reach for my glasses on the nightstand. I grab my phone that's charging and go to my message app. I hesitate at first. No, if I don't text him to make sure he's fine I won't be able to sleep tonight. I'm tired of waiting.

"Hey just checking in to see how you're doing." I quickly type the text and send it before I can change my mind.

I sit there for a few minutes waiting for a response. When ten minutes pass and I get no answer I start to feel stupid. Why did I have to send that text? He's probably just sick and wants to be left alone. He probably would rather get a text from a real friend. Not the girl he has to work with. After a while I decide that it will only take longer the more I sit and wait. So I put my phone and glasses away and lay down again. I had trouble going to sleep, but I eventually did. The next day I was tired and didn't really want to go to school. I think the only thing that made me go was the fact that Zack might show up. Spoiler alert, he didn't. After math class I walked down the halls at a slow pace. I just can't stop worrying about Zack. What should I do? I already sent a text. If I send another that will just be spamming him and that will definitely annoy him. My thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of a hand on my shoulder. I jumped at the contact and turned around. It was the red headed girl that hangs around James all the time, Rose.

"Hey Sam." She greeted me with a big smile.

"H-hey." I stutter, unsure why she's talking to me.

"You remember me right? I'm Rose. We worked with each other on the last school dance."

"Y-yeah I remember."

"This is going to sound really random, but do you know Zack?"

"We share a few classes, why?"

I start to get suspicious. Why does she want to know? Did she find out that I snuck off to the roof? And think I went up there with Zack? I start to panic, until she opens her mouth.

"Oh, good. Cause I need to ask you a favor." Rose gets a nervous look on her face.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Could you go check on him for me? He hasn't shown up to school yet this week and he hasn't answered any of my texts. I would this weekend, but my parents won't let me. They want me to work on my college applications."

"But, why me?"

"Because you share classes with him so you could also give him some notes and let him know about up-coming projects."

I stand there thinking about it. I'm worried about Zack, but going to his home? Isn't that a little... invasive? But I need to know if he's okay.

"Please Sam. I would really appreciate it." Rose begs me and clasps her hands together.

"Alright, I'll do it." I agree.

"Thanks, Sam you're a life saver! I'll give you my number so I can text you his address this weekend."