Boy in Pink

Chapter 36

After Encore, the bell rang and I walked home, alone. Arrow usually takes the bus from school, Braedon was still in the nurse's office - because no one could've afforded to pay for his hospital bills, sadly - and Aria, well... I still don't know where she is, so... yeah. I'm alone for now. I listened to music as I walked, before I realized I just barely passed the Andersons' house, where I saw Aria and Isaiah in the window together. Isaiah was holding Aria, patting her head as well.

How sweet... I smiled to myself as I kept walking but my heart ached. Seeing them together makes me miss Brae... I ignored the thought as I kept strolling down the sidewalk. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts only... Braedon is going to be okay! I just know it, so negative thoughts! I told myself as I continued. Soon, I made it home.

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"Lori!" I called as I opened the front door and stepped into the living room, closing the door behind me. "I'm home!" I expected her to come running into my arms, but she didn't. The house was silent. "Lori...? Hello...?" I started panicking. She never leaves without me, unless... god no. I kept thinking 'happy thoughts' as I set my backpack down and looked around. "Lorelei Lee Pines? Sis?" I called loudly, trying not to break down into tears.

"Where are you? Come out, you're scaring me!" Just then, I heard my phone buzz, indicating I had gotten a call from someone. I sprinted back to my backpack and rummaged through it to find my phone. I looked at who was calling me, and was shocked. Unknown.

Who would be calling me right now that I don't have in my contacts? Maybe I should ignore-

ANSWER. NOW.

The voice wants me to answer? Should I? Ugh, I don't know! What's the worst thing that could happen if I just pick up?

I decided to listen to the voice and answer the call. "Hello?" There was no response at first, but soon, a familiar voice answered.

"Roxy? Oh, Rory, you picked up! Oh, thank god... I'd thought you would know better than to pick up random calls..." Lorelei.

"Something told me this was important. Lori, where in God's name are you!? And why are you calling me from an unknown number!?" I asked, concerned for her safety.

"Some scary people took me away from home..." I heard her pained whimpers and my heart felt heavy.

"I need you to calm down for me, Lori... calm down and tell me where you are. I'll sneak into Dad's car and pick you up." I waited for a response, but it was quiet on the other line. Then, I heard some whispers, before Lorelei finally whispered an address to me. But, when I typed it in, the location didn't show up.

"Lorelei Lee Pines, don't lie to me. Where are you," I asked firmly, but she didn't respond. Instead, all I heard was a gunshot.