Finding Jordyn

Chapter Four: The Long Spiral

Jordyn's pov.

Mom was too brazen about stalking Carter. We were gonna get caught. I could just feel the heat surrounding us. It almost made it impossible to breathe. Especially because a part of me, deep down, wanted us to get caught so that I could be with Carter and her new family. It was selfish and dark of me to think that I could abandon our mother to chase this fantasy that we never had before. But before.. watching Carter with the Wilson's.. It just seemed right. Even if it broke my own heart to admit that. Last night we watched as Carter hugged David like he was her real father. Mom was fuming though. "Mom?" I asked and she started the car and sped off in a hurry back to the motel where she dropped me off and ran off again.

This morning we watched as Max left the Wilson house and followed him to a gas station just out of town. I didn't have to tell her that it was a horrible idea. But I also didn't stop her. "Lori.. Jordyn." Max said, cornering us and I looked up at his familiar blonde locks of hair and those compassionate blue eyes that I thought I knew so well. Mom pulled on my arm but I was cement in front of him. He was my last connection to Carter. Mom knew that as best as anyone else. Mom sighed, "fine, not here." 

We sat on a park bench and I let myself lean into a hug with my childhood best friend and first love once upon a time. Max held me tightly, and I ignored the wince as his hands brushed against fresh bruises from mom's latest breakdown. I held his hand tightly as mom explained why exactly she had done this and why she was still here in town, determined to get Carter back. I tried to ignore the look on his face, he liked the Wilson's. I had seen him with them. I didn't have to ask, he'd always be loyal to Carter over Lori. We were the same that way. 

"This is risky, being so close. Anyone could see you. Carter could see you." Max warned. "People don't notice things as much as they think they do. You didn't notice us following you from the Wilson's." Mom said and Max's face sank, "you can't just stalk them Lori." "She's my daughter." Mom defended. "But she's not.." Max said quickly. Mom's face turned dark and I squeezed Max's hand by reflex. "Never say that to me again Max, she is my daughter and I am going to get her back from those people." Mom growled out in a dangerous tone. Max looked down at me with worried eyes. "We have to leave now, come on Jordyn." Mom practically ordered and I hugged Max goodbye.

"Keep her safe Max." I whispered into his ear and we made eye contact for a moment before mom dragged me away. Hopefully he got my message. Mom wasn't safe right now.

Carter's pov.

Recap? Max left town, or tried to. Bird went nuts and painted a zombie portrait featuring my face, or what was left of it. But in the end it all worked out. Bird's just a little messed up. Also we had a giant sleepover featuring: Bird, Ofe, Max, and Gabe. Complete with a sheet fort in the living room, and somehow Elizabeth was okay with the whole thing. She must be losing her mind. There's no other explanation. Oh! I nearly forgot that me and Taylor got a car.