The Boy Next Door

Chapter Five

I didn't actually think that Paislee would leave. She left three days ago and didn't come back. I don't think my mom meant it when she said that Paislee should leave, I think Paislee just wanted to.  My mom is worried even though she has too much pride to say it out loud, she is. Days went by and I was tempted to call the police, but my mom stopped me. I don't know if Ophelia and my mom wanted Paislee to learn a lesson or something, but they have to realize that she is just a kid. Today I just wanted some fresh air so I went outside to get some. I miss Paislee, everyone should stop acting like they aren't anxious because I know I am.  I've called Paislee's phone more than eight times already, and no answer. 

"You okay?" A familiar voice asked. Caspian. 

"Oh hey." I said.

"You look-"

"Like shit. Thanks I know." I said. I was still trying to call Paislee, hoping she'll pick up.

"Claire-"

"My sister is gone. Gone. Not for like just a couple of days or like a sleepover or something okay? gone."

"Claire, look at me." 

I couldn't look at him.

"My sister wanted to run away and I was there. I didn't stop her. Caspian it's my fault, I-"

"Claire!" He said. This time I stopped talking. "Look at me." He said, and this time I did.

"Don't blame yourself, she chose to leave." He said.

"Yeah but I didn't stop her, you don't understand." I said.

"My mother is dead, and my father thinks giving us money and never being around is how to be a father. So Avaline and I left the house and I have to take care of her, I have to work to live in that house and I have to be the father. Claire, I understand." He said. I did not know what to say. I wanted to hug him and tell him everything will be fine. But it was almost as if I didn't know how to. We just stood there, looking at each other. It took two months to figure out that.. I like Caspian. 

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My phone woke me up from my nap. I picked it up quickly, thinking it was Paislee.

"Hello, Paislee.. are you okay?!" I asked.

"Um what are you talking about? This is Nirvana. What happened to Paislee?" She asked.

"It's a long story." 

"I've got time." 

I explained everything to Ana and she was worried as well.

"Well, is she gonna be okay?" Ana asked.

"How am I supposed to know Ana." I said.

"I don't know. I hope she comes back home."

"Me too."

"There's this party.." Ana said.

"I don't care." I said.

"Just let me finish, do you know Aaron Taylor?" She asked. I can't believe she's talking about a party after I just told her what happened to Paislee. 

"Yes." I said.

"Well he invited me to his party and he said I can invite a friend-"

"No." I said, cutting her off.

"Come on, please? You seem stressed. Get your mind off things." She said. I thought about it for a while before giving her my answers.

"Okay, but i'm not staying there for more than three hours." I said.