Seven Ways to Die

-Bree-

After a long time driving away and praying no one followed me, I finally stopped the car miles and miles out of my town. I resisted the urge to cry and break in this unfamiliar part of the outskirts, I've never been here, I've never even left the city! But there were too many things I didn't understand, about Toby, about the stranger in my house, the letter. Everything is just moving too fast! I pulled out the letter from my pocket and stared at it for a while.

It was just a plain bond paper, the words didn't even fill the whole thing. When I got home from my session in the library, I saw it laying on my bed, as still as a paper can be. At first I had thought, it was from mom for grocery list or something, probably not from dad, he never leaves me any letter.Well, I had thought about Toby for a split second, but it just wasn't him to write me something. I sat on the edge of the bed carefully, and opened the letter.

Tobias,

It has been a long time, brother. You have hidden well, but now it's time. The same place, same time. Leave nothing behind. Meet me there. W.R.G.

It was just that. That's the whole letter. I didn't know why the Sheriff was making a mess off it, or why he didn't get the letter for investigation or something. And he messed up my room, really? All of this, all of this doesn't make any sense. I turned to look out of the window, blades of grass stretched out in the open field behind me, and to the north flashes of lights can be seen. A town, there's a town ahead. I might find more information there, or even Tobias.

___

I set off towards the shining lights. I have always thought that I wouldn't step out of my parents home before 18, I always have thought that I could finished school and have a passable score and that Toby and I would have to work in a cafe or in the local newpaper. I don't know, I guess all of that dream is lost now since I don't think I would be getting back alive, and Toby is missing, and that someone might be plotting for my death. A new life ahead, just like a new set of buildings came in sight, just like how new it feels driving into unfamiliar roads. I need to leave everything behind me now. Whatever this is that I got myself into, there's no turning back now.

My phone, which I totally forgot was in my car with me chirped and my heart leaped as I scrambled for it and checked out the message.

Unknown Number: Ms. Lee? This is Sheriff Dave, I passed by your house this afternoon and found your front door open. The house is a mess, where are you?

I can't trust this guy, whether he's a Sheriff or not there's just something to him that I can't seem to see and understand, and based from my personal experiences, not understanding will cause harm and more questions. I don't think I'm ready for another revelation. I just needed to move fast. I blindly moved through the town and started looking for some place to stay, I have been driving for close to ten hours now and my gas is going to ran out anytime soon. I have a couple of dollars in my wallet that I thankfully brought with me, and mom always leaves a stash of cash on the car for emergencies. Finally I saw a small motel beside a gas station and pulled in, got my things and the cash and walked out. Just in time, my car blew out a cloud of smoke and hissed in dispair. I groaned into the silent night and kicked the stupid car. Then it freaking wailed out its alarm.

"Shhh. Baby, I'm sorry. Now shut up!" No one was outside but I didn't want to draw any attention just yet, I struggled to press the button to stop the alarm and when it did, I sighed and rubbed my tired eyes. I locked my door and walked inside the motel, it was still illuminated with lights but it was dimmed and felt comfortable. A counter was in front of the reception, a couch on the side and a small bell in front of the counter. At first I just cleared my throat, not wanting to disturb any guests but no one popped out so I resigned to pressing the bell a couple of times.

"This late at night? Really?" A voice asked from behind me and I turned around so quick I managed to push the bell to the edge and it rang as it hit the ground. "Will you please shut up? People are sleeping. Now what do you want? A room for one? Cash only, 10 dollars a night, no breakfast, you leave before 12" The man who looks a year or two older than me frowned, he has his dark hair swept all over the place, his eyes blue and tired. Clad in jeans and shirt, he looked annoyed. Annoyingly handsome too.

"Um. Okay" I pulled out my wallet and grabbed a ten, the boy shook his head and walked over to the counter, pressing a couple of buttons in the computer before turning around and pulled a set of key from a board. He reached out his hand for the money and I handed it to him. He seem awfully familiar, but it can't be since I never met someone out of the town yet so It must be a mistake.

"I'm Luke and if you need anything, just ring the phone and me or my brother will get to you" He threw me the keys and I caught it in my hands "Your room is to the right and 2nd to the last" I hastily turned around and followed his directions but before I turned the corner, I saw him on my peripheral vision looking at me, as if also recognizing my face. I pulled down my hair and covered my face, opened the door numbered 198 and locked it behind me.

The room was small as expected, just a small bed round the corner and a table with a lamp lay beside it. I sighed and sat down on the squeaky bed, I pulled out the things on my pocket and laid them all down in the bed. My phone battery was now on 50% and I didn't even bring a charger with me. I didn't want to look at the letter so I put it in the bedside table, and turned back to my phone. There were six texts from Dave and three missed calls, I opened the messages and read them silently.

Unknown Number: Ms. Lee? This is urgent, it's about your parents. You have to get home now.

They both are admitted in the hospital. You have to see them.

People from around the town said they saw your mother's car leave the city borders, Ms. Lee. I know where you're headed.

There are things you don't and can't understand, please don't do something risky. I'm going to get you back.

You got the letter and Tobias might have mentioned someone, and that's where you are going. I'll see to it you come back home in no time.

Ms. Lee. Do not come back to town until I tell you to . Someone else is following you. Take cover.

If Dave was trying to keep me from breaking down by giving me informations, then its not helping me for a bit. I closed my phone and lay down on the bed, it was uncomfortable but I have a feeling that this would be the last time I could get a good rest on a bed, and I tried to think I'm in my own room, and my parents are not fighting for the night and I am able to sleep so well, knowing I have a normal life and Tobias is beside me, telling me a story about how he escaped from the police for a week and tricked me into thinking he disappeared. No matter how much it hurts, I still dreamed about it.