THE NEIGHBOUR [editing 13.7.26]

Chapter 4: Lost and Found

------ADAMS P.O.V------

I woke up on my bed, as usual. I dragged myself up into sitting position. My brain felt cloudy. My feet met the soft carpet and I stood up. I hadn't taken my second step yet, and immediately my foot fell onto a round, ceramic object. I felt little ant sized bits crumbling under the sole of my foot.

I looked down and I saw what I was stepping on. A plate with one cookie on it and crumbs surrounding it.

Marley.

I quickly shuffled over to the back of my bed, near the open window. An obviously tired Marley was sprawled across the beige-coloured rug, with a dribble of drool. Can't wait to haunt her with this memory. I thought to my self.

I'll leave her alone. She'll wake up when she wants to. I was about to turn around and head down stairs when I spotted something that stopped me in my tracks. Marleys hand was curled around a crumpled tissue and a tissue box was next to her thigh. Jason. The party. Ugh how could I have forgotten.

I pondered to myself. What should I do? It struck me. I should go get her mum. At first I was hesitant, thinking she would yell at Marley. But then the thought of Marley waking up to no one to comfort her because of her horrible experience hit me. Yep. I should get her mum.

I threw on something appropriate and grabbed my phone. I checked my lock screen. 9:45 a.m. The Wellers should be awake. I slid on my thongs and shuffled outside. The warm weather rushed over me.

I made it to the door and rang the doorbell. After a while, I heard footsteps and slim and tall boy answered the door. Did Marley ever mention she had a brother?

"Uh...hi? Um, I'm Peter. Mm...who are you?"

Ignoring his question, I spoke. "Are you Marleys brother?"

"Yeah I am. Who are you??" Peter almost demanded.

"Your new neighbour. Look. I need to talk to you mum." I explained.

"My mum isn't in a good condition right now. She's just woken up and realised Marleys gone missing. We've tried calling her and she won't answer so she's calling her friends. If they don't reply she's gonna call the police. Sorry I-"

I didn't stop to hear what he had to say. I pushed through him and ran towards Marleys mum. I heard Peter complaining but I ignored him. I had to stop Marleys mum

"MRS WELLER! DONT CALL THE POLICE!" I yelled.

I arrived in the living room only to see Mrs Weller, tear-stained and shocked. I couldn't blame her considering the fact that a 21-year-old boy has just randomly stormed into the room while yelling at her face.

"What did you say? How can I not call the police when my daughter has gone missing." Mrs Weller demanded, violently grabbing another tissue from the tissue box nearby.

"Mrs Weller.  Your daughter isn't missing. She's at my house."

The telephone receiver fell to the floor with a clank and I could hear Peter not-so-silently gasping.

"And why would she be at your house may I ask?"

I began explaining about the party, the break-up, the comforting cookies and the accidental sleep over. By that time Mrs Weller had calmed down and grabbed her shoes.

She was silent, obviously stunned by where her daughter was and also what she had gone through. I couldn't read her expression with that much detail but I knew she was experiencing mixed emotions.

I lead her to my door and fiddled with the doorknob before pushing the door open and holding it for Mrs Weller. She walked in and turned to me for guidance.

I motioned for her to make her way upstairs. We arrived at my bedroom and at that moment, Marley stirred and then woke up. She rubbed her eyes and her eyes immediately landed on her mother and she stumbled up, desperately fixing her dress and unsuccessfully trying to flatten her hair.

Not sure what to say, the only word that escaped from my mouth was:

"Hey"

YAYAYAYA OKAY SHORT CHAPTER BUT LIFE GOES ON. Next chapter gonna be a good, trust meh.

UPDATE: Mmm maybe Sunday? Monday? We shall see. But Monday latest.

WORDS: 728