Rose
Jason has always had a strong hatred for bullies. At school Jason would walk up to them with his bold face and straight black hair. He would then walk back with a bruised and battered face joined by dirty, messy hair. Jason was strong but not strong enough. Physically he was tall and he performed very well in sport. He looked good enough when he made an effort to comb his hair. His face was very well spread out. He had a pimple to the left of his nose. Jason's nose was close to his mouth but not too close. His eyes were spread out perfectly and had a distinct blue color. Jason was very fit and was healthy though not popular.
A person who was popular was Rose. She was popular but dangerous. She had everything. All the school girls admired her and the boys wanted her attention. Rose was always taking risks. Whether it be climbing onto the school roof or breaking her arm. Rose wasn't afraid of anything. She had long black hair and beautiful brown eyes. Her face was small but her brain was big. She was smart. Rose's overall size wasn't that tall or big. Quite the opposite. She was small but had lethal strength. You wouldn't want to get on her bad list.
Rose and Jason had been friends for over two years. They somehow just clicked. There was a forest near their neighbourhood and that had been were they would hang out every day after school.
During school they kept their distance. Not because of humility or reputation. It was because of bullies. Jason was an ideal target because he never went down without a fight. The guys loved that sort of action. Rose was much stronger but didn't like to fight. She would only fight if necessary.
***
Rose is gone
The three words are written in bold on the front page of the newspaper. It was a shock to some and not surprising to others. Rose being missing wasn't usual though. She always came home after school or after sports practice. Never would she go anywhere else but home. But Rose didn't go home.
For Jason this was a lot to take in. Rose was one of Jason's best friends. She was Jason's best friend. Jason didn't know how to react. Rose went home after school two days ago but only briefly. Jason knew that Rose must have gone out again. If she was to run out of the country she wouldn't make it far. There are guards making sure that no one leaves and if you pass the guards you might meet some unfriendly people. If Rose was hiding in town than she would be found by now. It didn't make sense for Jason. Rose didn't go to school yesterday. She must have run away yesterday. Jason was cut off from his thoughts by the heavy steps that his brother made while walking to the kitchen. Jason hid the newspaper and started eating his breakfast on the table. 'So your friend. Where did she go?' Tony asked. Tony was Jason's brother and had similar taste in music, food, sport and more. He had short brown hair, nothing like Jason's blonde hair. Tony also liked to tease Jason.
'It's ok she'll probably be at school today and you'll have a good laugh about it.' Tony says.
'It's a Saturday. No school.' Jason reminds Tony.
Tony had run out of ideas. He ensnared his ear muffs around his ears to block out the world around him and headed for the door. Jason hadn't even finished scoffing down his breakfast before he stood and pushed in his chair in one swift motion. He reached for the cupboard and grabbed the first knife in sight. Tony had already exited the house before Jason opened the front door. The frost stung Jason's face and the wind made his nose feel funny. Jason put on his shoes on the doormat and ran to the end of the street. He was heading to go to Rose's house.
