Blank Girl - (Book One)

Chapter 7 - Where is he?

Cassie

I heard Greg talking to someone on the phone as I left the cabin. I did my best not to eavesdrop, but I overheard him apologizing to someone. Vowing not to be one of those people who listens in on others without their permission, I hurried out the door. My first stop was Jack. He came out of his dog house to meet me.

"I'm going to go to lunch early, do you want anything?"

"A sandwich would be nice and maybe one of those vanilla pudding cups."

So I made my way to the cafeteria. I was looking forward Carlos' cooking. I went around to the side entrance since he always kept the door unlocked and tried to turn the handle. True to form, it was open. I pushed the door softly, so I wouldn't accidentally knock over anyone on the other side and took a step in.

"Carlos?"

"What are you doing back here? This is for staff and volunteers only." A woman's voice. I could tell from her tone that this was a no nonsense sort of person.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was looking for Carlos."

"He no longer works in this kitchen. I'm the new chef and I don't appreciate people in my kitchen."

"I was just hoping to get a sandwich and-"

"Then you can wait until lunchtime like everyone else."

So much for that idea. I left the kitchen and closed the door behind me, only to hear the telltale snick of a lock being turned. So I went around to the front entrance and waited.

-

Lunch was hell.

I'm not even exaggerating.

Three people stepped on my cane. There were little plastic chairs pushed into my path more often than I can count and when people weren't giving me a wide berth, they were pushing me out of the way. Not to mention that one particular comment about it being a "dog-free zone" and I should've stayed tied up like the mongrel waiting for my kibble.

A most effective way to build up a girl's self-esteem. Note the sarcasm.

I finally managed to escape with two sandwiches, two puddings and a bottle of water. I hurried back to Jack and sat down on the ground near him. I laid the food out.

"The left sandwich is ham on rye and the right one is a turkey club. Left pudding is strawberry and right is chocolate." He always went from my left to my right. That way, there was no confusion.

"Sorry."

"For what? I prefer vanilla, but strawberry is fine. I just need you to open it. You know the whole no thumbs thing." Jack laughed.

I smiled at him. "Okay let's finish quick so we can go to the stump."

"Why do you want to go back there? They know about it now. They are probably waiting to set up a prank there."

"Well let's try a different trail then."

"Cassie-"

"We've never actually tried the one just behind this cabin. So-"

"Cassie!" Jack snapped. "I'm sorry for yelling, but you know I can't go with you."

"No one will even notice you're gone."

He didn't answer. I know he didn't like to argue, and neither do I, but he could've said something. So we ate in silence. An uncomfortable, unyielding quiet that gnawed away at my stomach. I finished my food and stood up. "I guess I'll see you later."

Armed with my bottle of water and my white stick, I hiked up the unfamiliar path. Jack and I had always avoided this one because it was the most beaten path, literally. It was the most popular and best kept trail which meant the most people used it. However, I figured if I left when everyone was still busy with lunch and kept on going that I would be able to evade most of the regular unpleasantness.

The trek had a draining effect on me as I tried not to think about the creeping loneliness. About how easy it would be to just go back to the cafeteria and sit there among people. I wanted to be alone and I wanted to be in a crowd. It was so strange.

I didn't have long to think about depressing things because I knew something amazing was coming.

Wildflowers.  

The smell hit me long before I left the forest. They must be in full bloom. I meandered through the field and finally collapsed on a gentle slope. The warm sun beat down on my face and I took my hoodie off, fashioning it into a pillow. Finally I kicked off my shoes and socks and fell asleep wondering whether it would just be easier to go home and forget about all this camp nonsense.

-

I woke up from the cold breeze dancing on my skin. I couldn't feel the sun anymore. I must have slept straight through dinner. I stretched and felt around for my socks and shoes, pulling them on quickly. I shook out my hoodie and slipped it on. I finally groped near me for my white stick, found it, and stood.

The walk back to the cabin was quiet. Strange, normally I would hear music at this time. The other kids liked to bring their phones and wireless docks to one of the clearings. They would play music until 11 or 12, or later if one of the parents or teachers didn't stop them. But there was no reverberation, no sound on the wind.

It can't be past midnight all ready.

I heard a giggle as the forest gave way to the cabin area. I ignored it and headed into the cabin. I got to my room and dug around in my bag for a can of dog food. Just because I had missed dinner, didn't mean Jack had to. Finding a bowl, I made my way back outside and placed the food down near the dog house.

I tapped lightly on the roof. "Jack wake up. I brought you some food. It's not the real stuff, but it's better than nothing right?"

No answer. I hope he isn't mad at me for earlier.

"Jack? Listen, I'm sorry for being such a pain today. I'm much better now. I had a lovely nap in this beautiful field of-"

"Cassie?" Greg's voice. He sounded concerned. "Cassie, why don't you come inside and sit down. Do you like tea? I'll make you some tea."

Ignoring him, I bent down and felt inside the dog house. Jack wasn't there. I finally found the chain he'd been on and followed it to its' end. He wasn't on the chain either.

"Where is he?" I was starting to unravel. Earlier today I had felt like I lost my best friend, now he has really gone.

"Let's go inside for that cup of tea." He touched my arm lightly and that shock arced down to my fingertips.

"Where is he?" I could barely whisper.

"The jackass left a note. It said they took him to the pound. It's just a stupid joke. I'm sure no one actually drove back to town. He's probably in someone's cabin or tied to a tree somewhere."

"So you don't know where he is." Statement, not a question.

There was that giggle again from the forest's edge.

"No, he's gone."

-

Author's Note -

Sorry for the lateness of this chapter. I'm trying to work though some wicked writer's block. Hopefully, I'll get over it quick!

Poor Cassie can't seem to catch a break...

I want to dedicate this chapter to Harry5848 as a thank you for the extremely helpful comments!