Bad Boy In Love

Chapter 27- The Game

"What do you mean? Where do you think he went? Oh my gosh. Are you kidding me," I ranted. Where could this kid be? Was he really that annoyed about today?

Claire's face was scared and concerned at the same time. I walked into the kitchen and she followed me. I sit down on one of the five island seats and she stands across from me with her hands into her face.

"Did you try texting him? Calling him? Where would a place he would be in the house? Does he go anywhere specific when things like this happens?" I began to questioned, which she was overwhelmed by.

She shook her head without a word. Poor Claire, she doesn't really need this now. Especially the day before the carnival. Ugh, why does he have to be so complicated? Just because of the fucking kissing booth.

I hop off the seat, walking out of the kitchen, and dial Ryder's number. The phone started ringing and I wait for someone to pick up. Of course, I wait for thirty seconds or so and he doesn't pick up.

"Tyler?" Claire called from the kitchen.

I start walking to the kitchen and her face lit up, as if she knew something. I raise an eyebrow in confusion.

"I know he's somewhere around this house, when Ryder's mad or upset, he never leaves the house."

"Is there any certain place he may be? Maybe the roof? Or a room that's never used?"

Claire leaned against the counter and put her hands underneath her chin. I watched as she concentrated and she scrunched her eyebrows together. She's a hard working woman. And this woman will do anything for her children, but between work and watching her children, she must be exhausted. You can tell by the dark circles underneath her eyes, she need some rest. It's almost ten o'clock. Oh shit! She needs to be ready for the carnival, she really wants this promotion, and looking for Ryder is not going to help. She looked up at me for hope, she really needs to settle.

"You know what Claire? Go get some rest, relax. You have to prepare for the carnival and you need enough sleep to run it. Take a bath, watch some T.V. Just relax. Don't worry about Ryder. I'll look around for him, I won't rest until I do. It shouldn't be that long, he should be somewhere in this house. It's the least I can do. You've done so much for Ryder and I. Now you should treat yourself. I'll find him. Everything will be fine," I reassured her.

She thought about my offer for a while and then nodded her head agreeing, "you're right. I just need to take a deep breath," she did as she said and continues, "and relax. But if you find Ryder, tell me immediately. I just want to make sure he's okay."

I nod my head, and gave a disarming smile. Claire weakly smiled back and slowly walked out of the kitchen. She does not deserve this, not now or at all. Oh bad boy, where are you?

I sighed loudly pushing my hair back. Okay, just breathe and hope for the best.

                                *  *  *

I looked everywhere, I even tried placed where I used to think. Like on the roof or in his closet. This is hopeless, it's been thirty minutes and no sign or sound of Ryder. Thankfully Hanna and Claire are asleep.

Each room I passed by, I turned off the lights of the rooms on the right side of the corridor. Walking down the stairs, I walked up the left staircase and turned off the laundry room. I head into my bedroom and change into a white wife beater and a pair of pajama shorts. I'm tired. It's ten thirty, I have to get ready for the carnival tomorrow and this kid is still missing. I can't give up, I promised that I would find Ryder to Claire and I'm going to stick by my word. Then, I exit my room turning off the light.