Chris P.O.V
As we got down from the treehouse I thought about going to find Vern. We would take the path we took to find the body, but what if Vern went off the path? Or didn't even go there at all? It sure would be a waste of nice weather and energy.
"What are we telling our parents?"
"Tell them we're sleeping at Teddy's and going for a hike the next day. I gotta get home, I'll see you in a bit." Gordie replied looking anxious to leave.
"Skin it." Gordie and I did our handshake before he sprinted off towards his house. Did I really wanna lie again? I was having a lot of seconds thoughts about walking 20 miles again, until walked in my house with a drunken father.
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Gordie P.O.V
"I'm gonna sleep at Teddy's and then go for a hike the next day." I told my mom trying my hardest not to look guilty.
"Since when were you friends with him again?" She asked bitterly.
I cringed at her tone. "We weren't ever not friends. We just lost touch a bit."
"Fine." She went back to ignoring me and doing unnecessary things. I was suprised she actually talked to me. But I'd gotten my answer, now I had to plan it.
Tomorrow I would wake up early and go to Teddy's, we'd walk until nightfall, then the next day we walk the rest of the way and come back. Perfect.
I decided to sketch Carson. She was so different from other girls. Most girls around here are boring, and idiotic. But she was smart, and funny, and-
"Gordie!" My dad screamed, "Come down here! Now!"
I put my sketchbook under my bed and sprinted to my dad. I was trying to think of what I'd done wrong the past few days.
"Why are you hanging out with Teddy?" He asked looking like he had a bad taste in his mouth as he said his name.
"What do you mean?"
"I thought you were over hanging out with low-life morons." He stared me down.
"I am." I shot back. He looked at his shoes and walked out. I hated when he was disappointed with me, but he always was. So I'd given up trying to please him a while ago.
I got into bed and couldn't stop thinking about the body of Ray Brower.
----
I woke to a banging on my window. It was Chris looking more nervous than usual.
"What's wrong." I said opening the window so he could come in.
"Where's Teddy?" He asked while trying to catch his breath.
"What do you mean?"
Had teddy actually gone to find Vern by himself?
"He's...." He breathed in deeply, "Gone."
"He must have left to find Vern. He can't be much ahead of us. Do you have your stuff?" I figured Teddy had to convince his parents to let him go. That took a lot of work, so he was probably only 20 minutes ahead of us.
Chris nodded and showed me the bag slung over his shoulders. I grabbed my sleeping bag and canteen. All I had was a few apples to eat, but it was better than nothing.
I ran to my parents room and noticed my father was gone. I decided not to bother finding out where he was.
I touched my mom lightly until her eyes fluttered open.
"Mom, I'm leaving. I'll be home for dinner tomorrow."
She simply nodded and rolled over to face the other direction.
Chris and I walked outside, but it was pitch black.
"What the fuck Chris." I checked my watch, 2:00am. "Are you insane? Teddy's probably asleep."
"No. I went to see if he was awake, I was gonna stay at his house until my dad sobered up. But he's gone."
I looked down. The first day of summer I would be spending looking for Vern and Teddy at 2am. Fuck.
"Fine. Let's just get this over with." I smiled, "Wanna race?"
"Ready. Set. Go!" Chris began spiriting towards the train tracks.
I was gaining on him until he abruptly stopped. I smashed into his back from being so close, but he didn't budge.
"What-"
He put a finger up to his lips and pointed ahead. It was Ace and Eyeball, whispering about something. Then, it hit me. Maybe they didn't take Vern. Maybe he did really run away. And maybe, they were trying to find him too. But not for friendship. They were doing it for the cash reward.
I stepped to the left so I could see better, but I ended up crushing a stick. Ace shot up faster then Vern when it was lunch time.
"Run, or explain?" I asked Chris in a hushed tone.
But Chris just stared ahead. Then I looked closer at the scene, a girl was laying to the side of Eyeball. But it wasn't just any girl. It was Carson.
