The Nameless Boy

17: Seeking

(Photo of Darren's note at the top)

I woke up to rays of sunshine piercing into my eyes. I winced and shut my eyes quickly while sitting up. What time could it be? Hopefully no later than eight A.M. I jumped up from the bed and placed the letter from Darren into the pocket of my sweater. I looked around the cabin, feeling comforted. This was now mine. At least until he returned...if he even does. I ran outside and shut the door behind me. Hopefully no stranger would become too curious and try to open the door. I had no key whatsoever, and I never saw him lock or unlock the cabin.

Once I was home, I snuck back in quietly. My mom saw me heading upstairs. "Hey! I didn't see you come down this morning. I thought you were sleeping in!"

"Oh, no. I just ran outside to check the mail to see if there was any mail from California."

"I'm guessing there wasn't."

"Nope. Maybe tomorrow." I smiled.

I paced around my room contemplating what to do. Telling my friends seemed too invasive. I wanted to keep this between Darren and I. On the other hand I wanted to seek help in my friends and ask them for advice. Why would he do this to me? Didn't he know I'd over analyze and want to solve this puzzle? I'm a scientist, It's what I do; what I live for.

There was no possible way to track him down. This letter was the only clue he left, and it wasn't going to be helpful. Then again I'm thankful to learn his name. It was a wonderful name. I couldn't help but wonder why it was so important to keep it under wraps.

I took out the journal that Avery and I had started and stuck the note in a random page so I wouldn't misplace it. I flipped back a few pages and read the old memories I had written down.

The first pages were full of facts and bullet points.

"- Doesn't like to talk about family

-Goes to Rockwell High School, same as us

- Hates labels, doesn't want to be called by names

- usually hangs around old railroad"

If you flipped a few pages ahead, it wasn't in a list format anymore. It was small paragraphs of memories with him.

"We almost kissed today...He's different from other guys. My guard is let down when I'm around him, but his shoot up."

"The mystery was intriguing at first. I wanted to get to know him and figure him out. The more I dig, the more he seems to fight any sign of emotion. He won't tell me any details. The voices in his head must speak loudly."

Eventually I stopped writing. I felt like he was turning into a science project. If it simply became a diary, I might as well keep those memories in my head so they're safe from prying eyes (aka; my sister).

After lots of thinking, I knew I'd need help to solve this mystery. Avery was the best choice. He already knew a lot about Darren, so more informing him with the latest couldn't hurt. Plus, he's my best friend. Naturally I trust him to tell me the truth and not spread the word. I texted him immediately to come over.

About thirty minutes later I heard the doorbell ring downstairs. "Who's that, dear?" My mom asked.

"It's Avery!"

"You've been seeing him quite a bit lately. Are you two an item?" She smirked at me.

"Oh, no. Mom, trust me. No way." I shook my head.

"You never know Arabella. Sometimes your oldest best friend ends up being the love of you life."

"I can honestly say that's not true for me. He's taking another girl to prom if that proves anything." I said before opening the door.