Would You? (Sequel to I Would)

Chapter 5

~Louis' P.O.V~

"Amanda?" I whispered.  Was it really her? I smiled hopefully, clutching my car keys, ready to go pick her up wherever she was.

Then the line went dead.

My eyes widened. I ran out of bed and into the living room, where everyone was sitting.

"Guys!" I screamed, probably sounding hysterical. "I think Amanda just called me!" I held up my phone, as if that would prove that she called.

"What do you mean you think she called?" Joanna asked.

"Well, I answered my phone and kept saying hello, but no one was answering. After a little while, I heard someone say 'Lou'. The voice sounded exactly like Amanda's! I said her name, but then the line went dead" I explained.

There was no response for a long while, but they all looked at each other, then turned to me, concern written all over their faces.

"Louis, can I talk to you for a second?" Joanna asked me. I looked at her in confusion. "Right now? But what about Amanda? I think she's in trouble! I'm gonna go look for her" I said and started marching to the front door.

Joanna stepped in front of me and pushed her hands lightly against my chest to stop me from walking. "Please, Louis. I really need to talk to you. It's, uh, it's important" she said, glancing back at the group as she did.

I sighed. "Fine" I said. She gave me a small smile, took my hand, and lead me upstairs to the game room. I looked back at everyone as we walked up the stairs. They all looked at me with the same expression on their face; worry.

When we got inside, she closed the door behind us. We sat down on the bean bag chairs. She sighed loudly, then began to speak. "We're worried about you, Louis" she said.

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh, but it had no humour in it. "Me? You're worried about me? What about Amanda? I seriously think she's in trouble. The line went dead so suddenly. I think she might be hurt" I said and began to rise from the bean bag chair, planning to go look for Amanda. Joanna grabbed my arm and sat me back down.

"Are you sure it was Amanda?" she asked me.

"I heard her voice-" I began, but Joanna cut me off.

"Just like you heard the doorbell ring the other day, but no one was there? Just like you insisted that you heard her calling your name outside last week, so you ran out in the middle of the night in just your briefs?" she said.

I thought about it. It's true. I have been hearing things, but this was real. I heard her voice so clearly. It's impossible that it wasn't her.

"But I swear it's her this time! I heard her clearly. I'm not crazy, Joanna" I said.

Joanna closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "I know you're not crazy. I also know that you miss her, and you're worried, and your brain is probably playing tricks on you because of that" she said.

"Aren't you worried?" I snapped back. "She's your cousin, for God's sake! She just picked up and left, and we haven't heard from her in two weeks! Aren't you the least bit concerned?" I said, my fists clenched in anger. I didn't believe that what Amanda wrote in that lettter was true. She was acting weird the night before, and I knew something was up. 

Joanna looked hurt. "I don't wanna say this, but I know Amanda a little better than you, Louis. Yes, she is in fact my cousin, and I've known her for her entire life. I read the letter she wrote to you, and I believe every word. When Amanda's upset or confused, she likes to be alone. She's been like that since she was little. I'm guessing that's why she left; she's confused, and until she makes up her mind, she's not coming back. I'm giving her the space she needs. I'm not worried at all, and you shouldn't be worried either" she said.