Danger Love Ahead

Chapter Thirty: What's Happening?

(Brandon's version)

Was April in trouble? I wondered, frozen in thought for a moment. Should I alert everyone?Pondering the question, I turned to look at the guests. The whole of the first floor was filled with people and food and music. I disregarded my last thought. Too much panic in the room could put April in danger. Is she really in danger? Or am I just over-reacting? 

"Michelle!" I glanced around for the familiar fair-head, surprised at how fast she disappeared. I made my way through the string of guests, hoping to find a familiar face. "Mrs.Summers?!!"

"Jeez, Brandon! What the hell are you doing?" Mariah emerged from the crowd, spotting an annoyed expression. "Aren't you-"

"Have you seen April?" I cut her off, trying vainly to keep the desperation out of my voice. Already, the claws of dread were tearing across my chest.

"What..no," she answered, eying me suspiciously. "You were suppos-"

"Okay, okay," I interrupted, trying to mull over everything. "Mrs.Summers..where is she?" I caught the flash of anxiety in Mariah's eyes.

"She left with Dave's mom to pick something up," she answered rapidly. "Your Mom called her. I think it's April's gift."

"Where's Kenny?" The question popped up when I realized that I hadn't seen him since April arrived.

"I don't know. Brandon, what's going on?"

"Don't know," I answered, instantly running my hand through my hair as if it could sweep out all the stress. April, April..where are you? "I'm officially scared."

"You're over-reacting," Mariah objected. "She's safe here...with us."

"Do you see her with US?" I growled. "Go get Dave and AM. Begin a search party. Don't let anyone else know."

"Okay." I watched her nod before she disappeared into the crowd. I spotted Michelle wondering around with some boy near the kitchen and almost tackled her with relief.

"Michelle!" 

"Brandon, what the-"

"You," I turned to the boy. "Scram." He shuffled away instantly.

"Brandon!"

"His too wimpy for you," I told her. Before she could respond, I continued. "April's missing. I think Kenny's missing as well. I need you to call the cops and keep an eye out, okay?"

"What?"

"Just do it. Don't let anyone else know. Give me your cell," I instructed.

"Here, but you have to go outside for better reception. Something's wrong with it," Michelle explained. 

"Convenient"

"I'll go call the cops."

"You do that." I hurried out to the backyard, moving around till the cell finally had received a signal. Dialing the number, I waited for someone to answer.

"Brandon?"

"Mom, something's wrong."

(April's version) 

Terrified, I stared at the four girls. Kira held the dagger posed above her head and judging by her expression, I knew she was about to charge. There was no way I could take all four. Hopefully, Brandon was looking for me right now. Out of reflex, I glanced at the nearest exit. My gaze fixed on the door. Neither of the idiots even thought of guarding it.

"Stop her!" I heard the desperate plea when I lunged for the door. Heart hammering, I almost died with relief at being able to leave the room. I threw the door back, disgustedly satisfied at the "oomph" I heard behind me. I skidded to a stop, realizing there was a tall male blocking my way to the staircase. His back was to me but I assumed, this was Kira's brother.