Bliss

20 - Ingrid

I've searched everywhere. The factory, the beach, the mall; every place I could possibly look. I don't even know if I can find Sky. I have pains in my side for running so much, and my mouth thirsts for water. I sit on a nearby bench, resting. It is already getting darker, and if I can't find Sky, we might have to know someone who can. The police. But I still have to keep searching before it comes to that.

What if she was at Niall's? The question immediately pops into my head. No, she wouldn't. But it's a possibility. Yes, but why would she be there anyway? Especially for five hours? I have to go over there. I should at least check it out. What about my job? If Marta's watching . . .

But what is more important? Keeping my job or keeping Sky? Sky, of course. I have made my decision. I get up from the bench and run.

I knock on the door until someone opens it.

"Hey, Louis," I say. Louis opens the door even more when he sees me. His hair as usual is messy, and he wears a long sleeved shirt and sweat pants.

"Ingrid?" he says, surprised and a little confused. Louis' eyebrows raise up. "He--Niall said that you said--"

"I know what I said," I say, "But this is important. Can I come in?" Louis gives me a nod and opens the door more. I slowly walk in, consuming the smells and feels of their house. The smell of fresh laundry and mints. It almost feels homey in here, despite the fact that it's a soldier's home.

I glance over to the living room. Liam sits on the couch, the T.V. is blaring, but he has disinterest in it.

"What's up?" Louis asks. Liam looks over at me, clearly interested in what I have to say.

"Have you seen Sk--"

"Ingrid?" I hear Niall's voice from upstairs. I hear him trot down the stairs, and I look away. I can't bear to see his face again. I turn back to Louis.

"Is Sky here?" I ask. Louis shakes his head.

"Did you see her at all?" I ask. "Was she here today?"

"No, not at all," Louis says. "What's going on?"

"Sh--she's been missing for five hours. I bumped into her earlier today and she said she was going to the beach," I explain. I end up facing Niall, but I can't seem to look in his eyes. I continue. "I looked everywhere I could think of, but . . ."

Suddenly the phones rings, breaking the silence. Liam jumps from his seat.

"I'll get it," he mumbles. I turn back to Louis; his face is clearly concerned.

"Has anyone seen Harry?" I hear Zayn's voice from upstairs. But his voice isn't troubled or worried, it is as smooth as silk, cocky even. I hear his feet thump down the stairs and I look over at his shirtless chest.

I can feel my mouth drop open a little. Marks. There are marks everywhere. Black markings cover his whole right arm, they scatter among his bare chest and left arm. It looks like someone drew on him with a black marker, though it seems deeper into his skin. And thicker. They are amazing, detailed. He was beautiful, but frightening at the same time.

Zayn smirks at me when he sees me staring and I can feel my face get hot.

"No . . . where is Harry?" Niall asks. Zayn's smile is mischievous when he looks at me.

"I've seen Sky today," Zayn says slyly. "She went to the loading dock practically begging for Harry." I gape at him. Why would Sky want to talk with Harry? How did she know where to find him? The loading dock is only meant for soldiers. I'm not even sure if I believe Zayn or not. There is an edge of laughter in his voice, but he seems to be telling the truth.