Phoebe's 'Big Thing'

Chapter 6

The very next morning, after my very sweaty dance lesson, I headed
straight to Phoebe's house. We still hadn't heard any word from her, which was becoming more alarming by the minute.

Letting myself in to the familiar house of the O'Sullivan's, I heard a heated discussion between Phoebe's parents in the steaming kitchen. I came in and saw Phoebe's dad, Thomas, sitting at the table with his back to me. Neither of them had noticed me come in as they bickered away. I glanced nervously at a smoking pot on the stove, "um guys."
"Oh!" Sarah said, finally seeing me. Thomas turned around and looked a little flustered, realising that I had heard them.

"Freya dear," he smiled, "we were just talking about um-"
"Phoebe," I finished for him. His smile slightly dropped, accepting that he couldn't lie. "Yes, we're, well, worried obviously."
"Beyond worried," Sarah hissed from the cooker, ditching the burnt pot into the sink. Thomas glanced nervously at her, "of course. I'm sure you can imagine," he peered at me suspiciously.
"I don't know where she is," I said defiantly. His accusing stare softened, "I know Freya, sorry. It's just..... a mystery." I nodded sadly in agreement.

I remembered why I had come, "I was wondering if I could look in Phoebe's room, try and look for......" I wasn't quite sure what I was hoping to find, I suddenly realised.
"Of course," Sarah replied, coming over to the table. I nodded a smile at her and went up the stairs without hesitation.

I opened her bedroom door expecting to hear a sarcastic greeting from Phoebe, but frowned sadly when I was just greeted with silence. Not even little Alex was there. It was like the house was empty without Phoebe, like a blank-paged book. A tear slipped out as I panicked, where was she? Why didn't she tell me she was leaving? Was she ok?
Focus Freya, concentrate on finding something, anything. A clue or a note. I nodded several times at my inside voice for determination. Gliding around the quirky and colourful room, my hand brushed over all her books. I had counted them once as Phoebe rolled her eyes, uninterested. She had 253 books to date- that's even more than mine. I knocked on the money box that Phoebe filled everyday, it rattled. I paused abruptly, realisation sinking in; it was hollow! The money had been taken out. I quickly pulled back the tin lid, which I now noticed had been carved out and then placed back. I peered inside, instead of coins and notes I found a folded letter. My name written across the front in Phoebe's slanted writing. I took it out quickly, my breathing was getting faster with anticipation. I swallowed to calm myself and began reading.

Dear Freya,

If you've found this it means I've left, turns out I had the guts to just go ahead and do it. I knew you would find this, you nerd! I can't believe I'm writing a letter, how like, un- 21st century- anyway I didn't think a text would do it. Ok enough of this, let's get to the point.

First of all I haven't run away, I'm not some lost wimp! I just wanted some space and time for myself, and I thought a little road trip would be good for me. Who knows if I'm lucky, I might discover my big thing!
Now Freya, I need you to show this letter to mom and dad, so they know I'm alright. More importantly, so they don't call the police to look for me- that is essential Frey. No police involved, please. This isn't that much of a deal for that nonsense. Tell mom that I brought everything I need, she'll no what I mean.
And tell them I'll be back soon, I don't know when, but I will be back.

I don't want anyone following me Freya, my parents have to stay put and let me be. So no search parties. But hey, if your up for a little adventure; my first stop is where I had a particularly bad kiss, do you remember? I don't even know why I'm going there, it was just kinda calling me.
You don't have to come, I'm not even asking you. Better if you stay and wait for me. However I won't mind if you decide to follow......

Love from your best bitch,
Phoebe xxx

My head and heart were racing, as if they were in competition to see who could go fastest. Was this a joke, some attempt to get attention? I mean, pranks were a particular hobby for Phoebe. But what if she was for real? She had been really serious the other day, after the argument with her mom; raw and emotional. Besides, she couldn't have gone to that much trouble for a stupid prank right?
I rushed downstairs with the precious letter in my hand, finally a lead. I was just about to show it to her parents when I saw her dad on the phone. He hung up with a sigh, "it's done." Sarah nodded and they shared a brief but loving hug. "I feel like we've done something at least," Sarah replied to him, eyes wide and teary.
"What's going on?" I asked, curious as to what they were talking about- but dying to share my own news.
"We just called the police and told them about Phoebe," Sarah told me shakily. Phoebe's dad squeezed her hand.

My mouth dropped and my eyes widened. I felt my pulse throb loudly in my ears. The one thing Phoebe asked me to make sure of, and I had already failed. What was I going to do now?

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