disappearance | a novel

| two |

I woke up the next morning to the feeling of Bailey licking my face profusely, a sign that she needed to go outside. I rubbed my eyes and yawned, stretching my legs so that I could fully wake myself up. "Good morning, Bailey," I said tiredly as I stood, cautious to avoid any kind of head rush.

I opened the bedroom door for her and she jumped off of the bed and straight down the hallway, easily trekking down the rock steps to the main floor. I followed her down to the kitchen, which had a full-length view of the backyard which overlooked a calm forest. Since the entire back wall consisted of windows, my dad and I just decided to make them into doors so that ventilation in the cool months was convenient. I clicked 'open' on the control panel and the back wall instantly became an open-aired view of the frosty morning outside.

Bailey's tongue flew wildly around as she jumped and frolicked across the freshly fallen snow on top of the grass, and I laughed lightheartedly as I walked outside to join her, pushing aside the thought that I'd probably have to bathe her when I returned home. I watched as she played innocently, but my attention was turned to the treeline when I heard the sound of branches cracking just behind the first few rows of greenery. I carefully stepped off of the back patio and into the snow as I strained to see anything. I called out. "H-hello? Who's there?" I wrapped my arms around my midsection protectively as I looked around, scanning for any further movement. When there was none, I whistled for Bailey to follow me back to the house.

When safely back inside, I closed the windows and locked them once more, making sure that everything was secure. I shook off the overhanging feeling of being watched and decided to turn my full attention to making myself some breakfast, pouring a can of Bailey's food into her bowl as well. I made eggs benedict and fresh avocado toast, along with a fresh cup of breakfast blend coffee with a bit of peppermint creamer to top everything off. Once I had finished eating, I cleaned my dishes and the stovetop, making sure to look around once more to ensure that I had gotten everything. With a nod of satisfaction, I stretched once more and walked up the steps, Bailey at my heels.

~

"You make me! Feel like I'm livin', a teenage dream!" I yelled enthusiastically as the Katy Perry song played over the speaker inside the shower. I hummed and danced around as I scrubbed at my scalp, doing a quick time check to make sure I wasn't running late; 9:15 A.M. Since my schedule was open due to me finishing my credits, I was allowed by the school to come and go at anytime I wished, which was nice. I usually just stayed in the library all day, though. There was a 9-foot grand piano in there, and I knew exactly how to play it.

I smiled at the thought of running my fingers over the ivory keys, their cold sending tingles through the tips of my fingers as I played. Once I was done fantasizing, I turned the water off and snatched my towel from the hook beside the door and wrapped it around my body before heading to the vanity and brushing my teeth. I gave myself a once-over before deciding that I would apply some light makeup and blow-dry my hair so that my curls could hang naturally. I even put in my contacts because, why not?

I finished everything off with a touch of tinted chapstick before smiling at myself in the mirror, winking at my reflection and giggling to myself as I headed to my closet to pick out something to wear. I made the decision to wear some distressed light wash skinny jeans, some black heeled booties, a white long-sleeve henley and my leather jacket; I felt good. I had no clue what had gotten into me because I hardly ever wore something besides leggings and jumpers, but I liked it.

I had taken my time getting to school that day, arriving at the front parking lot around noon before walking calmly to the library, where I was greeted with the smell of gingerbread, and a smile from Mrs. Taylor, the librarian. "Good morning, miss Gates. I'm glad to see that you've made the decision to come in today." I smiled at her and playfully rolled my eyes, picking up one of her homemade cookies from the plate sitting on the checkout counter.