The NBG'S

Chapter 15: Help Not Given

SARAH

It feels like forever had past since Annie had left the hospital with Jack in pursuit. Me, Nicki, Renee, and J sat in our normal seats in the teen library.

It might've seen nerdy to others, that we hung out in the library but really, this place was sweet. It had an xbox, PS3, WII and tons of other game systems hooked up to the flat screen. No one ever judged you in here and this was a place we always talked when every one was bored or upset. I figured if Annie or Jane called they would be happy we thought of here.

Although, Annie didn't indicate alot  about what was wrong (despite the book missing) but by the look on her face it surpassed the book.

I heard my phone go off then, a millisecond after that thought came to my head.

Young Love, Isn't It Swell?

A Friend Rejection Can Leave Everything Unwell.

Follow The Clues All In A Line

Possibly At The End, A friend Maybe Alive

A Line? What the hell?, I thought to my self. Ignoring the feeling in the pit of my stomach i looked up and rolled my eyes at Jay. I was about to tell her and we wouldv'e  laughed at the silliness of it. But it didn't sit right with me. Young Love? Friend Rejection...?  I looked up at the ceiling in befuddlement. I knew what it meant. But how did THEY?

Then i noticed it.

A line. Going all across the ceiling. Where it stopped was a book. Renee followed to where my eyes followed and shrugged, as i hesitantly went over and reached for the book. It fumbled through my hands and fell to the ground.

And out fell the next clue.

GEORGE

It was crazy and i knew it. Annie would have me by the nuts if she knew i was here. I couldn't resist i needed to ensured this was legit. I'm not doubting her. I would never. No, i was having a slight hope maybe it was a terrible dream and i would wake up and it would be like a normal day.

I would've woken up and drank my coffee , I would drive over and pick her up from her house and take her somewhere, just to be with her. We would laugh and talk and have fun. We would talk about our dreams, our hopes, even our road trip she wants us to take. Then I would take her home and kiss her goodnight. Like it was out of one of those sappy romantic comedies she loves.

Something like that. I would pay anything for that. Instead I'm making sure the tragic story of my girlfriends past is legit.

I walked up the cobbled stone walk way as i made my way towards Annie's house. This wouldn't change anything. I'll love her no matter if it is true, I thought.

I rang the doorbell and hoped her dad wouldn't answer with that cold stare of his.

Instead Hunter answered. He looked up at me with a big smile.

"GEORGE!"

"Hunter my man! Is your sisters home?"

"Yeah, well, except for Annie. She went somewhere!" Hunter replied with a little kid like innocence.

"Oh, well can I tak to the girls real quick?" I

"Sure! But next time can we play a game?" Hunter pleaded.

"Course." I said with a small smile. Hunter motioned for me to pick him up. He was a cute kid, he really was, but i couldn't laugh along like i usually do when i come over. We passed Annie's room and i felt a pang of sadness as i pictured her face as she left my apartment only an hour earlier.

It was like my body was working on its own accord as I put Hunter down and walked in to the girls room.

I vaguely noticed Rosemarie left the room. My eyes was on the bundle wrapped tight in a blanket on the bed. My feet, unstable, took me over to where the figurd sniffled and shuddered under the blanket.

"Melanie... are you okay?" i asked hesitently. I shook myself mentally. Am i really afriad of a almost 5 year old? Yes, i thought bitterly.

"George?" She peeked her head from under the blanket. I met her sweet brown eyes and knew it had to be true.

"Mel, where's annie?" I asked. I watched her tear up again and couldn't help myself. I picked her up blanket and all, and just sat there hugging her. I was looking around the room, with dolls and it's bright pink exterior, when the smell hit me.

It smelled like mint and vinilla, also a little bit of sunshine. It smelt like Annie. I looked down at Mel hoping to see the brown eyes i knew by heartstaring back at  me, instead i saw Mels eyes had changed colors. To the darkest green i had ever seen.

I stifled a gasp and my mind went reeling. I didn't notice that Annie's mom had come in when she toched my shoulder. I was expecting a fake laugh, but instead when i looked up, a saw a whole new person. This wasn't the mother that tried to prim Annie when she was younger, that always strived for her to be perfect, flawless barbie.

Instead i saw a woman who looked beyond tired. She was starinf from Melanie to me with a cautous look. After what felt like forever she fianally spoke.

"Annabelle finally told you did she?" She didn't say it as a question, but as if in defeat. "Follow me into the kitchen," she whispered, " i'll tell you the whole story and why we did what we did."

'And what would that be? Suddenly you where connected with Annie?" I let the bitterness seep into my voice. Maybe if annie's mom had seen the signs we wouldn't have been here.

"It's time for you to knew about Melanie and Garrett."

ANNIE

I walked into the shop with jack a step behind. As i made my way up to the counter, i saw recongition in the eyes of Miss Kelly .

"Hey I remember you.." her voice suddenly went quiet.

"Did someone name Mr. D leave here something here for Annabelle Hawk?" I skipped the formalities and said icily.

"Y-Yes he did." Miss Kelly's bright blue eyes went wide, like a deer in headlights.

"Well can I have it?" I knew i was being rude, but i had a right to be. As she handed me a slip of paper i continued to glare at her.

'Annabelle, listen-" She started.

"No. You couldv'e stopped him. You could've called the police." I started to rant.

"From doing what? Buying you icecream?" Jack said with a laugh trying to lighten the mood.

"No. From Abducting me." I glared at her once lat time before i left the Frosty Freeze.