The Trap

Chapter 52

"What do you mean that Holly's missing?" Paula asked looking between the two kids. She was hoping that Holly was just hiding somewhere in the house.

"Well I had a nightmare and I was going to get in her bed like I usually do. But instead I found three pillows so it looked like she was there. Then I went to brother's room and woke him up to tell him what I found. Dylan and I looked everywhere for Holly, but we can't find her," Lily said, trying her hardest not to cry. She really missed her big sister already.

"So we thought we would come in here and tell you," Dylan said getting to the point. He didn't know what else they could do without their parent's help.

"Did she tell either one of you where she would be?" Simon asked hoping that they did.

"No. Holly and I used to be very close, but ever since the break-up, she's closed up on me too," Lily replied looking at her feet. She missed how close they used to be. Lily hoped that the Holly she knows and loves would be back soon.

"Yeah she doesn't talk to me either," Dylan said, agreeing with Lily. Dylan and Holly weren't as close as the blood sisters, but for almost being step-siblings, they were close. Dylan wasn't one to express his true feelings, but he loved Holly and Lily like the little sisters that they are to him. He would do anything to protect them.

"I'm scared she got kidnapped," Lily said still looking at the carpet.

"Sweetie for that to be right, you would be gone with her," Paula said hoping to meet her daughter's gaze.

Lily nodded in response.

"Okay everyone stay here."

"Where are you going, Daddy?"

Without answering Lily's question, Simon rushed out of his room and straight for the girls' bedroom. He searched every inch of the room while calling out Holly's name. Then he checked every room of the entire house while still yelling her name. But still not a sight of Holly. There was no noise or young voice answering his call. So he grabbed a flashlight and searched both the front and back yards and no luck. He even had the idea of searching Paula's other house, right next door, thinking she might be in there, but she wasn't there either. He thought she was just playing, but the more he couldn't find her, the more he was getting scared. He ran all the way up to his room where all their remaining children were cuddling with Paula.

"Did you find her?"

"No, I looked everywhere. I think we should search the neighborhood."

"Okay should I call Beth?"

"Why?"

"Well we all know how much Holly didn't want to move back here. She may have went to Dolphin Wave, our old street."

"But love, that's roughly ten blocks away. She wouldn't go that far."

"We don't know if she took a bike or not. Lily when did Holly leave?"

Lily pulled a folded up piece of paper from her pajama pocket. "I don't know. But she did leave me this note on my bed. I was scared to show you earlier."

"Let me see it, baby."

"What does it say, love?"

"It says 'blended family sucks'. But you know this makes sense why she would go back to the old street. When we lived there, I was a single parent. It honestly wouldn't hurt to check with Beth."

"Okay come on guys, go put on your shoes and grab a jacket. It's cold out there."

The kids filed out the room while Paula called Beth. She hadn't seen her, but would look out for her. Beth reassured Paula that Holly would be found safe and sound. Paula hoped her friend was right. After call had ended, Paula got out of bed and put on warm clothes before joining the family who was waiting for her by the front door.