Hidden Close (Jr. Year)

Chapter 10

Part 10 Of The First Draft

“You can't be serious. You'd actually volunteer for such a tortuous task?”

Renee was looking at me as if I were crazy. I smiled, and told her,

“I’ll even call that number....”

Perry cut me off, revealing,

“I already have. I got tired of waiting. Carlita is part of an underground movement that operates out of the Weekend Freak. They are dedicated to lamia, lycanthrope, and vampire rights. They formed shortly after we defeated Judge Jackson. Apparently, we are heroes to them.”

How strange.

“So, what does Becky have to do with any of this?”

Perry told me, in a rather low and sullen tone,

“She’s a ghoul. Her newspaper is controlled by vampires like Carlita.”

“A....ghoul? What exactly is that, Perry?”

I was even more confused than before.

“A ghoul is a human that has been allowed to feed off of a vampire's blood. They have many traits that a vampire does, without the longevity. They're nothing more than a vampire’s pet, as far as I am concerned.”

So that's why Becky is the way she is. To most, Rebecca would seem crazy. Becky’s real strength is hidden within. Her seeming insanity is nothing more than a perfect coverup to what she really is, a smart and beautiful girl. Most of the time, I'm not sure if I should admire her or feel downright sorry for her.

“I see. Let me hang out with her. Maybe I can get her to confess something we don't already know. It should be easy. I know all of you have seen the way she looks at me.”

Perry and Renee looked at each other, and came to some silent agreement. Renee said,

“Okay, Mindi. It is in your hands now, just please, be careful. This girl has a really bad habit of being reckless.”

I simply replied with my own sort of recklessness,

“Don’t worry. If we do have any hijinks I'll be sure to tell you all about it afterwards, he he.”

All of the siblings resounded off with a mutual sigh, and by the end of the day I had convinced all three of them that my friendship with Becky will lead to utter disaster. Oh well, sometimes you just have to be adventurous. Isn't that the sexiest characteristic of us Wild Girls, our need to chase after dangerous game? This made me come to a sudden realization, though. Within six months I will become a Lamia/Lycanthrope hybrid, granted that something deadly doesn't break us up. I don't see that happening, though. Even if you killed me, I would still be with Perry in death, for I love him so. He's the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in my short life. Now that I know him so well I couldn't face life without him. I'm no different than any other teenager, that being completely lovestruck over their chosen partner.

“Hi mom! Hi dad! I'm home!”

That’s funny. Where are they? When they didn't call out, I went and checked other places in and outside the house. When I couldn't find them, I rushed up to my room, where Lana was already sleeping. I gently woke her up, and as she rubbed her eyes, she asked,

“What do you want, Mindi? Why did you have to wake me up?”

“Where is mom and dad? Why are they not here?”

Lana’s look was one of utter biwilderment.

“They aren't here? Where could have they possibly gone?”

“Oh...I think I may have possibly seen a note on the table...”

I rushed downstairs and into the kitchen. I examined the note, and exclaimed,

“Oh no!”

I have to get ahold of Perry. This is bad, really really bad.

“Perry? They took them. My parents are gone. Please, baby, please. You have to help me find them.”

“Wait, what happened to them?”

“I don't know exactly what happened, but their gone and a note on the table said,

‘We got them. Lead us to the resistance, and you can have them back. If you refuse to satisfy our request, we'll kill them. You have no choice, for your hands are tied.’

There was a dead silence for a moment, and Perry said, with a great tone of desperation,

“For some reason I.....I can't find them. We need Rebecca's help.”

“Why? What the heck can she do for us?”

“Now, now, my love. Now you are the one doubting her unusual talent for finding danger.”

“Okay, baby...I love you. Can you please send Renee over? We need her.....”

“Of course, my darling...and I love you too.....”

He ended the call, and I rushed up to our bedroom, where I informed Lana of what is going on.

“For real, Mindi? I fall asleep...and look what happened. They must have been waiting for me to fall asleep. I could have helped them....darn it...why’d I have to fall asleep?”

I picked up Lana's opened can of cola, and sniffed it.

“Lana...your soda smells weird....someone must have drugged you. Start drinking a buttload of water, okay? We need you at full strength, sis.”

After I had fetched a pitcher of water and a glass for Lana, I hurried downstairs, where I anxiously awaited Renee's arrival. The minutes seemed to move on like hours, as I wondered where my parents were. Every single second is one that left me in perpetual sorrow. I texted Becky,

“We need you. My parents have been kidnapped. I know about the resistance. You have to help me. You're my only hope.”

Becky and Renee arrived together at almost the same time. Becky asked me,

“Have you called Carlita? I promise you that she is a good woman. She can help us tremendously. Let me see the note....”

Both Renee and I watched in trepidation. To our amazement, Rebecca deducted,

“This penmanship belongs to a group called The Corrupted Watchers. I know where they haunt, but I warn you, they are dangerous. We need Carlita's help. My mistress is strong and has even stronger allies. Mindi, is it okay if I stay with you here tonight? Things are bad on my homefront, too.”

Misery does love company.

“Sure. I really would dig the company of two beautiful girls right now.”