change | hannie

24|Shook

"Today, I have the power to change my story."
-
1 week.

It's been one week since the accident. My friends have almost been coming over everyday to check on me since my family hasn't been found. The police have been a help.

I've been managing house payments. I work a part time job and manage school. It's hard, but it's life. It was a cold, rainy Sunday morning. I was currently finishing up an essay for English.

Ding Dong

I was startled by the doorbell. Who would want to come on a rainy day? I pull my blanket of my legs and walk to the door. I open the door to pure joy.

Hayley.

"Hayley!" I exclaim. I hug her tightly. I cry out of happiness. I pull her inside the house and close the door. She was soaking wet. "Annie! I missed you so much." She cried hugging me again. I hugged her back.

"Are you okay? Where's everyone else?" I said. "I-I don't know." She said. I quickly got her a towel. "Okay. Go take a shower and then we'll talk." I said in a soft voice. She nodded and ran upstairs.

Hayley came back down, fresh. "Okay Hay, explain everything." I said.

"Well, when you were over at Hayden's, a group of people came barging in our house. They took us to some facility and treated us like soldiers. They... t-they." Hayley stuttered at her own words.

"They what hay?" I asked taking her hands. "They let me and mommy go. They took Caleb and daddy." She said tearing up. I pulled her into a hug. I wanted to cry too, but I had to stay strong. For Hayley.

"Where's mom?" I asked pulling away from the warm hug. "S-She said to run home and give this to you." Hayley said handing me a white, wet envelope from the rain.

"Hayley, are you hungry?" I asked. She nodded. I quickly made her a meal. I opened up the letter, my hands shaking.

Dear Julianna,
Annie, my sweet Annie. I know what I'm about to tell you is crazy, but you must understand. I'm in a different state. But don't worry I'm perfectly safe living with my sister. I'm leaving Hayley with you in California. Your father and Caleb are in some weird facility. Hayley and you MUST stay in California. Don't come looking for me. I'll send you money every month to pay for the house bills. I trust you to keep Hayley and yourself safe. I promise that I'll come back, but not now. It's not safe. I love you

I dropped the letter on the floor. What?! I take a deep breathe, trying to process this. I explain everything to Hayley. She took it better then I expected. She was a little confused and scared, but other than that, she was fine.

I realized that Hayley is my responsibility now. I have to be more responsible then before. I'm debating wether to call the cops and let them know about this.. no. They'll send me and Hayley both to foster care.

I immediately call everyone and let them know to meet me at my house.

-15 minutes later-

"And that's basically it. You all have to PROMISE not to tell anyone." I say looking at their shocked faces. "I'm so sorry Annie and Hayley." Lexi said looking down. "This must be tough." Carson added on.

"Yeah. I'm managing this change." I smiled weakly at them. Hayden sat next to me and kissed my head. "I'll be with you for every step of the way." He whispered. I smiled and rested my head on his shoulder.

We all sat there with each other, in a peaceful silence. "How about we go do something, fun?" Johnny suggested.

"Yeah. Might as well. To clear our minds." Carson smirked at the boys. I knew exactly what he was talking about. Going to the bar. "Eh hem." I cleared my throats pointing to Hayley.

"Oh. Right..." Carson said. "We can go to the theme park?" Jayden suggested. We all agreed on that.

Maybe this change won't be so bad.
----
Plot twist?