Hidden Close (Jr. Year)

Chapter 28

Part 28 Of The First Draft

Time has been grinding to a near halt. Each day we grow a little more anxious as the big moment approaches. Lana is worried about Brad. Brad may be a killer guy who can hold his own in a fight but that doesn't take away Lana's fear that he might be hurt. This simple fact proves that she really does love him. Perry feels the same way about me. He's always worried I might die. After last summer, I really don't blame him. Nel took me to the edge and if it weren't for Grace's nurturing touch, I would have been dead. Despite all this, now is not the time to think about such things. We'll have a shot at ending this feud between Carlita and us. Becky’s freedom and entire conscience is on the line. I can't be selfish. I have to think of her.

There was something I needed to figure out. I hurried to find Brad, and when I did, I found that Lana was down there with him. Lana smiled upon seeing me, and I could tell she was embarrassed. I'm sure they had been making out but right now I need to find out one thing. I asked Brad, wasting little time,

“Brad, are you sure that you can protect Grace? Carlita is sure to detect something treacherous.”

Brad scratched at his head as if he was unsure. After a moment, Lana proposed to me, rising to her feet as she did,

“What if I stayed in the audience nearby Grace? I sure would love to see Brad's show....”

Brad smiled, and then declared,

“So it is decided. Lana will stay close to my mother, and I'll tell my fellow band member’s to keep a close eyes on things. It's funny, they think The Weekend Freak is some joke. They'll flip when they get inside of there. They'll probably swear they fell into a horror movie!”

It's nice that he can put on a brave face. Lana seemed to be optimistic, too, but I have some doubts that she is really all that hopeful. There's something about her demeanor that hints towards true feelings. Lana seems as if she is in pain. With her recent crisis I really can't blame her. Even still, if she was really feeling lost, I expect her to be honest about it with me. I'll pursue her later when we can be alone. I don't want to make her do anything she doesn't want to do. She's been through enough lately.

It wasn't until the next day that I could speak to Lana alone. I was casual with her, asking the question I need answered,

“Lana? Are you depressed?”

Lana tried to look away, and I continued my press,

“If you can't handle this weekend, please, stay home. I'm confident that our gambit will work. Lana, my darling, you just gotta believe. Don't let your insecurities control you. I let my weakness drag me down for years, and even now I am a bit unsure about the future, but I know that I will live. Perry won't let me die and I assure you that Brad will protect you all the same.”

Lana admitted, after a tense and long hesitation,

“You're right, Mindi, I am depressed. For good reason, too...”

“What reason, Lana? The last thing we need now is regrets. We'll never be free unless we fight....”

Here's where the bomb dropped,

“It’s because I'm tired of all this. I just want to live a happy life as I've always dreamed of. If I die, Mindi, I'll never get to see that dream. I'm afraid to die, Mindi. As strong as I may seem, I’m so scared. After Franky died, I lost a part of me. If I lost Brad or any of you, I swear I'd end it all.....”

Tears fell down my face like rain, but not because of her suicidal thoughts, but because of the meaning behind them. Lana cares so much about me and that's more than I could ever ask for. I surged forward, taking her up in my arms. I whispered, soothingly,

“You know, you'll always be my second choice, but look on the bright side. You'll always be my dream girl....”

Lana, to my shock, brought me up and kissed me, right on the lips. She revealed her tears, and then mocked me, all in a good-natured way,

“Mindi, you're not the only one with secrets. You may be too young for me, but I'll always be your sister. Think, babe.....if we survive this year, we can live together forever. I'm so lucky that I found you last summer....”

That summer was magical, too.

“I always figured you were different, Lana, but hey it works for me....I wanted to tell you something, but....Perry will kill me if I do.”

Lana laughed, and then hugged me once again, saying in my ear,

“Tell me. I've been expecting an announcement from you two, I'm just not sure when you two will ever pick up on the fact that you're stuck together.”

I took a deep breath, and became brave. I could not hold it in any longer.

“We are getting married after high school....and, quite honestly, I want you there. Be my maid of honor for me. I don't really know many girls, and, besides, you're my sister, and a darn good one at that.”

Lana blushed, and then excitedly expressed,

“Wow! I'm so happy for you! You've came so far, Mindi! I'm so lucky to have you! I only can hope that you can return the favor for me one day!”

We embraced for our third and final time and then went to rejoin the others. The night had already fallen and it was getting cold. When we got in, I exhaled and went into the kitchen. A note was on the fridge, and it read,

“Your dinner is in here. Love, Perry.”

I opened the fridge, and found nothing inside that looked remotely tasty. I then felt strong arms come in from behind and hold me. These weren't Perry's arms, nor were they male. I tried to break free and started to scream. Where is everyone? My captor then taunted me, calmly teasing me,

“Now I have you, my pesky little fly.”