Missing by Jahla McCloud

Chapter Four

The next day I wake up 20 minutes before my alarm goes off. I feel completely revitalized and energized. Which is weird because that never happens. I decide to go on a short run before school. I toss on a sweatshirt, slip on my shoes, and I’m out the door. It’s still pretty dark and kinda chilly. About halfway through my run, I decide to stop for a minute. I’m standing completely alone in the middle of nowhere. Suddenly I hear footsteps off in the distance. My adrenaline is pumping, I’m trying to decide whether to sprint home or take on whatever is lurking in the darkness. I decide to stay and wait for whatever or whoever is out there. After about five minutes of waiting, I start to feel the presence of someone else here, like I’m being watched. I walk over to the other end of the street. I see a man standing about 10ft or so away from me. Only now does it occur that this man could be the one kidnapping the girls. He is coming closer. Very slowly. I’m not sure what to do. I stand there and wait. Not but a few seconds later, I decide to make a run for it. I sprint for about thirty seconds and then turn around. He’s gone. I’m not sure whether that is a good thing or not. I decide to head home the quickest way possible. Once I’m home I get dressed, grab an apple and head out the door. I manage to just barely catch the bus.

        Once I’m at school I can already tell it’s going to be a long day. First period just started and I’m already counting the minutes until dismissal bell rings.The only thing to look forward today is my swim meet. I’m one of the fastest swimmers on the team and this is our last meet before sectionals.

We’ve won sectionals every year and made it to regionals. Usually we don’t make it past there, but I’m thinking this year we may have a chance. After a long day the dismissal bell finally rings. I head home to change and get ready for my meet.