Today is the first day I'm in this small town. Tomorrow school starts up. I'm only going because it might help with the case I've been assigned. Apparently some kid went missing awhile back and no ones been able to find a body. The FBI thinks it'll be a good debut case for me, and honestly I could care less. I solve mysteries for a living, so that's what I'm going to do. The mystery right now though is how good the milkshakes and burgers are down at the diner in town.
Well I'll be honest. Way too much grease, but I already know I'm addicted... I bought a burger for lunch tomorrow as well. I'll never trust the shit they try to give out at public schools. The FBI already took care of my needs for the school year thankfully so I don't have to do anything except walk my dog and sleep.
"Scruffy c'mon lets go explore before bed!" The mangy old dog comes running and jumping, leash in mouth. I hook him up and we're off. He seems to like the town, but I'm getting some off vibes. Maybe it's because the town still hasn't moved on. The diner owner, Bob still has the missing poster of his son hanging up. He's still holding on even after all these years.
When we get home there's no time for pjs. Just sleep. Scruff has already claimed the bed and I'm down with it. I prefer the couch anyway. "Good night old man." I'm blessed with a small bark and then a snoring dog.
The next morning I wake up to a small depressing rain. It's time for coffee, shower and a walk. "2/3 done. Scruff get up lets go walk !" He comes, walking this time. I walk him to the school and tell him to get home on his own. He picks the leash up with his mouth and walk towards the house.
I get a text from the agent who usually takes care of whatever I need. 'Your car should be in spot 250 by lunch. If not call me and I'll take care of it.'
'rad and u dont have to be so formal lol'
I walk to my classes, and the teacher simply says, "Great everyones here. I wasn't going to have you all introduce yourselves, but theres two new kids. One of you new kids go first."
"Name's Kouve. Use any pronouns other than they and them and I'll release your darkest secrets to the world. And yes I already know them just by looking at you all."
"My name's Zoey, and I'm honestly just ready to go home and get another milkshake." She has blue streaks in her hair and piercings. She's the other new kid then.
An angry looking ginger goes next, "Ruth. If I hear one peep about Rose this year I will tear you all to pieces." She gives death glares out to everyone. Lovely.
"Arson. Can we cut the crap already and just sit down now?" He hasn't looked up from his phone once. Likely a narcissist, or hiding a relationship. First theory is more likely these days.
I'm already sitting on the ground at this point, not really caring to listen until I hear a familiar name. "R-rose..."
Eyes are hidden under black curly hair. Red hair peaks through where the undercut is. So Ruth was angry that people have been bullying her sister. That's sweet. I'm starting to think there's an option for a friend here.
I wonder what her sisters story is though. That hair doesn't seem like a common choice around here. She barely made a sound while saying her name. Her outfit screams hobo, but Ruth is dressed well. She is hiding something big from everyone around her, and she hides that secret well. I can't even see it right now. Every sense of her body language says 'Just let me disappear' and not in the usual teen angst way. This is far beyond your day to day depression.
YOU ARE READING
It Gets Better
Mystery / ThrillerThe town will never be the same after a teen ends it all and another strongly debates it.