Black Diamonds and Silver Hearts

C H A P T E R - 5

|June|

It took three days for Ms. Mitchell to notice Stacy hadn't been home. The calls from my high school about Stacy's absences helped her realize that. Not to say she was a horrible caretaker, I certainly didn't make it easy for her by avoiding her questions when she started to get suspicious.

Instead of telling her the truth, I hacked up a storm which made her leave the room in a heartbeat to fetch me some cough medicine. Afterward, she'd disappear again to let me rest. It worked every time, but her worried eyes haunted my dreams whenever I slept.

Now, lazy afternoon light filtered into my room as I laid on my bed reading a book. None of my friends were online which gave me some time to myself, and honestly, I didn't feel like talking. I mostly lurked in the chatroom as they swapped stories about their day. Once or twice they'd ask how I was, in return I'd say something vague about life being an ass but that I was otherwise fine. The usual without the extra riptide of emotions I've been drowning in.

I was currently in the middle of the Divergent series when a gentle knock sounded at my door.

"It's open," I hollered, keeping my focus on the book. My voice scratchy as my throat was slightly sore.

"June...we need to talk."

Ms. Mitchell opened the door and the surprise from hearing her say my name, which I was convinced she didn't remember, shifted into apprehension when I spotted two uniformed police officers behind her. Both were men and neither seemed to fit the job description.

The one on the left was heavy set who shared a stunning likeness to my math teacher, Mr. Malcolm. As for the other, he towered over Ms. Mitchell and his coworker, his head brushed the upper edge of the door and he had the physique of a stick. Long-limbed, skinny, and easily blown over by the wind. At least I thought so.

Ms. Mitchell gestured to the two men. "This is officer Duncan and Oak. They have some questions they'd like to ask you regarding Stacy's...disappearance." Her eyes were red and bloodshot from crying.

I sat up and swallowed down a lump in my throat, trying not to appear guilty as hell.

Keeping my eyes forward, I watched as Duncan, the shortest of the two, strode forward and planted himself in front of me. Crossing his arms he clearly meant business.

"Ms. Mitchell tells me you and Stacy are rather close, is that right?" He questioned, his tone demanded honesty and zero nonsense.

"I guess, we haven't talked much lately though. She seemed busy," I trailed off and let my answer hang in the air.

The two officers shared a look, both of their brows deeply furrowed in thought.

Mr. Tall-and-thin spoke next. "Would you have any idea where she could've run off to? Surely she must've told you or left a note."

She left something alright. Me.

I shook my head and sighed. "Like I said we haven't been talking much. I didn't even realize Stacy hadn't been home until Penny mentioned she hadn't seen her in bed the last few nights." I coughed, the slurry of words made my throat itch.

"Penny?" questioned Officer Duncan, his mustache twitching.

"Oh, that's Stacy's roommate. The two rarely got along so I didn't think to mention her." Ms. Mitchell wrapped her arms around herself and said, "do you think she might know something?"

"It's possible. Best to be thorough in cases like this," said Officer Oak. He backed away from the door and looked down the hallway. "Which room would be theirs?"