The Undercover Bad Boy

Chapter Twenty Six - Cold

Chapter Twenty Six - Cold

Parker was sitting on the front porch of Tara's house. He was already waiting for our arrival. His blonde hair was decorated with snowflakes and his cheeks were flushed with colour from the cold.

His head snapped in our direction as soon as he heard Luke's tires squeal against the icy tarmac. As soon as we were parked across from the house, he bounced upwards to meet us. Even in the dim streetlights, it was evident that he was in a troubled state.

He silently studied both of our faces. I noticed how his eyes lingered on Luke for a while longer. "Thanks for coming up on such short notice."

"It's okay," replied Luke, averting his gaze to the snow underneath our feet.

"I'm sorry, Luke, under the circumstances, I wouldn't have called you unless it was important but you and Alex have known Tara a lot longer than I have."

I didn't know which was colder; the temperature or the atmosphere.

I started shifting my weight between my two feet. "That doesn't matter right now," I put in before Luke could say anything.

Parker readjusted his coat. "It's really cold outside."

"Look, Parker, are you going to tell us what's wrong with Tara or not?" I questioned impatiently. It came out much hastier then I expected it to but it seemed to work.

Parker opened his mouth then clamped it shut. "Well, erm, just follow me."

He motioned for us to follow him inside the Holmes household. To my relief, I was instantly greeted by a flood of warm air. I sped past the familiar furniture and wallpaper, trying to remember the last time I had been here. It felt like forever.

"She's been like this the whole afternoon," Parker started saying as we clambered up the staircase. He was still not giving us any indication as to what had actually happened. "She won't tell me what's wrong." He pulled me aside briefly. "I'm really worried about her. I didn't know what to do. I'm sorry for calling-"

"It's okay, Parker," I interjected. "Don't worry about it."

He didn't reply but it was obvious by the expression on his face that he was unconvinced.

We reached Tara's bedroom about ten seconds later. I already knew from the countless times I had stayed here - but the large number of posters and stickers that covered every inch of the door were also a pretty good giveaway to whose room it was.

Parker put a finger to his lips to signify silence before softly knocking. When there was no reply, he just sighed wearily but opened it a few inches anyway. The wood creaking pierced through the silence making a shiver run down the back of my neck. I peered into the dark bedroom but I could barely make out where the bed and dresser were.

Even straining my eyes I couldn't see Tara. For all I knew, she might have not even been in the room.

"Hey, Tara, it's me Alex," I called out as softly as I could. I knew that taking her straight on probably wasn't the best approach but it was a way of doing it.

Receiving a warning look from Parker, I still decided to carry on. "I'm here with Luke and Parker. We're all really worried about you."

I heard a faint sound that resembled a whimper come from the other side of the wall.

Refusing to stand out here any longer, I burst open the door and switched on the lights. In the corner of the room; there was Tara. She was curled into a ball, arms wrapped tightly around her legs, mascara streaks running down her cheeks and her eyes were red and puffy.