Plains

Chapter 2: Lost

The sky was slightly overcast today. The wind was faster than usual. I could feel the storm coming, although it wouldn't be here for a day or two.

We chained our bikes to the wooden post holding up the shelter since the lack of bike racks were an ever-present dilemma.

We walked through the rather skinny front door and a icy blast of air conditioning hit us. The humid southern heat was constantly intense this time of year, and if businesses didn't have air conditioning, no one would ever leave their house.

They had been redecorating the place to 'improve' it, but if you ask me it takes away some of the charm.

We headed to our usual table covered in napkins, salt shakers and a tiny glass jar full of peanuts, against the back wall.

Even though they were improving they still kept the red brick wall inside.

It was unusually empty, besides three others two of which I recognize as Douglas's neighbor, and I assumed the small girl with them was their granddaughter from Maine they were always talking about. She must have been visiting on summer break.

We ordered our usual, Fries and chunk chicken, along with fries and a hot dog.

It took us about 45 minutes to eat, we laughed and talked. It was blissful.

I was completely unaware of what was happening at home.

"Hey, guess what I heard yesterday," Douglas said taking a sip from his straw and turned his head to the side reminding me of Peter from 'To all the boys I've loved before' making my heart jump a beat.

"I don't know, what? Did your shed catch on fire again?" I asked shooting him a small smile.

"What? No. I hear there's a gang around. They're called Familia. Apparently, they break into cars and houses and stuff. My dad's coworker's wife who works at the police station says they have orders shoot to kill." he said his eyes wide as he dipped his fry in ketchup.

"Yesh, at least they don't just straight up murder people right?" I said trying to look on the bright side.

"Bay, this is serious. Like what if they break into my house? Our yours for that matter. They could do some serious damage." he said looking deeply conserned.

"Don't worry your pretty little head about me, I can handle myself. You know that." I said smiling mischievously.

"Yeah I know, it's just-"

A loud whistle from the sam shortline train cut him off mid-sentence.

"Come on, let's go." I said pushing my chair back with my legs and setting a five dollar tip on the table.

I grabbed my blue jean bag and made a b line towards the door Douglas following close behind.

The heat hit me straight in the face, making me pause for a millisecond.

We walked over to our bikes and hopped on.

"Ice-cream or no cream?" he asked sitting on his bike.

"I don't want any, but you can get some."

"No, I got some at home. Uh.... can I hang out at your house for a little bit?" he asked avoiding eye contact.

"Of course you can, anytime," I said

"Roll out!" I laughed riding down the street as fast as I could.

We pulled into my driveway and jumped off our bikes and parked them behind the bushes.

I pulled up the doormat and got the house key where my parents always hid it. I put it in and unlocked the door.

I placed the key back under the mat and opened the front door.

What I saw, I will never forget.

I saw my father lying on the floor in the foyer in a pool of his own blood, eyes wide and glazed over. A bullet wound in his chest.

I screamed as loud as I could. I ran to my father and dropped to my knees. Tears started streaming down my face. My heart felt as if it might explode, but all I could do was scream.

I picked up his head and held it close to my chest as I screamed out for help, though I had known I was too late.

I turned my head and saw Douglas still standing in the doorway eyes wide and a ghost of his own scream on hip lips.

I looked at him, my eyes burning with tears. "Call the police"

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Hi, thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed! New chapter coming soon!! I appreciate each and every one of you! Love to you all!

--IHeartDennis <3