Helpless

8. Dear Fred

The guys ran as fast as they could towards Gill's cabin, because his was closer and Aidens was further in the back. Because they were in such a hurry, Aiden struggled to open the door. It opened eventually, but not before struggling with it for a good five seconds. That may not seem like a lot, but when you're on the run from escaping a building you just broke into, every second counts. When they stepped inside they could immediately feel a huge amount of weight fall of their shoulders, not in a literal sense but you know.

Aiden closed the door behind him and let out a deep sigh of relief. "Dude, that was awesome." he said, still out of breath from running. He then noticed that Gill was still holding onto that paper they found in the bedroom. "Oh nice, you took that paper with you. I bet there's tons of good information on there." Gill was confused at first but soon enough realized what Aiden meant. "Oh, yeah. I totally did that on purpose!"

"Well, let's read it!" Aiden enjoined before taking the paper from Gill's hand. He quietly examined it for a while before mumbling: "Woah, dude. Check this out." Aiden gestured for Gill to come read the letter. He stepped up next to him and gave the paper a look.

Dear Fred,

I can barely find the strength to write this down. Even though you're never going to read this letter, it still hurts me in ways I can't understand. Ever since you left, things have changed around here. But I don't blame you for leaving, though. We both know who's fault it is. As you know, Romeo was struggling with something at the time. Something he's been battling with ever since. Knowing that you're out there somewhere, dead or alive, it makes my head hurt to even think about. I read somewhere, maybe a tote bag, that you can never step in the same river twice. Because after it moves, it's not really the same river anymore. It's something new. Do you think that's true? I try to picture you reading this letter. I wonder what your reaction is. Is it positive, negative, or something in between? In the end, it doesn't really matter. You're gone, and nothing is going to change that. I hope that wherever you are, you're happier than you were here. And that you're save, too. But I guess there's no way of knowing. I wish you could just tell me where you are now. That would save me a lot of sleepless nights, too.

I didn't mean to write this much, it just sort of happened. But I guess I need to end this letter now. Please know that you mean the world to me, and losing you was one of the most terrible things that's ever happened to me. I hope I can see you soon.

Sincerely, your friend Xara

Aiden and Gill were both at a loss for words for a moment. The sudden amount of information was unexpected, yet interesting.. in a way. "..Well that was.. something, to say the least." Aiden commented, raising an eyebrow. He was trying to process what the heck he just read. "Who is that Fred guy anyway?" Gill asked entangled. "I'm not sure. Maybe it's the guy we saw in the picture?" Aiden guessed. It would make a lot of sense though. So that was one mystery solved, but another one uncovered. Aiden would be lying if he said he wasn't intrigued. But did he really have the guts to unravel that mystery?

Who am I kidding, of course he did.

Suddenly the cabin door opened with an annoying creaking noise, and a girl with long, brown hair stood in the door frame. She walked in before she even got permission to do so. "You know, it wouldn't hurt to knock once in a while." Aiden commented on an irritated tone. He and Gill had pretty much gotten used to Maya's sass and attitude at this point, so they never did anything about it.

"You guys, tell. Me. Everything." Maya said before sitting down on one of the beds. "And don't leave out any details!"

"Why are you so interested in knowing what happened?" Gill asked.

"Because I was thinking about writing an article about it for the school newspaper." Maya explained nonchalantly. "Image the headline: 'Two high schoolers solve crime'. It'll be the best article our school has ever read since the Valentines Dance." she just went on and on about her article. Maya has always been very perceptive, especially when it came to anything news- and/or gossip worthy, so of course she'd be interested in this. "I don't think it's that much of a crime." Aiden said shrugging, before his expression brightened up. "But we would make a good front page."

Maya brightly smiled. "I know, right! Just tell me everything I need to know, and I'll make sure to write the best article our school has ever seen." And so the guys started talking, about them breaking into the counselors office, the picture they found in the bedroom, almost getting caught, and the mysterious letter they took with them. After going over every single detail of their break-in, Maya was as confused as she was interested. "Okay, so you guys think that Fred guy from the letter is the same person you saw in the picture with the counselors?" she asked, trying to understand.

"I mean, probably." Aiden said doubtful. "We're not completely sure." Maya shook her head disapprovingly. "See, that's where we're going to have a problem."

"What do you mean?" Gill asked. "What problem?"

"I can't write an article based on assumptions and opinions." Maya stated. "That's like, rule number one of the school newspaper."

Aiden crossed his arms. "So what are we going to do then?"

"If I were you? Look for more information." Maya explained. "Find out if that Fred is the same person from in the picture, and why he disappeared."

"I guess we could do that. But what's in it for us?" Aiden asked.

"Honestly? Pretty much nothing." Maya confessed. "But you did it once before, so you can do it again! I'll even help you with it if you want. Besides, when was the last time you guys did something fun?"

Aiden sighed. "I wouldn't exactly call it "fun", but you do have a point."

"I'm up for some mischief. And with Maya helping us, we should have this thing solved in no time." Gill said confidently. Maya nodded. "I agree. So are you in?" Gill and Maya were now staring at Aiden, waiting for an answer. Aiden didn't really care, so he might as well just do it. "I, uhm— Okay fine." he gave in. "So do we have a plan?"

"I mean, duh." Maya rolled her eyes playfully. "Listen up.."

A/N

OWO two Blaze rods chapters in a row? Well aren't y'all lucky. I'm gonna take a break from the mystery, so next chapter will be soft Lukesse fluff and probably Axlivia too. Thank you for reading!

Sincerely, me ❤️