In My Mind

Chapter 16

Chelsea finally leaves after we finish our Harry Potter marathon. My ears are still ringing from when she screamed at Ron and Hermione's long awaited kiss.

It's rolling around 1 am and as soon as my head hits my pillow-infested bed, I'm out. My peace doesn't last long. What feels like only seconds later, a loud pounding starts. At first I ignored the corruption in hopes that it's just a figment of my sleep deprived imagination. However, it's only mere moments later and it happened again.

I groan and pull a pillow over my head to drown out the noise. Pushing myself up from the comfort of my warm sheets, I stomp down the hallway to the front door. I make the idiotic decision to not even check who it is before ripping open the door. My brain is still hazing from sleep and I just assume Chelsea has forgotten something.

"Holy shit Chels, what did you leave now? I'm trying to sle-" My eyes finally adjust and instead of being met with the green eyes of my childhood best friend my eyes lock onto the green eyes of my first heartbreak.

It was easy hating Elliot when I didn't have to see him. It was easy directing all the pain I was feeling towards him, pushing him away. Seeing him now, i take in his appearance, in his dark blue jeans and black T-shirt, his hair is disheveled. mention how it's his Anxious rss that's concerns her

"I told you I didn't want to see you again Elliot," even saying his name hurt.

He flinched at my time, "I know Chloe, but-"

"But nothing! I told you I didn't want to see you again. Don't you remember what I said I would do if you showed up?" The familiar pulse shots through my arms landing in my hands, ready for disposal.

His solemn expression turns to rage as his eyes narrow in on me, "Chloe I remember exactly what you said to me. I'll never forget it" details "But this isn't about you Chloe. It's about Rebekah. She's missing."

***

An eerie silence has filled my house since letting Elliot inside. He immediately moved into the living, taking a seat in his favorite recliner. As soon as his body hit the chair, his head falls into this hand, arms resting against his knees. Instead of comforting him, I watch him from the doorway. Now that he's inside in the light, I can properly take notice of the condition he's in. His shoulder droop and gently shake, likely from exhaustion.

It isn't until I realize his shaking is from something much more painful. I faintly hear his sobs, and the sound dissolves any hatred I've held against him. Swiftly moving to him, I drop to my knees and wrap my hands around his that cover his face.

With a gentle tug, his hand fall away revealing his tear stained face and bloodshot eyes. I think back to when Gran died and I mimic his movement from that night. Swiping my thumb across his cheek, I wipe away the stray tears. Elliot's eyes follow my movements, but he makes no move to push me away. His eyes hold such an intensity, filled with so many emotions, it's hard to look into them.

"I don't know what's going on, but we'll find her," My hand cups his face and he leans into my touch, "We won't let anything happen to her. I promise."

Elliot flashes me a grim smile then proceeds to stand, his hand rough brushing away any sign of pain. I quickly push myself backwards out of his way and follow suit. Stoically, Elliot walks into the kitchen and takes a seat at the kitchen table. He pats the chair next to him.

As I take my place next to him, Elliot begins to speak, "Ever since everything happened with Gran, Rebekah and I have a strict rule about curfews. We both agreed not to be out alone after 11, and that we would always call or text in case something came up." His throat moves up and down as he ponders how to continue. "At first I thought she was just out with Alex. They've been attached at the hip since we moved here, so it wasn't a big stretch. But an hour passed and nothing. No call. No text. Complete silence," Elliot's hands clench as anger fuels his words. "So I did what any concerned brother would do, I called Alex but he promised that she wasn't with him. I jump on my bike and start driving around town. Maybe her car broke down or something."

His body tenses even more as the story continues, and my hand subconsciously curls around his, squeezing for comfort. He stops his words and just stares at our interlocked fingers. His eyebrows furrow, but after a moment he continues.

"I saw it before I really knew what I was seeing. Her car was wrapped around a tree on the side of the road. I've never been more terrified in my life," His hands clutches mine for dear life, "After everything we've been through I can't lose Rebekah too."

"I know," My other hand finds his back and circles it. "What happened next?"

"The door was opened, like she had tried to climb out, but I searched everywhere. In the car, around the area, hell I walked about 3 miles and I couldn't find her. So I came back to her car to look for some type of clues as to where or what happened to her."

His hands are pulled from mine and the loss of warmth is discomforting. He pats his pockets before pulling out a large pink cell phone.

"I found her phone. And i saw this." Elliot pushes to phone towards me.

Taking it into my hands, I unlock the screen and her messages instantly shine. At the top of her screen reads "El :)" and under it I find an unfinished text.

Rebekah: I no who it is, the one behind G's death.  we hve 2 keep Chlo safe. She's

Rebekah's phone clatters against the table as it falls from my hands. She knew? How? Who?

Elliot pulls his chair closer to me and grabs the phone back. I turn my eyes to him and speak, "So, you think whoever this person is, the one that killed Gran, took Rebekah? They knew that she had found out?"

His lips thin and he jerks his head into a nod, "That's exactly what I think."

I turn away from him and stare off. My thoughts are flying through my brain and I can't make anything out of the commotion.

I stand suddenly, causing Elliot to jump from his seat as well, and walk towards the front door.

"Chloe, where are you going?" I hear Elliot following close behind as he questions my intentions.

I fling the door open just as Elliot reaches me, "What are you waiting on," I question, grabbing my jackets from its hook, "That son of a bitch has messed with the wrong people." I push a stunned Elliot through the door and follow.

Slamming the door behind me, I announce, "Let's get this mother fucker."