The Stars

Ch 14: The Recruits

Later that day, I noticed Isaiah seemed to be having a rough time. At first, I didn't want to bug him. He seemed like he wanted to be left alone, so I respected his space. Soon, whatever was on his mind seemed to really stress him out... He pulled me aside to talk.

Isaiah: "Hey, I wanna talk about something."

Me: "Hey. Yeah, anything. What's up?"

Isaiah: "So I've been thinking about what happened to you. Again, I'm so sorry..."

Me: "It's fine... It doesn't really affect me as much as people make it seem... What got you thinking?"

Isaiah: "Well... The band director... Mrs. Perez... She hasn't been here in days. Not a word from her. Usually, we'd assume she's feeling sick, but with all the shit going on... I don't know."

Me: "Shit... I swear it feels like some huge pattern... Why's it all people close to home?"

Isaiah: "Right? I mean... Tamrah, then teachers... I'm starting to believe maybe my grandpa really isn't a runaway this time... He could be missing too."

Me: "Why does this keep happening?"

Isaiah: "That's what I wanna figure out..."

Suddenly, I began to think of the support group. We planned to get together at the mall this Friday. Would Santi mind if I invited him?

Me: "Hey, I have an idea."

Isaiah: "What's up?"

Me: "Some friends of mine put together a support group. Tomorrow we were gonna head to the mall after school to spread awareness to the issue. It sounds like a good idea, and maybe it'll take our minds off of the impending doom for a bit. You can come if you'd like."

Isaiah: "Huh... I mean... It does sound like a good idea, but do I know them?"

Me: "Some of them, but probably about one or two of them... But hey, how about we invite others? You can go to the band room whenever and ask around."

Isaiah: "Alright, sounds good. I'll ask."

Me: "Cool! I hope y'all can make it."

     I'm pretty sure Santi wouldn't mind. It's new recruits after all. I have an idea of who else might want to come along. Isaiah knows her pretty well too. During 4th period, I told Val about the support group.

Me: "Hey Val, I heard about Perez... You guys all good?"

Val: "I'm pretty bummed, but I have hope that she's just sick."

Me: "I see... Well, I have an idea."

Val: "Let's hear it."

Me: "Some of my friends made a support group, and tomorrow we're going to the mall to spread awareness and probably grab a bite to eat. Isaiah said he'd go, and I want you to come too."