Maybe, probably.

Chapter 7: Quinn

Please God.

I helped Gram out of the car and I could feel her trembling. Her skin was pale and clammy.

We started up the walk to Kayla's house, and I could see the lights on. Aunt Maurisa was probably freaking. 

Please, Kayla. I'm finding myself hoping this is a practical joke and the other half of me is hoping it isn't, for her mother's sake. 

I opened the front door, and helpedGram through the doorframe, while Aunt Marisa, Kayla's mother, came running down the corridor of the house, floors creaking and whining. 

I can remember so many memories in this house. Running down the old, carpeted steps. Helping Kayla with her softball skills in the house and creating a whole in the wall. Gram would make the best cookies you'd ever taste, which, sounds super cliché but they were great all the same. 

"Gram, Quinn, I just got off the phone with the police. They are sending people to her last known location. God, what if-" She chokes off into a sob, covering her head with her hands.

Gram pushed me off her gently, and holds Aunt Maurisa's shoulders leading her to the couch.

Gram eases her down to the couch and Maurisa slumps down on the cushions. 

I closed the door, chaining it shut.

"Kayla's has been talking to this boy...He could have taken her. What if she didn't know him as well as she thought!?" 

She starts breaking down more and more. Sobbing into her hands while Gram strokes her back.

This is too much. I can't breathe.

"I'll go make some tea." I say and give a sad smile to my grandmother and aunt.

Gram nodded and turned back to Maurisa. 

"Kayla is a smart girl. This all must be some kind of big misunderstanding..." 

Gram's voice faded away as I walked through the living room to the kitchen on the other side of the wall.

I found the tea kettle, and swing it over to the faucet. I switch on the water, its strong pressure drowning out my breakdown as I cry into the sink.

God, oh god please let herbe ok. 

I was so mean to her this morning. I should have supported her! I'm an awful person.

Old, cold hands rested on my back as my hands were braced on the sink, tears streaming down my face as silent sobs shook my body.

Gram rubbed my back. "She will be found, my Quinn."

I slowly turned to face her and she swiped my eyes and cheeks with her finger, sweeping away my tears.

"What if someone took her?"

"We will know soon."

"How?"

She sighed. "The police man is supposed to be coming soon. Maurisa said he has a discovery."

I perked up. "He does? W-when is he coming?"

"I don't know. Maybe-"

DING DONG!

I could hear Aunt Maurisa running for the door before the doorbell finished. 

I helped gram to the door frame of the kitchen and we both looked to the door.

Maurisa had it cracked open, the chain still holding the door to the frame. We heard talking, and it definitely was a man outside the door.

We walked closer. 

"What is he saying, Auntie?"

She opened the door all the way, throwing the door wide. 

She whipped toward us, holding Kayla's phone, and said, "He's found the boy that took Kayla!" She cried.

A police officer stood at the door, decked out in the usual black and blue, hands clasped behind him. He had green eyes and black hair... wait. 

He looked just like Asher. But I knew it wasn't Asher. I could recognize those blue eyes anywhere, no. No...this doesn't feel right. 

I didn't realize I had gone completely still and quiet until Gram nudged my elbow.

"Quinn, honey, are you alright?" Gram looked confused and so did Maurisa.

But this man. He just stared into my eyes directly. Gave me a slow smile.

"Are you quite alright, miss?"

I shivered involuntarily. But found my voice finally. "Yes, yes. W-what about Kayla?"

He seemed too collected. Maybe I was overthinking this. 

"Ah, Yes, Miss Williams. Her cell phone was found outside the woods, near this neighborhood. I've given it to Mrs. Williams. Although, We been able to access the phone and view the last phone call she made and it was to a boy named Laurence Decker. He's been taken into custody as our first suspect toward her disappearance."

Gram shivered and looked at the floor, taking in deep breaths.

I held her shoulders, soothing her. "Gram, its okay. This is the next step. You were right. We know who it is, now. He'll tell us where he took Kayla." I looked at the officer.

"Right?" I asked him.

He nodded but never broke eye contact with me. "That's the hope. But unfortunately, I must be off."

He looked at Maurisa, who was shaking with tears and gripping Kayla's phone, and tipped his hat. "We will call you with updates. Have a nice night, folks. Try to get some sleep." 

She nodded quickly and he turned back to me one last time. 

Gram was still looking at the ground. 

I looked into his eyes. I could have sworn something moved in them.

"I'll be back." 

He barely winked at me, then turned and clicked the door shut behind him. 

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XOXO

WriterGirl❤️