Not Just Another Number

Interrogated by Everyone

Sarah's POV

I park my car outside of the building where we were going to hold the funeral. I run out of my car and over to the back entrance. I quietly sneak inside, walking into a room full of people. Shit, did I miss the buriel? I straighten my shirt, feeling under dressed, and walk over to a table in the corner.

I place my bag onto the table and sigh as I sit down. What is going on? Now Hopper knows, what am I going to do about this? I run my hand through my hair and put my face in my hands. Suddenly, I feel someone tap my shoulder. "Sarah?" I look up to see my old science teacher, Mr.Clarke.

"Oh, hey Mr.Clarke. What do you need?" I ask, moving my bag. He smiles and sits down across from me. "Nothing, just wanted to know what was bothering one of my old students." He says. I laugh and run my hand through my hair again. "Nothing sir. I've just been stressed lately."

"I bet. Those kids been dragging you around lately?" He asks, wanting to change the topic. I laugh again. "Yeah, but it's all fine. They're helping me cope, and I'm doing the same for them." I say. He nods and looks over at the buffet table. "Well, I don't want to bother you too much, so I'll leave you to yourself." He says as he stands up. I say goodbye and he leaves. Weird...

I shake my head and laugh. Always a nice teacher, a bit weird though. I rub my eyes and look around. I could see Mom and Jonathan in the corner with Lonnie. It seems like he's trying to comfort them. What is he up to? He's never nice without a reason. I roll my eyes and groan.

I look back over to where I came in, spotting a buffet table. Well, I haven't eaten anything for two days... I shrug my shouders and walk over to the table. Family can wait. Food comes first, at least for now. I grab a plate and put pieces of food on the plate. I quickly move away from the guests and go back to the table.

I place the plate down and quickly put a piece of bread in my mouth. I sigh as I quickly eat it, relieved that I've finally eaten something. "Sarah?" I hear someone ask. Can't I just eat in peace? I look behind me to see Nancy. I quickly wipe my face and gesture her to sit next to me. "Hey Nance, what do you need?" I ask as I pick at my food.

"Where were you? None of us saw you at the burial." Nancy asks, going straight to the point. She was so blunt that I dropped my fork. I clear my throat and look away. "I was...um...held up."

"Long enough to miss your brother's burial?" That comment stung. I look up at her and place my chin in my hand. "Believe me Nance, I wanted to come, I really did. But I got caught up in some stuff last night and I woke up late at the presinct. I didn't want to wake up late." I lie smoothly.

"What kind of stuff?" She asks further. Why can't she just except the lie?!? "Stuff that is not on your need to know basis, Nancy." I groan. I feel bad for snapping at her, but she has to stop pushing. I pick my fork back up and put some food in my mouth. She's quiet for a second, but she looks up at me with determination in her eyes. "Is it about the thing that took Barb?" I start to choke on my food. What is she talking about?!?

She pats my back to help me, and slowly but surely, I calm down and swallow. "W-what do you mean about Barb?" I ask quickly. She rolls her eyes and places her hand on the table. "I'm talking about her disappearing after that party. You know that she was taken, I know you do! And you know that it was the faceless thing in the picture that took her!" She accuses, raising her voice. She gains the attention of some prying eyes, making me flush and shush her.

She quiets down, but her accusatory stare remains. I let out a shakey breath and look anywhere but her eyes. "I hoped she only ran away, but you're proably right. I didn't know that she was taken." I finally look back at her face and quietly ask. "But what did you mean by a faceless thing? In what picture?"