Finding Grace

Where she went

             There is something I failed to mention. The night she went missing, Grace and I had a little too much to drink. We were drowning our sorrows in my room and before we knew it we were both drunk. All I can remember is it got late, her mom called, but I don't remember if she left or not. Mom had gone on a date that night and Juniper was out doing who knows what. Was I the reason she was missing? Did I do something to her in the state of mind I was in? I failed to tell the police that we had drank when I last saw her. I was already a suspect, or so I thought, I didn't want any more attention. If I told the police that they would've thought we fought and I hurt her and that is why I couldn't remember. I could never hurt Grace. She was my best friend. 

         It has been two days now and all I can think about is Grace. Is she dead? Is she in danger?Today at school I heard rumors that Grace was seen at Mr. Palinsky's last. Apparently someone saw her stumble in there to order a milkshake. We used to go there every Friday but until we knew where she was,  Fridays would never be the same. "I hear the cops are considering him a suspect. They say Grace ordered a milkshake and didn't pay. Mr. Palinsky ran after her and after that she was never seen again. I say he did it." a girl whispered as I walked down the hallway at school. I felt peace knowing that after my place she was seen somewhere else. Meaning that I did not hurt her. 

            After school I drove home and as I was approaching our driveway I saw two police cars parked just outside my house. I walked inside and mom was with them in the living room. They were expecting me. "Hello Lily, we would like to ask you a few more questions." they said. I nodded but my mom did not leave my side. I was her daughter after all and she wanted to know if I was in some sort of trouble. "You failed to mention that when Grace was at your place she was drunk. Is there something you need to tell us?" they inquired. "Excuse me, is my daughter going to need a lawyer?"mom exclaimed. There was a brief pause. Tears welled in my eyes but i started saying, "I'm sorry I really am. The truth is, we both drank that night and I was scared. I didn't know if she had left my house that night. I couldn't remember and I thought I would get in trouble. But, I heard she was seen after my house at Mr Palinsky's. Did he hurt her?"The officer, with what looked like a pitiful half smile said, "Thank you for telling us the truth this time. And about Mr Palinsky, I'm sorry but this is an open investigation and we can not disclose that information with you." He got up and walked towards the door. "Sorry again for any inconvenience we may have caused. We will be in touch." he said before driving off in his car. 

            I ran upstairs and I started doing my homework when my phone rang. It was Carter. "Hello?", I said. "Hey Lily I know right now is not a good time but, can you meet me at Mr Palinsky's in half an hour?", I heard him say in  a worried tone. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?", but on the other end he just stated, "Please, just come.", and then he hung up. I got up, ran down the stairs and shouted, "I'll be back later Mom. I love you.", and ran out before she could question where I was going and with who.

           As I approached the door of Mr. palinsky's I could see Carter sitting in a corner booth. He had a milkshake in front of him but instead of drinking it he just sat there pensive. The little bell rang as i opened the door and Carter looked up. We met eyes and I could sense there was some sort of guilt or sadness in his eyes. "I came as fast as I could. Are you okay?", was all I could muster. "Sit, please.", he said silently. "I called you here because there's something you have to know." There was a long pause. "There's rumors saying they found Grace's locket in the woods. The one you got her last christmas that matches yours. There's still no sign that she is hurt but it's not looking so good.", he continued. Apparently the police ran a quick search in the woods today and the people were supposed to search more thoroughly tomorrow. My eyes filled with tears again. How could something like this happen to one of the most important people in my life? "I have to go", i said quickly and I got up. "Wait. You don't look okay. Please stay until you've calmed down." But by then I had already walked out.