Finding Grace

The Woods

          It was now Wednesday and we were supposed to look for more traces of Grace in the woods. They had already found her locket which was broken by the chain. Juniper and I carpooled to the meet where everyone was being split up into groups. I was paired with an officer and Juniper and we headed towards the area we were designated to. "I don't know why we're even looking. She probably ran away from this boring town. This is a waste of our precious time" said Juniper. I glared at her but she continued. "You know, people are saying she was trying to steal your boyfriend." This time I couldn't stop myself. "Can you stop? She would never run away! And she was my best friend, she would never betray me like that" I yelled. But in the back of my mind I thought about the time in fifth grade when I told her I liked Jared Benson and she flirted with him the next day.

        We walked and I looked at the ground hoping we were given some sign that she was safe but nothing. We continued all afternoon until about 4pm when we heard whistles being blown meaning it was time to meet back up. It seemed as if people were picking up anything they could find. There were wrappers of all sorts, cigarettes, and used condoms but nothing seemed to pertain to Grace. It was all taken too the lab eitherway just to confirm. Everyone came to the woods whether it was to hunt for lost treasure, have sex, smoke, or to drink. Yet no one dared enter after Grace's disappearance until now. A lot of people came to the search, even people I'm sure were just there to be nosy. Carter came up to me when we met back up. "A few friends and I will be back her tonight. There were parts of the woods we couldn't search. Will you join?" he said. "Definitely" I replied. I felt as if it were my responsibility to find her. "Great, I'll pick you up at eight."

       The sun set and I saw headlights approaching my driveway. It was carter in his blue pickup truck. He had two friends riding in the back and the front seat was left open for me. We drove in silence until we neared the woods where Carter turned off the headlights. When we got off his friends jumped out with a backpack that had a flashlight for each of us and gloves in case we found anything. I hadn't been able to tell who the guys were but as they turned on the lights  I was able to see that it was James and Levi who had come along. They have been Carter's best friends since freshman year and to my understanding, James was secretly in love with Grace. Another car drove in and two girls I had seen in my Chemistry class walked towards us. "Are you guys sure we should be doing this?" one asked. "You don't have to be here if you're scared" snapped Levi. They got very serious but continued to walk with us into the woods.  I walked besides Carter and as silent as I could I asked him,"Did Grace ever try anything with you?"He lookd annoyed but answered "No, Lily. And even if she had I would never do that to you. You know I love you." I felt a wave of regret wash over me instantly. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm getting caught up with all the rumors. It's just..I don't know what to believe anymore. Is she dead? I..I..I miss her Carter" I said and I started to sob. "I know, I'm sorry. But please don't doubt me Lily. we have to stay positive and work together" he continued while rubbing my back. 

      I was able to calm myself as we continued walking. Suddenly, something on the ground shone against my flashlight. I walked towards it and when I picked it up I noticed it was a bullet shell casing. "Carter" I yelled. I felt sick to my stomach. Everyone walked towards me and I handed the casing to Carter. I turned and starting dry heaving until I was able to vomit. "Do you think it has to do with Grace" I asked when I was able to compose myself. "I don't think so" said Levi, "No one heard gunshots. It must have been someone who came hunting or simply kids who came to play with guns in the woods.If it make you feel better we can take it to th police station in the morning though." But the feeling of dread enveloped me.