HIM

chapter 30: a long road

After I dropped Emma off at her house, I decided to go for a run. I needed to blow off steam anyway. Then the police called my phone, I answered, they said that I need to come do a line up. I went in there, and followed detective Porter into the room. “I need you to pick out who you saw with Emma when you found her. Take your time.”  I nodded, “Number Four”  She knocked on the window. “Thank you.” I nodded then went back home, I changed into red shorts that went to my knees, and a black muscle shirt. I went to the park, put in my earbuds, and started to jog. The more I thought of Rick the faster I ran.

It was about five-ish, I stayed at the park; until about 8:00, I went home. I got in the shower, before changing into some shorts, then went to sleep. Well, I tried to at least; I thought about Emma, the way she acted.
Would she hide something from me? I shook my head at the thought. I finally fell asleep, around 10.

********

It was now Sunday, November second. I called Emma to check up on her. “Hello” she said in a quiet voice. “Hey, how are you?” I asked, sitting on my bed. “I’m good, I’m going to school tomorrow.” What is she thinking?
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I asked knowing she’d say she’s fine. “I’ll be fine, and the police think I need to take two weeks of to just get better. They even suggested counseling, and they got Rick.” She said getting quieter. She sounded Empty, when she said Rick’s name. Almost like he was there.
“Yea, I know, they called me in for a line up.” I sighed. “Me too.”
“If I were you, I'd take the two week vacation of no school.” I said laughing a little. “Yea, my mom is asking questions about what happened, but I don't want to tell her. And do me a favor,” She paused for a moment. “Yea.”
“Don’t tell Abby anything, I don’t want her knowing, or anyone for that matter.” I nodded while saying. “Alright, and hey” I paused waiting for her to respond. “Yea.”
“I’m sorry about your mom. She has no right to give you the third degree.” She laughed, “She kinda does she’s my mother- I gotta go.”
“Alright, bye” I sighed “Bye.”

Hopefully she takes it, it was nice to hear her laugh; even if it was for a split second. “Hey” my mom said while walking into my room. “Hey.”
“How’s she doing?” She asked, leaning against the wall. “Good, she wanted to go to school tomorrow. But I convinced her not to.” I smiled a little.
“She just wants things to go back to normal,” I said. “They called us in for a line up. We had to pick him out, then they interrogated him. Emma’s mom is giving her the third degree.” She sat down beside me on the bed. “She’s probably just worried, she doesn’t want her daughter to slip away. Who kidnapped her anyway? Do you know?” I haven’t told her anything about what happened with Emma. All my parents know is that she was kidnapped from the party.

I hesitated a moment, “Rick.” She looked shocked. “Rick… as in Rick Sanchez?” I nodded. “Yea, mom, my best friend kidnapped the only person I ever cared about.” She stood up, standing in front of me bending down to my level. “W-What happened?” I sighed. “It isn’t really my place to tell, but just know she is having a really hard time; and went through hell.” She nodded.
“Okay.” I nodded. “Dinner is almost ready.” she said standing by the door. “Okay.. Hey mom, Emma doesn’t want anyone knowing anything.”  she nodded. I trailed off, thinking of everything and yet nothing, thoughts swarmed in my head, I couldn’t sort them out.

Dinner was done, I sat at the table not really in the mood to talk to anyone. I rushed, eating just to be able to go back to my room. I realized I had a test tomorrow. I got my school bag and started studying.
It was around eight-thirty. I took a shower, and went to sleep.

The next day, I woke up running late for school. I rushed to get ready. My mom dropped me off at school, and I walked to my locker. When I shut my locker I saw Abby. “Hey.” I said trying to hurry to class. “Hey, Jack, do we have a test today?” I sighed, “Yea, in english.” I said and walked into my  first class, my schedule was the same as Emma’s, so I got all her work. First hour I had, Spanish, then I had study hall, english, then lunch; then math, science, and history.

I collected all of Emma’s work throughout the day, I got on the bus to go home, then got in the car to give Emma her work and check up on her.
I walked up to her door, and knocked. Lily opened the door, “Hey Jack.” She opened the door wider. “Hey, is Emma here?”
“Yea, she’s in her room.” I nodded, “Can I see her, I’ve been collecting her work.” Her mom came to the door, “Come on in.” I nodded, and headed upstairs I knocked on the door. “Go away.” She said, “Em, It’s me.”
“What do you want?” I sighed. “I have your work.” She opened the door.
She had her hair up, she had on leggings, and a hoodie. “Come in” I walked into her room.

“I have your work, I thought you’d like some help with it.” she nodded. I sat on her bed beside her and we started doing the work. After a minute or so, she turned on some music. We got to work again, A few hours passed; my phone rang, I answered. “Hey, my mom told me to come home, have a good night. “ I said while packing up. “Bye.” she said quietly, “Bye.” I said and walked out the door. I heard her lock the door, and I left. Once I had dinner. I went to my room and went to sleep. Even though it was around ten o’clock.