The Stranger

Chapter 9.

After receiving such an odd text message from Oscar, I drifted into a deep sleep. Before dozing off, I tried not to think so deeply into his words: I don't take no's very lightly. Could he possibly be out to seek revenge on me? Crap, he knows where I live now. Should I fear for my family? Or should I simply sweep this under the rug and act as if nothing ever happened between us? Thinking about this, gave me a headache.

"Daze, honey." My moms sweet melodic voice swimmed into my dreams. "Mmm," I groaned. "Daze, wake up. I think you'll want to see this." She gently removed the covers from my shoulders, as I fought back and flung them back over me; still exhausted from last nights events. "Mom, five more minutes please." I said while wiping drool from the corners of my mouth. "Dazie Ann, I won't ask you again." I heard her footsteps shuffle away on the wooden floor, closing the door behind her. I knew this was my last warning. Anytime she spoke my first and middle name, she meant business. "I might as well, see what's going on." I mumbled, tossing the covers away from my body.

I sluggishly walked to my bathroom to freshen up. I brushed my teeth and checked my eyes for any eye boogers, that may scare someone away. I slipped on my emoji heart eye slippers, that was given to me as a gift from Alex and made my way to the living room.

"What's going on, mom?" I said, followed by a yawn. "Well.. police are outside surrounding the neighborhood." My eyes flung open, as I suddenly didn't feel as drowsy anymore. "Why?" I asked hesitantly. My dad butted in and answered on her behalf. "I think it's dealing with someone from your school." He pulled down the blinds and stared out the window continuing. "Some kid named, Dock, Jock, or something crashed into a tree not too far away from our home." "Dean.." I whispered.

My mom walked over and massaged my shoulders. "Do you know a Dean? It hasn't been much said on his story." "He wasn't even in the car!" My dad said. I nervously began to bite my finger nails, removing my moms hands from my shoulders. "I'm going to take a look outside." "Be careful, Dazie." Both of my parents said in sync.

As I walked outside, I noticed a bunch of police cars and yellow tape on the scene of Dean's crashed SUV. The closer I got to the scene, the more nervous I became. I felt weak in my knees; somewhat responsible for what happened to him. I was the last person with Dean. I should have stayed with him. I should have comforted him in his time of need, and now.. he's missing. The thought of something happening to Dean, or him harming hisself crushed my heart. I swallowed hard, snuggling into my pink robe, approaching the chatter of police officers and investigators. This is really real, and that's Dean's SUV.

"Ma'am, we're going to need you to step aside from the scene please." An officer said to me. I read this name badge before obeying his request. Officer Reed. As I backed away, I felt a tug on my robe. I turned around and there stood Laney. She looked distressed and as if she didn't receive any sleep last night. Possibly crying. I noticed the bags under her eyelids. I stared at her blanky, not saying a word but folding my arms. "We need to talk." She finally said. I nodded my head and extended my arm out, letting her lead the way of our discussion spot.

We stood underneath an oak tree, not too far away from the scene; but leaving enough distance where we won't be informed to "step aside." "Dazie, I know we have our differences. But, did you see Dean last night? Or were you with him? You had to be since his car is not too far off from your house." I sighed and glanced down as my emoji heart slippers, that have now become dirty from the dirt outside. "Yeah, I was with him." I replied, looking back at her as my eyes squinted in the afternoon sun. "Why was he here?" She asked. I could tell she was anxious for an answer. Maybe, she thought I was trying to get with Dean "again". "He took me home." Was all I could reply.

She rolled her eyes in disgust and let out a low scoff. I knew her mind was racing with negative thoughts, so to clear things up, I said, "And nothing happened between us. He simply took me home because it was raining. He was.. actually talking about you." This clearly peaked her intrest. "He was talking about me?" "Yes." I replied. "W-well, what did he say!?" She spat. I shrugged my shoulders. "I dunno. Something about you being the love of his life. He misses you." I sighed continuing, "Listen. I wasn't with him long enough to know exactly how he felt about you. But from the looks of it, he was definitely missing you." I started to chew on the inside of my cheek as silence filled between us. I turned around slightly, looking back at the police scene. If Dean crashed his car.. was he drunk? And why wasn't his body present? Why would he crash into a tree and ran away?