A Dangerous Secret Revealed

Chapter 24: Graduation Day!

*six years later*

"Steffi, congratulations! You're our valedictorian!" I said.
"Thank you!! I'm so happy, my mom would be proud!"

It was graduation day. The four of us graduated early; 16 years old only!
The four of us has accomplished something.
I got an award for Journalism! Joan, she got an award for winning the art competition and Lois was awarded Best Actress for our school play!

I was still disappointed that Grazilda couldn't tell us the truth behind Amira and Matilda and disappointed that I hadn't come up of a plan to find out for the past few years...

"Bye, Cath," Tricia said. She had become one of my closest friends for the past six years.
"Yes, bye! One more year and we're graduating!" Michelle said.
"Good luck! Bye, we'll miss all of you!" I said, waving to them and stepping on the machine. It was actually called the Machine.
Elyza, Sofia, and Kyla graduated a year ago, so they weren't here to bid us goodbye.
**************

Ding dong. Ding dong. I can't wait to see Mom and James! I miss James!
The door opened and Mom appeared. There was no trace of joy in her face. She had grown a lot older. Her skin became a bit wrinkly, and I can see some gray hair already. She was in her pajamas and fluffy bunny slippers. I might have awoken her from her sleep. She looked like she haven't slept for days. Weeks, even.
"Mom! Mom! I have to much to tell you!" I happily said and hugged her. She didn't hug back. What's wrong?
"Mom,I want to see James. Where is he? I miss him so much!" Mom's expression remained the same, and she didn't reply.
"Mom, what's wrong? Where is James, by the way?"

"James is GONE. They took him," She relplied with a neutral face, and I sensed a little bit of sadness in her voice.
James is GONE?!
"What do you mean "took him"??! Who? Kidnapped??!"
Mom shook her head. "No, THEY took him" was her reply. Then she lost it. She cried and sobbed.

(This book is finished!!!!!!! Yay! First book is completed!)