taking chances
part 9


"Mom, I have to talk to you." I said when I walked in the door, soaking wet. 

"What is it, sweetie?" She was sitting at the table, reading a newspaper. Did this not phase her? Her daughter was missing and she's reading the newspaper with a cup of tea? Is this some kind of tea party?

"I'm going to find Brittany." I said defiantly.

"No, you're not. Your father and the other police officers have it under control. It's too risky." 

I sat down across the table from her and looked her in the eyes. "I can hear things. I hear clues telling me where she is." I said. "I swear."

"Don't tell her." I heard the whisper in my head. "Or you don't get any more. And I'm stuck here for good."

"Honey, you're not going. Once again, it's too risky! I'm not letting you go." She said. 

"Mom, life is about taking chances. Can you think about it? Please?" I begged with my hands under my chin. 

"I'll think about it." She said and looked down at her newspaper. "Oh, and Chloe called. She's going out to lunch with you in one hour. So get ready." 

"Mom!" I said. "I don't want to go." I said, pleading. 

"Well, you're going. You have to do something to get your mind off of this." 

I rolled my eyes and stomped up the stairs. Might as well get ready.

---

"Hey, sister!" Chloe said when I stepped into the car. "Long time, no see!" She said. "What's been happening lately?" She started driving out of my long driveway.

"My sister went missing, and I can hear hints like a psychopath." I thought in my head.

"Oh, nothing." I said quietly. "The usual. How about you?" I asked, changing topic.

"My mom got me a new car. But I can't use it yet." She said excitedly.

"Didn't you just get this car?" I asked as we slowed down at the stoplight.

"Yeah, but I didn't like it. So, I'm getting a new one." She said happily. "Enough about me. What's been happening lately?" 

"Didn't we already go over this?" I said, annoyed.

"Yeah, sorry. Something's on your mind. What's up?"

"Nothing." I looked out the window. "Nothing at all."