She nodded, giving me a hug. “Of course.” Then she picked up her phone. “Danny’s on his way with some clothes. I knew you’d say yes.” She laughed as she walked away.
Nick turned to me. Now it was just the two of us since this morning. “How are you feeling? Is there anything I can do?”
Turning to face him, I sighed, though I was smiling. “Nick, I’m okay.”
He opened his mouth, but before he could get words out, Danny and Emily walked into the kitchen.
“Summer, are you okay?” Danny asked, concerned.
I nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Now that we’re all here, let’s watch some movies.” Emily smiled.
I wasn’t sure if watching movies would get my mind off what happened, but it didn’t hurt to try. Heading upstairs to the loft, Emily and Danny sat down in front of the cabinet, going through the movies we had. I grabbed a blanket from my bedroom and sat down with Nick on the sectional.
“Do you want the blanket, too?” I asked him.
“Sure.” He smiled at me. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” I told him.
He put his arm around me, and I snuggled close to him. Letting out a deep breath, I suddenly felt safe. I felt all my worries and fears wash away with each breath I exhaled sitting with Nick. As Danny and Emily sat down to start the movie, Nick got a phone call. I tensed up but tried to hide it.
Nick must have felt it, too. “It’s okay, it’s just my mom. I’ll be right back.” With that he left the room to answer the phone. I knew I shouldn’t have gotten up to eavesdrop, but I did. I went to the landing, next to the bathroom, listening to Nick.
“Nothing?” He asked, then sighed. “Well, I didn’t think he’d just leave...” He paused, again. “No, I’m at Summer’s – Tyler’s sister.” There was a long pause. “Yeah, I will,” he paused once more. “We’re going to watch a movie with her friends, but I’ll let you know when I’m on my way home.”
Getting up, I quickly sat back down on the couch, when Nick came walking back into the room.
“When he didn’t say anything, I asked, “Is everything okay?”
He put his arm around me, taking a deep breath. “My parents haven’t heard anything from him yet.”
It felt like forever before I said something, because I couldn’t get it out right away. “Do they need you to go look for him?”
He shook his head. “No, it’s fine.” He paused. “The police will find him.”
“Summer,” Mom came walking into the loft. “The police are downstairs; they want to talk to you.” She looked to Nick. “Both of you.”
Getting up, we made our way downstairs.
“Hi, Officer Jennings.” Nick nodded to the man.
“Nick,” He looked surprised, but not at the same time. “I knew the name looked familiar.” He paused. “Is this about Eli?”
Nick nodded.
“He hurt me,” I heard myself say.
He frowned at me. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Then he told Nick, “I’ve spoken with your parents, he hasn’t been home. Do you know anywhere that he might have gone? Anywhere he’s talked about?”
Nick shook his head. “Other than the basement, no.”
Officer Jennings looked confused. “The basement? At your house?”
“Yeah, he hangs out down there a lot.”
He nodded, slowly. “Okay, thank you.”
“Thank you, Officer Jennings.”
When he was gone, I turned to Nick. “The basement?”
“Yeah, he kind of moved in down there, it was weird.”
“Sounds really weird.” I told him, climbing back up the stairs. Then I stopped and turned to him, “How do you two know each other?”
Nick sighed. “He helped us find Eli a few years ago when he ran away.”
Ran away? “Oh,” I stumbled over my words, though I wasn’t sure why. “I’m sorry.”
“Summer, you are such a caring person.” Nick’s voice was soft, as he tucked a piece of my black hair behind my ear. “But you’re fine; you don’t have to be sorry.”
“Summer?” Emily turned the corner, then stopped. “Oh, sorry. Just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
I smiled at her. “Thanks, Em. I am.”
Clank!
I jumped a little.
“What was that?” Emily asked, pausing the movie.
I shrugged.
Then we heard what sounded like a drill. Getting up, I started to go downstairs when Tyler came out of his bedroom. “What was that noise?” I asked him.
“Dad’s installing cameras. I told him to wait so I can help him, though.” Tyler had on a hoodie and black boots.
“Are those my boots?” I tilted my head to the side. Looking back up at him.
“Yeah,” He smiled.
I huffed. “Tyler, you know how I feel about borrowing shoes.”
He rolled his eyes at me. “I’ll clean them before I give them back.”
I gave him a small, still annoyed smile. “Thank you.”
“Do you guys need any help?” Nick asked Tyler, but Tyler shook his head.
“No, it’s okay.” Tyler smiled at him. “Go watch the movie with Summer.”
***
After the movie, the four of us went into my bedroom. Emily and I were on my bed, while Danny and Nick were sitting in chairs.
“Babe, let’s skip Winter Formal.” Emily told Danny, “If Summer can’t go, I don’t want to go, either.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “That’s fine. What do you want to do instead?”
“Hey, stop.” I told Emily, “You’ve had your dress picked out since August. No way am I letting you skip it because of me.”
“But it’s going to be so boring without you!” Emily turned to Nick, “Are you going to do something special for her?”
I rolled my eyes. “Em, stop.”
“What? I want to know.”
“Well, it’s supposed to be a surprise.” Nick started.
“But,” Emily pushed, “You’re going to tell us, right?”
Nick thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Nah, you’ll find out.”
Emily scoffed and laughed. I laughed, pushing her arm playfully.
“Hey,” Tyler walked into my bedroom. “Who’s all staying for dinner?”
“I’m staying the night, so I’d love to eat dinner.” Emily smiled.
Tyler nodded. “Alright. Nick? Danny? Are you guys staying, too?”
“Sure!” Danny smiled. “Thanks.”
“I don’t want to intrude,” Nick started.
Tyler rolled his eyes. “Oh, whatever, Nick. You’re like family.” Before Nick could say another word, Tyler continued. “So, yes?”
“Yeah, thanks.” Nick nodded.
After Tyler left, my cell phone started ringing. Looking at the caller ID, my smile faded. It was a blocked number. Putting my phone back down on my bed, I stared at it until it finally went to voicemail.
“Summer,” Emily’s soft voice still made me jump. “You okay?”
“Yeah, um,” I stammered. “I just, um,” I couldn’t get words out. “I’m fine.” I heard myself say, forcing a smile. “It was just the wrong number.”
My phone went off, again, but this time the number wasn’t blocked. “Now someone else is calling me.” I mumbled. Picking it up, I put it on speaker, sighing into the phone a, “Hello?”
First there was just silence. Then there was heavy breathing.
“Hello?” I asked annoyed, trying to hide the fear in my voice.
Nick got up, coming over to my bed. “What’s the number?” He mouthed to me. When I showed him my phone his face dropped.
Fearing it was Eli, I said, “Okay, I’m hanging up, now.” I reached for the end call button, but his voice froze me.
“Summer,” Eli’s voice was breathless.
I glanced up at Nick, who was on his phone. Emily muted the phone so Eli couldn’t hear us. I got up, walking to my window seat
. Bringing my knees up to my chest, I tried to slow my breathing.
“I need to see you. I -,” Eli started but Emily took it off speaker, listening to the phone call. Danny went to sit with her, and she turned the phone so he could hear as well.
“Pick up,” Nick whispered. “Pick up, pick –, Officer Jennings.” Nick’s voice returned to normal, again. “Eli called Summer. I have the phone number.” He gave Officer Jennings the phone number, thanking him for his help. “Thank you, Officer.” Nick turned to me, kneeling. He cupped my face in his hands, so I’d look at him. “Hey,” His soft voice melting my heart. “It’s okay.”
I forced a smile, nodding. He kissed me and I felt my face grow warm.
“Nick,” Emily paused, holding the phone to him. She didn’t say anything else, but her hazel eyes looked terrified. Nick took the phone, holding it to his ear. He listened, not saying anything – only looking at the floor of my bedroom. Pulling out his phone, he was typing something.
“What was he saying?” I asked Emily and Danny, though I really didn’t want to know.
“Summer,” Danny shook his head.
Nick finally looked at me. “They’re going to find him.”
I held out my hand and Nick hesitantly gave me my phone. Letting out a long, shaky breath, I took it and put it on speaker, taking it off mute. “Where are you? I can meet you.”
“The school.”
“Okay,” I told him, while looking at Nick. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Don’t hang up.” He snapped.
“W-why?” I stuttered.
“Just don’t do it.” He said.
“What are you doing?” Nick mouthed to me.
“Okay,” I put the phone on mute, again. “I’m trying to get his location to tell the police. Call Officer Jennings.”
Nick pulled out his phone, dialing a number. “Eli told Summer he’s at the school. He wants to meet her there.” Nick paused, “No, we’re at her house, we’re not going anywhere.”
Emily jumped off my bed, leaving my room.
“Summer? Are you still there?” Eli’s voice grew angry. “Where are you? It’s freezing!”
“I’m getting in the car right now.” I shuttered.
“Prove it.” He demanded.
I didn’t know what to say. “Um, what? How?”
“Play music.”
I looked up at Nick, confused. “Um, okay.” He turned on a song on his phone holding it up to my phone.
“Change the station.” Eli said.
Nick went to the next song and started it in the middle.
“Okay,” I stood up walking around my room. “I can’t talk on the phone and drive, so I need to hang up.”
“Just put the phone down and get here. Don’t hang up.”
I rolled my eyes, annoyed. “Okay.” I put my phone on mute and tossed it on my bed. Turning to Nick, I sighed. “I’m sorry.”
He brought me into his arms, hugging me tight. “It’s okay. It’s not your fault.”
“Summer,” Mom came rushing in my room with Emily. “What is going on?”
“I’m trying to get his location so the police can get him.” I told her.
Mom sighed a look of relief came over her face. “Where is he? Are the police on their way, right now?”
“He’s at the school,” I told her.
“The police are on their way.” Nick told her.
I heard something coming from my phone and I quickly picked it up, only to hear Eli yelling at me. Blinking back tears, I hung up the phone.
They got him.
Six
Sleepover
At dinner, no one said a word.
I picked at my food, not really interested in eating. Nick kept giving me concerned glances, but each time I’d give him a small smile in hopes of giving him reassurance that I was fine. Even though I wasn’t, I didn’t want anyone to worry about me anymore than what they already had been.
“This is really good.” Danny finally spoke up, shoveling the lasagna into his mouth. “Thank you for dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Key.”
Mom smiled. “Thank you, Danny. I’m glad you like it.”
“You’re welcome, anytime.” Dad added.
They went on talking, but I wasn’t listening. All I could hear was muffled, happy voices around me. My stomach twisted in a funny way. “May I be excused, please?” Glancing around, I found that everyone was looking at me. Only then did I realize that I had been the person that spoke up.
My parents exchanged looks before Dad nodded. “Yeah, that’s fine.”
“Thanks.” Getting up, I carefully wrapped up my food, putting it in the fridge. Going upstairs to my room, I shut the door, slumping to the floor. Letting out a long, shaky breath, I wrapped my arms around my legs. Looking around my bedroom, I had never felt so safe in this house than I did right now; I was so thankful that Eli didn’t know where I lived.
Someone softly knocked on my door, causing me to jump. “Summer?” Emily’s soft voice asked. “Are you okay?”
Tears in my eyes, I opened the door throwing my arms around her. “Yeah,” I sniffled. “I’m okay. They got him.”
Emily gave me a sad smile. “Then why are you crying?”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged my shoulders.
She pulled me to the window seat. “Do you feel guilty?” She asked. “That you’re happy he’s going to be charged?”
Pressing my lips together, I nodded slightly.
“It’s okay to feel the way you do. You have every right to feel glad about it. What he did was awful.”
“Hey,” Nick said, softly.
How long was he standing there?
“Hey,” I said.
Emily looked between us, standing up. “I think I hear Danny calling for me.” Then she slipped pass Nick, disappearing out of sight.
“May I come in?” He asked, and I nodded. Nick slowly walked over, sitting down next to me. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, pressing my lips together.
“I, uh,” Nick started, “I overheard you and Emily talking, and I want you to know that you don’t have to feel guilty.” While he was talking, he took my hand in his, careful not to put any pressure on my splint.
“I only feel guilty because he’s your brother.” I finally told him, looking away.
Nick sighed. “Hey,” He gently turned my head to look at him. “You don’t have to feel guilty about anything.” His voice was calm and sweet. “I should’ve known.”
Confused, I asked, “What do you mean? Should’ve known what?”
“By the way he was looking at you. I should’ve known something was wrong.”
I frowned at him. “It’s not your fault, either. I should’ve told you when I realized it was him.” I told him, softly.
“It’s okay, you were scared.”
I kissed him, softly. “Thank you,” I told him. “Thank you for being here for me.”
He chuckled and kissed me. “You don’t have to thank me.” Then he paused. “But it is getting late, I should probably head home.”
Kissing him again, I whispered an, “Okay.”
Walking him to the front door, he put on his shoes and jacket. “You going to be okay?” He asked.
I nodded, giving him a small smile. “Yeah, thank you.”
“Of course.” He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into a kiss. He was really an amazing guy. I know that we only started seeing each other, but we’ve known each other for a several years. He’s always been really sweet; I just never would have thought that he’d be so into me.
“Drive safe, okay?” I told him.
“I will.” He smiled.
Watching him get into his car, we waved at each other as he pulled out of the driveway. Once he was gone, I shut the door and locked it up.
Smiling like an idiot, I could hear Emily and Danny talking in the kitchen. “Hey, guys.” I said to them.
“So, I think we should still dress up.” Emily blurt
ed.
“To just sit at home?” I chuckled. “Why would we do that?”
Danny shrugged. “Not my idea.”
Emily laughed, lightly hitting his chest. “Shut up, you thought it was a good idea.”
Our laugher was cut short when Mom’s voice came from behind us. “Summer, can you come here please?”
I nodded. “Be right back, guys.” I told Emily and Danny.
I followed her into my parents’ bedroom, sitting on the king size bed with her. I waited for her to say something, but she just took my hand in hers. After what seemed like forever, she finally asked, “Why didn’t you tell me this was going on?”
My heart hurt a little. “I thought it was just talk, and then I had to get to school.” When she didn’t say anything, I continued, “I didn’t know he was Nick’s brother. Nick didn’t know his brother was the one threatening me.” I paused, thinking back to last night when they had told me not to talk to strangers online, anymore. “Plus, it’s my fault. If I didn’t talk to him, none of this would’ve happened.”
Mom frowned. “Sweetheart, it is not your fault.” Staring at our hands, my vision became blurry. I opened my mouth, but no words came out. Mom brought me into her arms, running her fingers through my hair. “It’s okay, Summer.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I whispered to her.
She kissed my head, holding me tight.
“Hey, you okay?” Dad asked as he shut the door.
I nodded, wiping my tears.
He hugged me, also kissing the top of my head. “I’m sorry we got after you. We just -,”
“Didn’t want this to happen.” I finished his thought. “I know.”
Dad sighed. “It’s okay.” He hugged me, again.
There was a knock on the door. Dad opened it to find Danny. “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to get going. Just wanted to say bye.”
“We’ll be out in a minute, is that okay?” When Danny nodded, Dad shut the door slightly. Turning back to me, he said, “Yes, we were afraid of something like this, but it’s our job as parents to worry and keep you safe.”
“I know, I understand.” I hugged them both. “Thank you, guys.”
Opening the bedroom door, I walked down the hall to the front door where Emily and Danny were saying their goodbyes – lip locked. “Guys, seriously, get a room.” I laughed.
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