Chapter 1

I'm so happy that you got an A on your history final, I know how hard it must have been to study for it when you have to help watch over Jason and work your shift at the diner. I wanted to make sure you weren't stressing out so I made your manager let you go early so you had time to study. Don't worry, I also made sure you get paid full for it. Hope you have a sweet day my love.

Forever yours,

~L

Any girl's reaction after reading a note like this is normally sheer joy. My reaction after reading the note was to crumple it up and throw it in the trash near my locker. The reason why I hadn't framed the beautiful calligraphy-written piece of art is because no one, other than my history teacher, was supposed to know my grade.

Before the test, I came to class twenty minutes early and begged Mrs. Haynes not to tell anyone my grade and to make sure that no one else sees it. She did of course have a few questions but I skillfully maneuvered my way around them. After I received the paper with my grade on it, I stuffed it in my backpack and opened it in the bathroom stall.

The fact that this creeper knew my grade isn't normal.

"Something wrong, Braska?"

I snap out of my thoughts and turn towards my best friend. Haley is stuffing fries into her mouth while Lucas is giving me a worrying look. We're currently in the very corner of the cafeteria, which makes us nearly invisible to other students but it gives us a great view of everyone.

"Nothing," I answer back, as I bite into my crouton. Haley cocks an eyebrow at me before taking a sip from her Snapple.

Haley is one of my best friends who's almost the exact opposite version of me in the looks department. She has long, gorgeous blond hair with blue tips that compliments her dark blue eyes. Not only is she extremely pretty, but she's also really nice considering she willingly chooses to hang out with me.

"You sure?" Lucas asks, before standing up and throwing away his trash in the closest bin.

Lucas is my other best friend. He's a transfer student from England and I feel slightly bad that he's losing his amazing accent due to the amount of time he spends with Haley and me. It didn't matter that he no longer has the favored British accent though. His dark blond hair and light green eyes still make him a target for many of the girls here.

"Really guys, I'm fine. I'm just thinking about the science project," I lie. That science project, which we were giving two weeks to do, was assigned two days ago. Seeing as I feared for my life stepping out of my house, I finished it yesterday.

"Speaking of projects," Haley starts, leaning forward on the table, "what'd you get on the final? You didn't let me see when you stuffed it in your bag. Was it that bad?"

Before I could answer, Lucas scoffs and replies for me, "Oh please. When I slept over last week she spent the entire night studying for the test."

Okay, I may have asked Lucas to sleep over but I had a good reason. I needed someone who could lift up a baseball bat and swing it over someone's head if it came down to it.

"Basically, you got an A," Haley asks, shaking her head at me with a smile. I nod and put a forkful of salad in my mouth before going back to watching the other students in the cafeteria.

**

"Do you need a ride?" Lucas asks, coming to stand next to me.

The walk between the school and my house is about ten minutes, fifteen on a bad day. However, it's raining more than usual so I can't take my normal route home.

Oh the joys of living in Louisiana.

Normally I wouldn't have a problem walking in the rain, but the weather today is particularly nasty. Those who usually walk home were getting rides or waiting for the bus. My mom is seven cities away so my only option is to wait for the rain to stop or get a ride from my friends.

Sadly, my inner circle is limited to Haley and Lucas. Haley already left for piano practice so Lucas is my best bet to get to work semi-dry.

"Sure, but drop me off at Tony's," I tell him, rubbing my hands together for warmth. Man I hate the cold.

A harsh bump sets me off my balance and I let out a small scream while bracing for impact. Luckily, my head is saved from cracking on the cement floor when Lucas grabs my arm and pulls me off.

Unluckily, I still got soaked from the rain.

Lucas hands me back my glasses and I thank him before putting it on.

Nope, can't see a thing.

My clothes are sticking uncomfortably to my body and the cold breeze makes it a hundred times worse. "Can w-we go to your c-car now?" I ask, wrapping my arms around my body while shivering. I hate winter so much.

Lucas wraps an arm around my and leads me to his war, trying his best to keep me from getting more wet. I open the passenger seat and quickly get inside as he turns on the car and adjusts the heat.

The heat is welcoming and I place my hands close to the vent while letting out a breath. After wiping my hands on his seat, sorry Lucas, I take off my glasses and try to wipe them off.

Here's a little tip: don't wipe wet glasses with wet cloth.

"Ugh," I groan, leaning against the seat. I keep mumbling to myself while unsuccessfully cleaning my glasses. I really need to get contacts soon. That or laser surgery...whichever turns out to be cheaper in the long run.

"Here, let me," Lucas says, taking my glasses. With one hand on the wheel, he wipes the glasses on his shirt before giving it back to me. Lucas was smart enough to predict rain and brought a jacket with him. Lucky him.

I thank him before I put the glasses back on. The road now looks clear and not like a messy painting.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"Still a little cold but I'm fine," I reply, watching the rain slide down the windows.

He sighs and I turn to look at him. "No, not that. You've been acting different lately. Is something wrong?"

I know that I can't tell anyone about the notes and gifts. For all I know, this could just be a prank from the popular people at my school. Maybe there's a secret camera near my locker enabling them to see my reactions. Then they gather up the clips and play it during parties.

I can just see it now. 'Embarrassing Nebraska Moments: Creepy Stalker Edition'

"No. I just have a lot on my plate lately. I've got my shifts at the diner, school, my mom helping my dad so my brother has to- my brother! Lucas turn this car around!" I shout, almost slamming the dashboard when I jump up.

Lucas jumps at my outbursts and accidentally makes the car swerve. "Braska are you crazy?! You nearly made me crash the damn car!"

"Turn this car around and go to the elementary school!" I yell. I look at the time and my heart drops when I see that I'm ten minutes late.

My brother should have been picked up ten minutes ago. My eight year-old brother is probably alone in the classroom right now.

What kind of sister am I?

Lucas makes a sharp and illegal U-turn causing my head to bump against the window. I rub it gently before pushing my glasses further up my face.

I can't believe I forgot to pick up my own brother. What if he decided to go out and look for me in the car? What if someone took him? Negative thoughts flood my mind making me tap my foot against the ground.

"Lucas go faster," I anxiously say, looking out the window.

"We're already ten over-"

"GO!"

He angrily sighs and shakes his head before taking a deep breath. The car suddenly goes really fast making me worry since the road is really slippery.

"Can you slo-"

"You wanted me to go fast so I am," he snaps. I flinch from his tone before looking down on the ground.

Soon the car jerks to a stop and I quickly get out and slam the door shut. I already have to deal with picking my brother up late; I don't need to deal with Lucas' attitude.

I throw open the doors and run inside while trying not to slip and fall. When I reach his classroom, I walk inside and see no one except the teacher. I can tell that she sees me but doesn't say anything, probably because of how I look.

Who can blame her? I'm soaked to the bone, with water dripping out of my hair and fingers. My clothes are sticking to my body and some of my hair is sticking to my face. My glasses are fogged up making it hard to see but I can make out the general outline of the teacher.

"Where's Jason Shay?" I ask, trying to calm my nerves. He could just be at the bathroom right? Maybe he just needed to pee. That's why he's not here.

"He got picked up a while ago by your boyfriend," she says. The way she said 'boyfriend' as if she couldn't believe I actually have one. I mean I don't but it doesn't mean that it didn't hurt.

Before I could let the insult really hurt me, she says, "he left these for you though." She reaches for something behind her desk and hands it to me. It's a bouquet of roses with a note attached to it.

I take it from her before making my way out of the room. Leaning against the hall, I make sure that I'm alone before opening the note.

Love I'm terribly sorry I couldn't be there to make sure you're okay with the rain. I know how much you hate the cold. You must have a lot on your mind and I was worried that you would forget your brother. Don't worry, I have him with me and I'll return him home safely when your shift is done. Since you're reading this you probably remembered your brother afterall but rest assured he's safe. Sorry about the ruse, I didn't want anyone to think I was a criminal.

Forever yours,

~L

'You are a criminal!' I scream in my head.

This isn't happening. A stalker couldn't have taken my brother. He's safely back home watching Mickey Mouse and complaining about how much he looks like Donald Duck.

I keep pacing back and forth while trying not to pull at my hair. This isn't happening...this can't be happening.

No matter how much I repeat that in my head, the proof is in the note. No one else could have taken him.

Eventually, I sink down to the floor and try to hold back the burning feeling in my eyes. Someone took my brother...and I wasn't there to protect him.

I take off my glasses and angrily wipe my tears away. No no no this is not happening! I stand up and toss the roses and note in the trash before slowly making my way back to the car.

All this creep talks about is how much he apparently cares about me. If he really does watch me, which is a scary thought, then he should know that my brother means the world to me. That means he wouldn't hurt him. Right?

I slowly open the door to the car and get inside. Lucas sits up straight and frowns at me appearance. "What happened? Where's Jason?"

Looking at the time, I see that it's 2:59. My brother would be in the hands of a criminal for another hour or so.

"Just drive me to Tony's," I say in a raspy voice.

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So...how was it?