she’s missing

*Cough*Cough*

Inhaling deeply and coughing again.

I was hyperventilating and coughing.

Water spurts from my mouth.

What the hell?

Was I actually drowning?

Holy freaking hell what is going on?

*Cough*Cough*

I was soaking wet. But way more than usual. Did I piss the bed? The whole bed is soaked. There's no way I sweat that much.

Change my sheets, doesn't smell like pee.

"Sammy outside?"

I take the half from last night and with Sammy I go to the back porch. The rain was still unrelenting. Falling so hard it crashed on the roof like hail.

*BMMDDDHHHMMM*

Lighting flashed and thunder banged.

And then again.

And again.

It was constant and ear shattering. I honestly can't remember the last time it stormed this bad.

What time is it? When I look at my watch it says 4a. Will there be school tomorrow with all this rain, streets are sure to have some flooding and out here could be pretty difficult, even if I were to drive my jeep.

Checking the online bulletin board, and class is still in session. Might as well get a few more hours of sleep before class.

Smoking always relaxed me, but this time, having anything in my lungs felt terrible.

Wonder if I have any gummies in the kitchen.

Putting out the joint and heading inside. I am on a quest to locate my weed gummies.

"Aah Ha" I yelled when I finally found them hiding in the top shel with the other candy.

Has she been eating them behind my back? That little witch! She has! The bag is open and theres only 2 gummies left.

Eating the gummies before I head back to bed. I feel like this is just how I'll sleep every night for the rest of my life… just watching myself die.

Super cool. Thanks god. What did I do to deserve such unholy sleeping habits.

I wake up and its still pouring and in fact it has not stopped. Some softer periods of rain. But rain all day even. Dad finally came hoe for dinner, and it was nice. The hospital has been having lots of heart failures. So he's been busy.

Lately the rain has made everything exhausting. The days are dragging on and they feel endless. The mist is suffocating. It was hard to see to drive.

But the disappearances hadn't stopped. And now the FBI was getting involved. I turn 21 and everything becomes a shit show.

It's been a week and I'm wondering how long it will be before there's no one left. Well I guess it's not that bad but it's bad enough my mom gave me some earrings that had a tracker built in. Creepy I know, but people were disappearing left and right, so I guess I can't really blame them. They said they'd do the same so we can always see each other.

But was really not looking forward to this drive to school. It was foggier today than usual. There was a lot of thunder and lightning last night, but none this morning. Poor Sammy.

Taking it slow I make my way through the mountains to school.

After grabbing a latte from the school cafeteria, I walk into class and see several new students.

Weird middle of the semester? Well anything's possible I suppose, but odd time to move to this middle of nowhere town.

I take my seat by the window and pull out my weekly essay book.

"Look at that red head." Said a low voice.

"You think it's natural?" Said another.

"Either way she's fine as fuck." Said the first voice.

Hearing them I glare up. After having seen Lucas and Cyrus these men looked average.

I could feel my eye roll. They're gross. Why are guys like this? And what a shitty first impression, even if you guys had a chance you blew it before you could even introduce yourselves.

The teacher walked in and beside him was:

Cyrus. This guy is everywhere what the hell? Why was he so beautifully. Why are the good ones always so cold and aloof?

"We have a guest speaker, someone who has

a very nice collection of art and has blessed us with a piece of his wonderful collection to examine and discuss. We also have two new students. Benjamin and Adam." Professor Pattel stated.

"This is Mr. Cyrus Ashborne, Art collector and Gallery owner." Professor Pattel introduced him. Cyrus stood 6'4ft. He was wearing a tailored black black suit, a black shirt and a silver satin tie. He look glorious standing before me. I couldn't take my eyes away.

And then when he spoke I melted on the spot. His voice was like one you could listen to the rest of your life and never get tired of it.

Looking dead at me he said "Today I brought me a very special painting to me, who can tell me it's name and medium and artist?"

His gaze pierced through me and it was unnerving. It looked as though he was asking me that question directly. A few people raised their hand but he hasn't taken his eyes off me since he waked into this room.

I know the painting, is he really waiting for me to answer?

Raising my hand he says "The red head, can you answer?"

Everyone's eyes were on me. My gulp almost getting stuck in my throat.

Oh please god don't let me choke.

"The name of the piece is Virgin and Child, it was by painted by Rogier van der Weyden, he used oil paint and canvas as his medium. It's a well known classic piece of the Middle Ages."

I can't believe how confident I sounded despite the fact I'm shaking because of my nerves.

He had a devilish grin when he nodded and said "That's correct, you look like someone who might know a thing or two about art."

"She's one of our best art students, Seri Kinsington." The professor said proudly.

Here we go again another person bragging about me as a student, forgetting no one around me knows about me and that I prefer to keep it on the DL.

"Thanks, Professor Pattel, appreciate your words. But lets focus on the art piece please. I'm here all the time, but this, this work of art older than our country is in front of us for a short time." I reminded them.

Just then Cyrus' phone rings, and he looks to the professor at a whisper.

He needs to go?

Cyrus steps out and the professor continues to speak about the painting and its significance and impact on the art world. But I couldn't keep my eyes off the door. Part of me wants to follow him, and the other thinks I'm crazy.

I sat full of angst waiting for him to come back, or for class to end, which ever came first.

The bell was about to ring when he finally walked back in and a rush of relief washed over me. Oddly enough, I don't know why I care.

"Seri, would you please stay after class, I'd like to chat with you." The professor asked.

"Yes Professor Pattel."

Waiting patiently for the last student to leave, I look and see only my teacher and Cyrus.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

"What is it you wanted to speak with me

about?"

"Yes, Seri, as I introduced you earlier this is…" Professor Pattel began but was interrupted by Cyrus.

"I am already familiar with Miss Kinsington

and her work." Cyrus interjected.

"I'm not that familiar with you." I snapped back.

My reaction again making him frown his eyes narrowed piercing me. But I act unfazed and unbothered by him.

"Seri, I didn't know you were already acquainted with Mr. Ashborne." Professor Callahan was quite impressed with me judging by his tone.

"Only just, and I'd barely qualify what we are as even acquaintances, professor, but please lets get to the point I have another class after this." I lied. I just wanted to get away before I lost my senses and fell into his arms.

There was such a strong desperate pull

dragging me toward him.

"Yes, what brought you here was a proposal…"

I put my hand up interrupting him, "Not

interested."

This made my professor mad. His face

scrunched up immediately, I mean I never really speak in class so I guess my instant defiance was unexpected.

"Seri, you don't know what I'm about to ask." Professor Pattel said.

"Don't worry about it Professor Pattel, I retract my offer, but I will leave the painting here for display regardless." Cyrus interruption was sudden and harsh. Leaving no room for negotiation.

Watching him leave made my heart ache, it hurt so bad I wanted to fall to my knees and cry. Why am I crying out for him so desperately. What the hell is my problem?

*Ring*Ring*Ring*

I pull my phone from my bag, it's Josie.

"Hey."

"Have you heard from Brooke?" Josie asked panic in her voice.

"No, why? Is everything okay, you're kind of scaring me."

"She's missing." Josie cried loudly.