Chasse Secrets Chapter 15

  Ian called the police to let them know Olivia had been found. Olivia didn't utter a word the whole time, she hardly even acknowledged them. The police arrived within ten minutes, along with an ambulance for Olivia. Ian and Sophie started to get into his car, intending to follow the ambulance to the hospital when the officers stopped them, saying they had some questions for them. By the time they were done a hour had passed.
  They got in his car and hurried to the hospital. When they got there they were surprised to find Ian's parents already waiting. "Mom! Dad! How did you know?" Ian asked, as he walked towards them, Sophie in tow. Mrs.Nora and Mr.Webb quickly stood up to greet them. "The police department called us! Did she say anything?" Mrs.Nora exclaimed, frantically. "No, she didn't" Ian answered, clearing his throat. "Didn't y'all get to see her?" Sophie probed. "No, they rushed her back as soon as they got here. The doctor did come out though a few minutes after explaining that they needed to examine her" Mr.Webb elucidated. "They probably didn't want the media to know she had been found yet" Ian assumed.
  The press hadn't been as relentless as they had imagined they would be for those two weeks. Sure there was the occasional neighbor who told the Windsor Falls newspaper how she thought she saw Mr.Webb handing money to a man in black on the night she went missing, or the deacon who said she seemed like the type to just take off, or the news report saying she was dating her first cousin, but overall the media hadn't been as vulture-like as they could have been. In fact no mention of Sophie being a suspect was made by the local news channels at all. She figured that the police didn't want them to know what was really going on so they reported whatever trash they could get their hands on. Although it was moot to try to keep the town in the dark, seeing as she was sure almost everyone in town already knew about her rumored involvement in the disappearance.
  "Do you guys need anything?" Sophie offered. "Coffee would be great! What about you honey?" Mr.Webb said. "Um yeah, coffee. Thank you Sophie" Mrs.Nora replied, no expression upon her pale face. "You're welcome" said Sophie.
  Sophie began walking to the elevators, her hands in the large front pouch if her over-sized gray sweater. "Wait! I'll go with you" Ian called after her. She waited for him to catch up to her. He pushed the down button. They stood there motionless until the doors creaked open. They waited for the people to file out of the elevator, and then they cautiously entered the small chamber. Ian pressed the "close doors" button before he spoke. "I can't believe we found her" he said, a barely there smile on his lips. "I know! It's just so surreal. First she goes missing, then we find out about the cult, and now it's as if she's been handed to us". "Well whoever handed her to us, I'm glad they did". "I feel like I can breathe now, now that I know she's safe" "Me too". Ian suddenly looked as if he had just realized something horrid. "What? What's wrong?" Sophie questioned, an alarmed look in her eyes. "I was just thinking. How suspicious does this look that we're just walking in the woods and we find her not even a mile from where we started looking. And besides that, if she has been truly handed to us, who handed her?"
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  When Sophie and Ian got back with the coffee they noticed that not only had Sophie's parents shown up, so did her brother, Carson, Meredith, Cassie, June, Mrs.Emma and her husband Walter, Mrs.Hamilton, and Mr.Lars. Apparently they had all heard through the never-ending grapevine about Olivia's re-appearance. June had heard from Cassie, Cassie from Meredith Meredith from Carson, and so on. "What were you and Ian doing in York Park?" Ted asked Sophie. Sophie hadn't really been paying attention  to any of the group's chit-chat, until then that was. "What?" Sophie mumbled in a daze. "I asked what were you and Ian doing in York Park". Sophie tried in vain to remember what she had told the police. "We were seeing if we could find anymore evidence that Olivia had been there. Lucky us, we found Olivia instead" Ian interrupted. "Oh I see! Ted nodded in his skeptical way. Sophie smiled at Ian as she adjusted her dark blue jeans. "What  made the police search York Park in the first place?" Carson asked "Easy place to go unnoticed" Meredith suggested. "No. Everyone looks in the so called "good" hiding places. If you really want to find something you simply look in front of you" Cassie said, her usually small voice replaced with a stronger, more certain tone. "Does it really matter?" Sophie said, her leg bouncing up and down, up and down. "Sophie, we didn't mean it that way" June apologized, clearly anxious of Sophie's behavior. "Sorry. I'm just worried about Olivia, she seemed pretty shook up the last I saw her" Sophie excused herself. "How come you seem so calm about everything, Ian?" Cassie wondered. "I've learned to be the calm one. When something like this happens it's all you can do" he enlightened them, cracking his knuckles absentmindedly. Everyone grew silent, careful not to say the wrong thing.
  "How did she look?" Carson blurted out. "A little startled, her dress was torn here and there, her hair had been cut" Ian answered. "She was wearing a dress! What did it look like?" Meredith probed. "Haha I can't believe you're so concerned with her dress" Sophie jested. "I'm just curious" "Um well it was short, it came to about her knees, and it was purple, and". Ian didn't get to finish his description, because as soon as he said purple a sickly look fell upon her fading golden face. "I need to go to the bathroom" Meredith mumbled, scurrying towards the bathroom. "I need to use the ladies as well" Sophie announced, bounding out of her stiff waiting area chair.
  Sophie gradually pushed the door open. Meredith was standing in front of the long counter, her hands resting on the counter, her eyes staring down into the sink. "Sophie" she exclaimed. She quickly smoothed back her hair. "Listen, I know how confusing and draining this all is right now, it is for all of us. I'm here for you if you need to talk" Sophie assured her. Meredith started to say something when a woman suddenly came out of one of the stalls. The woman had short sandy blond hair which was pulled back with a barrette. She was wearing a pair of mom jeans and a "I'm proud to be an American t-shirt. They waited there in pure silence while the woman washed her hands, dried them, checked her teeth, brushed her hair, and eventually left.
  Once she was gone Meredith went down the row of stalls swinging each door open. "I was fine until" she said, trailing off. "Until what?" Sophie inquired. Meredith habitually licked her lips before she spoke. "Do you remember that dream I had?". "Yeah, the one with Olivia and the mirrors". "Well, in it she was wearing a dress, a purple one". "You're kidding, right?". Meredith shook her head. Sophie josted herself upon the counter. "That's so....creepy!" Sophie grasped for words. "Tell me something I don't know" Meredith said dryly. "Has this sort of thing ever happened to you before?". "No! At least I don't think so". "So are you like some psychic now?". "I don't think one measly dream would classify me as a psychic, and even if it did I wouldn't want to be called that". "Why?". "I don't know, I guess it reminds me of some woman telling you you're either going to get a new job or get married within the next year, and neither of those situations will end well". "We should probably get back out there".
  When Meredith and Sophie went out to the lobby the doctor came out, as if on cue. He was a handsome young man, no older than 27. He had the typical doctor look. Tall, strong jaw, dark hair. "Hi, I'm Dr.Birch" he introduced himself. "How's Olivia?" Mrs.Nora asked, her eyes as wide as saucers. "She has post-traumatic amnesia. It appears it was caused by trauma to the back of the head" he explained. "What does she remember?" Mr.Webb asked. "All she's talked about is being in the woods and not knowing where she was. She knows who she is, her birthday, what year it is, she asked where y'all were". "Did she have any other injuries?" Mr.Webb inquired. "Just some scraps, but she did have a cut on her left wrist that was a little deeper, maybe from a razor blade". "Can we see her?" Ian asked. "Of course! Just try not to overwhelm her. I ask that only you and your parents see her tonight".
  With that said the rest of them started to drift away, not wanting to overstay their welcome and see her parents and brother in a more vulnerable, imitate state than they already were. Mrs.Emma compassionately embraced Mrs.Nora, saying things such as "we're here for you", "anytime", "take all the time you need", while Walter nodded sympathetically. Mrs.Hamilton followed suit, although more like a mother than a comrade. Mr.Lars groped for words of encouragement and meaning, but when he couldn't find them he simply said "I'm glad she's safe", and left never glancing at Carson and Meredith. Carol approached Mrs.Nora with Mr.Duval a step behind. She took Mrs.Nora hand in her's and said "She'll be just fine, after all she's your daughter". Mr.Duval shook Mr.Webb's hand firmly, Ted did the same. Carson, Meredith, Cassie, June, and Sophie said their good-byes finally, each one trying to sound optimistic, yet not irrelevant. And then they left Mr.Webb, Mrs.Nora, and Ian watching them disappear in the elevators, while Dr.Birch checked something on his clipboard. "Ready to see her?" he asked, as if they needed to think it over. They all nodded in unison, leaving the lobby with only the sound of the nurse doing paperwork.
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  Sophie didn't go to church the next day, instead she went to the hospital to see Olivia. She made brownies for her, although she was sure she wouldn't feel like eating. When she got there Olivia was awake. Mrs.Nora was sitting to Olivia's left, stroking her hand. For the first time in the past two weeks Mrs.Nora smiled. "Come in" she said. "Hi! How are you feeling?" Sophie asked, as she crept into the hospital room. "I have a slight headache, but I should be fine" Olivia answered, no eye contact involved. How foreign her voice sounded. "I made you some brownies" Sophie put the container down on her tray. "Thank you". Sophie could see Mrs.Nora hadn't slept at all last night. "She hasn't even touched her breakfast" Mrs.Nora remarked. "I never liked eggs" she explained. "It's so good to see you again" Sophie said, afraid she might get emotional. "It's good to be seen" Olivia replied, the most heartfelt smile on her face. "I'm going to get something to eat from the cafeteria. Are you going to be here for a while?" Mrs.Nora grabbed her beige purse from the chair. "Yeah! Of course!". Mrs.Nora leaned over Olivia and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Liv" she uttered, almost choking. "I love you too, Mom" she replied.
   Sophie took the chair next to Olivia's bed while Mrs.Nora exited the room. "So had anyone else been by to visit?" Sophie inquired. "My grandparents. aunt Lillian, uncle Thomas, Rev.Grant, my dad and Ian left about a hour ago to pack me a bag so I have something to leave in" Olivia answered. "They're releasing you?". "Yeah, later today. They just wanted to monitor me overnight". "Have you remembered anything else?". "Just pieces". "Such as?". "Sophie! I really don't feel like being grilled right now". Sophie clamped her mouth close. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap. It's just that everyone's been asking asking so many questions I'm starting to feel like a living encyclopedia". "No. No, don't apologize. I shouldn't have pressed you".
  Sophie glanced downward at her figiding hands, her thumbs dancing circles around each other. "You know, I've never seen you so serene. You and Ian have that in common". Olivia's eyes narrowed in perplexity at the mention of her brother. "Calmness. He's been very calm through out this whole ordeal" Sophie informed her. "Oh" Olivia said, practically under her breath. "Don't get me wrong! He's been scared about you like any brother would be". "I didn't mean "oh" like that, I meant "oh" like it sounds like you've been around him a lot since I've been gone".
  Sophie wasn't quite sure how Olivia felt about that. She didn't want to speak too soon and say the first thing that emerged in her head. It would be no better than for her to walk in a room of broken glass, with the lights burnt out. "Um. I guess". Olivia didn't say anything right away, as though she was dissecting her reply.
  Then came Ian, duffel in hand. "Well I couldn't find your black sweater but I found your white one" he said, laying the bag at the foot of her bed. "Thanks" Olivia responded. "Hello Sophie". "Hi". "Where's dad?" Olivia somewhat resembled a small child. Her clover green eyes much like her mother's last night. "He's actually signing your release forms" he told her. "I bet you can't wait to be home" Sophie said, smiling warmly. "You can't even imagine".

Chasse Secrets Chapter 14

  Ted Duval was Sophie's next to oldest brother. He had always been the one itching to leave home, The restless one. He came home at Christmas and Thanksgiving but that was about it. After high school he attended college somewhere up north, then following that he took a job in advertising in Delaware.
  Sophie hadn't seen him since last Christmas. Even then he wasn't truly there. It seemed that he had some urgent phone every five minutes. And when Sophie and her brothers were leaving to go get ice cream Christmas night like they always did, he declined, saying "sorry, I need to hit the hay, I have to get up early to head back".
  After she saw him at The Morning Roast he joined her, Carson, and Meredith, and they all chatted for a while. Sophie could tell he was different. The biggest difference was his appearence. She was very much startled by her usually clean-shaven brother's image. His hair had grown longer and he looked like he hadn't shaven in a few days.
  The other change in him was almost as evident. It was the fact that he hadn't checked his phone, talked about work, or informed them of the influence advertising had on America, since he got there. It was as if he was a completely new person. If she didn't know better she would have sworn it wasn't him.
  Once the conversation had lulled and the last sip of coffee vanished they all went their separate ways, except for Sophie who went home with Ted. The whole way home all Sophie could think about was why was he here? She thought back to the coffee shop, playing it over and over in her head. "I missed y'all, I don't come home enough, and I want to change that" he explained. But why now, she thought. Her brother had never been the nostalgic type.
  Soon they were home. When they walked in their mom popped out from the kitchen. When Carol saw her son her face lit up and she rushed to meet him. "Teddy! My boy!" she exclaimed, hugging him close. "Hi Ma! It's good to see you" he said. She released him, beaming. "Well, turn around let me look at you" she directed. He spun around extravagantly, with his best model expression. Sophie giggled lightly. "Aside from the hair and the beard you look just the same" Carol assured him. "Thanks he replied. 
  There was a pause in conversation between the two of them. "Hello?" Sophie chimed in. "Oh sorry, Sophie" Carol said. "I've just been waiting for Teddy's arrival since he called last Thursday". Sophie knitted her eyebrows together in confusion. "Last Thursday?" she repeated, eyes shifting from her mom to her brother. "Now wonder you looked so stunned to see me" Ted exclaimed, smacking his forehead. "I completely forgot! Teddy called last Thursday to tell us he was coming home, he told me to make sure I told you it clearly slipped my mind" she explained. "I would have called you myself, I've just been so busy tying up some loose ends in Delaware" he added. Sophie nodded, taking it all in, piecing everything together like a child strings beads on yarn.
  "Hey is dad home?" he asked. "Uh yeah, he's upstairs" she told him. "Great!" he said, rushing to the bottom of the steps. "Dad! Come here" he screamed. "Someone's excited" Sophie observed. "Well there's something I want to share with y'all, I wish I could have Damon and Elliot here, so I could tell the whole family at once, but I'll take what I can get" he replied.
  Mr.Duval came down the stairs finally. Once he was half way down he eyed his son and grinned brilliantly. He reached towards him pulling him tight. "Sit! I have something to tell you all" Teddy said, pulling away from his father. They all did as Teddy had instructed, no questions on their lips.
  He took a steady, deep breath. "Well I'm sure y'all have been wondering why I'm back in town. And I guess I should just go ahead and put it out there. I'm starting my own advertising business" he told them, overflowing with excitement. "Here?" Sophie inquired. "Yep! Good old Windsor Falls" he answered. "Congratulations!" Carol practically shouted, clapping her hand together. "I'm proud of you son" Mr.Duval said. "Thanks mom and dad! Sophie, what do you think?" Teddy questioned.
  Sophie wasn't quite sure what she thought. At first she was overwhelmed with joy to have her brother close to home, and she still was happy. She just couldn't figure out why he would want to come back now. And she knew it wasn't some mistake her mom forgetting to tell her he was coming home. Her mom was never this distracted.
  "This is great!" she proclaimed. "Where are you planning on opening up?" Mr.Duval inquired, stroking his chin. "I found some office space for rent over on Bennett street" he informed them. "Oh those are nice" Carol encouraged. Teddy nodded. "I know! How could you afford the them?" Mr.Duval asked. "Oh well, I have some savings until things pick up" Teddy addressed. "Good for you" Mr.Duval said, a proud grin creeping across his face. "Why don't we all go out to dinner later in celebration of Teddy's new business?" Carol suggested. "I would love that Ma" Teddy replied.
  Carol rose from the sofa eagerly. "I need to go call grandma and grandpa! I can't wait to tell them" she announced. "Pretty soon mom will have told all of Windsor Falls" Sophie remarked, watching her mother leave. Mr.Duval and Teddy chuckled at her quip. "Let her! It will be good for business" Teddy replied, winking. "I guess that's where you get your advertising skills" Mr.Duval mused. Ted grinned slightly, raising his eyebrows as if to say "maybe". I have to finish reading tomorrow's Sunday school lesson. You will be joining us, won't you?" Mr.Duval said to Ted. "Of course! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again" Ted answered. "Good" was all he uttered in response, and then he was gone. He certainly wasn't a man of many words. It always puzzled Sophie how a man who didn't seem to have much to say became a professor of theology. She chose to assume he simply never found anything as important as theology to even discuss the matter.
  "So how do you feel about your big brother being under the same roof as you?" he teased, folding his arms confidently. "Hmmm, let me think about it, and I'll get back to you" she quipped. "In all seriousness I am glad to have you back. Maybe now we can do all those things we said we would do". "Sorry to disappoint you you but someone already invented a blanket with arms" he said dryly. Sophie rolled her amber lighted eyes. 'Yeah, it's a little too late for that idea, but that doesn't mean we can't try some of our other wacky plans" she reminded him. "You're right, why don't we try out one of those wacky plans tomorrow after church". "It's a plan".
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  Later that night around seven Sophie was in her room laying her clothes out for church. She picked up her remote and turned the t.v. on. A high of fifty-one they said. She sauntered over to her closet, and began to search for her apple green button up sweater. "The search for missing teenager, Olivia Webb is still on going" she heard the anchor woman frankly informed. She turned towards her t.v. to see a picture of Olivia. It looked like it had been taken some time during the summer. She was wearing a red polka-dot sundress, which made her almost black hair even more striking than usual. Sophie couldn't stand to see her image and hear their cold, detached, apathetic words. She abruptly flipped the channel.
  Knock! Knock! She started to go answer the door but she heard some answer it before she was even out of her bedroom. "Hello Mrs.Duval! Is Sophie home?" she heard Ian greet her mother. "Yes, she's home. And please, call me Carol" Carol said, like she had told him hundreds of times. "Okay. Carol" Sophie could practically hear his boyish smirk as he spoke. "Sophie! Ian's here" her mom called up the stairs.
  Sophie briskly cascaded the steps. She was delighted to see the spark in Ian's eyes as he saw her coming toward him. "Hi" she said when her feet hit the floor. "Hi. I was wondering if you would want to go get some ice cream" he explained. "I understand if it's too last minute" he quickly added. "No. I want to. Let me go get my coat" she said as she rushed back up the stairs. She came back down, buttoning her buttons as she went. "I won't be out long" she said, hugging her mom goodbye. Ian waved goodbye to her mom. Soon they were backing out of the drive-way. "I do plan on treating you to some ice cream, but first I need to take you somewhere".
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  Ian brought her to York Park, The same place where they had been looking for Olivia. Ian turned the engine off. They sat there in an awkward silence for a minute. "Would you mind telling me why we're here?" she asked. "I meant to tell you last night, but I got distracted" he told her, his face brimming with embarrassment. "Do you remember me telling you about the cult?" he questioned. "Yes. Does this have anything to do with what you didn't tell the police?" she inquired. "Yes" he said. "What I didn't tell the police was I think I might know who else was in the cult" he came clean. "How?" she exclaimed, her eyes bolting out of her head. "I found this in Liv's room. She hid it under her mattress" he said, unfolding a crumbled paper and handing it to her.
  The paper had three large symbols on it, along with initials scattered around the page. "What is this?" she asked, not trying to conceal her bewilderment. "I think it's somewhat of a roster for the cult". "Well what do these symbols mean?". He took the paper back in his hands. "This one is the Celtic symbol for nine" he said, pointing to the symbol on the right. "This one is the Celtic symbol for youth" he pointed to the left one. "And this Celtic symbol represents immortality. I looked them up on the internet" he referred to the center one. "I think all these initials are the members of the cult" he further filled her in. "Do you have any idea who any of these people are?" she asked. "This one I'm sure is Olivia's" he replied. She glanced at the letter O.W. "I feel like I'm in some made for t.v. movie" she said, her gaze fixated on the paper. "You and me both" he added, taking a shallow breath. "What does this have to do with these woods?". "There's a map of the woods on the back" he answered, flipping the page over. "And you want to see what we might find where the trail leads" she assumed. "You read my mind"
  They got out of the car. Ian got two flashlights from the backseat and handed one to Sophie. They ventured dauntlessly into the woods. Their flashlights shining like the light from a lighthouse guiding the boats home. In some respects it wasn't much different.
  "So if we're here that means we need to go left" Ian instructed. They walked in that direction for a while until they heard a rustling sound. They halted, frozen. The sound came again. Sophie could feel her heart pounding. Ian took his phone out of his pocket, just in case nine-one-one was necessary. "Hello?" he called. Ian advanced a few steps. Then a strange expression came across his face, as if he had seen something. He ran. "Soph!" he yelled. She ran after him and was shocked with what she came face to face with. It was Olivia. She was just standing there, her gawky figure before them. Her usually long hair was cut short. Her dress had a tear at the hem and her sash was loose. It was purple.

Chasse Secrets Chapter 13

  Meredith found herself standing in front of a pitch black door. The only piece of light was the glowing doorknob upon the door. She stretched her hand out to it and turned it carefully. Once  she was in the next room the door slammed sharply behind her. Then the lights came on, one by one along the edge of the room. It was a circular room with a white floor and ceiling. There were mirrors lining all of the walls. Then Olivia walked into view of the mirrors, her image reflected in the others. She was wearing a bold purple dress with a sash around her petite waist, tied in a grand bow. She systematically sat down, her legs making an acute arch as she hugged them to her. She began to rock back and forth, her head never turning, her eyes never looking, at anything but the air in front of her.
  Meredith tried in vain to find Olivia, but every time she moved the mirrors iris-ed out. Finally she just stood  in the center of the room, completely still. Then Olivia snapped her head to look at Meredith. She had a slight smirk on her face, as usual. "Get up" she told her. "Get she repeated. Meredith stared at Olivia mocking reflection. "Get up" Olivia screamed.
  Meredith finally woke up, jerking her torso forward. When she had caught her breath she noticed someone beside her bed. She rubbed her eyes and looked up to see Bianca Scavo looking down at her. She was wearing a silver tank  with sequins adorning it here and there. And gray skinny jeans with silver stilettos at the end of them.
  "You know, you're a really heavy sleeper" "Not heavy enough" Meredith muttered under her breath, as she pulled back the black and white covers. It wasn't until she had gone in the bathroom to get ready that she was truly aware of Bianca's unusual presence. "Um by the way, what are you doing here?" she inquired, poking her head out of the bathroom. "Didn't your mom tell you?" Meredith racked her brain for a moment. Nope, nothing. "My dad and I are moving some of our things in". Great, another reminder of my impending lifetime bond with Bianca, Meredith thought. "Are you just gonna stand there?" Bianca quipped. Meredith rolled her eyes. "I'm gonna get ready". Meredith closed the bathroom door and locked it. Today just wasn't her day. 
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  She felt a little better after she showered and put on fresh clothes. When she walked downstairs she saw her mom and Bianca'a dad cozying up to each other at the kitchen table with their morning coffee. Well I guess I won't be eating at the kitchen table anymore, she thought. "Oh good morning!" Meredith tried to appear cheery. "Good morning! Good morning Mr.Scavo" "Good morning Meredith, and please, call me Max" "Okay, Max". It felt strange to her to be calling Bianca's dad Max. "Did you have a bad dream honey? Bianca came down and said you seem really frazzled right after you woke up" "No, I'm fine, I was just a little out of it" she said convincingly. "Okay".
  Meredith walked to the cupboard and got a teal cereal bowl, then proceeded to look in the next cabinet for her favorite cereal, fruit loops. She searched a few times, each time thinking she had overlooked the box. "Mom, do you know where my fruit loops are?". Mrs.Davis took a generous sip from her mug. "Oh I'm sorry Meredith, those are Bianca's favorite, and we didn't know it yours', if I had known she could have eaten something else". Meredith concealed her bitterness. not wanting to appear savage and rude. "It's okay, I'll just have bran flakes". And with that she reached up in the cabinet and brought them out.
  Clop! Clop! Clop! That was the sound of Bianca's heels making their way down the steps. Meredith continued to prepare her breakfast, the whole time watching Bianca out of the corner of her eye. Meredith had just taken a spoonful of cereal when Bianca asked in a shrill voice, "when are you going to come help me move my things?". Meredith turned to face her, swallowing her food with a gulp. "I didn't know I was" "Oh I almost forgot! When Max said he was planning on moving his things in I suggested that you could help Bianca put her room together". Meredith thought for just a moment searching for the perfect excuse. " Oh well, Mom, you see, I already made plans, if I had known earlier" "You can postpone or cancel, I think it would be nice for you both to get to know each other". Meredith looked from her mom, to Max, to Bianca, knowing she wasn't going to get out of this. She sat her cereal bowl down on the counter and put on a halfhearted smile. "Let's get started".
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  Two hours later. Meredith was sweaty, sore, and a little peeved. Okay, that's a lie. She was ready to slap Bianca. The whole time all Bianca had done was tell Meredith where to put things from the boxes. It was boxes madness.
  "No, to the left! Not that far left!" Bianca dictated. Meredith finally found precisely where she wanted it when she heard a loud crunch. When she glanced down she saw a crimson heel lying on the floor, it's heel dangling from it. "Oh my gosh! You klutz". Bianca swiftly shoved Meredith out if her way of the shoe. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to" Well you did. Oh I'm going to kill you!" "You know what, I think I'll just leave, I'll be back when you've calmed down". Meredith was practically out the door when Bianca sneered, "Whatever, I don't need your stubby little hands moving my things anyway". She clenched her fist, fiercely, she pivoted on her heel toward Bianca. "It's really amazing" "What's amazing?" "How you've danced all these years with a stick up your butt".
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  After that Meredith grabbed her keys, left her mom a note, and took off. She drove in no particular direction, just looking for a little distance. Eventually she turned onto one of the many tree lined roads, and pulled into the drive-way of a beige house. She got out of the car, made her way to the door. Ding Dong! The doorbell sang. She heard someone unlocking the door. "Hey! It's good to see you" "It's good to see you too, Lars"
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  "Has he talked to you since last night?" Sophie shook her head as she took a shallow sip of coffee, careful not to burn herself. Carson was sitting adjacent to her, in a comfy burgundy chair at their favorite coffee house, The Morning Roast. Carson was full of questions about last night. "You should have seen his face, I wouldn't even know what to say to him now" "I'm sure he's fine, he just didn't want to say the wrong thing" "Yeah. Yeah you're probably right" "Did your parents say anything this morning?".
   Sophie thought about that morning. Her parents did seem to be acting strange, but she could sense that it wasn't about last night. No, it felt like more. She just couldn't out her finger on it. The only thing they said in regard to last night was "So how's Ian?".
  "They didn't really say much, it was kinda weird" "Were they mad?" "Last night, yes, this morning, it was like last night didn't even happen""Maybe that's for the best". Sophie gave an agreeing look. They drank their coffee in silence for a few moments, feeling the steam cloud their faces. "Why aren't you with Mr.Lars today?" "Oh I told him I'd see him later tonight, I needed some girl time" "It's funny to think Olivia would probably be sitting here with us right now, drinking her usual Columbian roast with skim milk and two sugars" "Telling us about some brillant scheme she's thought up" "Critiquing everyone's outfits here" "What are you guys talking about?". Carson and Sophie looked up to find the owner of the voice, Meredith. "Olivia, and what she'd be doing if she was here right now" Carson filled her in on the conversation. Meredith shoved one of the other chairs closer to Carson and Sophie, plopping down in the chair. "Hmmm, she would probably be picking the blueberries out of her blueberry muffin" Meredith said with a reminscing smile. "Oh yeah, I remember that! She said she didn't like the actual blueberries, only the flavor" added Carson. "That reminds me!" Meredith exclaimed. "What? Blueberries?" Sophie quipped. "No! Olivia, I had a dream about her last night" Meredith told them, leaning closer so curious ears couldn't hear. "Really? What was the dream about?" Carson asked. "Well, I was in this circular room, with all these mirrors, then I saw Olivia, she was in the mirrors, but when I tried to find her the mirrors would move" Meredith explained. "Did you tell anyone?" Sophie inquired. "No, just you two" Meredith answered quickly. "That must have been a little disturbing" Carson said, toying with her aqua bracelet. "Actually, I was glad to see her, it feels like years have gone by since she went missing" Meredith confided.
  "It shouldn't be like this" Sophie said, making circles with her thumb on the rim of her mug. "What do you mean?" Meredith asked. "I mean Olivia should be here, I mean I shouldn't have covered for her, I mean I should have told her parents" she replied almost frantically. "You have to stop beating yourself up about this, Olivia still would have found some way to sneak out, you've told the police everything you know" Carson reassured her. "And there still a chance that they'll find her, we can't give up hope" Meredith interjected. "And what if they don't find her?" Sophie inquired, raising her eyebrow. "I'm going to go get some coffee, y'all need anything?" Meredith said, trying to change the subject. Sophie and Carson shook their heads. Meredith got up and went to the counter.
   Sophie was reaching for her coffee when she heard the door swing open. The man walked up to the counter, taking long strides. Something about the man was very familiar to Sophie. He appeared to be about twenty-three to twenty-five, had dark brown hair, close cut facial hair, was probably five feet nine inches, maybe even six feet. The man turned in the direction of Sophie and Carson. He spotted Sophie, smiled big, and said "well if it isn't my little sister!".

Chasse Secrets Chapter 12

                                 In loving memory of my Nana

  The following days came and went, bringing no more news than the days before. Indian summer left Windsor Falls along with the belief that Olivia would return home. The search parties continued. And so did regular classes. Mrs.Nora told everyone simply that "there's really not a lot you all can help with at the moment, and I know that Olivia would want us to continue with Sleeping Beauty". Just about every night of practice Mrs.Nora broke down and started crying. After about the third night that happened Mrs.Emma told her to take some time off and that she could come back when she was ready. Sophie never asked Dean about that night at church. Part of her figured he would just make up some excuse. The other part of her was kinda scared of him. But other than that he was a great partner for the ballet, even though she wasn't one hundred percent comfortable around him.
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  It was Friday. Two weeks had passed since Sophie had seen Olivia last. Sophie had dinner with her parents, her mom had made her famous mac 'n' cheese like every Friday. Then her parents went to church for various committee meetings.
  As soon as they left Sophie grabbed her jacket and keys and got in her car, headed toward the dance studio. She needed to pick up her costume for Aurora. She had been so numb and dismal for the past two weeks that this didn't even put a smile on her face. When she found out that she got the part that was the first thing that popped into her mind. Now she could care less.
  When she got there Mrs.Hamilton was sitting in the office. She didn't notice Sophie was there for a while. Then Sophie knocked on the door frame. Mrs.Hamilton quickly looked up from what she was writing. She adjusted her glasses and smiled brightly. "Well hello there" she exclaimed. "Hello. How are you today?" Sophie asked as she walked closer to her. "Oh I'm fair to mindling" said she with a raise of her eyebrows. Sophie reached down and hugged Mrs.Hamilton. "How are you honey? You alright?" she inquired with deep concern. "I'm okay, I guess. I just wish I could go back" she expressed, holding her tightly. Mrs.Hamilton gently pulled back and sprung up from her seat. "Trust me, we've all wished for the same thing at one point or another, but God has his own plans in mind. So why don't I get you your beautiful costume to take your mind off of things?" she said, rubbing Sophie's hands. "Thanks" she replied as Mrs.Hamilton went to get the costume from the costume room.
  Sophie let her eyes search the room. The pink walls, the clock, the trophy cases with the multitude of awards they had won. Finally her eyes fell upon what Mrs.Hamilton had been writing. It was pastel green stationary with soft gold trim and neat hand-writing covering the page. Across the top of the page was gold letters in a graceful font. VDH, it read.
  "Voila! Isn't it something?" Mrs.Hamilton announced as she entered the room, bringing with her the costume. Sophie turned rapidly to look at her costume. It was stunning. Its rhinestones and embellishments caught the light with such electricity that it appeared to be dancing by itself. The pink tulle fabric looked like an ocean of rose kissed water. She could hardly wait to dance around in it and watch the fluffy tutu glide with her.
  "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Mrs.Hamilton teased her. "Oh no, no, it's just. Breathtaking" Sophie said, absentmindedly touching her neck with her hand. "Well it was made for a princess after all" replied Mrs.Hamilton. Sophie edged to her and the outfit. Mrs.Hamilton placed it in her hands and Sophie gingerly ran her hand over the bodice. "You really did a beautiful job Mrs.Hamilton" she complimented her, smiling gratefully. "Thank you, I enjoy it" Mrs.Hamilton told her. "Mrs.Hamilton?" she said, with a purse of the lips. "Yes?" she said, waiting. "I don't meant to be intrusive but what does VDH stand for?" inquired she.
   Mrs.Hamilton walked to her desk and picked up her letter, caressing it nostalgically. "I assume you've seen my letter to my sister, it's my initials, Virginia Dare Hamilton" she explained. "Oh okay. Is Dare your maiden name?" she asked, hoping not to sound overly curious. "No, actually I dropped my maiden name, Major. Dare is my middle name. I was name Virginia Dare after the first baby born in America" she told her proudly. "Really? I've heard of Virginia Dare, I just never knew anyone named after her" she said with genuine interest. "Now you do" she said, reaching out and giving her arm a squeeze. "Make sure you hang that up with plenty of room around it, so it isn't crushed" Mrs.Hamilton reminded her. "I will, I don't want anything to mess this up" replied Sophie. "You know when I was growing up all of our costumes were handmade" she informed her. "Is that why you learned to sew?" asked she. "Yes, and the fact that that was what girls my age had to learn, it was a necessary, skill for housewives of that day" she continued. "When did you get married?" Sophie questioned, leaning on the door frame. "I was about seventeen, George was eighteen" she answered. "Were you scared?" Sophie asked. Mrs.Hamilton giggled a bit, covering her mouth in a lady-like fashion. "Of course! Marriage is always scary, but I loved him and I knew he loved me, and that was all I needed to know" she explained, a twinkle in her eye. "I wish I was that sure" spoke Sophie, distantly. "Of what?" Mrs.Hamilton questioned, eyebrow cocked. "Of anything" she simply stated. "It comes with time" Mrs.Hamilton assured her. Sophie nodded slowly. "I better take this home and put it away" she announced abruptly. "I enjoyed talking to you" she replied. Sophie held the costume by the hanger, careful not to let it slip off the hanger. "Yeah, I did too. Maybe I could come over to your house sometime. That is if you don't mind" she suggested. "I would love that" Mrs.Hamilton said in the way only a grandmother can say. "See you soon" Sophie said, waving as she walked out of the office door. "Bye Sophie" Mrs.Hamilton replied as she sat down and continued to write her letter. 
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 When Sophie got home her parents were still out. Even though she usually like the quite ever since Olivia disappeared she felt jumpy. She even had a dream one night that she had been kidnapped. The strange part was she never saw the kidnapper's face. Which she was partially thankful for, because if it had been someone she knew in the dream she wouldn't be able to speak to him, or her, without screaming "kidnapper".
  She had just changed into her pajamas when she heard a knock at the door. "I can't believe dad forgot his keys again" she thought as she jostled down the stairs. "Who is it?" she asked, cautiously. "It's me, Ian" she heard him say. Sophie unlocked the door. Sure enough there was Ian, standing on her porch. His hair was a bit more tousled than usual and she could see where his summer tan had begun to fade.
  She hadn't seen him since that night at the studio. His parents sent him to stay with his aunt Delia in Vermont after that night. Part of her thought it was better for him to get away from it all, and part of her knew it couldn't be helping Mrs.Nora.
  "Oh, I'm sorry! Did I come at a bad time?" he asked, pointing to her pajamas. Sophie looked down at herself, wishing she has waited just five minutes to change. "No, not at all. I'm glad to see you" she told him. They stood there for a minute, not sure what to say or do next. "Come in, sit" she finally said. She closed the door, locking it securely. "Do you want anything? Soda, water, coffee?" she asked anxiously.
  Ian took a seat in the corner of the sectional couch. "No, I'm fine. Thank you though" he said, nodding out of habit. Sophie took a seat next to him. "So how was Vermont?" she inquired, turning to face him. "Cold. Boring. Lonely" he replied. "I'm sorry" she said, glancing down at her hands. "Don't be, it was better than being here" he told her. "Oh" she mumbled, not sure what to think of that. "No, that's not what I meant. People just tend to be so in your face about this here, in Vermont no one really knew who I even was"  he explained. "It's okay, I understand" she said with a knowing expression.
  Ian cleared his throat. "I missed you" he almost whispered, looking her straight in the eyes. "I missed you too" she echoed, reaching out to tenderly grip his hand. At first she started to retract her hand when he didn't say anything, then he squeezed her's back and laced his fingers through her's. "So how has the search for Olivia been going? Any good news?" he questioned, somewhat hopeful. "No, but no news is good news, right?" she quoted. "I really hope you're right, Soph" he added. Sophie leaned her head down on the back of the sofa, still facing Ian. "Thanks for being here for me" he acknowledged. "It's no big deal" she modestly stated. "But it is to me" he affirmed, sincerely. He extended his left arm toward her, brushing a stray hair away from her heart-shaped face. He let his hand linger there on her face for a short while, cupping her warm cheek softly. Sophie smiled sheepishly, slightly tickled by the touch of his strong yet kind hand.
  Click! Ian and Sophie jumped away from each other like two magnets being pulled apart when they heard someone unlock the door. It was Sophie's parents. When they stepped in the house they appeared to be a little stunned to see Ian sitting in their living room. "Hello Mr.and Mrs.Duvall " he greeted them, standing up to shake their hands. "Hello" Mr.Duvall said firmly. Mrs.Duvall nodded cordially. "I just stopped by to say hello, I better get home now" he informed them, pointing to the open door. "I'll see you around" he assured Sophie right before he went out the door. "Bye" she called after him.
  Once he was gone Sophie and her parents looked at each other, still as statues. "Well I'm going to bed now, goodnight, love y'all" she said. And then she kissed both her father and her mother goodnight on the cheek. Sophie rushed up the stairs, flinging herself on her bed. If she wasn't sure of anything before she was now.

Chasse Secrets Chapter 11

  It didn't take very long for the police to get there. The park was filled with red flashing lights and search dogs. Officers were asking questions and jotting down notes. There was an anxious feeling in the air, mostly from the students. It seemed like everyone was looking to escape, especially Sophie.
   They finally sent everyone home once the questioning was over. Mr.Webb said it was because it was getting late but they all knew he was just afraid of what they might find next.

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   The following day they cancelled classes again, and decided to go forward with the search party for that day. Sophie was one of the first students there. She peered in the office as she walked toward the student lounge. No Mrs.Nora.
  When she opened the door to the student lounge she was surprised to see Ian. He was sitting, his head cradled in his hands. He appeared to be as startled as she was. As soon as she saw him she remembered what he had been trying to tell her before, and the questions she had came flooding back. "Hey" she said, putting her purse down on one of the chairs. "Hey" he said, with a tiny salute. She walked over to where he sat and took a seat on the bench in front of him. "How are you holding up?" she asked. "Depends on what you call holding up" he replied. "And your mom?" she inquired, even though she could guess. "Didn't get out of bed this morning" he sort of mumbled. "I'm really sorry" she said. "I know" he replied. "Just because we found her shirt doesn't mean she's dead" she continued. "Yeah, that's what I told my mom all day" he added. He hadn't been back to school since Olivia went missing. "They're gonna find her, I know they will" she consoled him. "How can you be so sure?" he asked, looking down at his hands in his lap. "It's all I can do, it's as simple as that" she explained. Sophie could tell he was beginning to lose hope. She knew how hard this must be for him. Having to be strong not only for himself but for his parents as well.
  She didn't want to ask him about last night right then, but something was telling her she had to. "Ian, I know this isn't the right time but I need to know what you found out when you followed Olivia?" she said, almost desperately. Ian hesitated before he spoke, glancing at the ceiling, the door, the floor, and finally Sophie. "You're right, this isn't a good time". He started to stand up and leave, but she grabbed his arm before he was even a foot away. "You don't have to tell me, I'll understand. But I want you to know that I'm not asking for curiosity's sake, I just want to help" she explained. He turned back toward her, slightly clenching his jaw. "What makes you think you can help?" he questioned, crossing his arms. "What makes you so sure I can't?" she shot back, but not sharply. "You promise not to tell anyone?" he asked. "Of course, whatever you say stays between us" she assured him.
   He hastily went to lock the door, then he sat down in front of Sophie. "She was pretty mad when I confronted her, furious that I didn't trust her. I told her if she didn't fill me in on what was going on I'd tell mom and dad, and seeing as she didn't have any dirt on me at the moment she agreed. She was there for a cult" he told her. " A cult? Are you serious? She actually referred to it as a cult?" she asked, even more confused than before he had started. "Well she didn't use the word cult, I kinda gathered that by the things she told me about it, she referred to it as a nature apprecation group. They researched different wild flowers, and animals. mediated for hours on end, promoted giving up all worldly possessions, which I know Olivia didn't agree with that part by the way she loved to shop" he replied. "What's the harm in that?" she inquired. "Some of the members weren't as harmless. Olivia mentioned to me one time that a few of them had become obsessed with the willow tree, some of them even mediated under the big willow tree in the park. So I looked it up online and I discovered that the willow tree was commonly associated with witchcraft" he said, in hushed tones. "Oh my gosh! Did Liv know?" she replied. "No, I didn't want to worry her. I did tell her to get out fast though" he explained. "Did she?" asked she. "She said she did, but I was never sure, Olivia always thought she was invincible" he answered.
  They sat silent for a while, both feeling leery. "Did you tell the police?" she asked abruptly. "Yes, but not all of it" he told her. "Well what did you leave out?" she questioned, leaning slightly closer to him. Knock! Knock! They jumped at the noise nearly knocking the benches over. Sophie hurried to unlock the door. It was June Hamilton. "Hi Sophie!" she greeted her. "Hey! It's good to see you" Sophie responded friendly. June then noticed Ian on the bench in the back of the room. She waved at him warmly, and he smiled in return. "Are you gonna be in choir tomorrow night?" inquired June. "Uh, yeah, as long as it's after tomorrow's search party" Sophie replied with a nod of her head. "That's good" June encouraged. "I kinda have to use the bathroom" she explained. "Oh, sorry" Sophie said, as she backed up in the room. "It's okay" June said as she opened the door to the bathroom.
  Once he heard the door lock Ian stood up to approach Sophie. "I guess we'll talk later" he said, motioning toward the bathroom. "Good idea". She started to leave, but before she did she turned back. "I'll be praying for you. And your family" she reassured him. "Thanks Soph" he said with a melancholy smile. She lingered for only a moment, and then she glided down the hall.

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   The search had proved to be fruitless. It seemed as if they knew less than when they started. No one dared to bring up the shirt. Not so much because they were worried it might upset someone. They just weren't ready for anymore bad news. Mr.Webb canceled the search for the next day, he thought everyone needed a little break. More emotionally than physically.
  It was the next day and Sophie had just arrived at church. She had turned off her car and was reaching over in the passenger seat for her purse and choir book when she heard a loud rap on her window. Startled at first she turned around and was relieved to see June, again. She smiled and got out of the car. "Hey, sorry if I scared you" June apologized while Sophie locked the car. "Don't worry about it! I'm just glad it was you" Sophie responded as they made their way to the church doors. "Yeah, with everything that's happened I've definitely learned to be more cautious" agreed June.
  "If you don't mind me asking why were you and Ian in the student lounge with the door locked?" June questioned. Sophie could feel her cheeks starting to burn scarlet, the way they always did when someone confronted her about something suspiciously. "Well, you know, he was upset about his sister and he didn't want anyone to just walk in and see him like that" Sophie fibbed. June seemed to roll the idea over a little bit in her mind. "Oh" she finally said. "Don't tell him I told you" Sophie said with urgency. "Oh I won't, I promise" June assured her with her understanding smile.
  Soon enough they were inside. Once inside they started to walk to the choir room. Then something quite peculiar caught Sophie's eye. It was Dean talking to Rev.Grant. Sophie didn't notice but she stood there for a long time just staring at the two. Dean didn't look like himself, he looked, pale, almost ghost like. Rev.Grant put his hand on Dean's shoulder, as if comforting him.
  Was he really taking Olivia's disappearance this hard. It's not like they hated each other, but they were in no way close. "Sophie?" June interrupted Sophie's thoughts. "Yeah?" Sophie exclaimed. "Everything okay?" June asked, clearly worried. "Of course! It's just um, have you ever seen Dean here before?" Sophie inquired, as she pointed in Dean's direction. June studied Dean's image for a second, taking it all in. "No. I don't think I have. I didn't even know he was interested in church" June replied with a confused expression.
   Finally Rev.Grant and Dean said their goodbyes and Dean scampered out the door. "I'm gonna go see if he's okay, I'll see you in choir" Sophie said to June before darting out the door after him. When she spotted him he was in his car. She waved to him to get his attention. But once she did he took one look at her, turn his car on, and sped off.

Chasse Secrets Chapter 10

  It was late Monday afternoon and as usual Sophie and Carson were the first students at the studio. Carson had gotten a ride from Sophie so they could talk. "Then his parents showed up!" Carson told her while they waited in the car. "Did they see you? Did you see them?" Sophie inquired anticipating her response. "No, they didn't see me, and I didn't see them" Carson replied. "Well that's good" Sophie said, trying to think positively. "But I did hear them" Carson added. "What did they sound like?" asked Sophie. "Southern, very southern" Carson said. "Southern how? Like southern backwoods or southern money?" Sophie questioned further. "Is there a difference?" questioned Carson. "Yes, yes there is" replied Sophie, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Well I still don't know which they sound like" Carson replied.
   Just as Sophie was about to speak Meredith ran up to the car and tapped on Sophie's window. Sophie rolled down her window. "Hey, can I come in?" Meredith asked. "Sure!" Sophie said. Sophie rolled up her window and unlocked the doors. Meredith threw her purse down on the seat beside her. "So do they have any more clues about Olivia?" Meredith inquired. "Nothing they're telling us about" answered Carson. "So you really think they're not telling us everything?" Sophie mused. "Honestly, I don't believe they're even telling Olivia's family all that they know" Carson replied. "Have they brought you in for more questioning?" Meredith asked Sophie. "No, not since Saturday" Sophie replied as she cracked her neck from side to side. "I just can't even begin to grasp this all, it's just too surreal. I keep thinking it's a terrible nightmare, but of course that isn't the case" Sophie said looking from Carson to Meredith and back again. "Hey for all we know it's just another one of her little pranks, and she'll show up in a couple of days" Meredith said, while she gently rubbed Sophie's shoulder. "I've been praying it's just that, I've been hoping it's just that, I've been telling myself it's just that" Sophie replied, pushing her hair back slowly. "I wonder who else they questioned" Carson pondered as she turned around in her seat so that her back was facing the windshield. "Her parents, Ian, the neighbors, that's all the people I know of" Sophie answered. "Oh how did the dress fitting go Saturday?" Carson inquired. "Can you say 'I hate my step-sister'?" Meredith sarcastically replied. "What did you expect? She's Bianca after all" Sophie reminded her. "Oh she was way worse! When we told her the theme of the wedding you know what she said?" said Meredith. "What?" Carson asked with a leery expression. "Why is it the 20s when your mom is clearly in her 40s?" Meredith answered in an obnoxiously girly voice.  "Ouch! Tre' harsh!" Sophie exclaimed. "Was she trying to be mean or did she actually not get it?" questioned Carson "A little of both I think" Meredith said, knitting her eyebrows together.
  Sophie glanced out the window. She noticed that a few other cars were there already, including Mrs.Emma's and Mrs.Nora's. "We should probably go in now" Sophie said, more to herself than to Carson and Meredith. Sophie slowly turned her car off as Carson and Meredith climbed out, slamming the doors shut. They strided toward the studio door. When they were all inside everyone in the lobby quickly snapped their heads in their direction, staring at Sophie. All three girls feebly sat down on the bench closest to the door. The whispering hum returned to the room. Sophie, Meredith, and Carson sat silent on the bench for what seemed liked centuries. Sophie spotted her mom. She smiled, meekly.
 Then finally Mrs.Emma, Mrs.Nora, Mrs.Hamilton, and Mr.Lars appeared from the office. Ian and Mr.Webb were there as well. "First of all I want to thank you all for coming tonight, you don't know what it means to me and my family" Mrs.Nora struggled to utter. Mr.Webb protectively draped his arm around her. "I know you were suppose to have classes tonight but I decided that the important thing right now is to bring Olivia home" Mrs.Emma said. "We're gonna be looking over near York park. We have several parents who have volunteered as chaperones. Y'all will be paired up with a chaperone in groups of four" Mr.Webb explained. "When I call your  name I'll tell you who your chaperone is, you walk to me and I'll hand you a flashlight" Mrs.Hamilton added.
    Mrs. Hamilton started calling names. First As, then the Bs, the Cs, and then the Ds. "Sophie Duvall" Sophie stood like a spring, she walked to Mrs.Hamilton. "You go with Mrs. Nora" she heard her say. She took the flashlight from her hand gently. She was a little suspicious as to why she was paired with Mrs.Nora. It didn't make any sense. Why would she want to chaperone a girl whom she blamed for her daughter's disappearance?
   Before she knew it all the names had been called and she was in the car with Mrs.Nora. The others in the group were Cassie, Natalie, and Ian. The ride was mostly silent except for when Natalie would say how sorry she was about Olivia. Which Sophie knew to be a lie, seeing as Natalie didn't feel sorry about anything Especially anything relating to Olivia. It was truly unbelievable how Natalie could still shamelessly flirt with Ian in the wake of all this. Even Cassie, who would do just about anything to get Ian's attention rolled her eyes at Natalie. Ian hardly even glanced at Natalie which made her flirt even more.
  Finally Mrs.Nora stopped the car on the north side of York park. They all scurried out. "Okay, Natalie and Cassie, y'all will go over there" Mrs.Nora instructed, pointing to the left. "Sophie and Ian go there" she said, pointing to the right. "And I'll go there. If you need me, shout!" she said, pointing directly a head. They all scattered to their designated places, flashlights in hand. "Ian?" Sophie said, making sure she had his full attention. "Yes?" he responded, in anticipation. "Why are we looking in the woods for Olivia if she's just a missing person?" she continued. "You probably don't know this but Olivia used to come here a lot, the only reason I know about it was because I followed her one time" he explained. "Did she know you knew?" she asked as she struggled to keep her balance in the leaves. "Yeah, yeah she did. I confronted her once she got her. You see she had told our parents for a few weeks that she was going to the hospital to volunteer, said it would look good on college applications. I stopped by the hospital one day to bring her lunch, but when I got there she wasn't there, they said they didn't have any volunteers by the name of Olivia Webb. The next day I followed her to the park" he told her. "And what did you find out?" she questioned, slightly nervous. "Well she had" that was all he could say before they heard a heart stopping scream. They all rushed to Mrs.Nora. A silence fell upon them when they saw Mrs.Nora lying on the ground clinging to a bloodstained shirt. Olivia's shirt.

Chasse Secrets Chapter 9

  "So where exactly are you taking me?" Carson asked as she checked her make-up in the mirror in Lars' car. "Again, you'll find out soon enough" Lars replied while he made a wide left hand turn. "Fine" she said, crossing her arms and giving an outrageously pouty expression. Lars reached his right hand towards her and playfully tapped her on the nose. "Hey what did you end up telling your mom?" Lars inquired casually. "I told her I'd be with you" she replied matter of factly. When he heard that he looked like he was going to have an aneurysm. "At the studio. Dancing" she added, trying not to laugh at his momentary shock. "That was so funny" he quipped in a sarcastic voice.
  They drove for the rest of the way in a happy, tranquil silence. "Well here it is" he announced as he turned into a long gravel drive. She turned her attention to the big white farm house at the other end of the drive. It had a screened in porch with a swing at one end and wooden rockers all along the porch. She noticed the twin chimneys on both ends of the house. Before she knew it he had parked the car behind the house. "You surprised?" he asked as he held the car door open for her. "Surprised? Yes!" she exclaimed as she stepped out of the car. "Good! That's what I was going for" he teased as he got their things from the back seat. "Who's house is this?" she asked, peering around. "My dad grew up in this house, his dad too. My grandfather lived here until he died, then after that we just used it as a summer house" he explained as he searched for the house in his back pocket. "And your grandmother?" she inquired, following him to the back door. "Oh she died when my dad was just a baby" he told her as he put the key in the lock. "I'm so sorry" she said sympathetically. "It's okay, it's not your fault" he replied while pushing the door open.  He shut the door behind Carson and sat their things down on the kitchen table. "While you're busy exploring I'll go get the rest of the stuff" he said right before he shot out the back door.

   For a moment she stood there staring at the place where he had just stood, grinning dreamily. Then she proceeded to explore the house starting with the kitchen. There was white, glass paned cabinets over the counter tops and a wide window over the sink with cheery red, gingham curtains framing it, and a matching skirt for the sink. Through the window she could see the most peaceful scene of a lake, complete with a tire swing and a dock. "Ah" she screamed when Lars sneaked up behind her. "Oh my gosh! You scared me" she said as she tried to catch her breath. "Now that's an understatement" he replied dryly as he wrapped his arms around her waist and gently rested his head on her shoulder. "Is that why you wanted me to bring my bathing suit?" she asked, pointing to the lake. "You would be correct babe" he informed her. "Aren't I always" she quipped. "Why don't you go change and  we'll go for a little swim before lunch" he suggested. "Sounds great" she said. "Oh I should put the food in the frig" he remembered, releasing her. She walked over the table to pick up her tote. "Um where's the bathroom?" she asked. "Well there's one in the hallway upstairs and then there's one attached to the master bedroom" he told her. "And the stairs?" she questioned. "One leading into the living room and then there's some stairs behind that door right there" he replied. "Thanks" she said flashing a smile his way. He returned it and went back to his task.
  Once she was upstairs she searched the rooms to find the master bedroom. Then when she found it she set her tote on the bed. She searched in her tote for her phone. 9:52 AM. No missed calls. No text messages. She place it back in her bag and pulled out her purple bikini. Then she walked over to the window next to the bed. She carefully pulled back the lace curtains and peeped out at a grand oak tree, which bore an old wooden swing. Even though she had never been a huge fan of the country or anything made before she was born, this was just what she needed amidst all the chaos happening about Olivia in town. Quiet.

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  "You get back here you!" Carson yelled as she chased after Lars. "You'll never catch me" Lars teased as he ran with Carson's towel above his head. "You always are the slowest in class" he said, egging her on. As soon as he said that she picked up speed and knocked him to the ground, grabbing the towel from his hand. "Whoa! Where did that come from?" he asked in amazement. "I'm pretty sure that came from me" she replied. "Well if I knew that's all it took to get you to pick up the pace I should have done that in class a while ago" he said, halfway teasing, halfway serious.
   After laying there for a minute he finally stood up, picking pieces of grass off of his wet arms. "So now that you have that towel back how about sharing?" he suggested with a charming grin. "I don't know, I really like this towel" she teased as she edged closer to him. "Are you saying you like the towel more than me?" he questioned, as he pretended to wipe a tear from his eye."I guess I might like you more than my towel" she relented, wrapping her arms along with the towel around him. "Aww
   Finally she broke their bond. "As much as I like you I'd also like to take a shower" she said looking up into his ocean deep eyes. "Okay. But I must warn you the hot water sometimes shuts off unexpectedly" he informed her as he ran his hand tenderly over her damp hair. "O I don't mind, it's hot anyways" she replied. Then she pulled away from him, wrapping the towel securely around her. "I'll miss you" he called after her. "I know" she merely replied.
 
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    She cautiously stepped out of the shower, grabbing the towel from the towel rack. She wrapped it around herself and vigorously wrung her hair out in the sink. Once she was done she flung her bikini over the shower rod to let it air dry. She opened the door leading to the bedroom and closed it tightly behind her. She was just about to take her clothes out of her tote when she heard the careless slam of a door and Lars voice from downstairs.
  "Mom! Dad! What are you two doing here?" she heard him exclaim in astonishment. "Well we should ask the same" Mrs.Hancock said with a girlish giggle. "Yeah, explain yourself" Mr.Hancock interjected. The Hancocks had the thickest southern drawls Carson had ever heard. You see even though Windsor Falls was a southern town most of the people there had a more northern, polished accent.
   "Oh I just thought I'd get away for the afternoon, it's been pretty hectic back at the studio" Lars explained. "Looks like we had the same idea" Mr.Hancock replied. Carson hurriedly slipped her clothes on, trying in vain to keep silent. "So Laurence how have you been? You haven't called since midsummer" Mrs.Hancock inquired in a motherly tone.
    Laurence? Carson couldn't help but let out a gregarious laugh. She quickly clapped her hand over her mouth. "Did y'all hear that? Son, do you have someone up there?" Mr. Hancock asked. Carson could hear him moving toward the stairs. "No, of course not! It's probably just some wild animal or something!" Lars assured him anxiously. "Well seeing as we're both here why don't we have a picnic on the lawn!" Mrs.Hancock suggested with excitement. "That would be great! Oh wait did you remember the rolls?" Lars inquired. "Oh my heavens! I can't believe I forgot the rolls!" Mrs.Hancock exclaimed. "Hey why don't I just run up to the store real quick and get the rolls" Lars offered. "Oh would you!" Mrs.Hancock said with appreciation. "Yeah, just let me get my wallet and y'all can set up on the lawn" Lars said. "Thank ya bud" Mr.Hancock said.
   Once Lars saw them start to walk toward the front door he jetted up the stairs. Carson nearly jumped out of her skin when Lars came bursting through the door. "Quick! Get your things together! My parent showed up!" he whispered with urgency. "Yeah, I heard! What are we gonna do?" Carson said with dismay. "Don't worry about it! Just follow me" he said, grabbing her things and practically pushing her out of the room.   
   They ran down the stairs that led to the kitchen. Then they rushed out the back door. Lars unlocked the car. He threw her stuff in the trunk and hurried to the driver's seat. Carson laid down in the floor board of the back seat. He started the car and sped off.
  Once she was sure they were far from the house she climbed into the passenger's seat. "Do you think they saw me?" she asked. "I sure hope not!" he said, casually glancing at his review mirror. "Well what's the plan now?" she questioned as she gnawed at her thumb nail. "I'm gonna take you back to your car, pick up some rolls, and drive back as fast as I can so they won't suspect anything" he replied. "Right, okay!" she said, shaking her head like a bobble head. Lars could clearly see how troubled she was. "Everything is gonna be just fine" he told her as he reached over and squeezed her hand affectionately. "I know. Laurence"
 she replied, smirking. "You heard that?" he exclaimed with a laugh. "Oh yeah" she said, winking playfully. She could see him starting to blush. "By the way, why is it so such a big deal that you didn't have any rolls?" she asked curiously, chin resting on her hand. He cleared his throat and then responded in his best southern accent."Well as Mama always say, it ain't a meal without rolls".