I was serious when I said I would go there, I just needed to figure out what to do with the kids.
Obviously I had trust issues when it came to the kids but I couldn't stand to live a life that Colby wasn't in.
I had to find him.
I made my way into each of the kids' rooms so I could turn their alarms off. I knew it was going to be hard to explain to them that we would be in lockdown again, but I hoped they would understand.
Once I was done turning their alarms off, I went to make them some breakfast.
If I was going to keep them in lockdown I would at least make sure they were well taken care of.
About halfway through breakfast I heard frantic footsteps.
"My alarm didn't go off! We're late!" Carter said causing me to breathe a laugh. "Chill out, kid. We're staying home today." I said and put a couple pieces of bacon in a plate.
"What?! Why? Is it because of the Jenna thing?" He asked as I shook my head. "No." I said simply, feeling the stress start to creep up again.
I tried to not let it show, but Carter obviously noticed the shift of mood.
"What's going on?" He asked as I shook my head. "It's nothing." I said then focused on cooking again.
"Sissy." Juniper said as she walked into the room, rubbing her eye. "Good morning, love." I said with a small smile.
"It smells yummy." She said as I made her a plate. "Are we going to school in our pjs?" She asked as I shook my head. "Nope. No school today." I said with a smile.
"No school?" Sam asked as he walked into the kitchen.
"Not today." I said then checked my phone. I knew I wasn't going to stop checking the phone because of how worried I was.
"We're just gonna hang out today...if that's okay." I said quietly. "School sucks. This is fine." Sam said causing me to laugh.
"Great. So we're on the same page." I said then served up breakfast for everyone.
"What's going on?" Jenna asked quietly. "None of us are going to school. Thanks, sis." Carter said as she scrunched her brow.
"None of us are going?" She asked as I nodded. "Yeah. We're having a chill day." I said with a sigh.
So that's what we did for the day.
We watched movies and I made it ordered anything the kids wanted. It was the least I could do for keeping them in the dark.
"Sissy?" Juniper asked as I tucked her into bed. "Yes, love?" I asked and brushed her hair back. "Is Colby gone forever?" She asked as my eyes instantly watered.
"Uh...no." I said then leaned down and kissed her head. "I really miss him. Is he gonna forget about me?" She asked as I shook my head.
"He could never ever forget about his best friend." I said then stood up. "Get some sleep, love." I said as she nodded.
"Love you, sissy." She said with a sigh as I turned her nightlight on and left the room.
I couldn't help the tears that were pouring onto my cheeks as I walked towards my room. The anxiety of today was sending me fully into a panic.
"Jule?" Jenna asked asked I passed her in the hallway. "Hm?" I asked, quickly wiping my eyes.
"What's going on with you?" She asked plainly, crossing her arms as Carter opened his door.
"Nothing, I'm just tired." I said as she shook her head.
"You've been checking your phone nonstop. Something is up, we aren't dumb." She said as I closed my eyes.
"I can't talk about it, Jen." I said quietly. "Why? There's gotta be a reason that you're keeping us in the house again." She said as I nodded.
"Yes. You were bullied and I don't want you in that situation." I said as my phone started ringing.
"Goodnight." I said then went into my room, answering the phone.
"Hello?" I asked frantically. "Hey, Jules. How are you holding up?" He asked as I narrowed my eyes. "Worried sick. What have you been doing?" I asked with a hint of anger.
"Julia, cool it. We're doing our best." Nate said as I shook my head. "Colby is missing, and so is Sam. That doesn't just fucking happen." I said and started pacing.
"We tried going back to the place we went for the dinner but there was no signs of anything. I'm just calling to check because I know you're probably a mess." He said causing me to grin.
"How'd you know?" I asked with a sigh. "I know how you are. Try to get some sleep, I'll call you in the morning." He said as I nodded.
"Thanks, Nate. I appreciate you." I said then hung up the phone.
I groaned and scrubbed my face then went to sit on the bed. Before I could do that though, I heard movement from right outside my door.
I scrunched my brow then went to open it, only to see Jenna and Carter still standing out there shocked expressions.
"Colby went missing?" Jenna asked as my heart ached. "You were eavesdropping?" I asked with betrayal.
"Answer the question, Juliana." Carter said as I clenched my jaw.
"If Colby is missing we deserve to know." Jenna said as I sighed. "Okay. Come on." I said and stepped to the side.
My heart was pounding as they walked into the room, getting settled on my bed.
I stood in silence, trying to gather my thoughts as they looked at me with expectant stares.
"Come on, Jules. Just tell us." Carter said as I closed my eyes, holding back tears.
I didn't know if I was ready to ruin their innocence or possibly taint their image of me or Colby.
I didn't know if I was ready to share the secret I've been protecting them from.
