Close as Strangers

Prologue

"Lucas!"

I keep knocking on the door quietly, not wanting to disturb Lucas if he's sleeping. Roy should be up by now... Why isn't anyone coming to the door? This is so unlike them to keep me by the door. I've been here for at least ten minutes... They never let me out here this long.

"Roy? Dustin? Jason?"

I put my hand on the door knob, and turn it lightly, scared to make a creek. The door opens silently, and the house is completely silent. I look around, scared that someone might be tricking me.

"Are you guys home?"

There is no response, so I figure I might just look around. They hopefully won't mind, since this is practically my house too. I'm here so much, this is like my second home.

I go to Lucas's room, seeing it unusually clean. The pictures of us are still hanging on the walls, but all the clothes usually on the floor are gone. The bed is made, and the room is clean.

I go to Roy's room next, seeing it clean as always. But there are no pajamas on the pillows for tonight. All the books on the desk are gone. His closet is open, and his suitcase is gone.

I go to Dustin's room, and see that it is also unusually clean. All the food wrappers are gone from the ground, and the fridge door is hanging open, and it's empty. I close the door for him, and see that most of the clothes are gone from his closet.

Jason's room is last, and it's neater than ever. There is nothing hanging across dressers, and his bed sheets are made. Everything is closer, but the room is still dusty. He doesn't even have his hair dye kits laying around.

I gulp, suddenly starting to worry. Upon walking around the whole house, the place is empty. The instruments are even missing from the band room.

I go into the kitchen, and the fridge is mostly empty. That never happens. I grab an apple, and go sit on a stool.

"What is happening? Were they robbed? The place is never this clean..."

I get my phone from my pocket, and call Lucas. He doesn't pick up, which has never happened before. He always picks up, no matter where he is.

I decide to text him instead.

"Hey Lucas, your house is unusually clean, and quiet? Where are you guys? I miss you.."

Deciding it is pointless to wait here any longer, I get up from the stool. I throw my apple in the trashcan, and head out the door.

I walk back in silence to my house, keeping my eyes trained on the ground. I don't want to make eye contact with anyone. They'll judge me. No one ever likes me, because of my matching black hair and black eyes. My pale skin and dark clothing never helps either.

I finally make it back to my house, and open the door quietly. Ashton is sitting on the couch, watching a television show.

"Ellie? Why are you back so early?" She asks.

"They weren't there," I answer. "I'm worried. Lucas didn't pick up his phone..."

"You should call him back in an hour," Ashton advises. "For now, just come and watch t.v. with me."

I nod, and head over to the couch next to Ashton. I put my head on her shoulder as we watch some pointless show.

Ashton looks exactly like me, with black hair and matching black eyes. She's tan however, and is very tall. I'm pretty short.

My phone buzzes, and I pull it out excitedly. I see that I have a text message from Lucas.

"Did I forget to tell you? Sorry babe... I'm going on tour for six months with the boys! Our band was discovered! I'll text you as much as I can, promise. I love you and see you soon!"

I let out a gasp, and chuck my phone. There is a loud ow as Chris comes in the room. He's my older brother, and a real goofball at that.

He has black hair, and very dark brown eyes. He's tan too, and tall. I seemed to miss those two traits...

"Ellie, why did you throw your phone?" Chris asks. "That thing is your best friend!"

Tears stream down my face, and I bury my face in a pillow. I can't believe what just happened. Lucas has always been a little bit dumb, but that was much even for him...

"Look at the text message!" I sob.

Chris looks at the message, gasping and shows Ashton. I keep on crying, not wanting to believe what is happening.

"Oh honey," Ashton says. "He doesn't deserve you.."

"But I love him!" I shout throwing the pillow. "He's a stupid, ignorant idiot! But I love him! And he, and all my best friends, just packed up for six months! None of them even thought to tell me! I was over there yesterday!"

I get up from the couch, not wanting to hear the he doesn't deserve you. That doesn't one help one bit. Because in my mind, I didn't deserve him.

"They could have forgot," Chris starts.

"How do you forget something like that?" I ask. "You know what? I'm going to my room! No one disturb me!"

I run away from the both of them, and into my room. I slam the door behind me, locking it. I run over to my bed, laying on it and crying my eyes out. I can't believe what just happened. It all happened so fast.

I've read so many stories in which long distance didn't work. Lucas is going to forget about me, I can already tell. I'm going to be left alone here.

Those four were my only best friends...

And they just left.