Scrambled

              "Don, the toilets aren't working again." I heard Elizabeth screech like a Banshee as she whizzed past me, hurrying down the stairs. "Can you fix it?" She wasn't yelling anymore, but my step-mother's voice was still annoying. Come to think of it, everything about her was annoying. I still miss my mom who had died just a year ago in a sudden car accident. One day I plan to try to have a good relationship with her, but not now. I just can't.

               "I'm sorry, Honey, but I'm already going to be late for the flight if I don't hurry. I just got an urgent Email from Headquarters. There's been an incident. I can't say anything more. I'll call Greg to see if he can help." Dad had an apologetic smile on his face as he pecked the Banshee on the cheek, then he ran into the kitchen grabbing the toast I had just finished and rushed out the door.

                 "Dad, that was for Casper," I stated bluntly, but he didn't reply.

                 "Christy, you and Casper can't be late for school again," the Banshee demanded, as she too rushed out the door. I looked at Casper to see his back slouch as he sat to eat at the table right next to me. There was nothing but silence until he finished his food.

                  "She woke you up too, huh? I just can't stand her," I stated angrily. The only reply I got was him nodding his head and humming. "Anyway we have to leave in an soon. Go get ready!" He rose from the chair and headed slowly up the stairs, dragging his feet. I heard a faint okay in the background and smiled at the thought of my brother saying that so early in the morning. We are typically late because he sleeps in too long.

                    I got up to do the dishes when my phone rang. I fished it out of my pocket as I heard the shower turn on. That's odd, there's no caller ID, I thought as I looked at the phone.

                   "Hello, who is this?" I suspiciously asked the person on the other end.

                   "Who I am doesn't matter. You have until noon to get me the Email sent to your dad's computer or I will blow you and your house to smithereens. The one sent by morningglory36492. Do not look at them and don't leave the house." The strange voice was calm on the other side. Someone was definitely using a scrambler.

                    Why is Avery calling me with a number I don't know? My best friend is weird. "Hello? Avery, you are aware that it's not April Fools, right?" When I got no reply I looked at the screen of my phone to see that the he had hung up.

                   There was a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach as I started thinking about the call. Only Avery would pull a stupid prank like this just before school.

                   I guess I lost track of time staring at the dishes in the sink. Before I knew what was happening Casper was in front of me shaking my shoulders.

                   "Christy? Hey, Christy, are you okay?" The way he asked sounded worried. I just smiled at him. His features didn't change at all. "I know that look. I'm your older brother. You can tell me anything, even if it has something to do with . . . boys." He had paled at the last part. I stared at him wanting to do nothing but laugh. I love how he cheers me up.

                    "Pff." Alas, I couldn't keep it in any longer. I was on the floor, rolling around, holding my stomach from how hard I was laughing.

                     "Hey, I was only trying to help. It's not funny." He stared at me on the floor, but smiled, he was joking around. Once I could finally breathe, I started to explain.