Missing

Detectives say most missing children are abducted by someone they already know. Reporters inform us kids are taken by strangers in the park, or in the shadowy woods. Statistics might show that kidnappers are more likely an uncle or neighbor than a stranger or a stalker. Very few kids run away and stay hidden and alive.

          “Danica Halt reporting from channel 6 news station” is probably what most people are listening to now. Its 6 o’clock in the tiny town of Nakersville, Connecticut and the local news will just be starting. The young blonde news reporter is going to tell the viewers the same thing they’ve been hearing for 26 days. Shortly after she clicks off, the National news will broadcast a quick update like it has been for almost a month. And everyone will sigh and get back to their lives when they realize no new information has been found on the missing 17 year old, Lacey Spencer.

          The reporters, detectives, investigators, and basically everyone else are reading the signs upside down. Their left hand is jumbled with their right and they’re seeing “W”s instead of “M”s. “Most likely Lacey Spencer has been abducted by someone all too familiar to this town” they say. “Friends and family believe investigators will find her” they hope. Cries of, “please contact this number with clues or tips” or “If you see her do this” scatter posters, signs, and the bottom of TV’s. But if you knew what I knew, you’d know that Lacey Spencer doesn’t want to be found. I, Lacey Spencer, ran away.

Laceys POV*

          It wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. An “I hate my life I’m leaving.” It wasn’t to scare people for dramatic effect. It was planned. So planned I’m surprised the high credited detectives didn’t see it coming. Months in advance I had the plan neatly drawn out on the inside of my head. The little white truck parked in the abandoned shed was parked there months ago by me. Unused and full of gas, it hid quietly where no one ever goes. During the last months of school I kept up with my perfect straight A’s and acted as normal as possible. Not that anyone would notice if I changed anyways. June 3 was the night I snuck out of my window and made my way through the trees all the way to the old little shed where my ride awaited me. And from there it was me and the quiet hum of the engine trekking down streets to the Big Apple.

          Not like anyone will recognize me here in the big city of New York, New York. Especially since the pictures flashing across the news don’t apply to me anymore. 26 days ago I was rocking long dark hair, deep chocolate brown that hit the middle of my back. Big brown doe eyes in the middle of my face were hard to miss too. There wasn’t really much I could do to change my appearance so I did what I could. Light blonde hair barely reaches my shoulders now. I keep it sort of wavy with floppy bangs over one of my eyes. Sea blue colored contacts cover up my dark eyes. My plan ran smoothly because before anyone reported me missing, I had more than enough time to get my make over done, in a different town where no one would suspect anything. Stupid parents.  They waited 4 days before reporting a missing child. The first 2 days I don’t think they noticed I was gone and the other 2 they probably thought I was at a friend’s. What friends? But it worked fine so who’s complaining.

          My friend Chloe, who I met at summer camp a few years ago kept in touch with me after our time at camp. Summer camp friends usually don’t last long, partially because they usually live in a different state.  Chloe lived in Maine and just recently died. I was obviously devastated but when I saw an opportunity, I took it. So when I got to New York, I took over her identity. I’m borrowing it, I’m not trying to be her, I just need to use her as the new me.