The Life of Me

Page 27

Alyssa

"Girls, look at me. We will find him. Alright?" Alyssa promised, placing a reassuring hand on Cheyenne's shoulder. "But what if we don't? He's my baby brother! If he's hurt or... or in danger, it's my fault! I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to him!" Cheyenne cried, shrugging Alyssa's hand off.

Standing up, Cheyenne left the room. "I'm going to search for Joshua," she whispered, shutting the door softly.

Alyssa looked at Lottie for support. Lottie gave her a small smile. "C'ere, baby," she whispered, holding her arms out. Alyssa threw herself into the comforting hold.

"How could someone hurt him? He's innocent and never harmed a soul!"

"I dunno, babe, I dunno. But anyone like that is someone that doesn't deserve his love."

"Maybe Lexi, Elle or Auder saw where Joey might've fled."

Lottie nodded, letting Alyssa worm her way out of her arms. "Let's go."

They found the girls sitting a picnic table, talking.

"I'm telling you, Elle, Bailey has already dealt with Lottie. If you get involved, he won't ever trust us again!"

"Don't care. He hurt little Joey. No one hurts Joey."

Alyssa tapped Elle's shoulder. She looked up, seeing the mother-to-be. "Hey, cognates on the baby, by the way." Alyssa blushed. She hadn't known anyone found out. "Thanks, anyway, have you three seen where Joey ran?" Lexi and Auder exchanged looks. "Yes," Lexi paused, "He went to the Spot. He looked jumpy as he slipped between the trees." Alyssa nodded, pursing her lips together grimly.

"Thank you." slipped out before she even noticed.

"And Alyssa? One more thing," Elle glanced nervously at the other two. They nodded. Alyssa positioned her hands in the 'go on' movement. Elle took a breath.

"Joey had a bag with him. We think he's gonna run away."

Alyssa stumbled back, Lottie catching her. Alyssa shook her head. "We have to find him. Now. The stakes are even higher this time. Get the others, we've got to find Joshua." Elle nodded, turning to Lexi and Auder. The three of them sprint off in different directions, spreading the word to their friends.