Chapter Eleven
Alexa
My parents didn’t move for a long time after Detective Lock left. They just sat and stared at the wall. They never would have acted like this if I went missing! But heaven forbid their precious Abriana is gone for a few days and the world has to stop! Ugh…
Finally, they left the living room and went to bed without saying anything to me. Typical. They only care about her! Why is everyone in this household so selfish?
Sighing, I walked up the stairs and admired my long lean legs. These are what got Easton to do my bidding in the first place… Well, my legs and five hundred dollars. Some people are so desperate!
As I made my way to the bathroom to wash up, my mind drifted to Detective Lock. I could have swore he stared at me a minute too long. He doesn’t suspect me? Does he? I have an airtight alibi.
I checked the burner phone. No texts or voicemails.
Shaking my head, I put everything back in its hiding place and grabbed my toothbrush. As I brushed my teeth with mint-flavored toothpaste, the thought of Easton killing Abriana floated through my mind. No way. There’s no way. He wouldn’t have the balls to do it! And if he did, he would have already called me crying like a baby.
The corners of my lips turned up as I caught my reflection in the mirror. I might not be as pretty as you, Abriana. But don’t worry, soon you’ll be a distant memory and I’ll be the one everyone is talking about!
***
I woke up to the doorbell ringing. Stretching my hands over my head, I yawned and rolled over. Whoever it is, can wait…
A moment later, my mother shouted for my father. “Victor! Detective Lock is here!”
I heard my father’s footsteps rushing down the stairs and toward the front door.
Although the conversation was muffled, I heard my mother shout, “Oh thank you, Heavenly Father! Estoy tan agradecido!”
My father joined in, “I knew it wasn’t her! Our baby is alive! She’s still out there!”
Footsteps pounded up the stairs. “Alexa! Alexa! It isn’t Abriana’s body!”
Rolling my eyes, I jumped out of bed and met her on the landing. “Thank you, Lord! I knew it wasn’t her! God is good!”
She pulled me in for a big embrace. “I love you, mi hija dulce!”
“Love you too, mamá.”
When she let go, the smile on her face faded. “You look so pale. Why don’t you go back to bed and try to get some sleep?”
I bit my lip and looked down at my bright pink toenails.
“We’ll find her. Don’t worry,” said my mother before giving me another hug.
I KNEW he didn’t have the balls to kill her, I thought as I made my way back to my room.
Plopping down into my bed, I pulled my comforter up to my chin. Don’t worry, mamá. They won’t be able to find Abriana’s body once I’m done with her!
I heard Detective Lock’s voice, but I couldn’t make out what he was saying. The conversation became muffled again. Shut up! I grabbed a pillow and shoved it over my head and went back to sleep.
***
I woke up several hours later to a familiar voice floating up from downstairs. My heart started racing and blood rushed to my cheeks. He’s here!
Jumping out of bed, I sprinted to my closet and picked out a pair of jean shorts and a coral tank top. Hopping on one foot, I slide the shorts on and pulled off the t-shirt I had been sleeping in. After I slipped on the tank top, I went to the bathroom I used to share with Abriana.
I pulled open a drawer and reached for a brush and some mascara. After freshening up, I added a touch of lip gloss. Pressing my lips together, I smiled. What’s that, Abriana? Oh, yeah, that’s right. I’m totally stealing your ex-boyfriend.
Forcing a grim look on my face, I walked down the stairs with slumped shoulders. I totally deserve that Emmy…
“Alexa?” said a voice that brought goose bumps to my arms.
“Matías?” I asked with fake surprise in my voice.
“Hey,” he said standing. “How are you holding up?”
My stomach fluttered as his concerned eyes met mine. As I got closer, his cologne made my knees weak. Mmmmmmmm!
“It’s so hard,” I whispered, my voice full of emotion. “I miss her so much.”
Matías wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his rock hard chest.
Why would Abriana ever give this up? She’s such an idiot!
The embrace ended before I wanted it to. Stepping back, I let my eyes wander across his features. Light brown eyes that shimmered in the sunlight, dark brown hair, a strong jaw line, and full lips that I needed on my neck like yesterday!
Matías sat down in an overstuffed recliner and rubbed his face. When he looked up, tears were falling from his eyes. “Are there any leads?”
My father shook his head. “The Detectives are looking into someone she was meeting out the night she disappeared. But they haven’t been able to find…” he paused. “They haven’t been able to find him.”
Pain ripped across Matías’ face. “Oh…”
Don’t worry, I would NEVER leave you, Matías, and once you’re mine, you’ll never want to leave me…
“They did find a body,” I said. “But thanks heavens it wasn’t Abriana’s,” I said.
Matías wiped the back of his hand against his wet cheeks. “How can I help? What can I do to help bring Abriana home?”
I hated listening to the way her name rolled off his tongue. Abriana, Abriana, Abriana! It made my blood boil!
“We’re going to hang more signs today near campus,” said my mother.
“Maybe you and Alexa could stop by some stores downtown? Most businesses are allowing us to hang our posters in their front windows.”
Matías nodded. “Of course!”
A small smile crossed my face. A whole day with Matías? Um, yes please!
“Let me go grab my purse,” I said. “Then I’ll be ready to go.”
My mother nodded. “I’ll gather some posters for everyone.”
Matías blinked hard. “Thank you for allowing me to help.”
“You’re like a son to us,” said my father.
As the two stood and embraced, I took a deep breath and tried to hold back a huge smile. Don’t worry, dad. He’ll be your son, well, son-in-law, soon enough…
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*Please stop by and check out my other story on Wattpad... Grishma! It is a young adult fantasy novel and the series was recently picked up by a producer in Hollywood! YEA!
http://www.wattpad.com/42892697-grishma-book-one-in-the-necoh-saga