Chapter Text
She’s back in the forest, running as fast as she can. She can’t feel her lungs, she can barely breathe but she can’t stop. The forest is dark. The trees aren’t allowing any light to come through except barley the glow of the moon. She can heart it getting closer. She can feel its eyes on her, it’s predatory, it’s hunting her and it lives for it.
Ellie abrupts to a stop trying to figure out which direction to go but they all look the same. Just get to the road.
She takes off sprinting as she hears it narrowing in. But it’s too slow, she feels trapped underwater. She can’t get away fast enough. Ellie falls face first finding the figure holding on to her foot, inching closer.
She tries to scream at it, to get off and away from her, but she can’t, the words refuse to form. It cocks its head with a predatory smile. She tries to scream again trying to kick her leg out of its hold. It goes to reach for her with its other arm.
Ellie wakes gasping for air shooting up into a sitting position. Trying to catch her breath, She looks around her room looking and nothings out of the ordinary.
Air decides to set in her lungs as she takes a deep breath letting out a startled gasp. She feels sick, and her head is throbbing.
“Fuck” she breathes out. Ellie glances at her alarm clock to see the time is 7:15 and she knows for sure she’s definitely not getting back to sleep.
She lets out a sigh standing up, and gathering her hair into a low messy bun. She can hear both Joel and Sarah are awake as she starts heading downstairs.
When she enters the kitchen she can see Joel at the counter looking towards the tv in the living room. Which Sarah stands in front of muttering something Ellie can’t hear.
“Hey babygirl.” Joel greets, barely giving her a full glance redirecting his attention to the tv. It’s just the news going on about something mid investigation. Then the subject changes to the weatherman talking up more rain. Shocker.
Sarah sets down the remote with a slight head shake as she walks over them in the kitchen. And Joel lets out a sigh.
“What’s going on?” Ellie quietly asks voice still tired with sleep.
“Don’t worry bout it kiddo, it’s fine. Joel reassured, though something in his tone said it was something to worry about. Specially when Sarah let out a low grumble.
“I’m takin ya to school this mornin.” He adds.
“Umm, okay.”
Sarah sits next to Ellie at the island counter, putting a hand on her shoulder rubbing a circle into her back. Joel fixing them both up a plate.
“Are you both okay?” Ellie asks cautiously looking between the two.
“We’re fine sis, just glad you and Abby came home from the party when you did.” Sarah replies. Ellie’s brows pull together trying to make out what Sarah meant by that, when Joel cuts off her train on thought.
“They don’t know all the details yet, but partently somethin happened after y’all left.”
Joel answered. Turning around and handing them both a plate with eggs and toast, and bacon for Sarah.
Ellie picks at her toast. Sometimes she has the stomach for Eggs, but not this morning.
She’s not vegetarian or anything, but she can get a little queasy around meat sometimes. Apparently it started after she found her dad, but Ellie was never judged for it. It was just her new normal and everyone adapted to that.
She gets up not really having much of an appetite for anything, and heads upstairs to get dressed. She throws on her favorite blue gray hoodie and some blue jeans. Then heads back down stairs with her backpack ready to start her day.
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Walking through the halls definitely confirmed something went down in the past forty-eight hours. The over thinker and self conscious part of Ellie was worried someone saw her panic attack in the woods. But everyone is completely ignoring her existence. Thank fuck.
First period went by easily enough, since the teacher left after taking attendance and was absent the rest of class. Everyone was just muttering and whispering to each other the whole period.
Ellie is the first person that walks into Mr North’s class. taking her seat and pulling out her note book, waiting for Jessie to arrive. Mr North stands at his desk gathering up some papers and other shit. He looks frantic, something’s definitely wrong.
Other students quickly fill their seats entering the classroom, Jessie being one of them. And holy fuck he looks rough.
“Are you good?” Ellie asks as he sits next to her.
“Yeah, dude somethin fucking weird is happening man.” Jessie answers running a hand through his hair.
“I’ll say, could have had me fooled. You think it has anything to do with our issue?” She questions cautiously.
“I don’t know man, whatever it is. It ain’t good.” He adds pulling out his notes.
They both turn their attention to Mr North as he tries to gain attention of the class. He claps his hands once and that’s enough to abruptly silences the room. It’s already freaky enough that everyone seems on edge but even more when you can get a room quiet this quickly. Ellie observes glancing around the room.
“Alright,” Mr North starts. “I’m sure we’ve all heard about something that happened earlier this week, with that said we need to remain-“
“Attention students and faculty, there will be an emergency all school assembly held at this time. Please make your way down to the gymnasium calmly and quickly. Thank you.” Principal Wright announced on the speaker cutting Mr North off.
Ellie can feel herself stiffen as everybody freezes then starts whispering. Jessie puts a hand on her shoulder grounding her a bit. He has a reassuring look in his eyes as Ellie looks at him.
“Alright, everybody grab your stuff then start heading down.” North dismisses.
The atmosphere intensified as everyone walks through the halls and into the gym. Ellie can see Jessie looking around trying to get a good read on what’s happening to then shrugs at her not getting anything.
When they enter the gym, students and peers are already filling up the bleachers. Ellie notices the admins and vice principal standing with the sheriff of the towns police department and two of his colleagues. She hits Jessie arm and nods in the direction of the officers and teachers.
“Holy shit.” Jessie breathes out not hiding his surprise.
“Something’s going down.” Ellie grimly remarks.
“Jessie! Ellie! Over here!” Jessie lightly pulls Ellie’s arm directing her attention back to the bleachers with Manny standing up waving them over seats saved and Dina with her hands cupped around her mouth.
They walk up through the crowd and go up the bleachers over to where their friends stand. Dina pulls Ellie in a hug as soon as she’s in arms reach. Jessie talking to Manny.
“Hey D.” Ellie says hugging her back.
“Dude what the fuck? I miss two days then suddenly the world’s ending.” Dina tries to joke but Ellie can hear the worry in her voice; and see it as she looks around the gym students still finding their seats, as they both sit down. “You guys know what’s going on?” She asks leaning towards the boys.
“I ain’t got a clue, this is new.” Jessie says looking around. Manny slightly nodding doing the same but he stands stiff. it’s bad whenever Jessie or Manny’s on edge, let alone both of them.
“You okay?” Dina asks Ellie giving her arm a small squeeze.
“I’ll fill you in later.” Ellie quietly replies. She sees Owen and Abby entering the gym, Nora and Mel trailing behind. Manny’s already waving and calling them over as they make room for the rest of their group.
Abby has a pinched look in her brow as she looks at Dina and Ellie. Ellie can’t blame her either, with everything going on it’s hard to keep a neutral face. Ellie scoots over making more room for Abby as she sits next to her. Their arms brush against each other that sends a shiver through Ellie. And neither of them makes an effort to move.
“Hey.” Ellie softly says.
“Hey.” Abby smiles starting into her eyes. She looks over around Ellie greeting Dina. “Glad to see your back.” She says looking the other girl up and down.
“Yea, wish I could say I chose a good day to show back up.” The raven hair girl jokes.
“Yeah.” Abby adds with a pressed smile. Her hand brushes across Ellie’s before Ellie fully grabs her hand back. Abby looks at her with a smile.
“You don’t know what’s going on do you?” Ellie asks the blonde girl.
“Might have an idea. Apparently some girl’s been missing since the party. She just disappeared or something.” Abby answers slightly chewing her lip. Ellie gives her hand a squeeze.
“Yeah missing she probably just had a little too much to drink and made friends with the wolves or something.” Manny tries to joke before Nora punches his shoulder sitting behind him.
“Cmon that’s not funny she could be hurt.” Nora chided ignoring Mannys yelp of pain as he rubs out his shoulder.
“Or dead.” Owen pipes up earning a sharp glare then a smack on the head from Mel.
“Nora’s right, they wouldn’t be doing all this because she decided to take a stroll in the woods. And don’t say that. She could still be out there.” Mel agreed. “Abby do you know any details?” She added looking in the blonde’s direction.
“No not really, my dad only said she was at the party with us and no one’s seen her since.” Abby answered up at Mel.
“That why he wanted you home yesterday?” Ellie quietly asked.
“Yeah. Freaked him out.” Abby answered lowering her voice.
“Can’t blame him.”
A ring comes out echoing through the gym and as principal Write tries to work with the microphone. Everybody winces as the microphone rings with feedback.
Literally all they have to do is keep the speakers away from the mic so it won’t pick up its own frequency. Ellie thinks with an eye roll.
“Alright students listen up.” Principal Write tried to gain attention of the school only half way successful.
“Quite!” Sheriff Dixon loudly yells out silencing the room, you could hear a pin drop. Making everybody jump a bit in surprise. Ellie tightens her hold on Abby’s hand, which she squeezes back.
“Thank you sheriff Dixon. As I was saying, thank you for attending, I wish it was under better circumstances.”
“Yeah not like you gave us much choice!” One of the boys from Nate’s club heckled.
“Thank you Mr Sanders, may I continue?” Principal Write deadpanned.
“Aye yo you’re welcome man, carry on.” Mason shouted back, earning a few laughs. Though Ellie just rolled her eyes, she heard Dina scoff and Abby let out a sharp sigh.
“We are well aware of the party that was thrown earlier this week on Monday night. We’re also aware of some rumors that have been circulating since then, which is why sheriff Dixon is here to talk to you. I ask that you be respectful and remain calm as he clarifies some things.”
Principal Write steps back from the podium, his posture hangs heavy. The already older man just looks tired, like he’s regretting what’s about to be said. Sheriff Dixon steps up in replace of principal Write. He stands firm and tall with a hard look on his face.
He used to serve in the Marine Corps before he was injured in combat and sent home. And it very much shows his days in military training never left him. Ellie remembers her parents used to stand tall like that whenever they were nervous. Drill sergeants getting your attention never leave you apparently.
“Students, it is with deep remorse I inform you that the rumors floating around are indeed true.” Sheriff Dixon grimly states, looking around the room while whispers began to circulate. “Harper Mullen has officially been declared missing around 8:30 Monday night.”
“Holy shit.” Manny mutters leaning forward on his elbows.
“Wait 8:30? Wasn’t that when we were out there?” Ellie whispers moving towards Abby’s ear.
“Yeah, I think so.” Abby whispers softly with a pinched look in her eyebrow, thinking of something. They both look behind them to Jessie who gives them a sullen nod already catching on. A sharp lump starts developing in Ellie’s throat as she tries to breathe.
“If anyone has any information, about Harper and her disappearance we strongly suggest you tell us immediately. Everything will be confidential and no one will be in trouble. Thank you.” Sheriff Dixon steps down with a curt nod, while principal Write steps up.
“Students I know this is difficult to hear and some of you may be wanting to go out and look for her yourselves. But it is imperative that you cooperate, and let the authorities handle this if we want to bring Harper home. Thank you. You all are dismissed. Go back to your classes and finish the day out as normal.” Principals Write says stepping down.
Ellie’s head starts ringing, as everyone around them starts getting up and conversing within their groups. “We need to leave.” Ellie mutters, putting a hand to her head.
Abby looks up at Jessie, he glances to her before he looks around the group. Nobody’s moved yet they’re all too stunned. And manny looks unusually pale. Ellie feels Abby’s hand, as she starts rubbing soothing circles into her back grounding her.
“Manny didn’t you hook up with her?” Dina pipes up.
“Yea, like a fucking week ago! I haven’t even talked to her since.” Manny frantically whispers.
“Okay calm down. Here’s what we’re going to do. After third period everyone meet up in the north parking lot, we’re getting the hell out of here.” Jessie calmly instructs the group. Nobody disagrees as Nora and Mel give a firm nod confirming the plan.
The group gets up, pairing up with who they have class with. As the group gets down to the gym floor off the bleachers, they pass Sheriff Dixon, his deputies, and principal Write.
Ellie looks up from the floor looking In the direction of the adults, when Sheriff Dixon catches her eye holding contact. He has a skeptical pinched look that makes Ellie’s skin crawl. She tares her eyes away looking forward, absentmindedly reaching for Abby’s hand as she walks beside her.
Abby immediately takes her hand giving a grounding squeeze. Ellie can see Abby look behind them to the adults before turning back around something pulling at her features.
“You okay?” Ellie asks as they exit the gym, entering the hallway to their classes.
“Yeah, that was a lot.” Abby remarks. Ellie lets out a light hum of agreement as they head to their third period.
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Ellie settled into her seat pulling out her notes letting out a sigh. Other students flooded to their seats still talking about Harper and her sudden disappearance. Ellie can’t even blame anyone for talking about it either. Harper was already a “popular” student or whatever, everyone she met seemed to love her. She kinda reminded Ellie of Sarah a bit. They both have this ray or sunshine beaming off of them.
The sudden thought of Sarah disappearing sent a cold shiver through Ellie that made her want to puke. Sarah’s fine you saw her this morning. Joel wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Ellie reminded herself taking a steadying breath.
Mrs McKinley stepped to the front of the room getting the attention of the class, snapping Ellie out of her thoughts. This should be easy to focus through, third period has always been one of Ellie’s favorites. It is astronomy after all.
Just get through this class then we’re home free. Ellie briefly thought fully directing her attention to the teacher at the front of the room.
“Well, I know this isn’t exactly the best way to start our Wednesday morning.” Mrs McKinley sullenly started. “The other teachers and I want to make it clear that you guys are safe. And if anyone needs a moment, the counselor’s office are open to everyone.” Her voice was soft as she spoke.
Ellie doesn’t think she can actually name a time she’s heard Mrs McKinley raise her voice. She’s always had a warm and kind presence to her, and it shows in the way her classrooms decorated too. It’s always calm in here.
Mrs McKinley brushed one of her long brown curls out of her face tucking it behind her ear before continuing. “I don’t want the day to be any harder on you guys so-“
The door to the classroom swung open startling the teacher and students, as Mr Write and Sheriff Dixon stand in the door frame and slightly entering the room.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt Mrs McKinley.” Mr Write apologized to the snow kissed skinned woman, with a brief smile what didn’t quite reach his eyes. Mrs McKinley stood taller making her long skirt flow.
“It’s no problem gentleman, what can we do for you?” She kindly replied.
“We need to have a word Miss Williams.” Sheriff Dixon announced fully entering the room and locking eyes with Ellie.