Page 14 of Summer Kisses

“WHAT!” Kyle screams. His chair flying back as he stands from the table in a rush. I look at him my mouth agape.

“Kyle, what has gotten into you?” I knew he liked me, but I never thought too much into it because I have never seen him that way. He glares at me then storms off.

“Don't you worry about him none sweetheart he’ll get over it. Now tell us all about how he proposed.”

Trinity says putting her chin in her hands on the table. George and Phil groan and I chuckle. “How about we go out for coffee later and I’ll tell you then.” The girls sigh in disappointment but sit back down. We spend the next two hours going over the financial details of the mock company we set up, but my mind keeps going back to how Kyle reacted. Maybe I should ask Sheriff Lawson to look into it. I shake my head focusing back on what we are going over.

We get done at two forty-five that leaves me just enough time to get Vick from school on time. I stand up from the table giving Trinity a hug, telling her that I will call her later.

Donnie is at work and for the last month, Victoria and I have been bringing him dinner at the station, so we can have some family time together.

George grabs my bag throwing it over his shoulder.

“I’ll walk you out make sure you get to your car safely.”

“Thank you. I would appreciate it.” I say with a relieved sigh. Kyle kind of freaked me out and I really didn't want towalk outside by myself. We make our way outside and I realize there are only a couple cars in the parking lot.

I don't see Kyle's car, so I feel a little better.

“Hey, I got it from here I don't see his car, so I think I am all good,” I say looking over to George, but he isn’t there.Where the fuck did he go?I go to turn around only to be pulled into a chest and a huge hand claps over my mouth. The white cloth pressed over my mouth smells awful. I scream. My heart pounding, hot tears streaming down my face. I kick, scream, claw, and bite fighting with all my might to get him off of me.

Where the fuck is George? Did they get him too? My entire body runs cold when the hand on my face tightens and I feel hot breath next to my ear.

“Nighty night Verity.” A dark voice I can’t quite make out seethes in my ear.

Oh My God. This can't be happening. How the hell is this happening? My vision starts to dim, then everything goes black.

Chapter Twelve

Donnie

Iam filing my report from our last job, when my cell phone rings. Some kids had chipped some firecrackers in a trash can, behind the diner. Unfortunately, there were a bunch of half-empty liquor bottles in the can. Needless to say, there was a bit of blaze.

“Hello?” I say answering the call on the third ring. I didn’t think to check the caller id.

“Hey Donnie. It’s Kristy. Uh, Verity never came to pick up Victoria. She has been waiting over an hour.”

I check my watch. It’s almost four. Her study group should have been over at two forty-five. I know for a fact she would never forget V, so something must have happened to her. I begin to panic, though I have no concrete reason to.

“Ok, Kristy. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” I hang up and quickly shut the computer down. I snatch up my keys and head out to the elementary school. The whole way there I continuously call Verity’s phone. It goes straight to voicemail each time. I leave a message, but it seems to dead or out of range. Making it to the school in record time I get out and head inside the school.

“Thanks Kristy.” I say as I take V’s little hand in mine.

“No problem. Have a good weekend, Victoria. See you Monday.”

“Bye Ms. Sinclair. Hi Daddy. Where is Mommy?” She asks, looking concerned.

“I am not sure, baby. But I am going to find her.” I don’t want to scare her, but I have never encountered this before. I decide that honesty is the best policy. She falls into silence and I realize that I can't bring her with me.

“She forgot me. Why did she forget me? She never does. She’s not coming, back, is she?” She rambles quietly as I help her back out to the truck. Her tears running down her face.

“Baby she didn't leave you. She loves you too much to ever leave you. I know that for a fact. Besides she might just be having car trouble, or her phone might have died. Don't worry. I will find her.” I hope. By the time, I reach the driver's seat, he quiet tears have turned into full-fledged sobs.

“Shh, baby. Everything is going to be okay.” I know this is bringing up memories of when her mother left her. I try to reassure her.

Once Victoria is semi-settled and in her booster seat, I drive her out to Gage’s house.

On the way, I call Gage to let him know what's going on. He answers on the first ring, but I hear a woman giggling.

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