Chapter 35. Afloat

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Chapter35. Afloat

March 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Where are you?

Message:

Destiny! Where the hell are you?! How could you just leave?! *Inhales.

*Inhales some more.

*Inhales until I figure out what's going on, mother father! FREAKING INHALE!

Okay, I'm calm enough! I think. Here's another shot.

Destiny Jones,

I am emailing you in desperate hopes, super-duper desperate hopes that you're going to receive this, read it, and come home to us. Please!

I mean, where are you?! What happened?! You just disappeared on us and ditched your phone. We couldn't contact it.

After seeing you at the school fair, I thought things couldn't get worse, but it did. Everyone was so nervous after Papa Jones went to the police station. We had dogs, flashlights, pitchforks. Okay, not the pitchforks, but we searched for you. And then after a week, the motorcycle was gone. Boy and Girl were on the ground next to the covers. We knew it was you.

Destiny. . . Come home. I beg you. Whatever this is, whatever has happened, you know I got your back. Ester too.

Oh shit, the police are here! Will email you later. Email me back. -Spencer.

March 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Worried

Message:

Destiny Scarlet Jones,

Don't make me say your full name again. Ever.

Gosh, this is so unlike me, you. . . You non-reader!

Sigh, Destiny, are you pulling a mystery thriller on us? Is that it? Or perhaps this is some paranormal story where you'll return after days, pale, bitten, a vampire. Because I sure as the Dickens will not treat this like a whodunnit. I refuse to think that you're. . . That somehow. . .

Anyway, like my blabbermouth of a brother must have already emailed, the police are investigating your disappearance. I'm going to cooperate as much as possible and ask the whole literary club to join in. In the meantime, don't worry about me, or Spencer, or. . . or anyone right now but you, okay? Come home to us.

March 2010

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

March 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Theories

Message:

Okay, so it's been technically 2 weeks since you were abducted. By aliens, I presume. I get it now.

My theory is on the last day that I saw you in the school fair, you went to the ruins, like you always did. Then boom! Abduction.

So, we searched for you, right? Because we care like that. We're awesome. But then the aliens, after putting this mind-control thingy in your head, decided to let you go to destroy us all. Mind-freaking-blown!

To be honest, I think you're somewhere in California infiltrating the world of Hollywood. They love this alien shit like we see in the movies. It would be so easy for you to control those tycoons.

I'm coming up with even more theories while the police continue their investigation. They say they're tracking where the motorcycle went. Personally, I hope you don't get caught before you get a license, or you know, you get your ass back here. -Spencer.

March 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Investigation

Message:

Destiny, it's been 3 weeks. I know I told you not to worry about us, but everyone is really upset. As a matter of fact, Spencer is behind me right now, looking over my shoulder, and trying to COME HOME, ALIEN! COME HOME, ALIEN! COME HOME, ALIEN!

Sorry about that! Spencer is such a douche sometimes. I'll try to edit it when he's not hovering behind me.

Anyhow, with regards to the investigation, the police have made a new light on where you went. I know you intentionally left the motorcycle downtown, somebody even claimed they saw you. But even if you're not making a U-turn for Bear Creek, at least the police are on your trail.

Whatever conundrum is bothering you now, they will help. We will help. We love you, don't forget that. COME HOME, ALIEN! COME HOME, ALIEN! COME HOME, ALIEN!

March 2010

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

May 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Charges

Message:

Greetings, Destiny. It's me again, Ester. How's it going on your side of the world?

Since you're probably not going to answer, let me tell you what's happening in ours. Maybe it will help you reconsider.

Well firstly, the charges against Mr. Jones have been dropped. There were testimonies from almost half of Bear Creek, pledging not only his innocence, but shows full records of where he gets his timber. I know. I know. You must be clapping. But there's more.

Yesterday, Spencer's arsonist case was dismissed too. Aside from the soap boxes that he would send Mac, there wasn't much evidence that he purposefully went to the house and set it on fire. He was also with his football team when it happened, so he's all in the clear.

I may need to pause the email from here. I'm in the school library right now, and the principal is calling me to the office for a sit-down regarding the cheating incident. I know things will get better soon. Don't give up.

May 2010

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

June 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Scholarship

Message:

Hey, Des. It's me, your boy, Spencer.

First thing's first. Guess who got a scholarship to the state's biggest university? That's right. Me!

Disclaimer: Ester, the pansy-assed twin, also got one too but not for football. End of disclaimer.

Doesn't this news make you want to come home? Doesn't it make you so glad for us you're going to rush into Bear Creek tonight and celebrate? Because we need you to, Des. It's not quite the same without you.

Damn it! There's something on my eyes. Must be those pesky things you get when you're emotional, you know?

. . .

Don't mind me. I'm just getting old. Anyway, email you later, okay? The boys really want to go for drinks, and even if I literally do not want to leave the house, the folks are telling me to join them. -Spencer.

June 2, 2010

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

June 3, 2010

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

June 12, 2010

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

July 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Talk

Message:

Destiny, your birthday has passed. I think it's time we talk about Ge—

The message was moved to the Trash.

July 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Helping Hand

Message:

Hey, Destiny. This should be the part where I tell you that something awesome has happened- like the police have made more progress in trailing your whereabouts. But I can't. There's nothing. Instead, I'm going to tell you about the month of July.

Hmm. July. You know how summers in Bear Creek are; humid, sweaty, uneventful. But as it was, Spencer and I have been busy. We've been helping our parents more and more in the junk shop before we go to college.

How about you, though? What are you up to this July? Funny thing is, I still expect you to walk down the street, wave at me and Spencer, and lounge in the backyard like old times. Wouldn't that be magnificent? Wouldn't that be a happy story? Hoping to hear back from you.

July 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Gossip

Message:

Guess what I found out?! Just guess!

Okay, you ready?

Drum rolls please! Ba-dum!

They're filthy rich!

I know, right? And I also know you're raising your eyebrows wondering who the hell I'm talking about. Your ex-clubmates, that's who.

I don't really know what their names are other than something like a potato or whatever. But the thing is, they're really rich. Might be Morgan rich too.

The local paper that only people like Ester follows printed an awesome news yesterday. I think the Potatoes told their parents that they'll be working for Papa Jones' woodshop instead of taking on their own businesses. The moguls were so upset. Ha!

Did you know about this before, Des? I mean, no judgement here. I'm just curious. Anyhow, this would be great for Papa Jones. Maybe having enough people our age working on the woodshop would make him miss you less, not that I'm guilt tripping you. -Spencer.

August 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Moving out

Message:

This is it, Destiny. The day has finally come when Spence and I need to move out of the house. As of the moment, I'm locked in my room, giving the rest of them space to say goodbye. I thought it would be a good opportunity to type this message too. It feels like we'll be busier once we're in the city.

So, what's up with you, huh? Enjoying your freedom? Reaching your eighteenth birthday made you an adult, and as an adult, you are legally allowed not to come home anymore.

Why though? Why just leave us like that with no warnings whatsoever? I wish I knew.

August 2010

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Moving out

Message:

Oi, Destiny! Ester is downstairs now, saying goodbye to the folks. I've done it earlier, no biggie. It's not like I'm crying. I'm really not.

Uhh, so. . . Yeah, we're leaving in a while. The car is crammed with our things. Can you believe that I even packed the candle we used when we were ten to swear an oath? Or were we eleven then? I forgot.

But I didn't forget something though- Papa Jones. I visited him yesterday to say goodbye. We talked man to man, you know?

One more thing.

Destiny. . . If it's me, if it's what I did before that made you leave, then please just tell me. I've been guilty all this time. I don't think I can ever move past it.

By the way, Ester is knocking on my door. It's time to go. -Spencer

August 2010

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

December 2011

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Merry Christmas

Message:

Oh, my gosh! Time sure does fly! But I'm getting ahead of myself here, Destiny. Let me greet you a Merry Christmas first, so Merry Christmas!

Now that the formalities are out of the way, I'm here to tell you that Spencer and I came home for the holidays. Splendid, isn't it? Also, in the spirit of Christmas, we both got you and Mr. Jones a gift.

I'm not telling you anytime soon what yours is, but we figured your dad could use a new coat. In fact, after typing this, we're heading straight to your house to give it to him.

December 2011

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Presents

Message:

We got you a scarf! There, I said it. And you have to promise under penalty of death that Ester will not know that you know, or that I told you so. Crap, she's going to see me typing on my phone. Bye! -Spencer

December 2011

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

September 2012

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Closure

Message:

Hi, Destiny, it's 2:05 in the morning. Definitely not a good time to email someone who hasn't responded for years. But I feel like I need to tell you this. It's about Spencer.

Now before you think he's doing drugs or have accidentally killed someone, just stop. He didn't, but he's crying. Well he'd been crying before I put him to bed. He's such a baby.

At any rate, you will probably laugh when you find out that this is all because of a girl. But before you find it funny, let me explain first. You see, the girl kind of looks like you. I thought Spence was in love with her. I really did. But then he came home tonight after apparently having just slept with her, and said he couldn't forgive himself because he was still in love with you.

I know it's none of your business, Des. Heck, my brother is too emotional for his own good sometimes. But somehow, I know why he can't move on. I don't blame you. I swear I don't. I just wish you could have given us closure in one way or another.

November 2012

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

June 2014

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Birthday

Message:

Hey, Des. It feels like ages since I've emailed you. Anyway, it's your 22nd birthday. I wish wherever you are, whatever you do, you're happy.

Catch you later, squirt. -Spencer

August 2015

To: [email protected]

The message was moved to the Trash.

October 2016

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: News

Message:

Destiny, are you for real right now?! We saw you on the news.

Years of not telling us where you went or what happened, and then the camera focuses on your face. I can't believe this! Jesus! I'm calling your father to ask if he's heard.

October 2016

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: You're crazy

Message:

1je90ej29eju@8=*!

That's how you made me feel when your face popped up on the news. What's the big deal?!

Okay, Ester just left the living room. We're back in Bear Creek you know, trying to help our parents before we focus on other things. And then you hit us like that out of nowhere. It's crazy.

Please, please, Destiny. Just call us this once! What happened to you?! -Spencer

October 2016

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Urgent

Message:

Destiny. . .

"The message was moved to the Trash," I murmured before shutting the laptop. Enough with the drama. That was Spencer's thing, not mine.

Stretching my arms, I stood from the leather chair with every intent to leave the office. There was a bit of time left before evening comes. And the pink-blue sky was like a clock telling me to hurry.

I took one glance back upon reaching the door. Having an apartment in this building was nothing but a dream, a wish for people like me who used to have nothing. But I needed to abandon it for now. Sometimes dreams had to be traded for nightmares in order to wake up.

The guard stationed at the parking lot made a small wave when he saw me. I waved right back, then continued to the space where I usually leave my toys.

"Going on a vacation, Miss Jones?" the guard called out.

I swung my leg over the Harley and started the engine. "Going home," I said.

The bike roared as I sped away.

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