Rain, cries, and flowers. That’s all that was around Alex and everyone else.
The Browns’ cried, she stood by Andrew, Jeremy, and Isabel. Katie was nowhere to be found. Part of the basketball team was there, and everyone wore black. That’s how it always was, now another month added to her list that will hit differently from here on out. May, October, and now September.
His mom stepped onto the podium, Alex didn’t know what she was saying, but she held onto Andrew’s hand for moral support at least. Soon it was going to be their turn, and of course Alex was first.
She stepped up to the podium, the rain or maybe tears running down her face.
“Er… Yes, I’m Alexandra Thomas, and I was one of Lucas’ best friends.” She said, looking over at his coffin, a dark wood, sixteen by ten inches, she had to pick it out since his parents were too heartbroken to do it. “Lucas was kind, easy going, and funny. But could be childish at times. Not more than Jeremy though.” A few laughs came from the crowd. “But he was a good kid, but he was young. And it wasn’t his fault, he just couldn't keep going.” She said, his words replaying in her mind for the first time in three days, the look on his face, his lifeless eyes reflecting off one of the gravestones.
“A-and… Uhm, he was brave, and smart too. Would always do the right thing no matter what.” She stammered, it wasn’t a good sign.
“A…And he…” And she broke out in tears. Her heart started to hurt, the same feeling she had, that night. A feeling no one should ever suffer, or even experience. The feeling you feel when you feel that the world is caving in, the feeling of loneliness, and loss of oxygen.She felt as lifeless as Lucas’ eyes right now, she stepped off the podium, eyes fell on her, whispers followed her all the way to where she stood again next to Andrew.
“It’s OK, Alex.” He said, holding her hand giving it an encouraging squeeze. She smiled weakly. The rain poured harder, at least the rain could understand her.
There was something different about the rain, the way it fell on her face, the breeze picking up. It all felt like a natural hug.
She sniffed back tears, and Andrew gave her a warm hug. His body heat radiating into hers. She smiled.
“Thank you.” Soon, Isabel went up and talked, joking about how Lucas was a big baby all the time. Jeremy spoke, thanking the basketball team for being there. He said Lucas was a great player and now, their team was doomed without him.
Pastor Daniel started talking, a slide show was presented in honor of Lucas, most of the pictures were with his family, and the six of them. His smile engraving into her mind.
After that Alex, along with the Songs, Torreses, Tais, and her own family went over to the Browns’.
“Hello. Thank you for coming.” Jonathan Brown said, Alex smiled as the others entered behind her. Their house seemed the exact same, Brownie greeted them. She looked down to see a chocolate colored pomeranian wagging his tail. “Hey, Brownie.” Alex said, scratching his head. Brownie licked her fingers and went on to the next person.
“Good Afternoon, Susana.” Alex said, giving Lucas’ mom a hug. In their household they didn’t care if they called them by their first name; it was just a universal thing, they said.
“Hello darling, and great job today. I know how you feel, you’re not alone.” Susana said, and Alex nodded. Lucas’ little brother came running from down the hallway.
“Hey Alex!” He said, his eyes were puffy but his expression was light. He ran up to her and hugged her waist.
“Hi, Bryan.” She said, hugging him around the shoulders. All her life, Bryan had been attached to her like glue on paper. Bryan was in eighth grade which meant they weren’t that far in age, he snuggled his face into her shoulder, and looked at her. “Thanks for coming.” He said softly, and Alex smiled.
“Sure thing, Bryan.” He let go of her, and he went to greet the others.
“Uh, Susana. Can I go to Lucas’ room for a minute.?” She said, already heading down the hallway. Susana just nodded. Alex opened the door, smelling the familiar scent of cologne and… and weed?
“Oh, what.. What is that?” She said, pulling her cardigan sleeve over her nose. “Andrew!” She called out, and he came in having the same reaction.
“What the hell? What in the-” He turned around and went to Lucas’ night stand. And opened the drawer revealing a bag of weed, next to a phone.
“What is that?” He said, grabbing the phone and turning it on.
“A spare phone.” Alex said, grabbing it from him.
“How do you do this shit?” She said, scrolling at least three times to the right on the screen to go to messages. Only three contacts were saved.
DW
AD
RH
“I actually don’t know. I mean she’s sweet and kind.” Not to mention a weird feeling enters the air when I’m around her. But Alex didn’t let that slip.
“You sure that’s all? I think you’re hiding something else. C’mon you can tell me.” He said covering his nose with his hand to block out the smell. Alex sighed.
“Haven’t you noticed something about Ms. Romanova? I mean every time she passes by me the air around me just gets heavier, and I feel like I’m being crushed.” She said, sweat prickling at her palms. She coughed a bit, the smell was getting stronger each passing second. She bringed up her sleeve again to her mouth, “And I know it isn’t just me because Isabel felt it too, she told me.” Alex said, walking over to the smell. “God, why is it so strong?” She opened the cabinet, just to find about three more bags, next to a plastic bag with papers, and notes.
She took the plastic bag, and opened it.
“Notes?” Andrew said, standing behind her looking over her shoulder.
“Notes.” Alex said, and reached her hand inside to take one out. A green sticky-note, crumbled but still easy to see.
“David W. West High St. eight to nine, number fourteen?” Alex said, reading the letters that were written in red marker.
“Who’s David?” She asked, and Andrew took the note from her.
“Oh I know who David is, he was one of Elijah’s friends. And he was close with Alice.” He said, re-reading the note.
“This is where he lives. I think he still lives with his parents or something.” He said, and Alex snickered. How could anyone still live with their parents at twenty-six years old. Oh wait, her brother Max still lived with them, or well he started to live with them just days ago. But that didn’t matter right now. All that mattered was this, and why did Lucas write David’s address.
“Eight to Nine… Eight to Nine… Eight to Nine PM.” She said, from here to West High St. was about a fifteen minute drive, and approximately twenty minute walk. But of course he wouldn’t have been able to go in his car, at that time since his car always made a weird screeching noise when the engine turned on. So he would’ve had to walk there. But soon something else caught Alex’s eye, something scribbled out. She squinted, and re-adjusted her sleeve so she wouldn’t suffocate herself.
She handed the note back to Andrew.
“Monday.” Andrew said, and that’s when it clicked. Alex knew Lucas was smart. But she knew Lucas would never do something like this. But the only time of the entire week he would have been able to go was on Monday, of last week. The car crash happened on Thursday. And on Monday from last week Lucas’ parents were out of town, with Bryan. So Lucas was home alone. Which allowed him to go out anytime. And so his parents wouldn’t find out he would have had to turn off his location.
“He went to David’s house last Monday, Sussana, Jonathan, and Bryan were out of town. So that allowed him to go.” Alex said, taking her phone out and taking a picture at the note.
“I’ll go home, and record an entry for this. And possibly go to his house later. Just know we’re working together whether you like it or not.” She said, putting her phone inside her cardigan pocket. Andrew chuckled.
“I never said I didn’t like it. Working with you is always fun.” He said, giving Alex’s arm a light push.
“Now let’s get out of here before we die, in a weed infested room.” Andrew said already halfway to the door. Alex smiled, and tucked in the note in the pocket her phone was in. The moment she stepped out the door, her nose was free. She closed the door behind them, and took in a deep breath.
“Gosh, it feels like I’m walking into a paradise now.” She said, and Andrew nodded in agreement.
As the day went on, all the families talked about how kind Lucas was, and how sweet and out of trouble he was. And sure that was true but now Alex saw it differently Lucas had been kind. But he might have also been an addict. But for now she had to lie to keep the peace, and to let his parents mourn a bit more. But soon the truth will be known, all she has to do is wait.
She thought back to the note she had found that day, at the campsite.
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‘Be careful… Or you might end up like them… Each passing second you will get closer to the truth.. But the truth is something you don’t want to know Alexandra.’
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What did it mean? Getting closer to the truth? She thought that maybe, the person ment ending up like Alice, and Elijah. Dead, and almost forgotten. She really didn’t care if everyone forgets anyway. But if she did end up dead like them, she only knew three people who knew who would look for her no matter the costs. Andrew is a start, if Katie didn’t want her in her life, Andrew did. Second, Isabel hated everyone except for those who were there for her. Just like Alex. Lastly, Jeremy. Why was he last? Alex and Jeremy weren’t that close, but he cared for her. And she knew that if he went missing and died, she would go out of her way and look for him.
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9/23/10
4:44 PM
Project entry #3
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I finally came back from the Browns’ and I can’t believe what I found. Lucas is dead, long gone. But what he left behind is unbelievable. Lucas wasn’t the type to do drugs. He wasn’t the type for any of that stuff. But he clearly was.
Four bags in total. One in his night stand, and three more in his dresser (cabinet) whatever you want to call it.
We found a plastic bag with notes.
And a spare phone (Iphone 3.)
The note had a message written in red marker.
‘David W. 8-9 West High St. #14 (Mon.)’ Me, and Andrew decided that Monday was the Monday from last week. Since Lucas’ parents were out along with Bryan. (Lucas’ little brother who is in eighth grade.)
So this means that he had the advantage to go out wherever he needed to go. Most likely David’s house. According to Andrew he was one of Elijah’s friends. And was close to Alice. Well that’s interesting.
Back to the note I found that day at the campsite.
Someone knows who I am and it isn’t a joke. I wonder what they meant by ending up like them.
That I was closer to the truth each passing second. But I didn't want to know the truth. Well too bad too sad. I do.
In a few minutes I’m going to David’s house with Andrew. This is going to be fun. I’ll update it once I get back. For now, I just need to be careful.
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So with that Alex got up and closed her laptop, as she started getting ready.
“Where are you up to now?” Max said, as Alex went down the stairs.
“On a walk. I’ll be back by seven or eight.” She said, as she went out the front door and closed it behind her. It was now or never she thought. Each passing second was valuable. Time was precious, now more than ever.
She drove up St. Louis street to Andrew’s house, fortunately he was already outside. They headed up to West High street.. And Andrew looked around for house number fourteen.
“There, in the corner. Turn, and it’s the house on the left.” He said, and Alex nodded.
She turned the car around the corner, and parked in front of a two floor house. The outside was covered with lights. And she guessed they were home. Since the lights were on, muffled laughter came from inside.
“Come on. We have someone to interview.” She said, and Andrew got out of the car right after she said that.
They walked up to the front door. A black cat came out of the shadows and meowed at them.
Alex looked for the doorbell. And Andrew sighed.
“Here.” He said pressing the white button. A chime came out, just the regular ding dong.
“Coming.” Said a high pitched voice from inside.
“Hello.” Alex said to the woman who now stood in front of them. The woman smiled.
“Hello darling. Do you need something?” She said, now fully opening the door. The woman was white, green eyes, blonde hair, she was wearing a green floral dress. She smiled.
“Yes. I’m Alexandra Thomas, this is Andrew Song. And I was wondering if maybe we could come in and have a little… Talk with your son, David.” Alex said, hoping that would convince her.
“Oh sure, of course. Come in, come in. I’m Julianna by the way. Julianna William.” She said, still with that wide grin. Alex smiled.
But the moment Julianna laid eyes on Andrew, her eyes went from polite to straight on nice.
“Andrew, is that you? Oh it’s been so long. You’re all grown now.” She said, giving him a tight hug. Andrew smiled awkwardly, and nodded.
“Well enough of that. David is just up the stairs, in the same room as always.” Before she could even finish her sentence, Alex was already half way up. Andrew followed her, trying to deny dinner to Julianna nicely.
“David?” Alex said, knocking on his door. “David…” She said once again. There was no response. Soon a weird noise came from inside his room.
“I’m going to count to three… One, two, three-” Before she knew it, he was in front of her. His hair all messy, he was panting heavily. His lips were swollen.
“Uh, did I interrupt something?” She said,she blinked, taking in the state he was in.
“No… No you didn’t. I uh- Who are you?” He said, his hazel eyes looking down at her. His blondish hair falling over his eyes slightly. How was this man only twenty-six years old? He looked as if he was in his senior year again.
“OK. Anyway, you’re David William, correct.” She said, and watched as he nodded.
“Good, I’m Alexandra Thomas and-” David cut her off before she could finish.
“And, Andrew.” He said, as he looked at Andrew. “Damn, you’re tall now man.” He said, patting Andrew’s shoulder. Andrew smiled nervously.
“Yeah, I’m eighteen in a few days.” He said, looking over at Alex, who was now sitting on David’s desk chair. As David and Andrew walked in, Alex already had her phone out ready to record.
“So David… I’m aware that you knew who Elijah, and Alice were.” She said David looked over at her.
“Yes, I did, so what?” He said, in a rude tone. Gosh who did he think he was.
“By any chance… Do you know who Lucas Brown was.” And that’s where everything started to happen. David tensed. He looked worried, and scared.
“Ye- I mean,” he cleared his throat. “No. I don’t know who you’re talking about at all.” Alex rolled her eyes and pressed record.
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Interview with David William:
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Alex: So David tell me. Do you know who Lucas was, or no it’s a simple yes or no. Do you?
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David: I said, I don’t. No is no.
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Alex: Just tell the truth.
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David: I am telling the truth. You’re just another kid who is too interested in other people's lives. Just stick to school, and whatever other crap you need to focus on.
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Alex: You’re being too defensive. Just tell the truth.
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David: I told the truth.
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Alex: Then explain why we found a note in Lucas’ room, stating that Lucas came here, from eight to nine, last Monday.
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David: What- He was never here… I swear he was-
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Andrew: Just answer the question.
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Alex: Just answer it. Do you, or do you not know who Lucas was?
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David: I said no.
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[Inaudible……………………………………………………………]
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Alex stopped recording, and stood up.
“Just answer the damn question with the truth.” She said sternly, David laughed a joyless laugh.
“You’re playing with fire kid.” He said, stepping closer to Alex. His eyes burning into hers.
She tried to speak but nothing came out, not a single word.
“Someone’s quiet now huh?” David said, looking down at Alex. He grabbed her arms.
“This is my last time asking nicely, David. Do you know who Lucas was, and did you sell him drugs? Weed to be exact.” She said, trying to break free. David sighed.
“Fine I did. He was a pain in the ass. He tried hooking me up with some girl he knows too.” He said, letting go of Alex’s arm. Alex looked at him, as if that would make him continue talking.
“What was the girls’ name?” She asked, hoping it wasn’t who she thought it was.
“It started with K… Katie something. Oh yeah, Katie Song…” His words drifted off, as he slowly looked at Andrew, soon a voice was heard from the closet.
“Shit not now.” He said, Alex turned in the direction. No it possibly couldn’t be. Before David could react she opened the closet door. Revealing, a bottomless Katie, with only her bra on.
Alex’s hand quickly covers her mouth, as she looks back at David.
“What the hell…” Alex said, Katie on the other hand was squirming in place.
“I… I can explain.” He said, but there was no explanation for this.
“Katie?” Andrew asked, his eyes wide as if he had seen a ghost or a monster. Andrew quickly looked away from his sister. Katie giggled, and said words that didn’t even sound like words, more like gibberish.
“She’s high. With… I don’t even know.” She said, grabbing one of the pills that were in Katie’s palm.
“What did you give her?” Alex asked examining the pill.
“Fents… Fentanyl, and a bit of snus, like two sacks or something…” He said, was this guy serious? Giving a sixteen year old drugs?
“David…” Katie whispered, in a high pitched whisper.
“Who’s your dealer?” Alex asked, David looked away.
“Uh I can’t say.” He replied.
“Yes you can.” She said, crushing the pill in her hand. The white powder falling onto the floor.
“Fine. Their name is.. Aaron- Nevermind” He said, closing the closet door.
“Forget it. At least now I know who you truly are. A drug-raping monster.” She said, as she started walking out of the door into the hallway. Andrew followed behind her. Julianna smiled at Alex but Alex didn’t even bother looking at her. They walked out into the night, she felt as if a whole weight had been taken off her shoulders.
“David Fucking William.” She said, as she got into the car.
“What a motherfu-” She paused.
“You know what? Nevermind.” She started the car, and placed her foot as hard as she could on the gas pedal. Andrew held onto the dashboard for dear life.
“Alexandra, calm down.” He yelled but was she listening? No. She wasn’t listening, all she needed now was to go home and write this down. The blood in her veins was nowhere to be felt. All of it was already dead, boiled up. Andrew had to grab her hand and steer the wheel when she almost crashed into a car. Alex pulled to the side of the road, and hit the steering wheel. She screams in annoyance.
“God!” She said, hitting the steering wheel again.
“Alex, look at me.” But she wasn’t looking; she was out of the car pacing back and forth. Andrew got out of the car and walked over to her, placing both hands on her arms. He turned her around and hugged her. Alex began to cry, as if that helped. It didn’t but it didn’t hurt to try. He cupped her face, and tilted it up so she was looking at him.
“It’s going to be OK, just look at me.” Andrew said, as he wiped tears from Alex’s face. She smiled faintly, trying to hold back tears. The breeze was cold against her face, crows kawed in the distance, and the pain in her heart now became a dark abyss in her stomach. Andrew held on tighter, in a comforting way anyone would want to be held.
“But it’s not going to be OK. It never will, not until I finish this project, until I find who really killed Alice, until I prove Elijah innocent. I can’t just sit around, and do nothing.” She said, her voice lowering to a whisper. She was trying her best to hit Andrew, trying to not push him away. She didn’t want to push him away, but she had to before she hurt him. And if she did end up hurting him, she didn’t know how she would be able to face him again. Everything was too heavy to take in right now, Alex feared that if she did take it in, she would fall six feet deep into the ground. The absent weight is now returning to her shoulders. She couldn’t bear it anymore.
“I have to go… We have to go.” She said, stepping away, and going back to the car. Her black minivan is almost invisible in the night. Nowhere to be seen. Andrew agreed, and they drove off to his house. Once she dropped him off she went to her house. She didn’t even bother to go to dinner, she just went up stairs and closed her door.
Now everything that was left was nothing. Just pain, confusion, and nothing.
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