Chapter 4: Stray
White Lies
Disclaimer: I do not own PRDT. I never have, and never will. The events in the story are based on "The Missing Bone", whatever happens after that may or may not be parallel to the actual storyline.
Author's Note: The story will be mostly Conner/Kira/Trent and will be written as a compilation of POVs.
Cassidy
"...And just ahead here is the Triceratops, from the Cretaceous period. Strictly herbivore. Hunted by the Tyrannosaurus Rex," drones Dr. Mercer. But all I hear is "blah blah, herbivore, blah blah". Cool, some dinosaurs want to be vegetarian, like me. They gotta keep off the carbs, or they'll grow sideways.
I eye the miniature T-rex skeleton replica on display. Too bad for the T-rex. I guess that's one sign that you're too much of a picky eater.
Conner places a hand on Ethan's shoulder, then adds, "Gotta love the T-rex."
"Whatever, bro."
Hm... isn't Kira usually hanging around those two? Where is she? I scan the class for signs of the wannabe-singer. Nothing. As I turn to admire the rest of the dinosaur displays, I spot Kira straying from the class, heading towards a dark corridor. I strut behind her, noticing her peering curiously down the corridor.
"Hey, where are you going?"
Kira turns to look at me, with a stunned look on her face. Strange, her face seems paler than usual.
"Uh... to the bathroom?" she replies uncertainly. Liar. Fine, if you want to play it that way...
"Oh, great! Me too. Cos my lipgloss is totally wearing off."
"Look, Cassidy. Just stay here, okay? You're just going to get us both in trouble-"
Hm? There's nothing wrong with going to the bathroom, unless Kira's up to something. Theft, perhaps? Well, well. It looks like there's more to this goody-two-shoes than I thought.
"Whatever. I'm going to the little girl's room and you can do whatever you want," I say defiantly, rolling my eyes as I swivel to walk away. I'd better inform Dr. Mercer about this.
As I sashay boldly towards the main hall, a deep familiar voice booms behind me. "Miss Cornell," he announces. Speak of the devil.
I turn around.
"Come join us. We wouldn't want you to miss any of the exciting artifacts," Dr. Mercer says monotonously, in the same old boring tone he uses in class, almost as if he had been rehearsing that line for days.
"But what about-" I glance at the spot where Kira stood moments before. She's gone.
"-Come along now," Dr. Mercer urges, herding me towards the main hall. For some reason, Dr. Mercer seems intent on keeping me away from the corridor.
The moment I rejoin the herd, Dr. Mercer resumes his position in front of the group, looking assured that no one else is missing. Apparently, he missed Kira. She keeps such a low profile that practically most of her classmates and teachers don't know she exists, besides Dr. Oliver and the jock-geek duo. That's it! Conner and Ethan will probably know where she went.
I hurry to the middle of the group and tap Conner on the back. He turns to notice me, and a quizzical expression forms on his face.
"What's up, Cassidy?" Ethan greets, but he looks as confused as Conner.
"I saw Kira going off on her own. And it wasn't to the bathroom. Where did she go?"
"I have no idea. I thought she was behind us," Conner replies, his voice growing lower and softer. He glances at Ethan for a response, and Ethan nods in agreement. Conner's forehead has become creased. My throat feels dry now.
But Conner's face lightens up as he reassures, "You're probably worrying too much. Perhaps she went to the restroom after all."
"Yeah. Perhaps you're right," I say at last, deciding to drop the subject and return to my position in line. Time to powder my face to cover up those worry lines.
At the corner of my pocket mirror, I notice Conner and Ethan trailing the back the class, speaking in hushed tones. Finally, just when they think no one is looking, they slip away from the group, silently disappearing down the hallway.
TO BE CONTINUED...
