(Derek's Point of View)
Derek woke to the sound of loud voices. He could have sworn he heard a stifled scream. In an instant he was out of bed.
"Simon, get up."
Derek pulled on sweats, and bounded down the stairs, making more noise than he'd meant to.
I don't hear anything, Derek thought, beginning to second guess himself.
Derek heard Simon pounding down the stairs behind him.
Why'd I wake him up? Dammit. If something's wrong he'll…
Derek stopped mid-thought. Instead of seeing intruders, he saw Andrew kneeling beside a broken vase.
That's what you freaked about? You idiot.
Andrew glanced up and saw Derek standing there, Simon rushing down after him.
"I just heard…" Derek trailed off. They didn't have to know he'd misinterpreted a breaking vase for a scream. "Something break…I…."
"Yeah, I'm sorry I woke you up like this." Andrew stood and cracked his back. "I accidently knocked this over on my way to the kitchen."
"You need help?" Simon asked, already picking up the trash bag filled with ceramic. Derek couldn't move. How could he have been so stupid?
What if I'd panicked? What if…?
"Are you ok Derek?" Andrew asked with unnatural concern.
"I'm fine."
Derek shook his head and headed back up to his room.
Derek came out of his room late afternoon. He'd stayed upstairs despite his hunger because he just felt too…stupid.
When Derek entered the living room, he took stock of the situation. Tori was on the couch. He could see Simon in the backyard kicking a ball with Andrew. Chloe was nowhere to be seen.
"What?" Tori spat. Derek realized he'd just been standing there.
"Where's Chloe?"
Tori's tone changed to one of…defense? Derek didn't know why she'd defending Chloe, but that's what it sounded like.
"She's not at the lake. I haven't seen her all day."
Derek narrowed his eyes.
How did she know about the lake?
Without another word, Derek raced upstairs. He knocked on Chloe's door.
"Chloe? Are you in there?" No answer. He tried again. Still none.
Derek opened the door and looked in, first with his eyes half closed, just in case, then they flew open.
The room was empty, just like Tori had said, and both beds were unmade.
