Chapter 21
NPOV
It had begun.
Parents Weekend had begun.
My friends stared anxiously at me. I tried to smile, but it came out more of a grimace. Caitlyn put her arm around me.
"It'll be okay," she whispered in my ear. "I promise, you'll be just fine."
I couldn't help but shudder slightly. Caitlyn kissed my cheek and looked at the guys. "What do you think, guys?" she asked. "How are we going to, err, protect Nate?"
"You make me sound like some kind of president or something," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "What are you, Secret Service?"
Jason chuckled and Shane grinned. "Good point," he said. "But, seriously, anyone think we're overreacting? I think the fact that we're around will keep your step father and brother off of you."
"I hope so," I muttered dully.
"Nathan Black? Your family is here!" Brown called. My stomach lurched, and I slowly clambered to my feet to see Mom, Todd and Mike standing outside. Sighing, I walked outside. My mom ran forward and embraced me.
"Nate, honey, how are you?" she cooed. "You seem older! I've missed you!"
I hugged her back, happy to see her. "Hi, Mom," I murmured. She pulled back and studied me.
"Look at you, my little rock star," she gushed, taking me in. Then, her gaze shifted. "Are these your friends?"
I looked back to see Shane and Jason standing behind us, obviously watching Todd and Mike. I nodded.
"Yeah…that's Shane and Jason."
They smiled politely and shook hands with my over enthusiastic mother. "It's so nice to see Nate has made some friends!" she exclaimed. "Do you guys share a cabin?"
"Yeah," we replied.
"Wanna see it, Mom?" I asked, emphasizing the word "Mom" as in, only mom.
"Sure!" Mike replied. I was tempted to scowl at him, but Mom was already talking.
"That sounds nice, Nate," she smiled. "But I heard we're supposed to go with Brown now, for a little meeting. You and Mike go, okay?"
"Sounds perfect," Mike grabbed my arm. I tried to pull it free.
"No, no let's all go to the meeting," I stuttered. "I mean, it's all right…we can all go later."
"No, why don't you go?" Todd growled. "And maybe your friends should go find their parents. We'll meet you all there later."
"Oh, it's fine," Shane started. "I just-"
"No, really, go," Todd interrupted, glaring at Jason and Shane. Grimacing, I pressed my lips together and looked around. We were trapped. Caitlyn was nowhere to be found, and obviously, this wasn't getting us anywhere.
"Its fine, guys," I mumbled. "Just go…I'll see you later."
"But…"
"Just go," I repeated. I didn't want this getting any bigger than it already was. Mike grinned and pulled me away.
"My cabin is right over-"
"Oh, shut your mouth you ass," Mike snarled. "I don't know why you think you're so good now that you're at a stupid music camp but let me tell you, your gonna pay."
We were away from the group now. I whimpered. "M-Mike, I…"
"Shut up," Mike slammed me against a tree. I moaned. He laughed and threw me against it again.
"Stop it," I growled. "Why do you hate me?"
"Why can't you go die?" Mike countered. I struggled against his grasp and opened my mouth to scream…
His dirty hand clamped on my mouth and he sneered. "I wish I could kill you," he growled. "You're a pathetic, worthless little squirt."
He looked around and spotted the lake. A cruel smile formed on his face.
"Wanna go swimming?"
SPOV
"Shane, you sounded awesome," my mother murmured, running a hand through my hair. I nodded and looked around for Nate. I didn't see him anywhere…
"Thank you," I mumbled. My mom had immediately dragged me to the Guitar Cabin to show her what I'd learned. I'd left Jason talking with his parents, a serious expression on his face. I wondered when they were going to talk about his adoption.
"You seem distracted, sweetheart," my mother noticed. "Are you looking for someone? A girl, maybe?" She winked. I smiled but shook my head.
"No, I'm looking for my cabin mate…he was going to meet me somewhere, so I could introduce you…" I lied quickly. I spotted Jason suddenly, leading his parents and sister across the lawn towards us. By the shadow in his eyes, I was sure he'd mentioned what he'd found out. I waved and shot him a sympathetic look. He smiled and led his parents over.
Once the adults were mingling, Jason leaned over. "Any sign of Nate?" he whispered.
I shook my head. "No…am I the only one becoming seriously worried?"
Jason bit his lip. "No…should we go look for him?"
I looked nervously around, feeling like I was on pins and needles. "I don't know," I murmured. "How are we going to ditch the 'rents?"
Jason mumbled under his breath. "Here…" He raised his voice. "Mom, dad?"
They looked up. Jason continued.
"We've gotta go get some stuff read for our performance," Jason lied smoothly. "How about we meet you in the theater?"
"Sure," the man, Jason's father, agreed. "Let's do that."
"Great," I said. With that, we left the parents to find their way to the theater. Once out of sight, Jason and I broke into a jog.
"How are we going to find him?" I panted lightly. "Where could they've gone?"
"Nate was going to go to the cabin," Jason pointed out. "We'll start there."
We ran up the steps a minute later and burst open the door. "Nate?" I called. Jason peered into the bathroom. Nothing.
"Where…" I whispered when a scream cut through the air.
"Somebody! Somebody, help! Help!"
I whirled around to see Caitlyn, soaking wet, crouching on the shore of the lake. At her knees was…
"Nate!" I gasped in horror. "Oh my god…no…"
Caitlyn opened her mouth to scream again but I was already running.
Hey everyone!!! I updated...hooray!! Haha, I hope you liked it...
Two things: first of all, does anyone else think this story is too dramatic?? I'm starting to think so, and if you think so then I'll tone it down, I just want to hear your opinions!!!!
Second, I'm thinking I'll change the name...SO! Contest time! Submit your suggestion thru PM and if you win, you'll get mentioned in Final Jam! =D So, start thinking up a new title and hope to hear from you soon!
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