As soon as I arrived back home after being escorted by Caleb, I said my greetings to my Aunt and Uncle for the night before making my way to my bedroom to catch up on some much needed sleep

In the hallway of the house I bumped into Clay Jensen who was leaving out of Hannah's bedroom, he went red in the face from embarrassment that he had been caught by me when he left City Gym in a hurry. Hannah dipped her head and rest her forehead against his arm

'So what was the big emergency then Hannah that you needed Clay' I asked curiously

'Oh it was nothing important Slick' she stated

'Only Jess gets to call me that and besides Jess told me that you've always wanted to give someone a lovebite, I see you've been practicing well on Clay'

'Did she?' Hannah exclaimed, pulling out her phone from her sleeping shorts. 'That reminds me, I need to text her about tomorrow. Come on Helmet I'll show you out'

Hannah had practically shoved Clay down the corridor of the house to the front door, Clay said his goodbyes to the two older Bakers hurriedly before stepping out of the house and onto the landing with Hannah in the cool dark night.

She came back into the house a few moments later with her cheeks puffed red, Hannah had bite her lips seductively as she was typing a text message, I knew she was texting Clay as she had developed a habit of biting her lips when I've had asked her before in the past who she was on the phone too when we were watching a movie together.

'What' she asked kindly, with.a small smile on her face

'I've never seen you this happy before in my life' I exclaimed. 'You really love Clay don't you'

'I've never been so sure in my life about anything but the one thing I am sure of, no other guy will ever get the same amount of love I have for Helmet'

'He must be one lucky guy then'

'He sure is Mason' she replied. 'Night'

Hannah had dipped into her room for the night and closed her bedroom door quietly. I pushed open the door to mine and throw my bag onto the desk chair, dropping down onto the bed I pulled out my phone from my gym shorts and opened up some of the social media apps

I decided to look for Bobby Reid on Twitter then on Facebook with no luck or results with that name at all. Deciding to try Instagram with a few hashtags of Liberty High School I managed to find a few videos of that baseball match where it got heated between Bobby and Bryce and a small scuffle broke out

The small videos belonged to Sheri Holland and Mrs Lynn, they would be my first port of call tomorrow to know more about Bobby Reid and where he might be now…

My alarm clock buzzed loudly as usual at six o'clock in the morning much to my annoyance, changing into my running gear and placing a stop watch on my wrist. I quietly left the house trying not to wake up the others, I waited at the end of my street block for Clay to show up as he hadn't arrived yet

Five minutes later Clay showed up at the end of my block whilst we did our new signature handshake, we started our daily five mile run around the town as daybreak had dawned the sky with beautiful colours

Clay and I reached the outskirts of the town and I decided now would be a perfect moment to ask him about Bobby Reid. Dropping back in my running pace I matched Clay's speed, clearing my throat I gained Clay's attention as he was in his running zone

'Can I ask you something about your freshman year at Liberty?'

'Yeah ask away Mason' he stated. 'What's on your mind'

'Do you remember a person in your year group called Bobby Reid'

'Very vaguely why' he questioned

'It's something Justin said to me last night at City Gym and it's really got to me'

'Why were you meeting up with Justin Foley anyway? I thought you two hated each other guts'

'I don't hate him Clay I just don't like the guy' I stated. 'Besides he came in looking for me, Justin said I would be the next Bobby Reid. I don't understand what he meant by that'

'Bobby was just your typical jock at any high school, yes he was loud and charming but he was one of the good ones like Jeff'

Clay had told me about one of the jocks that he had befriended when he was assigned to be his tutor at the school as a student teach student programme they had set up. God knows how he feels whenever he thinks about Jeff, that memory from that night of being the first ones to find him in that car wreck must still haunt him

'The last time I saw him was on the baseball field when he went up to Bryce on home base, they had to be pulled apart from each other'

'Then what happened to him Clay'

'That's anyone's guess to be honest, Bobby was never to be seen again around Liberty High or in the state in fact'

'That leaves me with no choice but to ask Sheri and Mrs Lynn what they know about that day on the baseball field'

'If you are gonna be digging up all the dirt on Bobby Scooby Doo, then I suggest you pay a visit to Tyler Down as well' Clay exclaimed. 'He was a photographer that day and was down close by third base for pictures, you know how that famous saying goes don't you?'

'A picture is worth a thousand words' I replied back

'Bingo' he smiled weakly. 'You can find him in the dark room at Liberty, Tyler spends most of his time there during most days'

'Thanks for the inside knowledge Clay. Just keep this between us ok I don't want other people knowing what I'm trying to find out'

'My lips are sealed' he puffed, mimicking his mouth a zip and pulling the cord down the chain. 'That reminds me, have you got a suit for the winter formal that's coming up in a few weeks'

'The winter what?'

'It's this dance that happens every year at the start of the first friday in December'

'So it a bit of a tradition at the school' I asked

'Liberty High has had it every year since the school was first built way back in the nineteen twenties' he informed me. 'So are you gonna come to the dance?'

'I don't really have a date for the dance and I don't fancy third wheeling behind you and my little sister'

'What about Jess' he suggested

'What about her Clay' I questioned, raising a brow

'Ask her to the dance Mason, you've still got plenty of time if you want to do a grand gesture'

'I don't know about that. We'd only be causing a scene turning up to the dance together when we've been telling everyone we're not a thing'

'When did you start to care about what people think of you' he stated. 'It's not like you two did anything wrong to turn up together, you're both single and free remember'

'You really think I should just go for it and ask Jess to the dance then'

'Do it before you miss your chance Mason, that's all I'm saying'

I nodded my head and weighed up his advice on what I should do regarding Jess and the dance, why should I care what people think if I ask Jessica to be my date for it. Clay and I carried on with our early morning run and decided to head back for home once we had reached the top of the mountain road that overlooked the town, everything just seems to be so peaceful up here and I would love to show Jess this place someday…..

I don't know how they had managed it but Hannah and my Aunt Liv had persuaded me to tag along with them in going to the mall to buy Hannah a dress for the winter dance. I don't know how my advice would be any good to them as I no clue about dress shopping or what styles Hannah liked

We entered a few boutiques to find what Hannah was looking for but nothing really stood out for her that she might consider to try on. Aunt Liv went down an aisle on her own to see if she could find something for her daughter to wear to the dance

Hannah and I went to another section of the store to browse their selection, pulling out dresses from the rail to get her opinion, she was feeling flustered by all the colours and designs on choice

'What type of dress are you looking for Hannah'

'I want something special to surprise Helmet, this is our first dance together as a couple'

'So why have you dragged me here and not Clay'

'I don't want Helmet to see anything' she explained. 'I want it to be a nice surprise for him when he sees me in it'

'Clay wouldn't care if you turned up to the winter formal in just your usual black boots, green army jacket and your woolly hat. He would love you for being you, not what you wear Hannah'

'I know I'm just being paranoid about this dance, I just want it to go perfectly compared to last year nightmare show'

'And it will go perfectly Hannah, a whole lot has changed between last year and now. You got me, Jessica and Clay now by your side, life may not be perfect right now but it's whole lot better right'

Hannah nodded her head and wrapped her arms around me tightly, burying her face in the side of my chest. I looped my arms around my little sister and kissed the top of her head. Aunt Liv came back to us moments later with a few dresses in her arm and was concerned at what she saw before her

'Is everything ok here Hannah' Aunt Liv asked

'Everything is fine mom' Hannah assured her

'Just a little brother sister bonding that's all'

'Even tho you've been apart from us for years Mason, nothing has changed between the two of you'

Aunt Liv was in awe seeing how close her daughter and nephew were, people would often mistaken us for brother and sister back home in Nevada. Hannah had taken a couple of dresses out from her mother's arm and went over to the changing rooms

After much deliberation of the two dresses that Hannah and Aunt Liv loved we had decided to get the both of them for Hannah and it would be up to her what to wear when the big day came of the dance. Walking out of the store the two woman wanted to get some makeup and accessories from a store on the other side of the mall

'You sure you don't want to get a new suit now Babe since were here' Aunt Liv asked

'Clay has asked me to go suit shopping with him next week so I'll just get mine when I go with him'

'If you're sure babe'

She had told me to take her credit card when I decided to buy my suit for the dance, I thanked her and told my aunt she didn't have to do that for me but I was grateful at the offer nevertheless

Walking past the food court section of the mall I heard someone call out my name behind me, scanning the surrounding areas I found where the voice had come from. I said my goodbyes to my aunt and sister before walking over to the table where the voice had come from

Jessica was sitting at the table with Sheri Holland and Chloe Rice, a couple of the girls from the cheer squad. The three girls greeted me warmly as I sat down in the an empty quarter of the circular table, before I had the chance to speak Sheri and Chloe got up from the table and left the two of us alone

'Well that was weird Jess' I exclaimed. 'You sure you didn't plan this'

'Plan what' she smiled, raising a brow

'Calling me over and then your friends leaving as soon as I sit down'

'As if I would play silly childhood games' Jess proclaimed. 'Anyway I hadn't seen you in a while and I wanted to say hey'

'Well hey' I greeted, nodding my head and trying to play slick with her

Jessica just giggled at my usual attempt to play cool with her, no matter what smooth line I would come up with and pronounce it nothing would ever work on her. She was definitely by kryptonite

'So what are you doing here at the mall with Hannah and your aunt?'

'I was lured into coming here and helping Hannah find the perfect dress for the upcoming dance'

'Oh crap I forget' She gasped. 'That dance is only a few weeks away'

'There's still plenty of time to get something sorted by then Jess' remembering Clay's words from this morning run

'Easy for you boys to say, all you got to do is get a suit or a tux and slap on a bit of hair gel then you're ready. Us girls have got way loads of planning to do before the big night comes'

'From what you have told me I thought you weren't too bothered about going to the winter formal this year'

'I'm keeping my options open' Jessica stated. 'What's your sudden interest in the dance, you haven't brought it up before'

'I thought I'd see what the big fuss is about for myself' I informed her. 'Would you care to join me'

'Are you asking me to the dance?'

I wasn't sure if I should tell her that I am, in my head I pictured myself asking her at her home with a couple of roses in my hand and a sign with my intention on it. Now would be a good time as any instead second doubts creeping into my mind. 'Yes I am'

'Well I don't know what to say Slick'

'Don't say anything Jess' I stated. 'Will you be my date to the winter formal dance Jessica?'

'Yes I will Mason' she smiled happily

'That's amazing I'd thought you would say no'

'Like I said all options are open this year'

We started discussing plans for the upcoming dance if we should colour match our clothes for it or not, trying not to give the wrong impression that we were a couple. Things were a still bit early on that front to try and pursue Jessica after her break up with her ex-boyfriend only a few weeks ago

I asked Jessica how close she was to Sheri Holland and how well did she know the girl, she told me they had been the bestest of friends when Jessica joined the cheerleading squad at the start of the school year. She had also told me Sheri wasn't like the other girls on the team and was actually nice and a friendly face to talk to kind of person, I would have to test the theory out for myself tomorrow…

After finally managing to track Sheri down to the clubhouse during a free study period, I walked through the dense and overgrown greenland where the house of horrors stood. A very audible noise was coming from it when I reached closer to the building, a familiar sound this building was a little custom too; my mind dreading the worse what could be happening in there

I slightly pushed open the front door ajar so I could peak inside the place, the noise was what I thought it would be but the question was it consensual or a rape being committed in here.

Sheri Holland was naked from the waist down and was straddling someone's lap, I couldn't make out who was underneath her as their face was buried into Sheri's chest

'Keep going Justin' she moaned in pleasure. 'I think I'm going to cum'

'Oh fuck you're amazing Sheri'

I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing before my very eyes, a close friend of Jessica's whom she regarded quite highly as a best friend was sleeping with her ex-boyfriend. Feeling like a creep just stood behind the door watching them I made my presence known to the pair

Closing the door with a loud thud it startled the life out of Justin and Sheri, they both had gotten off each other and started to reassemble some of their clothing. Justin pulled up his jean pants and grabbed his bag off the floor besides the couch, quickly saying goodbye to Sheri before awkwardly leaving past me without looking at me in the eye

'It's not what you think Mason' Sheri tried to explain

'You don't have too explain yourself to me Sheri, it's not my business who you decide to fuck'

'I know but nothing can get out what happened between me and Justin ok, it has to stay amongst us three' She exclaimed. 'I know how close you are to Jessica and how your practically besties'

'My lips are sealed Sheri and what benefit do I get out of telling Jess who's Justin is screwing, they are over each other'

'Yeah you'd think so'

Sheri had finished cleaning herself up and pulled back up her panties along with her jeans that had been descared to the floor. She had turned on the couch and faced me as I walked near to her and sat down in a reclining chair

'What are you even doing here Mason?' she enquired

'Club members are free to come here anytime they choose too'

'But this is the time of day that Justin and I sneak here to be alone' She explained. 'How would you know to find me here right now'

'That's doesn't really matter Sheri' I sighed deeply, silently thanking Vincent for that inside piece of news. 'I need to ask you about some things that are really important'

'Ok what kind of things?' Sheri questioned, raising a brow

'Something happened on our baseball field a couple of years back and you managed to capture something on video'

'I don't know which baseball game you're on about Mason. I've attended them all as a cheerleader or as a spectator so you're gonna have to be more specific'

'The game where Bobby Reid was last seen on that baseball field'

'I'm sorry Mason I can't really tell you much about that game'

'You can't tell me or you won't tell me or is it that you don't remember that game at all' I questioned

'If Bryce or Monty knew that I've said something to you then this is the last time you'll be seeing me around'

'Is it that serious Sheri what they have done to him' I asked. 'I won't say anything to them to make them think you've talked to me about Bobby. You got to trust me on that'

'I'll tell you what I know Mason but only on one condition' she instructed. 'Just promise nothing will happen to me, I fear for my life already as it is before you started stirring things up with the jocks'

'I promise Sheri' I assured her 'Nothing will happen to you, whatever you decide to tell me will stay between us'

'Liberty and Hillcrest were fighting it out for the baseball title on the final day of the season, both teams were level on runs going into the last innings. We had managed to get Hillcrest all out level on runs and we started our last innings when it all kicked off'

'Then what happened Sheri?'

'Bryce was on plate and ready to bat, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary so far. Then Bobby comes out of nowhere with a baseball bat in his hands ready to swing at Bryce, things got heated and everyone struggled to keep them apart as both teams broke out into a fight soon after'

'Jesus what else happened after that'

'Coach Patrick got involved and dragged Bobby away from the field and back into the school, the referee called a break in the game for an hour and for both teams to be separated. Bobby Reid was never to be seen after that again'

'And you have no idea where he is?'

'Even if I did know where he was I wouldn't tell anyone where to find him no matter how much I trusted them'

'Was something going on between the two of you' i exclaimed, raising a brow

'We did go out for a little while before breaking things off and staying as close friends, if I phone his number it's just a discontinued line now so I can't even get in contact with him let alone know if he's alive'

I nodded my head and understood her worries about a close friend to her, if anything was to happen to any of my close family or friends and they went suddenly missing I would be calling their number in hope everyday that they would pick up my call

'Thanks for tell what you know Sheri when you could have told me nothing at all, I appreciate all your help'

'If you ever find him again Mason will you get him to get back in contact with me'

'Will do'

I got up from the couch and left Sheri alone to get herself sorted out and clean up her appearance like nothing had happened in here. Making my way back to the library I stayed in there for the rest of free period to finish off some papers I was writing for a couple of my classes…

The school day had been done and the halls were quieting down with kids leaving for the nearest exit possible, some had gone to their lockers to grab books or leave some personal belongings behind. I had grabbed my books that I would need tonight for my papers and then met up with Clay and Hannah outside of their lockers

'You still coming over tonight Helmet?' Hannah enquired

'Yeah I am Babe I just need to finish off a few assignments at home'

'Babe?' I questioned. 'I've never heard you call Hannah that before'

'Well there's a lot you don't know about our relationship'

Clay wrapped an arm around his girlfriend and we started to make our way down the hall to meet Jessica at her class as she hadn't come out yet. Bryce and a few of his jocks pals lingered in the hallway on the opposite wall as we came past, making snarky comments about anyone who would come past their sight of view

'Here comes Hannah big butt with her scrawny ass boyfriend' Monty remarked cruelly. 'With a body like that she needs a real man to fuck her good'

'You don't know what I would give to fuck her again that's a pussy to die for' Bryce smirked, licking his lips

The group of athletic jocks kept a small laughter amongst themselves as we came past, Hannah wrapped her arm around her boyfriend's waist and whispered into Clay's ear to calm him down and not to react to Bryce's cruel comments, without even realising it I had clenched my right hand fist and Hannah had noticed the sudden movement of my hand, she had dropped her hand and enveloped it around my closed fist

'Please Mason just let it go' she pleaded. 'Let's just get Jess and go to Monet's'

'Ok Hannah' I nodded my head

'Didn't you hook up with Jessica Davis at her party at the end of summer?' Monty stated, saying anything to yank my chain

'I would never hook up with one of my brother's girlfriends but if she made a pass I wouldn't say no if you catch my drift' Bryce proclaimed. 'She's a right freak in bed I'm telling you, that's another girl I would love to have a round two with such a tight body to fuck'

I couldn't take it anymore from the false statements Bryce was feeding to his friends about his encounters with two of the closest girls in my life, making it sound it was consensual like he had done nothing wrong when he raped them brutally and broke both of their souls. I pulled away from Hannah's gasp, much to her horror and marched over to the rest of the jocks…