Chapter 6

Noelle was in the ER for three hours before Josh and I received a status report. We were told that Noelle had 2 broken ribs, a concussion, and major bruising but she was expected to make a full recovery, Thank God. I couldn't help but think about how much more stressed I'd become since I'd returned to Easton. First, I'm pushed off a boat, followed promptly by Amberly's murder and then Missy's and now this! Whoever this was, sure had more nerve than even, dare I say it, Ariana and Sabine.

When we were finally allowed to see Noelle, we were confronted with a disturbing surprise. Noelle had been admitted into room 4007, formerly Ivy's room. "Josh, you don't have to do this. I'll totally understand if you don't want to." I told Josh while we were standing just outside Noelle's temporary room.

"Reed I know this'll be hard for you and I want to help you in any way I can." Josh replied, grabbing my hand and grabbing it gently.

Josh and I only got to spend a few minutes with Noelle before we were told that we had to return to Easton and that Noelle would have to stay at the hospital until she recovered. I really didn't want to leave Noelle, but I was given no choice. Besides it was hard to see her like that. She was on so many painkillers, she was delirious.

The entire way to his car, Josh had his arm wrapped around me, steadying me; otherwise I'm sure I would've collapsed before I reached his car.

The car ride back to Easton was nearly silent; the only time either of us spoke was when Josh was attempting to comfort me.

The meeting had been long and dreary. Josh and I were excused from all of our classes to go and talk to Hauer. The rest of the Billings girls were also excused from class. We'd been through a lot. It came as no surprise that we'd be excused.

Josh and I escaped to his car and began the quiet drive to the EPD.

Josh and I stepped out of his car and began to walking toward the entrance to the EPD. When we were just steps away from the entrance Hauer opened the door and began walking out. When he spotted us he said "Reed, Josh just he two people I was going to talk to. I'm sure we have plenty to talk about. I think this may have been Easton's worst crime year. EVER."

I thought back to the beginning of the year and everything I went though. First Cheyenne then the legacy, being kicked out of Billings, then being pushed off the Ryan's boat, and now all this. Yeah, definitely worst year EVER.

Josh and I talked to Hauer for hours. The same questions over and over again. I was getting fed up. We were missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. Noelle. "We're getting nowhere." I said. "We need to talk to Noelle." I continued firmly.

Hauer and Josh were hesitant with their reply. Though he didn't speak, I knew Josh would agree with me. My assumptions were confirmed when he slowly shook his head yes. Hauer sighed. I knew he knew that we had won. We HAD to talk to Noelle to find out who did this.

Josh and I were forced to return to Easton while Hauer went to talk to Noelle. So Josh and I rode back to Easton. All the while I was thinking about what I had to do next.

Josh and I walked into Billings and I rushed straight up to my room. I sat down at my desk and started up my computer. I received a text

made it alive reed? that's ok i got wat i wanted for now. watch ur back reed.

I sat there, staring at the screen of my Iphone, beginning to hyperventilate.

Josh looked over my shoulder, reading the text. "Reed we need to go tell Hauer." Josh told me, helping me to stand up. I shook my head. I had to talk to someone first. Josh would be uncomfortable, but I knew she could help me. Ivy. She could trace the text. I would finally know who pushed me off the boat. I still thought I was Poppy. She wanted Upton, and judging by the text I got, she got him. But by now I know that things aren't always what they seem. No matter what I'd like to think, Poppy might not have pushed me. I knew if I went to Ivy I could figure it out.

I only then remembered that I was supposed to meet Astrid in the library. Oh well. I'd go to her room before I went to see Ivy. I told Josh I'd meet him in front of Billings, but that I had to do something.

I walked down the hall to Astrid's room. When I knocked on her door, it creaked open. I stepped inside, thinking to myself; This can't be good. I pushed the door open just enough for me to fit through.

I looked for Astrid, and saw something that had never been there before. It was a paper shredder, filled to the brim. "What the hell has she been doing?" I asked myself quietly. I looked at the sheets sitting on top, obviously next Missy Thurber one was titled, the next said Amberly Carmichael. "Oh-My-GOD" I whispered as I stared at the papers. I decided to snap pictures of the pages, just in case. I then rushed out, no longer caring about meeting her, or Ivy, at least not yet. I needed to figure out what to do. I raced out of Astrid's room to convince Josh to wait to see Hauer and Ivy. Now is not the time.

I easily convinced Josh that Hauer could wait. Even with our past experiences, Hauer was having issues believing us. Josh let me go back to Billings, but I couldn't stop thinking about Astrid's papers. They couldn't be hers. She had to be framed. Like I was last time. Yes. That's what it is. Then and there, I decided not to tell anyone about the pages, for now.