AN: YEAH! FINALLY, IT'S DONE! It took me forever to do this one and I apologize! I've had these reports in Art to do on Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. Forty vocab words in English, and I've been sick for a few days too. The next chapter I'm hoping will be the last so expect a lot of good things!
Chapter eight: Party Time.
Friday.
Manson Mansion.
"Yes. Alright. Thank you officer. You too. Bye." Pam spoke lightly over the phone to the police officer before setting it down and sighing.
"The police haven't seen her either?" George asked her walking to her side.
"No they haven't." rubbing her forehead as she spoke.
"It's alright Pam, they'll find her. You know she could've gotten far in a small town like this." he told her trying desperately to assure their daughters safety.
"But what if she's not George? What if she's cold, alone and afraid?"
"Our tough-nail Samantha? Come on Pam you know her better then that."
"No I…I don't. I raised her but I don't know much about her. Besides the obvious traits of taking after her stubborn grandmother and liking dark things and music, I don't know much. She's an excellent pianist and I'm glad she was able to get so good but, we never get any bonding time with her. Neither of us do. She's always hanging around with Daniel and Tucker. George, can you believe our little girl is all ready graduating High School? Where did the most important four years of our teenager go? And she's not even here for it! She's not here for her own graduation. We have no idea where on Earth she is! George…she could be…" trailing off at the thought. Digging her head into her husbands chest, starting to cry.
"Pamela don't think of that! She. Is. All. Right. We will find her. And she will graduate. Don't worry please." once again speaking to assure her.
"I never should have made her try on any of those dresses!" she managed to speak through her wails. George lightly stroked her hair and rolled his eyes.
Casper High
Outside the cafeteria at the lunch table, Danny paced back and forth with one hand locked by the other, behind his back. Tucker took his last bite of High School pizza, swallowed it, and then spoke.
"Danny I know you're anxious to get out--" he started before being cut off.
"Really? Does it show?"
"But sarcasm isn't going to save Sam. We only have two more periods to go--and short ones too. You can stand that right?"
"Barely. If he hurt Sam in anyway." he edged stopping himself and thoughts. "Why don't we just ditch the rest of the day?"
"Because if we do, we won't graduate and won't get our diploma's at the end of the day." Tucker reminded. Danny took his seat back across from Tucker. "Geez Danny I knew you were protective but, WOW!" he retorted.
"Well she's our best friend Tuck."
"But you want her to be more." Tucker murmured in a whisper. Immediately regretting it after it passed his lips. Abruptly, Danny's eyes flew open his response.
"What?" he hissed. "Tucker don't start with me right now. I'm not in a good mood." his voice hard.
"Oh c'mon Dan! Just admit it already that you like her more then just a friend. You're over reacting over another guy who likes her. Just like you did with Gregor slash Elliot!"
"Another guy that puts her under some crazy trance and that can hurt her! Gregor wasn't able to do that! How can you not be stressing over this?"
"Because I don't like her like that! I mean, I like her but for goodness sakes I treat her like a sister! With you Danny, it just seams that you like her more then that. I'm sorry." he finished and right on queue, the bell ending lunch--and the argument--rang. "See you at the end of the day dude." he spoke out solemnly as he left Danny for his next class.
Elric Mansion
Peeping her head out from the open door, Sam moved it to exam the halls for Edward or Al. Once clear, she carefully moved downstairs and into the kitchen. Putting her hand on her rumbling stomach, she began to rummage through the cupboards for something to eat. With minimal success, she took what she found to the table and started nibbling on the bread. Slowly she examined more of the house as she picked at the food. For once, she felt utterly alone in the house. After she finished, her eyes targeted to her right hand, the one she punched Edward with. Her knuckles were black-and-blue and still slightly puffy. Cringing, she got up and walked towards the South hall, exploring the huge mansion.
After finding that a few doors were locked, one was still open. Walking into it with the slight creek of the door, she found a huge library. Much like the one from "Beauty and The Beast", only a quarter of the size but just as stocked. Rows and shelves of books. Some to look over a hundred years old, and some that looked fairly up to date; maybe only forty or thirty years old.
Racking through a row to find out what some were about, she found some on medicine, the human body, art studies of plants, animals and people. Philosophy even. Other books on famous writers and poets. Edgar Allan Poe, "Romeo and Juliet", and even two Helen Keller books.
"Where could she have gone!" Edward shouted from the hall. Startling Sam smacking her back to reality, and no longer fantasy. "Al, I thought you were watching her 24/7?"
"I was but she was so quiet…I went back to my room for only a moment." he pleaded in defense. Running to the last row of books to hide, Sam herd the footsteps enter the room. Steadying her breathing, she continued to observe through the crevice in between book and shelf.
"Al go search upstairs. I'll check here." Edward said sternly. As Al left the room, Sam felt a jab of fear and the salt water form and run down her face.
Keeping still as statue, she watched his legs move through the Western half of the room. After a few grueling long minutes, he headed in her direction. With heart beat increasing, she began to slide her body over towards the farthest Southern part, along with grabbing a decent amount of skirt fabric. Biting her lip to try and ignore the pain. She never took her eyes off of him for a second. One false move or sound, and he could catch her with ease.
Amity Park
"Pam we've searched the Skulk and Lurk, movies, mall, pet store and train station and we didn't find her." Melissa Foley (Tucker's Mom) reported for her, Maddie and Jazz. One of the small search groups out looking for Sam.
"Are you sure?"
"We've checked everywhere Pam. I'm sorry but we can't seem to find her. Maybe she'll come home on her own." Jazz spoke out while stepping forward. Pam scooped the bottom of her dress and sat back on the steps. Hiding her face in her hands, silently letting go of the tears.
"Pam?" Maddie addressed walking to her. Pam picked up her head with a small sign of running mascara and looked at her.
"Oh I'm sorry. I'm just so worried about her."
"Lets go inside and I can make you some tea. Will that help?" Maddie offered with her hand on Pam's back. She shook her head and the ladies went back inside to make tea and help comfort her.
Casper High Football Field.
"Seniors, as I look upon your faces today, I see not only students, but adults. Adults who are ready to enter the real world. Four years ago you walked in through the doors of Casper as freshman not knowing what was in store for you your first year of High School. Well, we all know what a freshman year that turned out to be. Ha ha ha. Some of you entered as bullies, and are leaving as matured gentlemen and women. Some of you entered with a low attention span, and are leaving with straight A's." Principal Ishiyama began standing at the podium in front of the Senior class. Five rows back sat Danny and Tucker in the red graduation gowns a few seats away in alphabetical order.
Tucker slid out his notepad from his pants pocket, and wrote:
I probably know the answer but are you still going to Paulina's party later?
After quickly reading it Danny wrote back:
NO! I'm going to get Sam. Are you?
Me? I'm not going. I need to help my Mom in the search party. Tucker wrote, moving his eyes back and forth from the pad to Ishiyama.
Search Party?
You didn't hear? Gosh. Sam's Mom put together a search party this morning after she hung up on you. My Mom sent me a text saying I need help her. I thought Jazz or your Mom would have text you also. Tuck scribbled quickly while eyeing Lancers moving eyes.
No they didn't. Alright thanks. We got to stop, they're starting to calls names. he jotted and passed is back to Tucker.
After the first section of students grabbed their diploma's it was now Danny and Tuckers turn. They stood and waited for their names.
"Daniel Fenton." Mr. Lancer spoke into the microphone. Danny walked up, sternly shook Lancer's hand, taking his diploma in the other, and walked back to his seat.
"Tucker Foley." Tucker did the same as Danny except he tilted his cap.
Twenty minutes later once all the certificates, awards, and diploma's where given out, Ishiyama took her place back at the mic.
"Students, one last word from me then you can throw those caps to the clouds. Some of you might come back for a little visit and say 'hi' to us. Please don't. Congratulations Seniors, enjoy your summer! It was well deserved!" and the caps went flying. Parents cried, students cried and cheered. Gathering into the clearing all the parents hugged their now adult graduates, took pictures, and wished other students best of luck.
"Danny!" he heard over the hum of the crowd. He spun around to look and see Valerie. Hair still long and wavy. A little taller and more slender then Freshman year. Accessorizing a small stud on the left side of her nose. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail with a large amount hanging on her left side and a small strand bouncing on her right. She had on the slightest green eye-shadow and bracelets on her wrist. Running over to hug him. "Oh my gosh can you believe we're finally graduating? It seems like the most important four years of our teenage lives just flew by." breaking away she looked back at his face. "Wow." her voice was grave.
"What?"
"Nothing. How's your family?"
"They're great. Not here, but they're fine. Jazz came back for a visit last night so I'm hoping this weekend will be fun." he answered looking down at her.
"Well be sure to tell them I say 'hi'. I have to go; my Dad will be looking for me soon. Please keep in touch Danny. Bye!" she waved to him while stepping back into the crowd.
"Bye Val." he called back.
"Danny," he heard in a playful Hispanic voice. "you're still coming to my party tonight right? It will be so much fun." there she stood, twirling a strand of straightened black hair and looking at him with playful eyes.
"I'm sorry I'm afraid I can't. I'm helping to look for Sam tonight. Tucker won't be able to make it either. Sorry." he commented. Pursing her lips, she looked at him sourly.
"Oh come on. I bet she's fine. Wouldn't you want to have more fun at a party then searching for her? You have all day tomorrow!"
"No actually I don't. I'd have more fun with my friends and looking for them--preferably not dead--then go to your party. Now if you would excuse me." walking away from the argument. She hadn't changed a bit. Feeling the vibration from his phone, he swiftly dug it out from his pocket and brought it to his ear. "Hello?"
"Danny. It's Jazz. Listen, Mom needs you to go pick something up from the grocery store. It's for Mrs. Manson."
"Can't Mrs. Foley go and get it, I need to go help Sam."
"No, she went to pick up Tucker. She doesn't want him walking anywhere; afraid he'll dissapear like Sam. Everyone in Amity thinks Sam was kidnapped."
"Alright what is it?"
"Some baking goods: brownie and cake mix. Milk, eggs, all that jazz."
"Why?"
"Mrs. Manson wants to bake things. She says that when she's really stressed out she bakes things." she explained lightly over the phone.
"Alright. Bye." and he hung up.
Elric Mansion
Still moving carefully in the library, Sam watched Ed. Suddenly, he wasn't there anymore; vanishing before her eyes.
"Dang…" she whispered biting her lip. She felt the cool air drift her way and stood up cautiously.
"Please, I don't want another paroxysm from you." Ed said, still intangible. His voice was calm and honest.
"How can I trust that you won't pull one on me?" she asked in return. Her voice hard but a tad fearful. He turned tangible in front of her and seemed to relinquish his intentions, hope, and self in front of her.
"Please." no asperity filled his tone. No obstinate stance or expression. Totally serene. She seemed to sense this, dropping her shoulders. "Thank you."
"Forgive my tone but, what's with these clothes?" she asked half joking.
"Would you rather prefer a pinafore and some rags?" he asked. She narrowed her eyes at him. "I'm joking. I remembered it from the dreams and thought it looked nice on you. Red is such a pretty color on fair skin." he commented lightly. Seeing the descent of her anger he took a slight step forward, and she raised her fists and shoulders back up. He took a step back and her arms lowered, fists relaxing. "Alright, you didn't attack me, that's good."
"Yeah. Hey, why don't you set me free and try to get in touch with Kiya?" asking to help lighten the intense atmosphere.
"Oh Al told you about her did he? No problem. I'm afraid I might frighten her. I wouldn't want to scare her to the point where she couldn't speak. Maybe in the future perhaps. Well, that type of future. You understand right?"
"Yeah." responding in a whisper. She looked down to see her skirt resting on the floor.
"How's you hand?" she heard.
"Better thank you."
"I should've told you. You wouldn't have injured yourself so bad if I did. My apologies." sounding apologetic. Nodding and smiling to his response. "Resisting the wine but enjoying the bouquet." he whispered while looking at her warmly.
"What?" she said. She'd heard that saying before; enjoying what's in front of you but wanting much more.
"Nothing. Feel free to explore the shelves. I'm not sure if you like any of this stuff; it's all my fathers really. We need to keep it here because we don't have any room for storage." gesturing his arms around and twisting her torso third quarter of a turn on each side to get a good swing. After he bowed his head slightly and began to walk to the door.
"Oh Edward," Sam called once he reached the door. "thanks for the complement. About the red." his smile reached ear-to-ear and he stepped out.
Amity Park: five p.m.
"Here's your stuff, can I go now?" asked Danny once again anxious to move.
"Well aren't you going to help us Danny? You know it would help Pam." Maddie asked outside on the first step.
"Yes but it would help more to look for Sam rather then baking. Don't you agree?" he asked back raising an eyebrow.
"Speaking of which your father wanted you to help him back in the lab. Something about the Fenton Finder. He wanted to use it to look for Sam; he's convinced that a ghost kidnapped her." she explained. He began to laugh a little and agreed to get to his father. "Oh and Danny, be careful. I don't want you missing too!" she shouted after him while he ran down the sidewalk and into an ally to transform, still unaware of her son's alter ego. Once he was gone, she went back inside to help Pam and the mothers.
"Is Danny going to help us?" asked Jazz popping her head out of the kitchen.
"No he's helping your father. How's Pam?"
"She's got two trays of cupcakes in the oven right now and mixing a new batch. What does she plan to do with all of these baked goods?"
"I sell them to bakeries sometimes, Sam likes to take a plethora of them and go around giving them to neighbors and the home less. And other times I send them to family members for holidays." Pam explained while mixing the batter in one hand and spoon in the other.
"At least they're being put to good use." Jazz commented.
Fenton Works
"Dad! I'm here!" Danny announced after phasing in through the door. After transforming he retreated to the basement.
"Danny!" Jack boomed. "I need your help tuning the Fenton Finder. Hand me that what'ca ma call it over there." he ordered pointing to something. Slumping he shoulders, he got to work.
An hour and a half later, Danny got a phone call from Valerie. He flew over to see what was wrong. Meet me outside my apartment. she wished. Once there, he called her name and she came out.
"Hey Danny! I'll be out in a sec!" he heard from behind the wooden door. She came out in normal clothes.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"You need to stop the façade." she said gravely.
"What façade?"
"The one you've been presenting. It's not healthy. I can see it in your face that your not happy." she clarified. "That's why I said 'wow' before at graduation. What's wrong?"
"Valerie I'm fine. I--"
"How can you say that when you're friend is missing? I've been watching your face all week and its so hostile and protective. Like your afraid you'll loose something and never getting it back. It's was scary and intimidating to look at. So, how can you say you're 'fine'?" her words shocked him. He stood there blank for a few minutes repeating the words to understand them more.
"I've been worried about Sam. That's all." he finally said.
"There is more to it; I can hear it." she wanted to break through the curtains and see what was happening outside.
"What are you my sister? That's all. I've been worried sick about Sam since Tuesday and I had a feeling something like this was going to happen. Like a premonition. Hey, do you know what time it is?"
"Six forty-five. Why?" glimpsing at her watch then back to his face.
"Just checking. I need to go." he inched forward but was caught by Valerie.
"Be careful Danny. We've become good friends in High School and I don't want any of you guys to get hurt." flashing a kind smile. After returning the gesture, he dashed off. While in the air, his phone began to vibrate, pulling it out to see a text from an unknown number:
Danny, it's your sister. I'm on a different telephone. Come to Sam's house, Mom need's to tell you something.
Once again changing his course.
"Mom?" he shouted inside. To his surprise the huge mansion was empty. Calling out for Jazz, Mrs. Manson, Mrs. Foley and his mother numerous times. Also remembering that Tucker was with them he called out his name too. And no one responded. "Oh no…" realizing what could've happened that cause there disappearance: Edward. Not even bothering to check around him he quickly became Danny Phantom and sped home. Phasing through the door and floors to the basement. His father wasn't home either. No note from anyone in the Manson's or the Lab. Flying upstairs to check the fridge, he found a note:
Good Evening Danny,
If you wish to get your family and friends safe, you must do it by midnight. Or you won't expect them anymore.
-Edward.