Vestige Read Online Free

beverage, she made a batch of pancakes. It had been years since she had pancakes for breakfast. Her mom used to make them all the time before….
    Clarke ate five huge pancakes smothered in butter and syrup. She poured herself a second cup of coffee and did the dishes. Before she left for school—just to be on the safe side—she picked up the phone and dialed 911. “Hello, I’m not sure if this is an emergency or not, but my dad is missing. He has MS and can’t get around by himself. I’m starting to get worried.”
    “Ma’am, we’ll send a car over as soon as one’s available. We are receiving a high volume of calls this morning. Let me get your name and address.”
    As Clarke hung up the phone, she felt as if she had been released from prison. Even if it only lasted a couple of hours, she was free.
     
     

Chapter Three
     
    At the beginning of first period, an unfamiliar voice made an announcement over the PA. “More than half of the administration and almost all the teachers are absent today. Therefore, your regular classes have been canceled. Students with last names starting with letters A through J should report to the cafeteria, letters K through T to the auditorium, and U through Z to the library. Please bring your work because you will be expected to remain quiet and busy for the duration of the day.”
    Micah made his way to the auditorium. He forgot his backpack at home, so he didn’t have his books or homework with him. This would have been a good opportunity to catch up on some late assignments. At least he had his phone. He would be able to text Jess and smooth things over before lunch.
    Once in the auditorium, Micah took a seat in the last row of the balcony, as far away as he could get from the two teachers stationed on the stage. He pulled out his phone and saw a text from his mom.
     
    You need to come home. It’s started. I have so much to tell you. You’re not ready. Get home before…
     
    Before what? That’s it? What…did her battery die mid-text? She had reached a new level of drama. His mom was crazy to think he’d go home now only to deal with another one of her imaginary crises.
    Micah looked around making sure no one saw the text. Then, without answering it, he deleted his mom’s message and sent one to Jess.
     
    Hey babe sory i didnt go 2 the park plz dont be mad c u at lunch luv ya
     
    Micah put his phone back in his pocket, slouched down in his seat, and closed his eyes.
    By the time the lunch bell rang, he was certain that everyone had chilled, so he made his way to the school courtyard and to their usual table. As he approached his friends, he could see that Jess was crying, and then he noticed Dustin’s arm draped around her shoulder.
    “Hey Jess...What’s going on?” Micah put his hand on her shoulder and pushed Dustin’s arm off.
    Dustin grinned at Micah. “Just comforting your girlfriend...”
    “Jess...seriously...what’s wrong?” Micah wedged himself between Jess and Dustin, forcing Dustin to slide over several inches.
    “My family...my little brother and sisters are gone. The police think some cult kidnapped them...all of them.” Jess buried her face into Micah’s shoulder and continued her sobbing. “Oh Micah, what am I going to do? This is the worst day of my entire life.”
    Micah put his arm around Jess and kissed the top of her pink head. “So...I guess we’re not babysitting.”
    Jess stopped crying, lifted her head, and glared at Micah. She pushed his arm away, picked up her things, and marched off. Amber shot Micah a disgusted look and ran after her friend.
    “Smooth,” Cody said.
    “What? I didn’t mean anything by it. I just wanted to know,” replied Micah.
    “Yeah right, jackass,” Dustin said. “You just wanted to know if you were still going to get some. Don’t you care about anyone but yourself?” Dustin smirked.
    “What makes you think Micah’s getting any? This kid is still a virgin. Isn’t that right, Micah,” mocked