Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 104

December 25th, 2019

"Hey," I spoke into the phone, keeping my eyes on the road.

"Hey, baby, what's wrong?" Neo answered, his voice laden with sleep.

"Sorry, did I wake you?"

"Yeah but it's fine. What's up?" he replied.

"Is Emilio at home?"

He was silent for a moment. "I think so?" I heard him get up and pad across his room. "Shit," he muttered. "How'd you know?"

I chewed on my lip. "Colton's missing and he still isn't home yet. He was with Emilio before he ran off,"

Neo sighed. "Check the row houses off of Bleecker Street. Des mentioned a party he was going to and I bet that's where they went,"

"Are you sure?" I asked, glancing around at the snowy roads as I drove.

"Positive. Emilio knew about," Neo answered confidently. "He'd never turn down free alcohol,"

"You let your brother drink?" I knew Colton did, I wasn't even fazed at this point, but I really didn't want to deal with him if he was drunk.

"Yeah. Ma doesn't know and Felix doesn't really approve, but he does it anyway. I blame Des,"

I sighed. "And you're sure they're there?"

"I honestly have no idea. But if Emilio's there he might know where Colton is,"

His voice was soft and husky and it made my heart flutter in satisfaction. "Alright, thanks. Get some sleep," I told him.

"You too, baby. You're still coming over tomorrow, right?"

I laughed softly. "I wouldn't miss your mom's cooking for anything,"

Neo chuckled. "Ouch,"

"I love you," I told him sweetly.

"I love you too,"

***

I pulled up to the row of houses fifteen minutes later, wrapping my coat tighter around my body as I stepped outside. I could tell exactly which house it was from the music, lights, and people lounging around on the porch.

I got several glances as I walked inside, people instantly whispering to their friends. It must've been a strange sight to see me at a party by myself, and dressed in pyjamas no less.

I glanced around, sighing in relief as I spotted Colton and Emilio and a few other teenage guys all laughing and hanging around a table, drinking from red plastic cups and cheering with every sip.

I collectively marched over and approached my brother, making him look up in surprise as guilt flashed across his face. "Let's go," I said firmly.

Colton stood up immediately, setting his cup down.  

Des pushed his way over to me, grinning wide. His eyes were glazed over and I knew he was drunk even before he stumbled and nearly tripped, leaving Emilio to catch him.

"Both of you come on, I'll drive you home,"

Emilio nodded and the three of them followed me out. Colton quietly climbed into the passenger seat while Des and Emilio sat in the back.

The car ride was completely silent until we pulled up in front of their house.

"Gracias, Mia," Emilio thanked, pulling Des out of the car with him.

"You're welcome," I replied as they went inside, Colton quietly drumming his fingers on his knee. I reached over and hugged him tightly, taking him by surprise. "I was so worried about you," I told him.