If Only It Were That Simple

Chapter 7- Connor's House

Connor- 

"Goodnight Jacob." I speak quietly to my sleeping brother. I head out the door and downstairs to Tucker, my older brother. Jacob's a seventh grader, but still so innocent and doesn't really understand how serious this is. Then again, Tucker seems adamant on not telling him. No need to scare him why have three scared kids when you don't need to right? "Tucker, I'm really worried about mom. It's not like her to just disappear, to Virginia."

"I Know, she'd always tell us where she was going, so it's weird not knowing."

We continue to talk as a car pulls into the driveway. Neither of us can tell who's getting out, but whoever it is has a bag with them and their shivering. We look out the window when someone knocks at the door before the deadbolt unlocks and the door opens quietly. We immediately recognize the long blonde curls.

"Kelly." We greet our older sister in unison, "What are  you doing here?" Tucker asks.

"I'm here for a visit. I have four months paid leave." She explains, "They kicked me out while they have the board talking about paper expansions. They needed my office and the rooms the reporters use. I took my personal items and came here." She finishes, "Where's mom?"

"Sleeping" "Out with dad." Tucker and I say before switching to the other.

"Come on boys, really, where is she?" Kelly asks looking around, "You know you're both terrible liars." True, but Jacob believed us. Then again, he's 12. "That, and I don't believe either of you. I'll ask you both again, Where's mom?"

"Connor, I have to get back to the dorms. I'll see you all on Saturday, call me if you hear anything." Tucker says trying to duck out.

"Tuck, I want to know where mom is." Kelly says grabbing his wrist with her manicured nails.

"Virginia." He answers pulling his arm out of Kelly's grip and quickly heads out the door to his car on the street. Kelly locks the door behind him.

"Connor, please, I want some answers." Kelly starts.

"Sit down. I'll explain everything." I tell him. So much for an older brother that has your back.

We head into the living room and as we both settle into chairs a loud siren blares and gets louder. I bolt for the door and sure enough, dad's squad car is sitting in the driveway of the brick bungalow we call home. I quietly unlock the deadbolt on the door.

"Son, don't," dad says heading inside with mom. Officer McKinley drives the squad away. But I have so many questions I'd like answers for.