Missing Person

Chapter Two

“So you don’t think that your parents are going to mind you bringing home a complete stranger?” Ashley spoke tentatively as they walked along the quiet street.

“They will be fine, don’t worry.” Spencer spoke, although she was a little unsure herself. She thought her dad would be okay with it, but Paula… Well, that might prove a little tricky.

“If you say so.” The brunette spoke doubtfully, sneaking glances at the girl walking beside her.

“I’m just going to tell them what happened. Once they know the whole story, they will be glad you’re there.”

“But… You don’t even know the whole story.” The girl spoke softly, feeling a small pang of something that she couldn’t quite put a name to.

“I know enough to be able to tell you could use some help.” She spoke with such utter honesty, taking a moment to meet the brunette’s chocolate eyes. Ashley frowned at her, trying to find some hint of condescension or animosity. She did not succeed. In all honesty, she’d never met anyone like her.

“I’ve made it this long on my own.” She replied after a moment’s pause, more to herself than the girl beside her.

As they approached Spencer’s home her pace slowed subtly. Ashley followed the blonde’s stare to a small white home that looked much like the houses surrounding it. She felt a fluttering in her stomach, much to her surprise. Was she nervous? Why? It wasn’t like she needed to impress anyone. There was absolutely no reason to be anxious. She’d walked without hesitation into several dozen different crack houses. She’d stepped over the semi-conscious bodies of countless women without as much as a second thought. Yet now, walking into some quaint home right in the middle of LA suburbia she was nervous.

“Ready?” Spencer inquired, sensing the girl’s hesitation.

“Always” She replied, folding her arms over her chest and smiling without her eyes.

The 16 year old blonde turned the handle and pressed the door open. The sound of the TV in the living room could be heard over the clanking of pots and pans. A man’s voice called out from the kitchen, oblivious to the arrival of Spencer and Ashley. “Paula, have you seen my sauce pan?”