Whispers In The Wind

Chapter 17

Since Keisha and her friends left town, all their parents worried about their safety. None of them has contacted their families, or updated their social media accounts. It is not normal for teenagers nowadays not to post anything on social media, especially when they are in a beautiful place.

Even though it's irritating for parents to see their children post nonsense things, it is still helpful in knowing what their kids are up to. That's one of the few things that social media do good for parents.

"I seriously don't like this anymore. We haven't heard from any of them since they left. We have to report this to the police." Keisha's mother, Belinda stated. They've been trying to contact Keisha, but her phone is always out of reach.

"Let's not overreact, Belinda. They're in a vacation, it's only normal for them not to have signal. I'm sure they're safe." Camila's mother, Marylynne said. Despite the fear they are feeling, they chose to believe that their daughter is safe.

"How could you say that? We haven't been able to contact them since they left." Belinda insisted.

"You don't want to embarrass our children, Belinda. We should let them enjoy themselves during their semester break." Gilbert Randall added.

"I think they're right, sweetheart. Let's just trust our daughters. They'll be fine, I'm sure of it. You're just stressing yourself over nothing." Dr. Romulus Valdez said.

"What about Mr. and Mrs. Lenon? The Martins? The Noles? The Lanes? The Gaynes? The Bennetts? The Holmes? The Watsons? The Williams? The Jacksons? The Gallaghers? The Petersons? Aren't they worried about their daughters? What did they say?" Belinda can't just stop worrying about her daughter.

"Of course, they're worried too. But, they understand that us, parents needs to let our children go at some point. Just trust Keisha. She'll be fine, sweetheart. We raised our children well." Dr. Valdez said to his wife. Watching your children grow is not easy for a parent. Knowing that one day they will leave you to find their own life is the worst fear a parent should face.

One thing that Romulus love about his wife is her loving nature. Sometimes, Belinda can be a bit too much, but it's only because she loves her family so much. Besides, this is the first time that Keisha went away without a guardian. As a father, he worries about his daughters too. However, he needs to be the logical one.

After a bit more convincing, Belinda finally calmed down. She thought of everything they said, and realized that she might just be overacting. Keisha is an intelligent woman. She can survive anything. Besides, she's with her friends.

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As they went higher into to the mountain, things got weirder and weirder. At one point, Margarette insisted that someone's following them. She was so scared that she didn't want to proceed with the hike.

The shocking part is, Gaia and Antoinette didn't seem to care. They were too focus on reaching the top of the mountain. As if nothing else matter to them.

"It's getting dark, let's rest here. Prepare your tents, and i'll set up the bonfire." Brandon announced. After another hour of hiking, they reached a clearing. It is a beautiful spot where they can watch the stars and the night sky.

"This spot is perfect." Natalie exclaimed. That statement is not enough to describe the beauty of that place. A clearing surrounded by trees with a clear view of the sky. A place made perfectly by nature for creatures such as humans and animals.

The girls set up their tent excitedly. Keisha is the only who's not really in the mood. After what Antoinette did to her, she's been unable to focus on their surrounding. All she did was watch Antoinette's every move.

"Where did Gaia go?" Brittany asked out of nowhere. They all stopped what they're doing, and tried calling her name.

"What's going on?" Brandon asked. That's when Keisha noticed that he was nowhere to be seen a few minutes ago.

"Where have you been?" She asked Brandon. Keisha didn't even bother to hide her suspicious tone.

"Knock it off, Keisha. Brandon didn't do anything to you. Why are acting that way? Why act like a royal b***h?" Antoinette said angrily.

Their friends stared at them, like they were contemplating on who to side. Keisha was wide-eyed, shocked by Antoinette's words. They've been friends for a long time, and they never fought over boys.

"Are you serious? You know what? I've been quiet for so long, but this is to much. You tried to kill me earlier! I didn't do anything to you! I've been understanding since we arrive, but I've had enough!" Keisha can no longer hold back her frustration about everything that's been happening.

"What are you talking about? I was talking to you how you've been acting. I was actually shocked when you backed away like I was about to do something to you." Antoinette explained. She looked genuinely hurt because of Keisha's accusations.

"Stop lying! You tried—"

"Guys, wait." Dianne said out of nowhere.

"What!" Antoinette and Keisha said in unison.

"Sierra's missing as well. I don't know how long she's been gone." Dianne replied in a weak tone.

"What the hell is happening?" Kristine exclaimed.

"Relax, guys. I'm sure they're just somewhere trying to find a place for nice night selfie. They'll be back soon, I'm sure of it." Brandon said.

"See? There's nothing to be afraid of. Everything's fine." Antoinette seconded.

"You're unbelievable, do you know that?" Keisha exclaimed out of frustration.

Instead of going on another round of screaming match, Keisha decided to look for their friends. Camila and Margarette went with her. Whatever it is that's happening with them, Keisha feels like Brandon is connected to it somehow.

Silent Mountain is indeed beautiful, but it also hides a bloody secret. Just like the wonderful clearing. More than half a millenia ago, that was the spot where native tribe was slaughtered. The blood of tribe drenched the mountain soil of that clearing, marking it with their violent death.