Caught

Chapter 11: Jason's Prom Choice

"What ritual is she talking about?" I asked after school. Luke shrugged then kicked a pebble on the ground. It soared and landed in a heap of grass.

"I've called the parents," Luke said. "They seemed relieved that I told them the good news: Madison and her friends must have known what happened to Kimberly." "And the bad news?" I asked, tugging the straps of my backpack. "They wanted to sue them," Luke replied. "Unfortunately, her parents are sweeping it under the rug until something bad happens."

"That's stupid," I said. Luke slung his arm around my shoulder then kissed my forehead. "I know," he said. "Why aren't you panicking about it?" I asked, squinting my eyebrows. "I'm not the type of guy whose surprised," Luke answered. "And besides, I don't like it when you worry, you remind me of my foster mom on Taco Night."

I rolled my eyes then buried my face on his sleeve. "What time is the prom?" I sighed. "Around seven thirty," he said. "Time to get ready for the event," I sighed. "As soon as we arrive, we'll ask Madison and the others a couple of questions."

"Let's make sure that we don't ask too much questions," Luke replied, carrying his backpack in his arm. "Get some sleep and get ready." I gave him a nod then kissed his cheek.

"Take care," I replied. "You too," Luke said, ruffling my hair. He took two strides past me then headed to his house. The next thing I saw, it was his foster mother wearing her pink bathrobe and giving him a weary look.

Ever since Luke had full custody of his brother Seth, his foster parents avoided him, probably because they're in house arrest.

When I asked Luke about Ms. Caroline, he told me not to worry about her. As soon as I entered the house, Mom stood in front of me, carrying my golden dress. "Hey, Mom." I said casually.

"Is this what you are wearing to the prom?" Mom asked in a disgusted tone. The dress had no sleeves, has tons of sequins, and glitter. "The girls picked it for me," I shrugged.

"Don't you think this is a little bit too large for you?" Mom asked. I squinted at the dress then bit my lip. She does have a point, I thought. "I'll probably tighten it a bit," Mom suggested with a huge smile.

"As soon as I am finished with the dress, you would be thrilled." I nodded without any enthusiasm. "I'm going to go take a shower," I explained. "Then I'll finish my homework-" Just then, someone knocked on the door.

I walked over to answer it. As it turns out, it was Jason, wearing his casuals. He wore a white t-shirt, a olive green coat, and jeans. His loafers were tucked under them like a blanket.

"Hey Jason," I beamed. "Want to come in?" He nodded very slowly then stepped inside of the house. Mom took the dress then hurried upstairs.

"Do you want anything?" I asked. I went to the refrigerator then pulled out the large pitcher of lemonade. I took out to glasses then poured the liquid into the cups.

While I was preparing the drinks, Jason was marveling the insides of the house. "So is this where The Expedition works," he chuckled. I carried the two drinks then offered one to Jason.

"Something like that," I sighed. "Anyway, what's up?" He took the drink then told me what the police has found out about Kimberly. Jason explained that Kimberly kept a green diary, but instead of girly stuff, she wrote depressing poems.

"Okay," I said slowly. "What about them?" After sipping his drink, Jason reached into his coat pocket then pulled out the green bound notebook.

Intrigued, I took the notebook then flipped the pages. "Check page 10," Jason insisted. As I turned to page 6, my eyes widened as I read the words. There was a poem called Please Don't Do This. I read the words carefully then stared at Jason.

"It seems to me that she was going to commit suicide," Jason said. "The police confirmed it." I shook my head furiously. "That can't be it," I said. "And besides, we couldn't find her body or know where she is."

Jason nodded very slowly as I handed the book back to him. "Thank you for telling me this," I said. "It means Luke and me alot." Jason nodded then stared into my eyes. For a moment, I thought he was going to tell me something else.

"So," he began. "Are you going to the prom?" I stared at him in disbelief. "How did you know that?" I asked. "My sister goes to the same school as you." he answered. "And your mom is carrying a golden dress.

"The theme of the prom is the Great Gatsby," I explained. "And the worst part is, it's a Girl's Choice." "You're not a fan of it?" Jason chuckled. I shook my head then sipped my drink.

"Neither is Luke," I sighed. "But we have to go there, mostly because Madison and her friends are going to be there. Plus, the principal is expecting up to be there." "Ouch," Jason whistled.

I swept the bangs from out of my eyes then nodded. "Have you asked someone to the dance?" Jason asked suddenly. I gave him a curious look. "How come?" I asked. Jason drowned his glass then set it on the glass table.

His cheeks grew red as he looked at me. "Because I wanted to go to the dance....with you," Jason asked hesitantly. I blushed then stared at the floor. For a moment, I was about to tell him about having Luke as my boyfriend, until I just received a call from him.

"Hey Luke," I beamed. "Jason came here to tell me about Kimberly's diary." "What have you two found out?" he asked. "Well," I began. "The police think that Kimberly killed herself."

"Not surprising," Luke sighed. "The last time I checked with Edgar Allen Poe's parents, they said that she was obsessed with death as a kid, writing depressing poems, angry with others, and the best part, she tried to drown her cat."

"What?" I shrieked. "I need to talk to Jason for a moment." Luke insisted. I handed my phone to Jason then walked to the kitchen counter for another round of lemonade. As I poured the beverage, I could see Jason looking pale, nodding very slowly and biting his lip.

"Okay," Jason said. "Thanks for the tip." "No problem," Luke replied. "Goodbye." After Jason hung up the phone, he gave it to me. "What did Luke say?" I asked. "He says that the police will be looking for more information, regarding the case."

"As soon as they found something, they will alert you guys." I nodded eagerly. "Thanks again," I repeated. Jason gave me a nod then left the house. As soon as he left, Mom came downstairs, handing the golden dress.

"Tada!" she beamed. I tried to look excited. "Wow," I said. "It looks perfect." "Now, you can wear it to the dance!" Mom exclaimed. I took the dress, gave her a hug, and walked upstairs.

As I tossed the dress on the bed, I took a long, hot shower, did my homework, and slipped on the dress that Mom tightened. I rummaged through the drawers until I found slimming black shorts.

I pulled up the shorts, and found my handbag, lying on the pillow. I took out the contents out of my knapsack, tazer flashlight, pepper spray, and my blue tablet then stuffed them into my bag.

I applied some makeup, snatched my handbag, and put on some sneakers. I soon as I came downstairs, Mom and Luke stared at me. "Hi," I said. "Let's this party started."