Vanished

Chapter Eight

Ilya was not one to engage in gossip, but she couldn't help but feel intrigued whenever she heard news. Nevaeh, who was notorious known for spreading rumours, had informed her of some new information. She would often share details about what was happening in the infirmary or about people who were supposedly developing supernatural powers.

Greyson had originally assigned Nevaeh to help with the daycare, but she would eagerly bounce on her toes, spilling all the drama on the rampage. It wasn't just about conflicts, but also about certain individuals' reputations back at Uden Academy and who it was best to avoid associating with.

One of the main things she had heard was that Jason had been brutally beaten, while Bella had been tied up by some people. Additionally, Jason's stepsister, Ashley, had been acting even stranger than usual since she had been missing for over a day.

Ilya leaned against the chipped blue sink in the daycare bathroom, staring down at the open orange pill bottle in her hand. Eight pills. She was supposed to take one every day to manage, but between the sleepless nights and endless noise, she'd fallen behind.

Melany and Cindy had been on duty, helping those who were injured or involved in fights that had been happening lately. While the number of fights had decreased since Greyson had implemented order, those who started the fights or disobeyed then rules were punished.

However, there were still some girls who would fight over dolls at Kid Palace, a toy store that sold a variety of dolls and toys. Most of the toys had been relocated to the daycare from various houses that people had collected.

Down the street, Coffee Culture continued to serve delicious donuts and drinks. It was the only slice of normalcy left. Ilya didn't care for sweets, but her friend Selma adored the jelly-filled pastries with rainbow sprinkles.

Selma was not assisting with the daycare, but rather with the search for children who had been left alone in their homes. She had joined forces with Xander, Mark, and two students from Uden Academy, Kay and Nicole. Selma had shared with Ilya how emotionally difficult it was to see these children all by themselves.

Ilya bounced a toddler gently on her lap, the boy clinging to her with sticky hands and tear-streaked-cheeks. Babysitting wasn't her dream job. Her passion had always been psychology—learning how the mind worked. She wanted to help people overcome their problems, not wipe noses and meditate toy disputes.

Just as she tried to distract the boy with a toy, the door swung open. She looked up and noticed Greyson and Scarlett entering. While Greyson wore a charming smile, Scarlett seemed to be looking around with disdain. A third girl followed, leaning against the wall. Her maroon hair was pulled back in twin pigtails and was fiddling with her golden necklace.

"Bailey has come to help out," Greyson announced.

Ilya rose, lifting the crying toddler from the ground. The weight of him was beginning to wear on her arms, but she pushed through it. These kids needed comfort more than she's needed rest.

"I'll take him," Teagan offered, stepping in to help.

Gratefully, Ilya handed the boy off. Teagan was older girl who helped in the daycare. Most of the helpers were in seventh grade or lower, with the exception of Layla, who was only a year younger than Ilya.

"Some boys will continue to deliver stock if needed," Greyson added.

He had been a huge help with the daycare, and while Nevaeh may have been spreading gossip about him being responsible for Jason's injuries, Ilya couldn't believe it. Greyson didn't seem like the type to cause harm to anyone. After all, rumours were often just idle gossip in the first place.