Hidden

Chapter 6:

"Yes there is someone who most certainly fits that description." I shudder.

"Who?" He says as he finishes his strawberry ice cream cone.

"Ace Perry.... Aspens boyfriend."

He scrunches his nose.

"I just saw him on the way here at Sweet Scoops. He looked heartbroken and melancholy. Although... He has a new girlfriend."

"What?! One day after Aspen disappears?"
I yell too loudly. What a douche bag!

He covers his ear and winces.

"Sorry." I apologize and look down.

"It's okay, and um yeah her name is Taylor Hanson."

As children Ace would bully and pick on everyone. He'd call the girls hairy, ugly, fat, and point out their flaws. He also would beat up the boys if they wore something girly or silly.

One day He had called me an ugly pig which I returned with the hardest punch I could whip up. I got suspended and in trouble with my mom but it was worth it. That was when I met Aspen. After I punched him I went to the girls bathroom to splash some cold water on my face. When I walked in I heard a girl crying.

"What's wrong?" I asked sympathetically as I walked up to her.

She looked up at me with a red face, tears filling her eyes.

"Ace called me a loser, and said my teeth are crooked."

A couple years later she got braces, and soon after she had perfect shaped teeth.

I shook my head, "You're not a loser, he is because he's so mean!" I gave her a slight smile.

She gasped, shocked and angry and started shaking her head.

Was it something I said?

"Don't call him that!" She whined as he tucked back her hair.

"Why? He's a jerk." I asked puzzled.

"Because.... I um.. Well.. don't tell him this..."

"Spit it out!" I kindly yelled.

Her face turned a bright red and I raised an eyebrow.

She cleared her throat.

"I may...or may not.. Have a crush on him." She rushed and looked away.

Oh that's why.

"Ohhhh...okay."

She gave me a serious face.

"You can't tell anyone ok?"

I nodded.

"Ok. So... whats your name?"

"Aspen Graham."

There is a loud clap in front of my face.

"Anybody there?"

I snap back into focus, and see a grinning Zander. I smile back.

"Did you hear anything I said?"
Yikes.

"No not really." I reply as I crack my knuckles.

"Well...before you went to space, I was saying we should snoop around to find out information about him. We should probably ask the neighbors and then ask the police to see If we can find any leads."

"I agree although well have to make up a really believable excuse to my mom. I'm grounded and she won't let me go anywhere." I sigh.

"Then well just use her emotions to our advantage. She is probably really sorry and sad for you because of what you experienced. Sit by your door, listen and learn."