Vanished (Syren Nova Series Book 1)

by Mercedes Morgan

  Dear Jordyn,

  Hi… I wish I knew what to say but I-I don’t. I miss you and love you so much! I’m sorry I’ve been keeping things from you and now i’m gone. Its not fair to you. I know that. But, I did what I had to do to protect you. Please continue living your life… I-I. Theres a lot I want to say but I can’t. Please please please forgive me.

  ~ Love Syren

  Dear Marina,

  I love you. I really wish I hadn’t acted the way I did Friday… you didn’t deserve it. But I did what I needed to do. Please forgive me… also. Please be careful… and… maybe quit some of your extra courses like art, soccer, or band or something. Just so you have time for you and your family.

  ~ Love Syren

  I really hope that last bit doesn’t come to bite me in the butt. I mean, I think I hid it well enough? Who knows? Maybe she’ll think nothing of it and won’t even mention it to anyone. I don’t even want to write a letter to Ardent. He isn’t really important important to my life. But my sisters… there’s would be hard. I’ll never see them grow…

  Chapter Ten

  “Syren?” Blinking, I look up and see Whitley. Yawning, I look around and realize I must have fallen asleep on my desk.

  “Hey, Whit… what’s up?”

  “Are we still going shopping? Its ten am…” Holy crap! I slept in. Okay, okay, get dressed, take Whit shopping, eat, bring dinner, make sure Taurus and Allie are good, write letters, wrap, bed. I can’t believe I allowed myself to fall asleep.

  “Yes, sorry Whit. Just let me get dressed and grab my purse and the keys and we can go.” This was one hundred and twenty-eight percent NOT how I wanted this to go. I can’t believe I let myself fall asleep without even setting an alarm. What the heck, Syren. Taking a deep breath, I stand up and look around. My room is an absolute disaster area. I guess I should clean it before the twenty-third.

  It just seems cruel to disappear and leave a messy room for my mom to worry about. Walking around, I grab the first pair of pants and shirt I found and changed faster than I ever have. I didn’t even bother to brush my hair, opting to put it up in a bun instead. Now to find my…. aha found you! Okay clothes and hair check, purse check… shoes! I forgot shoes. AND TO BRUSH MY TEETH. This is exactly why you take a bit to breathe when you’re stressed, otherwise you risk forgetting. Yeah, I’m actually smart… when I want to be. Not that I think people don’t think I’m smart. Okay, now I’m off topic. Shoes and teeth. Now!

  Five minutes later I am hopping around trying to put on my sneakers.

  “Syren? Why don’t you sit, untie the laces, and then put the shoes on. I know you’re in a hurry and as much fun as it is to watch you jump around like a crazy person. Whitley has been waiting for you.”

  “Why are you always the smart one, Taur? I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”

  “What do you mean ‘what you’ll do without you’ Syren What. Are. You. Hiding? Don’t even try to say you’re not or you misspoke. We both know that you said what you said because you meant it. Now tell me what’s going on… whatever it is I could help.”

  “You can’t help me, Taurus… I promise to tell you. Just, not right now. Just promise me you’ll take care of them. Promise me you won’t give up.”

  “Sy what the hell. You’re talking like you’re leaving. You’re not leaving? Are you suicidal, did you join a gang, are you pregnant what’s wrong?!”

  “I TOLD YOU I CAN’T TELL YOU! JUST… listen to what I said. Take care of them and don’t give up. Okay, just-just leave it alone. I’m doing what I have to do and you can be pissed at me all you want, but it won’t change my mind.”

  “Sy! Please. Just-just let me in.” I-I can’t. Please leave it alone. Standing up, I ignore Taurus’s cries and instead grab my coat, the keys and Whitley, who is conveniently already bundled up ready to go.

  “Let’s go Whit…” And she is already out the door. That girl has an exuberant amount of energy. I seriously wish she could share some. I may have found it annoying in the past. But now, I revel in it. It’s something that makes Whitley Whitley. These are the things I want to remember. I don’t want to risk forgetting the little things. I don’t know if he is going to kill me, hide me, or if I will ever see my family again.

  In a way, I think I would rather him kill me. I know that’s morbid, and I probably should not be hoping for that outcome. But hear me out okay. If he kills me, then I get to move on… I don’t risk forgetting who I am or my family. It would also mean they might find a body. Hopefully sooner rather than later. It-It would give them some much needed closure.

  Okay, happy thoughts Sy not sad. No more sad thoughts.

  “Whitley, where do you want to go shop? We are shopping for Allie today and we have a lot of gifts to get. But don’t just think about toys. Think of things that have what Taurus, you or I would like as well, okay?”

  “Okay. But uhm why not just toys? Allie loves toys. I doubt she’d love clothes, electronics, makeup, or stuff like that.”

  “Uhm, I just want to prepare some gifts for future birthdays and Christmas.”

  “It’s because of that man, isn’t it. He… he is hurting you isn’t he.” Slamming on the breaks, I look at Whitley in the rearview mirror. Okay, Sy… the middle of the road is definitely not a good place to have this conversation. Forcing myself to continue driving, I hope to everything that I can get through this without crying. Lying to Taurus is one thing. Lying to Whitley was a totally different story. She was young… innocent, but at the same time not.

  I guess I just figured… hoped that she really didn’t realize what was going on. I should have known she was just covering for me and would be curious. At this point… she is more dangerous that Taurus. She knows what he looks like. More importantly HE knows what she looks like and that she was the only one to witness our little exchange. This moment was crucial. It could literally be life or death for my little sister. I had to convince her to not say a thing… even though I know it’ll be hard.

  “Whitley. I-I I know I am about to ask for a lot here. But, I need you to promise me something. Promise me that you will not under any circumstance tell anyone about what you saw. I wouldn’t ask unless it was important. Something is going to happen… something really scary and will probably make you really sad. But I NEED you to promise that you will stay quiet. In a few years, Taurus will recieve a letter. Then you can tell them if you still remember. But until then. No matter how bad, scary, or sad things get… I need you to stay quiet. I-I don’t want you hurt.”

  “…. ok.”

  “Thank you Whit… I know it’s a lot to ask and I know it will not be easy and there will be times you want to speak up. But… I am doing what I’m doing to keep you safe. Just remember that I love you so, so much.” At this point, I will freely admit that I am crying. From the sniffles behind me, I am pretty confident that Whitley is as well.

  What was supposed to be a fun last day out has definitely taken a nosedive. But… maybe this is the way it was supposed to be. I mean, she could have kept quiet and then once it happened she could have opened her mouth talking, which could be disastrous. This way… she knows I have a plan. Actually, I could use her to my advantage. She could help Taurus find the evidence they need to put him in prison. That is, unless the police don’t figure it out first.

  To be honest, though, I have more faith in my siblings figuring it out than I do the police. Not to say that I just don’t trust the police. It’s just that my siblings know me better. They understand how I think. Not to mention Whitley has the upper-hand. For all intents and purposes, she is my secret weapon. She may not know a name, but she knows a face and a voice. That is more than the police know.

  We end up at Target because, well, Target. What else needs to be said? It was a semisolemn trip, but successful nonetheless. And we did have fun. We joked around, chose gifts together, took selfies on her phone. We even stopped at the mall on our way home just to take pictures in one of those photo booths. Whitley wante
d videos, photos, and took them at absolutely every single moment she could. And I let her. We both know our time together is short. That much is obvious. So all the memories and photos and videos I can give her, I will. I even let her record me singing and dancing to All I want for Christmas in the car. Parked, of course. I even went as far as acting like I was singing just to her… or to my family, who I have no doubt she will share these with.

  I even stopped to get her favorite food ever, Olive Garden. It’s so basic but she loves it, so who am I to judge. She even helped me wrap and label all the gifts for Allie. I think it was an awesome night. She was also a major help in writing the letters for Allie. Not even lying. I would have been sobbing and not able to finish had it not been for Whitley. She was my rock. I know I am technically supposed to be there for her, but right now she was here for me… and that really meant something to me. I have no doubt that they will be okay. Between her and Taurus, nothing is going to hurt them. Unless they take those two down. But I know for a fact that that will not happen without a fight.

  Chapter Eleven

  Trying to convince Taurus to spend the day with me was much harder than I initially expected. They, under no circumstances, wanted to leave the house or the girls. Which okay, I understand… but also mom was home. So we wouldn’t technically be leaving them. I finally convinced them to come with me to our favorite coffee shop. But it was a silent affair.

  Any conversation I tried to start was answered in short matter of the fact ways. It was official. They were pissed. I just wish there was a way to let them know it may be our last time to hang out. But that was, of course, completely off the table. Yet another reason to hate him.

  Hate is a strong word. The dictionary defines it as intense and passionate disklike for someone. I was always taught that hate was a word never meant to be used. Especially towards family, friends, teachers, basically anyone. It was better to say that are annoying me or I am upset with them and dislike them at the moment. Mom always said that there shouldn’t ever be a time in our life where we actually hate someone.

  Well mom. You were wrong. I absolutely hate him with my entire being and I will expose him. Even if I’m dead, my siblings will expose him. Revenge isn’t even what I’m after. I mean, it’s tempting of course, but I just. I mainly want to protect other people who he may hurt. He did this to me, so who’s to say he hasn’t or won’t do it again? I used to always want to be a grown up. I absolutely loathed being treated like a child. I wish I could tell my younger self to enjoy those times. Growing up sucks already. Having to be forced to grow up and make literal life or death decisions is definitely not what I had planned when I was younger.

  I wanted to be an actress, an astronaut, and even a marine biologist. But now… I just want to be here. I have no more dreams. I’ve come to terms with it the best I can. That by no means means I am prepared or happy or even accepted all of this. No. That would be stupid and naive. I am anything but naïve now. I lost that luxury a few months ago.

  You know how when you’re in school and on a sport’s team you come during the summer to practice and stuff? It was then that it first happened. I was just so happy that I, a freshman, made the varsity girls’ soccer team. That’s pretty unheard of. At first, I thought his fascination with me, compliments, and lingering looks were normal. I mean, like I said, it was rare for a freshman to make varsity.

  But then I realized he didn’t act the same way towards Marina and she made freaking captain. Unfortunately for me, I made that realization too late. I’m not sure if it would have really made a difference, anyway. He probably would still have found a way to get what he wanted.

  That’s something I’ve learned here. You can be the most careful and cautious person, and they will still always find a way. It’s one of those weird things in life that I will never understand. I can’t even understand why he chose me and not another girl. I don’t think he really had a reason. I think he just chose me for some reason that only he knew and that he possibly couldn’t even put into words.

  Kyle is always telling me that there is no point in trying to figure out how these people think. We aren’t like them. But… I can’t help but wonder what made them like this? Were they born this way? Did something happen? Is it genetic? Maybe if I’m lucky, one of my friends or family members will figure it out. Then I will get to know as well.

  Chapter Twelve

  Dear everyone,

  Today is my last day. It seems so surreal and I have those butterflies in my stomach. You know the kind you get before your first day of school when you’re anxious and kinda afraid?… I’m very afraid. I wish I could explain more I-I know you’ll get tired of hearing that but it’s true. If I thought there was even the slightest chance that telling someone would stop this and stop them from going for all of you. I would. But, there’s not.

  I’m not willing to risk all of you on a gamble I am sure to lose. So yes, I am absolutely terrified. But, I am also content with my decision. You mean too much to me. Over time, you’ll find out what’s going on… just. Just wait until things start coming to light.

  ~With love,

  Syren Nova Velasquez

  Chapter Thirteen

  Yesterday was a very bittersweet day. I baked cookies with my siblings and mom. We decorated gingerbread houses. Whitley took more videos and photos and we even sang Christmas carols in pajamas. And yes, she caught that on camera too. I haven’t seen Marina or Jordyn… they’ve been out of town with their families. But that’s okay. They deserve to have a good holiday before coming home to… all this.

  I didn’t sleep one bit last night. I just went through my night routine, added in a shower and lay in bed. I’m not stupid enough to bring anything with me. But I am going to leave little objects of mine randomly as I walk. I hope he doesn’t retrace my steps and hide them. Or worse, get mad at my family. I just… I want them to know that I am still going to be here. No matter what happens, I will always be with them. I made sure of that.

  Just like the note said, a box showed up yesterday. It’s three a.m now… I should probably open it and do what he says. I don’t really want to make this any harder on myself. Closing my eyes, I lift the lid and glance inside. I immediately start to gag and dry heave. Inside the box was the world sheerest nighty and underwear set that I had ever seen. A pair of impossibly tall heels that would be impossible to walk in without ice and snow on the ground… and a note. Steeling myself to read the note, I try to keep from sobbing.

  Syren, don’t be afraid of anything in the box. You will wear everything in the box and NOTHING ELSE to the gym. If people drive past you, I want them to see just how much of a whore you are. Talk to no one or your family will get it. I’ll even start with the one girl… ah yes, Whitley. She would make a fun toy, don’t you think. Make sure she doesn’t speak about what she knows, either. Ah, nevertheless be a good girl for me and put everything on right now. Failure to follow directions or to wear an item will result in a punishment that I am sure you will not enjoy.

  ~W. H

  Dropping the note, I fall to the ground, sobbing. There it was again, the threat, no promise that he can and will hurt my family. Except this time, he is singling out Whitley. No. I refuse to allow him to hurt her. No more little miss meek. I will NOT go quietly or without a fight.

  To all whom read this. William Hodge is a pedophile, a rapist, and a kidnapper. He has been abusing me since the summer and now has taken me. I may very well be dead by the time you find this. If by some miracle I’m not DO NOT STOP LOOKING. Above all, Do NOT LET HIM KNOW YOU KNOW! Follow my directions and clues. You need evidence. I have provided evidence that will be revealed over time. Patience is of the utmost importance. No matter how much you want to speak up and tell people. Don’t. Knowledge is your power. You hold all the cards here. The only thing to do now is to play the game.

  ~Syren

  Grabbing everything I can about the correspondences and any other evidence I could think of. I quickly place random bi
ts in between letters in the box and then change into the… clothing (it’s hardly clothing) he sent. I don’t dare wear a coat, though. Who’s to say he won’t be watching me walk to the gym? No. I need to be smart. Subtleness is key.

  Jewelry. He never said I couldn’t wear jewelry. I quickly grab all the jewelry I could place on my body without seeming unnatural. Placing everything on the largest clip, I take a deep breath, look around my room one last time, and make my way out the door.

  It was snowing again, of course it was. If I made it to the gym without frostbite or freezing to death, I will be extremely surprised. But I can’t stop. I left at four thirty-six. I don’t have long to get to the gym and I have to try to “hide” my trail. Which is actually easier than I expected. The snow and wind is blowing so hard every time I “accidentally” drop a piece of jewelry its nearly immediately covered. But that also meant my foot prints where covered.

  No one was out and about at this time of morning. On the one hand, that’s a relief because I did not want anyone to see me in this flimsy excuse for clothing. But on the other hand they could have been a witness. Well Sy, we can’t have all the luck on our side, can we, I think to myself whilst spotting the gym a few feet ahead. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I allow my body to walk the rest of the distance and lightly grip the door handle. There’s no turning back no. I’ve done what I can. It’s all up to my family and friends now. And with that final thought, I open the door, walk in, and allow myself to be engulfed in a tight, suffocating hug.

  I don’t know how long it’s been. I don’t know what exactly happened. I just know that I was in agony.