Haven't written something in a while, so please correct me on any mistakes. I proof-read and didn't see anything, but I always welcome any crit, tips, or corrections! (:

 

Chapter 1

 

Payton shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Cargo planes were definitely better than flying passenger, but the seats weren't exactly made with comfort in mind. The private sitting across from her spoke up. "Ma'am, are we almost there?" He looked roughly nineteen, and more nervous than words could express.

 

"Yes," Payton glanced out the window. "We'll be landing soon. Hold your horses, Private."

 

She felt a jolt as the plane tottered onto the runway. She was decked in her colorful Class A uniform, and though a now battle-hardened twenty-five year old, she felt as nervous as the kid seemed. The airport was a military one, so of course her folks weren't waiting to greet her. They didn't have clearance and probably weren't getting it anytime soon.

 

Half an hour later, Payton was sitting silently in the back of a cab. The driver made a few attempts at conversation, but quickly realized she wasn't going to reply. She almost fell asleep; the motor made an almost comforting sound, and the seats were so plush...

 

Payton blinked, trying to force herself to stay awake. She started to recognize street names as they approached her house. She took a deep breath as the driver skidded to a stop, blocking her house's driveway. "That'll be thirty-four dollars, please," The man's voice was gravelly, and frankly, he looked angry. She gave him a fifty. It was all she had. He grinned widely. "Hey, thanks for the tip."

 

The walk up her parent's driveway felt ominous in an odd way. She hadn't been in here in seven months, and in that seven months she'd changed more than she felt possible. When they opened the door, it wouldn't be the same girl walking through. Payton rang the doorbell. Shouldn't she be able to walk in here whenever she felt like it? Why did she need to ring the doorbell? That was for strangers, and this was her home.

 

There was no hesitation in the way the door was flung open. Before Payton could say a word, her mother's arms were tightly around her. "Payton! Oh, my baby," She let go for a moment and turned to scream. "Paul! Paul, Payton's home!" She gently rubbed Payton's arms. "Oh, we missed you so much. We prayed for you every night, no matter what. I'm so happy you're safe," She gave her daughter another tight hug.

 

The same happened when her father appeared in the doorway. There were tears in her mom's eyes. "Honey's been here for the past three nights waiting for you to get home."

 

Her parent's excitement hadn't surprised her, and though she was thankful to see them, her eyes lit up at the sound of Honey's name. "She's here? Right now?" For Payton, seriousness and sheer terror were the only feelings she recognized anymore, and usually the only ones she ever felt. Yet at the thought of seeing Honey, she could here a hint of childish joy in her own voice.

 

"Yes, yes, she's inside," Her mother quickly ushered Payton inside, smiling proudly. Streamers were hanging everywhere, and a few balloons were tied down near the kitchen table.

 

"Oh, guys," Payton murmured, "You didn't have to do all of this for me."

 

Honey came from practically nowhere. Her blonde locks were lopsided--one side hadn't finished being curled. The shining look in her hazel eyes actually elicited a smile from Payton. The embraced for a quick minute.

 

"Payton, you've missed so much! Did you get the Gossip Girl seasons I sent you?" Payton gave a slight chuckle.

 

"Honey, you know you wasted your money buying those for me." Honey gave an annoyed sigh.

 

"Listen, I can't complain to you about the show if you don't understand it! You said you needed something to do in your free time. Why not watch a little Gossip Girl? One episode and you'll be in love again!" She teased, her smile not fading the slightest. "You watched it when we were in high school."

 

Payton rolled her eyes. "That was a long time ago." She waved her hand dismissively. "How are things going for you?"

 

"Oh, you know," Honey's hands fluttered as she spoke. "Just going to work and stuff. I got promoted--I've been doing so many great houses lately. You should see what this interior decorator can do to just about any dump."

 

Something vibrated in Payton's pocket. She held a finger, indicating for Honey to wait. "Hello?" She didn't recognize the number.

 

"570489."

 

"Excuse me?" Payton's eyebrows raised. "What are you talking about?"

 

"You have one month." The phone went dead. Payton stared at it for a moment in surprise before snapping it shut.

 

"Who was it?" Honey asked innocently.

 

Payton shrugged, and gave a small sigh. "Just telemarketers,"

I don't care what you say this story is great. D<

 

I really like this so far~ Even though it's only one chapter so far, the characters are already fleshed out a little, and the story already seems pretty interesting. 8DD

Thwank you, Ninja. c:

This is pretty nice,I like it.

I really like this story so far.

I likes how the characters all do seem human and the touches of realisim.

Thanks, guys. (:

 

Chapter 2

 

The celebrations continued for a few more hours. Honey brought out a small, silver-wrapped box. "Payton, I've got something for you." She sang the words instead of speaking. Payton smiled faintly.

 

"Really?" Payton rolled her eyes sarcastically. "And what might this be?"

 

"You'll have to open it to find out." Honey winked, grinning proudly. Payton felt a little put out with her, but tore the wrapping paper off anyway. A fuzzy black jewelry box stared back at her. Payton opened her mouth to protest, but Honey cut her off. "No, no, Payton, don't complain yet. Just open it," Reluctantly, Payton flicked the box open. Laying inside was a silver angel that looked like it was meant to be a Christmas ornament, with words in sapphires spelling out the quote. It took Payton a moment to adjust to reading jewels, but she deciphered it after a moment. "Job 18:11, 'You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.'" Honey read the words aloud.

 

Payton reached over to hug her best friend. "Oh, thank you, Honey. It's beautiful,"

 

"I told you not to complain until you'd opened it." Honey sounded smug, but it didn't bother Payton. She was just glad to be back, even if it was for only a month. She promised herself mentally that she'd make this time with Honey worth it.

 

"Yeah, yeah, you picked out something I liked for once. Let's get you a trophy," Payton let the sarcasm seep into her voice, but a smile was still plastered to her face. It almost felt strange--she hadn't smiled at all in the past year. Only Honey could bring out the best in her. Well, whatever good was left in her, at least.

 

Honey tapped her chin lightly. "Hmm, I'd like a trophy. Or a medal words too, because I could wear it all the time to remind you."

 

Payton yawned, and her mother immediately sprung into action. "Oh, you must exhausted! We set up your old bedroom for you. You can go to bed now, sweetie."

 

Ordinarily, the term "sweetie" being used in reference to her would have annoyed Payton, but now that her mom mentioned it, she was pretty tired. "Sure," Suddenly Payton's voice was a lot less enthusiastic. The prospect of sleeping without being interrupted was tempting. How long had it been since she'd had such a luxury? "Thanks, everyone, I missed you all so much." She gave a quick round of hugs again before trudging upstairs. The way to her old bedroom was so familiar, but it didn't feel like hers anymore.

 

When she glanced around the room, she saw the room of a bubbly, excitable, and determined eighteen-year-old girl, dreaming of joining the Marine Corps. Now, she was the dark and somewhat depressed Staff Sergeant Reyes. The Matt Damon and pop band posters stuck to the walls seemed a world away. The bright pinkish tone, which was once so pretty to her, now almost hurt her eyes.

 

She opened her closet in search of a nightgown. Payton quickly realized, though, none of these things would fit her anymore. Starvation, stress, and constant mobility had taken off a lot of weight. She'd never been chubby, but now she practically skin and bones. She slipped out of her uniform and into an old pair of Hello Kitty pajamas. She had to hold the pants up now they were so big.

 

As awkward as she felt, though, it didn't take Payton long to drift off. The moment her head hit the pillow, she was asleep.

 

Honey softly crept into the room. Payton was snoring softly, sprawled out on the bed. She wrapped Payton's fingers around the angel before quietly disappearing. Downstairs, Mr. and Mrs. Reyes were talking in heated whispers. Payton's demeanor had worried them as much as it did her. She was scared and hurt, that much was obvious. Maybe she was the same Payton on the outside, but on the inside, she didn't seem like the same girl Honey had met in fifth grade. That sense of adventure and sunny personality had vanished, just a shadow of her left. Honey sighed, feeling a little hurt herself. What had she seen or done that could destroy her this way? Honey had called her as often as possible, and Payton never talked about anything involving the war. Just about Honey, never herself and her experiences.

 

"I think maybe we should just leave Payton alone for a while." Honey stared at Payton's parents intently. "She needs time to heal, and if we try and make her feel better or talk about things, she might just end up feeling worse. Payton's strong; she just needs some time to repair herself. She'll turn into old Payton again eventually."

 

Mrs. Reyes' eyes looked almost as vacant as her daughter's. "I hope she does,"

very good!

Thanks (:

 

When Payton woke, she knew she'd been asleep for a long time. She felt stiff, and actually quite hungry. When she sat up, something small and sparkly slipped from her fingers. Leaning over to retrieve it, she realized it was Honey's angel. She stared at it for a moment, and sighed deeply. Payton missed the way a moment like this would have made her feel a handful of years back. Somehow that already seemed a lifetime away.

 

Watching old sitcoms on TV Land, 'studying' together, having ice cream and seeing scary movies just for the heck of it. When Payton thought of those old days, she didn't feel like they'd ever been hers. That carefree and bubbly teenager was long gone now, buried or maybe even completely obliterated. It was hard to believe she'd ever been so happy and content.

 

Payton decided to do something a bit more productive than sit and mope. In search of food- breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever time it was- she trotted downstairs. Her parents were huddled together on the sofa, her mother's eyes red and puffy. "Hey, sweetie, did you have a nice nap?"

 

"Yeah, Mom, it was fine." She glanced around uncertainly. "Where's Honey? Did she go home?" Payton's heart sunk a little. Honey was one of the only people that gave her hope. She was the only reason Payton fought, the only reason she woke up and stormed into hell each and every morning.

 

"No, she just went to pick us all up some dinner." Payton could detect a slight wavering in her mother's voice, but didn't call her out on it. She might just start crying again.

 

They watched each other in silence for a minute. Finally, her dad stood, and gave her a tight hug. "Stay with us as long as you can, Payt. We really missed you. I'm so proud of you. We're so proud of you."

 

"I'll try, Dad," Payton whispered. Her eyes felt strange- prickly. It was an odd sensation. Were there tears in her eyes? Surely she wasn't crying? Something warm and salty rolled down her cheek. Tears. And once they'd started, Payton felt herself breaking down. In tears, she hugged her dad tighter, bawling her eyes out. She felt weak. She was a Staff Sergeant, a no-fear, no-reservations, break-down-the-walls kind of leader. So why was she crying?

 

Someone else's arms were around her from behind. Payton recognized the sparkly pink nails that crossed in front of her. Something so innocent and girly could only belong to one person. "I missed you guys. I miss being here with you." Honey softly patted my hair.

 

"It's okay, Payton. We've missed you, too," She agreed quietly.

 

Slowly, Payton pulled away. She tried to put on her usual facade of confident, proud, and cunning. While her parents seemed a bit relieved, she knew Honey saw through it immediately. Her cellphone rang incessantly, vibrating on the kitchen table. She scooped it up and answered. "Hello?"

 

"I won't warn you again. 570489. One month. Go."

 

Payton sighed in annoyance. "Stupid telemarketers just won't leave me alone."

 

Beside her, Honey's jaw was dropping. "What was that? Payton, I heard what they said! That didn't sound like a telemarketer call! I think you should listen."

 

"Honey, I have no idea what it means. It's just some numbers. Calm down, I'm sure it's just some kind of prank call." Payton plopped down on the sofa beside her mother. "Don't be such a drama queen."

 

"They sounded serious," Honey insisted.

 

"It's not a big deal, so don't make it into one. It's just some kids messing with us. You getting upset it just funny to them. Relax," Payton laid back and closed her eyes.

 

Honey wouldn't let up, though. "It means something- I don't think this is a joke, Payton. You should listen."

 

"To what? There weren't any instructions, just a date and some numbers. Now I heard you were getting dinner..." Honey tossed her a bag of McDonalds. It was like heaven to Payton- it'd been so long since she'd eaten anything but pre-packaged meals. She wasn't paying much attention as Honey rambled on.

 

"It could be some sort of test!"

 

"A test?" That caught Payton's attention. Thankful her friend was giving her an ounce of concentration, Honey stumbled over herself to keep explaining.

 

"It could be some sort of test from the military. Maybe they're doing it to everyone. It could be part of some big promotional thing to see how everyone responds."

 

Payton snorted. "I doubt it, Honey. I'm happy to have my twenty-eight days of peace, and I'm fairly sure they won't interrupt it. Just sit down and let's hang out, okay? I don't know about you, but I'm starving. I've had nothing but MRE's for the past few months, so I'd like to enjoy this without worrying about things."

 

Honey groaned in annoyance. "Fine, have it your way. If you don't get promoted or something, don't blame me. I tried to tell you." She jumped onto the cushion beside Payton, and nibbled at her fries. "I'm just worried about you."

 

"No need to, Honey. I can take care of myself just fine, thank you very much." She disagreed between greedy bites of her chicken nuggets.

 

"I know you can, but you've been in a lot of dangerous places lately. I just don't think this would be too much of a stretch. How about you be safe and Google it?" Honey suggested hopefully.

 

Payton sighed, starting to become frustrated. "Honey, it doesn't mean anything! Just let it go!" She picked up her bag and marched back up to her room. Couldn't they see she needed their support, not their advice and criticism? Couldn't they see she was falling apart at the seams?

 

"Stupid prank callers," She muttered, booting up her laptop. Maybe if she just looked up the numbers real quick, she could prove to Honey it was no big deal. After Googling the numbers, Payton scrolled boredly through the results.

 

"Death of Staff Sergeant Payton Hailey Reyes, 570489. Reported on December 8."

 

It took Payton exactly two seconds to do the math. The current day was November 8. Her jaw dropped. 570489. One month.

Woah. You've got a nice plot twist going here.

 

Overall, I really like this. Captures all the stuff a returning soldier would probably go through.

 

My only complaint is that you could use "said" more ansd describe the characters feelings immediately after they say something less. I know you mean well, but it annoys some people (including myself.)

 

Keep going with this. It's really got the potential to go somewhere.

Thank you. (:

 

Yeah, I know I should cut down on that. It's just habit, because I'm trying to get their personalities to be known.

it seems really good so far, keep up the good work

Lov it

Thanks everyone. (:

I know it's been forever since I updated. I'm sorry.

 

Payton frantically scrolled through the article that portrayed a tragic death at the hands of the enemy. "Impossible," She whispered in disbelief. She scanned over the numbers again. The order didn't mean anything to her- Payton was sure she'd never seen the combination before. "What is this?" There wasn't any explanation in the article about the numbers. She leaned back in her chair, fingering the keyboard nervously.

 

She snapped her phone open and hit redial. The automated voice tonelessly informed her that the number was not available. She slammed it down. "Of course it's not." She muttered. "That would just be too easy, wouldn't it?"

 

Payton closed the laptop softly, leaving the page up to refer to later. She peeked through the fuzzy blue curtains blocking the window. There wasn't anything suspicious outside. Just your usual middle-class suburban community. Calling on all of her officer training, she willed herself to be calm. Someone could have very well hacked the site and put that article in. Some of her comrades were quite talented with computers.

 

"It's a joke!" Payton laughed, sounding more high-pitched and jittery than normal. "Good one, Frye," Her thoughts instantly went to one of her closest friends, Ben Frye. He was the serious platoon commander when necessary, but other times he was a silly twenty one-year-old second lieutenant who loved nothing more than messing with his friends. This had to be one of his most time-consuming pranks. Something about this joke was strange, though. Even he wouldn't go so far as to post a serious article about her dying. No one was that cruel. She didn't feel ready to believe anything else, though.

 

She finished her McDonalds and returned downstairs. Honey would calm her down with all her trivial daily affairs. She'd love to babble on and on about it Payton. It'd be a comforting distraction. "Honey!" Payton called, slipping on an old jacket that was now, like most of her clothing, too big. "I'm going for a drive. Are you going to come with me?"

 

"Sure! Long as you still remember how to drive!" Honey teased, grinning widely.

 

"Well, worst comes to worst, we can always call a cab, right?" Payton shot her mother a hopefully disarming look. "We'll be back soon, Mom."

 

Her mother smiled faintly, the tears on her face finally beginning to dry. "Okay, sweetie, have fun."

 

Payton gave a long sigh. She wished this wasn't so difficult on her parents. Wasn't the burden she was carrying enough for fate? Why did they have to suffer, too? Her Dad put on a braver face, but she knew he could empathize. She wasn't the first Marine in the family- in fact, it was her father's service in Operation Desert Storm that convinced Payton to join the military.

 

Hopping into the passenger side of Payton's old Toyota pick-up, Honey's face turned from bright to serious. As Payton backed out, Honey looked away. "Payton, I know you don't believe me, and I know I sound paranoid, but I think those numbers mean something-"

 

"Honey, I know they do. There's- there's an article with next month's date, same year. It says those numbers at the top and then describes how I die in Afghanistan." Honey's head whipped back towards Payton. Her eyes were bulging, but she didn't seem able to find the right words to express the emotions boiling inside of her. "I don't know what it is or who wrote it. I thought it was a joke at first, but I don't think anyone would pull something like this."

 

"What were the numbers again?" Honey asked softly.

 

"570489." Payton knew there was no way she'd ever forget those numbers.

 

Honey tapped her chin. "I've heard that before. I know I have,"

 

"It's just a random string of numbers. Unless it was your high school lunch code, I doubt it. It's... I don't know. I'm starting to think it's some sort of code."

 

"A code?" Honey echoed. "Like a password to something?"

 

"Maybe. Or, I have a better idea." Careful to keep her eyes on the road, Payton felt the floor until she found a napkin and pen. "Write out the numbers and switch their places with letters."

 

Honey stared curiously at her for a moment before scribbling it down.

 

"If you put zero in as 'A', all you get is EGADI. That doesn't mean anything."

 

"Switch the numbering. Five numbers into the alphabet it 'E', but do it six times. Or seven. Keep going till we get something."

 

Honey sighed in exasperation, but complied. Payton caught a glimpse of one of the patterns. "Wait!" She slammed the brakes. Something clicked. "Michael Haemonerston. He went by Ike. Ike H. The 'M' could stand for Marine. Ike H., Marine."

 

Payton's mind was suddenly racing. "Died December 8 of last year. He was in my battalion."

 

"I know you were just accusing me of being paranoid, but don't you think that's a little desperate? It's just a coincidence, Payton. It doesn't mean anything."

 

"He's presumed dead, Honey. No one really knows as of right now if he really is or isn't. Sometimes prisoners can send mail. But if someone else figured out what it meant- no, that's why it was sent to me. Honey, he might still be alive and trying to escape, we have to do something!"

 

Honey sunk in her seat. "I don't want you to get your hopes up when they might be spoiled. This is very tentative, Payton. We don't actually really know anything. If he really was calling for help, then why is there an article and the person on the phone? It doesn't add up."

 

"Yes," Payton slammed the brakes, smiling in what felt like forever. "Honey, I've got it!"

Humm I wonder where this is going?

Again, slow update. Sorry D:

 

 

Honey shook her head hopelessly. "Payton, seriously, calm down for a minute. I know it's exciting for you to think you're figuring this out, but maybe you really need to stop and think. I don't think there's any real secret code here. I'm sorry, Payton,"

 

Payton fingered the steering wheel, still unsure. "He was pretty clever. Maybe he sent it knowing I'd figure it out." Despite the one in a billion chance, she still felt hopeful. Sometimes crazy things happened, and if he was desperate, this whole charade would make sense. It was something the enemy would never be able to decode, but his friends might recognize. "There's always a chance," Payton disagreed softly.

 

For once, Honey's voice was firm instead of comforting. "No. Payton, I don't want you getting worked up over this. It's not what you think. I'm glad that you still have hope and that you think you can help, but it's useless in this case. You're grasping at straws. Just admit how far-fetched it is! It's impossible and you're just trying to make excuses. Let's think about this logically. Think with your head and not your heart. I thought you of all people would have learned that lesson." She said, her face cold. Payton sighed and looked out the window. Finally, Honey softened a bit. "I don't mean to disappoint you Payton, but you're wrong this time. Come on, start up the car again and we'll go do something that will take your mind off of it."

 

"Like what? Ice skating?" Payton scoffed, but gently tapped the gas pedal anyway.

 

"Well, that's not a bad suggestion." Honey teased, smiling slightly. "I'd like to watch you be bad at something."

 

Payton didn't mean to be drawn in, but subconciously she really did want to relax for a little while. "It's getting kind of late. But I guess the rink has those nighttime skate-dance things."

 

"That's the spirit!" Honey enthused, applauding her. "You should always have some fun with your friends once in a while! I've missed bugging you!" She made an air-hug motion, and then squinted out the window. "Oh, have some fun. I don't see any cops. Roll the windows down and play some music, silly girl!"

Oh this story is cute.

@sorasbaby

Thank you (: I always love it when someone comments. This is just a quick thing before I go to school.

 

Payton grumbled to herself, but switched on the radio, messing with the dial until they were at her favorite Country station. Honey used the hand crank to roll her window down, and stuck her head out, waving her arms. "You better be glad this road's in the middle of nowhere. First cop that saw that would have your head, Honey. And that might be literal."

 

Honey ignored her, smiling brightly. "Come on, Payton, live a little! Drive with your head out the window. Be adventurous,"

 

"Honey, let's recall who in this truck has been the most adventurous as of late. I'm my own worst critic, but I'm going to say it's me. So I get a pass on being adventurous for the next couple weeks." Payton didn't mean to sound so harsh, yet it almost felt good; getting her frustrations out, even if it was on poor Honey. "Now get your head in my stupid truck. I'm already going ice skating, so calm down a bit, you nitwit." Surprisingly, Honey wasn't bothered by Payton's rude comments. She just shrugged, still beaming.

 

Payton pulled into the ice rink parking lot when she received her first rational thought of the day. "We need money to rent skates and get on the ice." She patted her pockets, feeling nothing but air. "I didn't bring anything. I thought we were just going driving."

 

Her smile somehow managing to widen further, Honey waved a sparkly silver wallet. "But I did. I knew I'd be able to talk you into having fun somewhere." She winked and hopped out of the car, tapping the door shut behind her. "So are you excited? You can feel like a teenager again!"

 

Payton rolled her eyes. "Honey I don't want to be a teenager again. Frankly, I'm glad I'm not. High school wasn't exactly my cup of tea. I know you may have loved math class, but I was bored to tears. There's a reason I never took advanced math, and it's not because I was lazy." While she went on a bit of a rant, Honey paid for their skates and tossed Payton a pair. "They're probably the wrong size. Here, I--"

 

Honey interrupted, trying to sound comforting. "Don't worry, they're the right size. I had to help you go shoe shopping for the prom, didn't I? I remember," She tapped the side of her head. "Give me a little credit, Payton. I'm not as cool as you, but I'm good at what I do."

 

While Payton knew it shouldn't have, she felt bad when Honey spoke. "You're just as cool as I am. Maybe even better, Honey. You're so nice, and I've seen the pictures of those houses you got your hands on. They were beautiful after you finished. That's pretty amazing," She finished lacing up her skates, and Honey helped her to her feet. "Now come on, let's go look like the Idiots on Ice."

Well, if Honey had been expecting a show, that was what she got. Payton fell flat on her back for the eightieth time. "This ice is defective," She muttered, struggling to get to her feet. She stumbled along, not really skating, but half-walking and she clutched Honey for dear life.

 

"Don't worry, Payton! You can do it! Just try and really skate. It will be a lot easier than what you're doing. You'll love it if you get any good in the next half hour!" Honey pried Payton's fingers off of her shoulders, encouraging her to skate without support. And she smacked into the person in front of her, knocking them flat onto the ice. Payton waved her arms, trying to stop and not run them over. In her attempt, she lost balance and tripped. By now, her pants were soaking wet from all the times they'd slammed the cold ice.

 

"I'm so sorry!" Payton blushed, and struggled to her feet, trying to help the person up.

 

The man shook his head and took Payton's hand, letting her help him up. "Hey, don't worry about it! I would've fallen sooner or later anyway. I'm not much of a professional."

 

"Well, neither am I, but I bet you probably already guessed that. I'll try not to knock you down next time." She laughed softly. She laughed! It felt... almost weird, but nice. Payton hadn't even needed to force it. That little fact brought on a sparkling grin. "Well, maybe we should both just go grab the wall. Looks like we're not good enough to be out here yet." She giggled again, still amazed at the bubbling feeling that accompanied it.

 

Since they were practically in the center of the rink, it was a difficult journey to the wall. Honey didn't follow, but she was proud to skate circles around them, performing little leaps and scales. Payton stuck her tongue out at her, which distracted Payton enough to cause her to fall. The radio station being loudly played in speakers hanging above the rink was turned up. Payton paused in her pursuit of stable ground to cover her ears. The upbeat pop song that had been playing cut off mid-chorus.

 

"570489. Don't forget, Staff Sergeant Reyes." It was an almost angry voice, and it was the same one from the phone calls. Payton was sure of it. She felt her face paling, and she spun helplessly to Honey, whose eyes were wide with horror.

 

"Wonder what that was." The man shrugged and resumed skating.

If I herd that I'd be like ...

awesome story 8D

Nice job, Lexi. Keep writing

Thank youuuu c:

 

The music resumed, and Payton slowly stumbled towards the exit. "You're going the wrong way, Payton!" Honey sighed in exasperation. "Go back the other way!" Payton ignored her, angrily stomping out onto the regular flooring. She stumbled, struggling to walk on the blades. She yanked them off and threw them at the man behind the skate rental counter. "Payton!" Honey grabbed her shoulder. "Where are you going?"

 

"I..." Payton's anger faded slightly. "I'm just mad, alright? Let's get out of here. This was stupid anyway, you know I can't ice skate." She yanked her truck's door open and, about a million miles over the speed limit, drove him.

 

"You're going to fast, Payton." Honey muttered, knowing her friend probably wasn't paying attention.

 

Payton sighed in frustration. "I don't care, Honey. Something's going on and I don't understand what. It's pissing me off. I hate not knowing what's happening right now. I don't know if this is some sort of military test or something's really wrong or a prank or..." She trailed off, her fingers curled so tightly around the wheel that her knuckles were turning a bone white.

 

"Taking it out on this poor truck won't help anything." Honey noted softly, and Payton loosened her grip.

 

"I know," She said, and pulled into the driveway. "I guess that's about the only thing I do know right now." She took a steadying breath before plastering a grin on her face and walking inside. "Hey, Mom and Dad,"

 

After another round of 'I can't believe she's really here' hugs, Payton decided to go back on her laptop. She'd left that article open, so it shouldn't be too difficult to keep researching from where she'd left off. Except that when she opened up the screen, there was a different article pulled up. "What the heck?" Her jaw dropped, and Payton frantically pounded the keys and consulted the History, but she couldn't find the article. After Googling it again, it was no longer a result. "No!" She yelled, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. "What's wrong with this stupid thing?!" She wiped the tears away and leaned back in her chair.

 

"Calm down," She reminded herself in a soothing voice. "Calm down.You're not going to solve anything by flipping out." Payton pulled her phone from her pocket and stared at it for a moment. She plugged it into the computer and, after an hour of slow, precise hacking, she managed to decode the blocked number. The real phone number flashed on her screen. "Call it, Payton." She told herself. "Call it." It took a full ten minutes for her to actually gather the courage to dial the number.

 

To her surprise, someone answered almost immediately. "Hello?"

 

Stunned, Payton almost didn't answer, but instinct quickly took over and she replied. "I've got money. Lots of money," It was the most blatantly obvious lie in the world, but also a quite tempting one.

 

The voice on the other end was different than the one that had called her. "Money." They repeated tonelessly.

 

"You want some, sugar? Then tell me what's up with these sweet little phone calls I've been getting." She licked her lips, an old nervous habit. There was a muffled sound of the other side, like they were coughing.

 

"I like money, but that's for you to figure out." The phone went dead. Payton listened for a moment longer, but then punched the end button.

 

Payton shook her head. "Damn." But she had a number. Numbers had area codes. Area codes were traceable. Then find one of the two voices she was sure she'd never forget, and there was her answer.

So awesome.