Chapter Seven

Carolyn was in her room one afternoon looking for the next day's outfit. She's been spending more time with Eric but she's noticed he's been distracted and checking on her more the last few days. She tried spending time with her sister before coming to her room. Bethany was excited school was almost over. Her birthday will be next month. Turning eighteen.

Carolyn wasn't sure how she felt about Bethany turning eighteen. She remembered what it was like for her. She just wanted to have freedom to stay out with her friends and not have a curfew. Bethany wanted to be eighteen because she knew she'd start college soon.

But with Eric she was confused. He was always so sweet and wanted to see her smile as he smiled himself. But after a day or two she noticed he wasn't his usual carefree person. Though she didn't know him any other way, she knew that something wasn't right. He would check on her at work a few times, insisting he walk her to her car. She even thought he followed her home once. Whatever was bothering Eric, it wasn't good.

Finally it was Friday. Carolyn made plans to go out to dinner with Beth and their cousins, Loriana and Kate. The four haven't seen much of each other in the last few months so a dinner out would be a good way to catch up.

When Carolyn came home, she showered and dressed in her favorite jeans and Cami.

"Beth are you ready?"

"Yep." Beth walked out of her room wearing shorts and a baby T.

"We have to meet Loriana at Joe's. Come on."

They drove the short distance to their favorite burger shop. There, they were met up with a tall brunette and a slider blond. Kate and Loriana. The four cousins hugged and waited for their table. Once seated, and drinks ordered, they started exchanging stories.

"I'm still working at Georgia Peach. We now are in the running for best restaurant in Port Charlotte." Announced Kate.

"I'm focusing on school. I'm determined to get my RN license but next year. Until then, I don't mind helping out in the hospital." Loriana seemed.

"Carolyn has been helping me get ready for exams. I was thinking of finding a job but if I'm moving to Tampa in August there's no point."

"How are things with Clinton, Kate?"

"He's amazing. I swear I hit the jackpot."

"Carolyn started seeing a guy. He's cute and really sweet."

"He's bearly been around you. But he is cute."

"Oh, do tell." Loriana wondered.

"He works in the same building as me. His name is Eric Gooden. We've only been seeing each other for a few weeks."

"Is he coming to Bethany's graduation?"

"I haven't asked him, Loriana."

Kate asked, "when will we meet him and do you have a picture?"

"I'm not showing him off yet but," Carolyn searched through her phone. "This is what he looks like."

The other pair of sister cousins took turn looking.

"I love his eyes, " Loriana mentioned.

"He's really cute, Carolyn."

"Thank you." Carolyn said as she took her phone back from Kate.

"So what are you doing for the weekend, Loriana?"

As the four cousins talked, Carolyn couldn't shake the feeling someone was watching her. She looked around but no one was looking. She tired to relax and enjoy the conversations and dinner but she could shake the feeling.

Once home she thought about calling Eric and seeing what his plans were but instead asked Bethany is she wanted to go to the beach and then go to a movie.

She didn't hear from Eric all weekend. She figured he must of had something come up. By Monday morning she found a reason to go upstairs and see him but they told her he was out for the week.

Finding it odd to ask for a week off after just starting. Whatever pulled him away must have been important. Still, Carolyn found herself missing him by the weekend.

Eric finally called her Sunday night.

"Sorry I've been away and haven't called but I've been dealing with family issues."

"It's fine. Did everything get sorted out?"

"No." He answered. "I'm going up again soon but I need work to keep my mind busy."

"OK, so I'll see you in the morning?"

"Yes."

"Good. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Carolyn, sleep well."

When Carolyn was going to bed, she stopped and looked out the window. This time she saw someone. They weren't looking at her but the person creeped her out either way. She ignored it and went to bed.

Little did she know that the figure outside was forming a plan to take her away.