Friday, June 16th, 2017:

Remember how we shared our loathing for Fridays? I swear we had Rocky design us our own tee-shirts with the words I HATE Fridays encrypted into a logo. Well, I hate this Friday more than my hatred for any other Friday combined - you're not here. So, as an hour to our traditions, I wore my "I Hate Fridays" shirt as Vanessa and I hung out in the treehouse.

Anyways, for the first time ever in the history of our treehouse, I pull a code red. Why? Maia, who has still not gotten the signal that I don't like her one bit, found our hideout. Please, tell me, you never mentioned it to her during that small period of time when you two dated. The good thing is, I did as exactly as we prepared for a moment like this. 

Maia got a water balloon to the face. It was glorious. If I could've done it the moment I met her, I probably would have. I mean, she totally deserved what she got. Even Vanessa applauded my aim. If you could've seen it, you would've been so proud of me. 

All day, I tried to figure out a scenario where the fact that you didn't write the message works out. Most of scenarios ended in ... aliens, or something? But then, something strange occurred. I examined the penmanship more closely. While poor, all lines are straight. It almost seems computerized. We only know one person with that handwriting. 

I stormed all the way over to your house and banged on the door. As I waited, I composed myself. If Stormie answered the door, I didn't want to come on as rude. She's already gone through so much this week. 

And, just as I suspected, Stormie answered the door. "Laura, how may I help you?"

"Hello, Mrs. Lynch," I said in my most pleasant tone. "Is Rocky home?" She nodded and called your brother down. With that, she left him and I alone. When I was sure she was gone, I whirled around until my hand stung as I met his cheek.

"Damnit, Rocky." I began to sob as I fell to my knees. "Where is he?" 

His eyes squinted as the next words left his mouth. "What do you mean?" 

"You know what I mean," I continued sobbing. "I know you wrote the 'Headstrong Marano. X Shor' note. So, where is he, Rocky? Where is Ross?" 

"I don't know," Rocky assured me. As he reached down to touch my shoulder, I swatted his hand away with a growl and a glare. "My middle name is Shor too. You do know that, right?" I shook my head as my face continued soaking itself in hot tears. "I was just writing that to show that I support your cause. I want to join your fight to save the treehouse." 

I couldn't stop crying at that moment. I don't know why though. For a moment, I thought there was hope. Maybe there is. If there still is, it's invisible. That's when Rocky sat down beside me, and he held me. The funny thing is, I didn't let go. 

- Laura S. Marano