۫ ּ ִ ۫ ˑ ֗ 𓏲˖ 𑁍 ࣪ ִ ۫ ּ ִ ۫ ˑ ֗
࣪𓏲ּ ֶָ  ✩◿𝓓𝓣𝓐◸ 🂱 ࣪𓏲ּ ֶָ
CHAPTER FIFTY ONE-
Don't call me that.

Sarah was used to the phone ringing. She'd gotten used to the noise it made as she continued to wait for the voicemail to show up. She'd been ignored so many times now that she naturally did other things while the line continued to ring. Her apartment was cold and quiet, the overdue bills sitting on her kitchen table. The spare bedroom remained hauntingly bare while hers called for lonely nights. The hallways creaked like crying wolves, waiting for the moonlight to give them purpose once again.

"Hey, Finney. It's Sarah." She spoke, though she knew he'd known. "I know I said I'd stop calling but....I'm coming into town for winter break. I'm not sure what to do up here, Mr Yamada and his family are heading to Alaska for the break so I figured I'd come see my parents. Um, I don't know what you're up to, but I'd love to see you. Give me a call back. I-"

Times up.

Sarah sighed as she rubbed her arms. Her bags waited by the door, her old home calling her back the way a childhood nightmare finds you in adulthood. Sarah knew she'd run into Finney regardless if he wanted to see her or not. Unlike him, her and Gwen spoke multiple times a week and reminded rather close. She'd come here a few months ago when Bingo passed on from old age. Comforting Sarah and reminding her Bingo now rested comfortably with Billy. His collar sat with a college of photos of him on the mental .

Once Finney graduated, which had only been six months ago, he left the university and ran back home. Gwen went with him, resulting in finishing her last two years of high school back in Denver. Sarah stayed in Aspen. She was enrolled in college and had been a teacher assistant at the university, working beneath Mr Yamada as they remained in Aspen together.

Sarah knew Finney would run from her, she just never imagined it would be back there. He went to the one place he knew she wouldn't follow him to. Sarah had spent the last two years longing for the sweet Finney Blake that she'd always known. Not long after his sixteen birthday....the distance started. The hanging out between classes came to an end, always an excuse. Dinners together in the dining hall fell short, he seemed to always have a test to study for. By his seventeenth birthday, you couldn't even tell he'd known Sarah. He only spoke to her when he had to, enough to reassure her they were okay but deep down she knew they weren't. He would avoid her like she'd done something to him, but always swore nothing changed when she'd ask.

On his eighteenth birthday, he applied for early graduation and left without telling her bye. No note, not phone call....he'd just left and went right back to Denver. Gwen stayed to finish up the end of the school year, but she'd followed her brother not long after. If it hadn't been for her, she wouldn't have a clue about Finney. Sarah fell homesick at his absence. Her heart crumbled, the familiar loss creeping in. She had no way of protecting him when all he'd done is run from her. He no longer clung to her side, wanting to do nothing but be around her. Out of no where, he woke one day and suddenly pulled himself away from her.

The worst part was he never gave a reason, swearing nothing had changed when absolutely everyone could see something shifted in their bond. A bond that, once, was untouchable.

Sarah spent most her days assistant teaching, falling in love with the ability to help children understand. Her seasons took place in Aspen, avoiding going to Denver where so many memories haunted her. She remained where she found most comfort, where she'd done her healing. When the Blake's left, Sarah felt as though a part of her started to follow them. She found herself in similar situations as she had been right now, calling Finney to only be ignored. On special nights, nights she'd been hurting enough, she'd dream of him in that basement and wake up screaming. That lingered over the years, though it used to go away with the knowledge he was okay and by her side. Now, all he seemed to be was a memory that sat in her chest.

"You call when you get there." Mr Yamada helped Sarah load up her car the next morning, the winter air picking up as their skin ghosted over in bumps. "Tell Gwen I said hello and I hope she has an amazing winter break."

"I will." She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, head rested on his shoulder. "Please be careful."

"You sure you don't just want to join us?" He pulled back with a smile, holding her shoulders. "You know you're part of the family."

Sarah smiled as she nodded slightly. "I want to go see everyone."

He nodded with a small frown. "You'll make sure Bruces grave is taken care of? And leave our flowers?"

"Absolutely." She promised, knowing she'd stop to see the boys before she ever thought about leaving Denver.

"Tell that Finney Blake to take his head out of his ass." He brought her in to kiss her head. "Call me if you need anything. We won't be leaving until tomorrow afternoon....if you need me to come get you, I will."

"I'll be okay." Sarah promised, though they all knew what happened last time she'd been in Denver. "It won't be like last time."

"I know it won't. You're stronger now." He grinned, opening her car door for her. "Remember the road back?"

"Couldn't forget it." She smiled one last time, pulling the door shut as the heater welcomed her in ways people couldn't even manage. She'd called Gwen this morning to let her know she'd be there in a few hours, bags packed for only a week if she managed to make it that long. Her brain danced of Finney, if he'd be angry at her showing up or if he'd finally be ready to talk to her again. Her memories found comfort in the comfort of his care for her, now haunted by the cold shoulder he always managed to give.

Sarah drove the entire three and a half hours, stopping for gas just once. Her mixtapes kept her awake as the snow held out, allowing her to make it back to her childhood town. The closer she got, the more she managed to let herself get caught up in the past. She thought of the roads she'd throw papers with Billy on, the baseball fields she'd cheer Bruce on at, the Drive-In she'd often meet up with Robin at, and Grab-N-Go where she'd tutor Vance Hopper. Sarah thought of the boys a lot, they'd always be with her. The bracelet around her wrist never left, even the charm she had for Griffin despite only their one conversation. Sarah longed for them again, but over the years she found comfort in the memories she had rather than the horror that ended it. Sadly, the closer she got to Denver, the more the gruesome side of her brain slowly started to overtake the beauty.

Sarah hummed the church hymns she'd hear at church, finding it the most comforting as the Denver sign welcomed her back. Like a natural reflex, her foot slammed on the breaks before she even crossed the border. She didn't even realize the weight that crept into the depths of her chest, the way her breathing suddenly forcefully left her body. She kept her foot on the break as the hyperventilating started, her ears starting to ring. She put her car into park and existed it quickly, cars passing her as the winter air brought comfort to her overheating body. She'd quickly removed her coat and sat in the front of her car, back against the license plate as she began to slow her breathing and fidget with her bracelet.

"You're okay." She spoke softly to herself, her shaky hands cupping her own face as her cold palms brought her eyes open. Her eyes stared at the sign, just old paint and chipping wood that managed to have such a hold over her. She watched agonizingly, Aspen calling her home as Denver tempted her. Sarah knew she should turn back, stay away the way she'd always sworn to. She cursed Finney for running back here, the one place he knew she'd never show up unless she'd been desperate.

She'd been desperate.

Sarah drove past the sign and followed the muscle memory to the Blake's house. She didn't know if Gwen had told him she was coming. Mr.Blake had known. Gwen told Sarah on the phone he'd been different now, that he had stopped drinking when they moved back. Sarah wasn't quick to forgive, but he offered her a place to stay here ever since her parents downsized to a one bedroom apartment given it had only been the two of them now. She couldn't afford to deny his offer, though she started to slightly regret it when she parked in the driveway.

Nothing had changed in the five years they'd been away. It looked the exact same as she remembered babysitting the Blake kids at. Though, now it didn't hold a 13 and 11 year old. Now an 18 and 16 year old lived inside with a sober man, rather than a drunk. It was shocking the way such little changes could make the naked eye view things entirely differently. Sarah felt like she was intruding, as if she'd never known this home and she was a stranger in the four walls she'd spent many days out of her teenage years. The front door opened before she could even manage to take up the offer to sleep on her parents couch, Gwen Blake lighting up at the sight of Sarah. "Sarah!"

She ran to her the same way she once did as a small child. Though Sarah couldn't catch her in her arms anymore, she resulted in a tight hug. Gwen's warmth brought comfort to the dropping temperature in Colorado, Sarah's face hurt from the smile that began to redden in joy. "I love the haircut."

"Really?" Gwen touched her hair. "I wanted something new."

"Yeah, I like it." She swore with a bright smile, their heights so similar now. "Very Barbara Streisand."

"That's exactly what I was going for." Gwen laughed, helping Sarah grab her bags. She'd brought three with her, carrying two while Gwen grabbed the one. "How was the drive? Did you come all the way through?"

"Yeah, I wanted to use my time wisely. Plus, Elton John kept me plenty of company." She joked, earning a smile.

"Oh, let me take that." Mr.Blake met her at the door before she'd even been in, offering to grab her bags for her. He looked healthier, Sarah sized him up and realized he really did give up alcohol. His skin had color and his eyes didn't linger of anger. "It's really great to see you."

"Thanks." She offered a tight lipped smile, not sure exactly how to respond. "Ugh, the house looks great."

"We tried to clean up a bit for you." Gwen smiled. "I'm gonna let you stay in my room and I'll take the living room."

"No worries. We can share." Sarah shook her head as they headed down the hallway, her eyes scanning every inch of the house. The both knew exactly what she'd been looking for. "Wh-"

As if her eyes managed to summon him, Finney bedroom door opened as he stood within the door frame. He pulled the headphones off, not hearing her walk in. His body hesitated suddenly, grasping the door tightly as his eyelashes fluttered. Gwen looked between the two, waiting to see what would happen. Finney walked out, right past her. "Welcome home, Sarah."

A tight lipped smile was all she'd gotten. No hug, no conversation....three words before he left the house entirely. Mr Blake gapped in shock, his jaw physically hanging open as he processed his son, the same son who would clean every inch of his room and shower twice just because his babysitter was coming over, barely offered the same girl a glance. "Well, you girls enjoy your time. Dinner will be ready in a few hours."

"Burr." Gwen shivered when her dad shut the door, leaving them in her room together. "That was one cold encounter."

"Good, Lord. You'd think I just told him I was responsible for Pluto blowing up." Sarah shook her head in shock as she sat on the squeaky bed. "Has he said anything?"

"Nothing. I tried to tell him you were coming and he didn't even say anything. Anytime I bring anything up, he just changed the conversation." She spoke honestly as Sarah frowned. "He's smoking too."

"He's smoking?" She gapped, Gwen shed her quickly as Sarah dropped her voice to a whisper. "Crack?"

"No. Just cigarettes....but still." Gwen spoke, Sarah felt slight relief come off her. "It's not just you, is what I mean. He's kinda given everyone the cold shoulder these days."

Sarah sighed as she looked around Gwen's room, her eyes fell to a photo sitting in her nightstand. She took a double look, seeing Robin smiling alongside Gwen. "Is that the boy you have been telling me about? Ernesto?"

"Yeah, that's him." She flushed in the face as she sat on the bed with Sarah. "Isn't he kinda cute?"

"He looks just like his brother." Sarah laughed at the resemblance. "Is he your boyfriend yet?"

"No. Not really. I don't know. It's complicated." She laughed, completely flustered as Sarah did the same. "Think you can give me some pointers?"

"As if I have all the game?" She laughed, shocked Gwen would come to her of all people for boy advice.

"You're great with words! You work at a university." Gwen defended her case as the girls began to crack up, Sarah rolling through her best possible advice she could offer.

•

"Gwen?" Sarah woke up, staring at the pixie cut that stood in her door way. Her back had been to her entirely. "Gwen? You okay?"

She was ignored, walking out of the door. Sarah got up quickly as she slid her slippers on, following Gwen out the bedroom door. "G-"

Finney stood in the living room, getting his shoes on as Gwen walked out the door. He did a double take at Sarah, clearing his throat as he fixed his shoes. "I'm going with her. You can go back to sleep."

"Where are y'all going?" Sarah didn't listen as she walked after him.

"She's sleepwalking." He spoke, avoiding her eye as he headed out the door. "It's okay. Just...go back to sleep."

As he started walking, he realizing she'd been right behind him, sighing. "Of course not."

"What's the objective in following her? Is this happening often?" Sarah questioned, not understanding why he'd allowed Gwen to leave the house.

"Recently. I wake her before she leaves the house. Curious where she's headed." He walked next to her, standing slightly taller now which shocked her entirely. He'd been dressed, as if he'd only just gotten home or never left the living room.

"Where do you think she's going?" Her question was ignored, she looked at him in the corner of her eye as he continued to walk. He was trying to walk before her, but Sarah wasn't allowing him as they followed a sleeping Gwen. "Finney-"

"Don't call me that." He gave her a stern look, though avoided looking at her as much as he could.

"Why are you ignoring my calls? Are you getting them? I've called everyday since you left." She stated the obvious. "Have you heard any of them?"

"I've gotten them." Was all he offered. "Been busy."

Sarah heard enough, frowning as they walked in silence a few feet behind Gwen. Their hands quickly brushed together, Sarah felt his naturally try to grasp onto hers before realizing what he did and stuffing his hands into his jacket pocket. She looked at her hand, now all alone, before crossing them to hide beneath her armpits. "I just don't get it."

"Sarah." He sighed, rolling his eyes. "Just stop."

"Stop what? Existing?" She scoffed, making the mistake at pausing because now she'd been hurrying behind him to keep up. "I have called you everyday and I have gotten nothing back. Literally not even a hi when I talk to Gwen on the phone."

"Hi." He said sarcastically with an eye roll.

"Yeah. Hi, now!" She scoffed, throwing her hands up. "A hi would have been nice on our birthday or, oh yeah, maybe when you decided to leave Aspen without even telling me bye."

"I graduated. I'm eighteen. I didn't think I needed to tell anyone." Was all he offered. "Everything is fine between us, Sarah. We just drifted apart. That's normal."

"That's not normal! Even if it was, are you kidding?" Sarah didn't plan to get all of this out in the mix of following a sleepwalking girl in the middle of the night....but here it was. "You've spent the last two years avoiding me, giving me the bare minimum to make me believe we've just drifted apart. News flash, Finn, people aren't connected at the hip and then being completely avoided the next day."

"Can you just drop it?" He looked over his shoulder at her slightly, Sarah bumped into him at the sudden stop. "I grew up. So what?"

"I just don't understand what I did wrong." She knew they weren't gonna get anywhere now, lingering back some as her spirits lowered. She was so caught up in wanting to be with him that she didn't have the chance to wallow at the memories of throwing papers with Billy on the exact street. They'd been so caught up in each other, neither realized the familiar path they'd been on. For someone who didn't care, Finneys entire being had been thinking about Sarah he didn't realize he'd been down the street that he avoided at all cost. "I just miss you."

He paused at her words, sighing as he clinched his jaw and tried to keep it together. Sarah stayed still as he turned to her, forcing himself to seem causal as if her words had no effect on him. She saw right through him, she always had. He was hiding something. Weather that was emotion, of a secret, he was forcing the causal look. "Yeah, miss you too. Everything's fine, Sarah. You didn't do anything. I just grew up, and we grew apart."

"Finney-" she started, realizing where Gwen had brought them.

"I told you not-" he began.

"We're here." There was fear in her voice, her skin ghosting in the slightest as her eyes never left the house. Finney followed her gaze, watching his little sister walk into The Grabbers house. The house his greatest trauma haunted each wall. Sarah forced herself to take her eyes off the house to look at him, seeing the look on his face. He hadn't been scared, but something was lingering. "I can go."

"No." He looked at her. "I'm not scared."

"I know." She swore, he gave her a one over. "I can still go in."

"You stay." He began walking toward the door, though he should have known she'd follow. "Of course not."

He walked through the house with ease, Sarah stayed so close she may have been glued to him. She wondered how he managed to do this, if it was all an act or if he'd really been this brave. One thing Sarah always knew was she knew Finney Blake, she knew when he was lying and when he was putting on a front......this seemed genuine. He seemed to have little fear for this place. She questioned if he'd come back here in the time he'd been back in Denver. As they made it to the kitchen, Sarah's fear kicked in. She remembers this place. She remembered running through this house and down the stairs they were headed toward, into the basement where she nearly saw Finny die. Where so many people she loved were killed.

Finney felt a shift in her body language as they got closer, knowing she didn't walk with the bravery he had. They both had their own different feelings on this house. He knew what she'd been thinking. He looked at her over his shoulder. "You don't have to do this. You can wait outside. I can tell you're scared."

"I'm fine." He wasn't sure why he even bothered. He knew she would do anything for him and Gwen. Being back in Denver was the first sign of that, the last decade proved his case. Hesitation ran through his body, but he took his hand out of his pocket and slipped it into hers as they headed down the stairs. Gwen had simply been staring at the wall, just standing there. Graphite painted the walls, the house to the public at this point. Sarah looked at the small wall, remembering the ache in her knees when she'd slide around the corner to see the masked man.

"Gwen. Hey. Gwen." Finney spoke his sister with his free hand. She blinked, gaining consciousness now as she gasped at where they'd been.

"Am I really here?" She looked around in fear, breathing heavy. Sarah watched her in concern.

"You're okay." He saw the look on her face. "You were sleep walking again. You were asleep. You can here. I heard you leave so I followed you. Sarah followed me."

"I feel like I'm crazy." Her voice broke.

"Gwen." Sarah frowned, hating seeing her this way.

"What the hell?" She began to panic. "What the hell?"

"Hey. Hey. Look at me." Finney took his hand from Sarah to grab his sisters shoulders. "You're okay."

Sarah didn't want to be here anymore. Fear began to swallow her whole.

"I was on the phone." Gwen looked around the room. "Finn. I was talking to mom."

He let her shoulders go and backed up some. "It was just a dream."

"No. It was- a dream, yeah. But it was her. She called me. From youth camp." She spoke through deep breaths, looking absolutely manic in the moment.

"Youth camp?" He expressed the same confusion the girl behind him did.

"She talked to me there for a reason." Gwen hesitated.

"Come on." Finney wrapped his arms around his sister and lead her toward the door. Sarah looked around the room, the mattress had been gone. The place lingered of death. She stood for a moment as she let herself become consumed with each corner of the place. Where did Vance die? Bruce? Billy? Robin and Griffin? She never asked them in the times she was able to speak to them. She didn't want to know. But the room forced herself to go there.

"Sarah." Finny grabbed her hand to pull her out of her thoughts. "Let's leave."

"Yeah." She spoke. She looked at their hands when he pulled his out of hers. She walked before him, hearing as he stopped to spit on the grounds of the place before the three left. He walked far away from Sarah the whole way back, his hands shoved deep into his pockets to avoid letting himself fall into the want to grasp onto her hand once again.

•

Kylie speaks

I'm so excited for the
Angst!! YUHHHH!!!