Chapter 4

The freedom lasted for two days.

I stayed at my friend Sarah's house, sleeping on her couch. I told her I had a huge fight with my parents and just needed to cool off. She understood. Her family was normal. Kind.

I kept my phone off. I knew they'd be calling.

On the morning they were supposed to leave for their trip, Sarah's mom knocked on the living room door.

"Chloe, honey? Your parents are here."

My blood ran cold.

I walked to the front door and saw their SUV parked at the curb. Karen was standing on the porch, her arms crossed, her face like a thundercloud. Rick stood behind her, looking at the ground.

"Get in the car, Chloe," Karen said. Her voice was low and dangerous.

"How did you find me?" I asked, even though I knew the answer. I had forgotten about the tracking app on my phone.

"We are not leaving you here unsupervised to cause more trouble," she hissed. "You embarrassed this family. Now you're going to come on this trip and you're going to pretend to be happy about it. Get in the car. Now."

Sarah's mom looked worried, but she didn't know the whole story. She didn't know what these people were.

There was no way out. If I refused, Karen would make a scene right here, screaming and dragging me out. It would be worse.

Defeated, I walked to the SUV and got in the back.

The silence in the car was heavy and suffocating. Kevin sat in the front seat, smirking.

We drove through town, heading for the interstate. I watched the familiar buildings pass by. The coffee shop, the library, the park. My stomach churned with dread. It was happening all over again.

I had to do something.

As we approached the on-ramp, an idea sparked in my mind. A desperate, risky idea.

I let out a small gasp.

Then, I doubled over, clutching my right side.

"Agh!" I cried out, a genuine note of panic in my voice. "My stomach... it hurts so bad."

Karen glanced back in the rearview mirror, her expression unchanged. "Stop being dramatic."

I let out a louder cry, pressing my fingers into my abdomen. "No, really! It's a sharp pain. Right here." I moaned, starting to writhe in the seat. I remembered a health class video. The symptoms of a burst appendix.

"It feels like I'm being stabbed."

That got Rick's attention. He looked back at me, his brow furrowed with a flicker of concern. "Are you serious?"

"I... I think I'm going to be sick," I gasped, and started to dry heave.

That did it. The one thing Karen cared more about than her image was her pristine car interior.

"For God's sake, Rick, pull over!" she shrieked. "There's an urgent care clinic right there! Don't let her puke in my car!"

Rick swerved into the clinic's parking lot, the tires squealing.

I slumped against the door, panting, a grim smile hidden from their view.

Phase one was complete.