Page 83 of Isabella and the Slipper

He went home and fretted. Later that night, he went to the park to see if she’d be there, but the bench sat empty. He wrote a note and stuck it under the loose brick, telling her to leave an answer if she could.

The next day was Friday, and Chase was exhausted from tossing and turning all night, unable to sleep. He raced to school and waited down the hallway from Isabella’s locker so he could see when she arrived. People came and went, and Isabella didn’t show up. Eventually, the bell rang and he had to get to class.

He couldn’t concentrate. At lunch, he approached Savannah again. “Have you heard from her?”

Savannah turned to him, her eyes wide. “You haven’t heard? She ran away. The police called and talked to me and everything.”

“What?” His heart stopped for a second. “She wouldn’t run away.”

Savannah frowned. “She totally would. Her stepmother is terrible. And that’s what I told the police, too.”

“But she would have told me.” The cold feeling from yesterday came back. “Something else happened.”

“Like what? Her stepmother is awful, but she wouldn’t murder her or anything.”

“She just wouldn’t leave town without saying anything.”

Savannah picked up her fork. “She would if she didn’t want anyone knowing where she’d gone. They could tell Elenore.”

That was true. But he still couldn’t believe it. Something else happened. Elenore’s behavior was escalating. His stomach churned, and he didn’t feel hungry anymore. He sat and watched as everyone else ate.

Delilah came up to him. “Hi, Chase.” She grinned.

His gut clenched. “Where’s Isabella?”

Delilah’s face fell, and she frowned. “She ran away.”

He studied Delilah’s face. “Where did she run away to?”

She shook her head. “No one knows. She just packed her things and left.” Delilah put her hand on Chase’s shoulder. “I’m sorry she left you.”

He gripped the edge of the chair he sat in to keep himself from shaking her and yelling, “What really happened?” Instead, he just said, “Me, too.”

Delilah leaned over. “I’ll be around all weekend if you want to get together.”

He almost said no, but then realized he could find out more if he hung out with Delilah. “That sounds good,” he said, almost choking on the words. “Can I come over tonight?”

Surprise widened her eyes, and she nodded. “Yes! You can come over.”

Spending Friday night with Delilah sounded about as appealing as going to the dentist, but he forced a smile. “Great. I’ll see you around seven.”

Delilah bounced on her toes and grinned. “Perfect.” She ran to her sister, sitting one table away.

Chase rested his elbows on the laminate and put his face in his hands. He was going to have to use all his acting skills if this was going to go well.

Chase rang Isabella’s doorbell and readied himself for the role he’d have to play tonight. He wasn’t sure what he’d be able to find out, but he knew Isabella hadn’t run away. Snooping around her house was the best thing he could think of.

Delilah threw open the door. “Chase! You’re here.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him inside. “I’m so glad you came over tonight.”

He gave her his movie-star smile. “Glad you invited me.”

She dragged him into the living room, where a large tray of meat, cheese, and crackers sat on the coffee table. “Want something to eat?”

“Sure.” He sat on the couch and picked up a piece of cheese. “Where’s your sister?”

“She and Mom went shopping.” Delilah batted her eyes at him. “We’re alone.”

Isabella had joked about being held captive in the attic. He wondered how much of a joke that really was. “You have a beautiful home. Can I have a tour?”

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