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rpintheskies-blog · 6 years ago

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chapter one part one

The house was just as empty as always. The large glass windows covering every wall made it feel like a fishbowl. If it wasn’t for the large gate and winding driveway to the house, Stella would have felt completely unsafe. Then again, Stella hadn’t felt safe for a year. Not since Alison disappeared.

September first was a warm day in California. Adorned in her pajamas from the night before, Stella made her way through the kitchen. She was hungry, craving everything and anything. It was cliche but she especially wanted some peanut butter and pickles. One hand cradling her stomach which was now visibly showing, the other rubbing a sore in her neck. She was so focused on the hungry pang in her stomach she didn’t even notice the other presence in the room. “Good morning.” The raspy voice called out, calling her attention the guy sitting at the counter, a half-eaten bowl of cereal in front of him.

“Hunter, you’re up early.” Stella teased, sending her stepbrother a knowing smirk. She knew he was out all last night with some friends. Probably going to some A-lister parties due to the privilege of having Grant Carter as his step-dad. She went out a few times this summer with him for a few lunch dates with him and his socialite friends. But once her photo ended up on a tabloid wondering who this mystery girl was, she stopped. She couldn’t be caught. Not in her state, and not attached to her parents’ names.

Hunter just scoffed in response, shoveling more Frosted Flakes into his mouth. “Could say the same to you, Balloon.”

“Wow, nice. Make fun of the pregnant girl.” She shot back immediately, not paying too much attention as she shifted through the fridge, the cool air that gushed out refreshing her in the Cali heat. It was full of organic food: kale, tofu, and rows upon rows of green cleanse juices. Karolina was a little eccentric, to say the least. Settling on one of Rosie’s organic and vegan brand Go-Gurts, she turned back to Hunter. “How the Hell did you get sugar cereal into this prison?”

Hunter laughed loudly, his laugh much more giggly than deep. He grinned, his dimples deep. He looked like a puppy when he grinned like that, amusement evident on his face. “I thought you were warming up to the Brady Bunch Stells.” It couldn’t have been more ironic. Her dad’s new family were the ‘Brady’s and they were just as perfect. Karolina was the sweetest woman, but also strong and the mayor of the town. She oozed power but also was super motherly and caring. The closest to a mother figure Stella could ever have. Hunter was fun. He always knew how to make Stella laugh, and they used to go out a lot together hitting every VIP club and bar they could hit when she visited. Then there was Kayla. One would expect Stella and Kayla to be neck to neck. That Kayla would be an evil step sister just like in the movies. Well, she had her moments but nothing worse than a typical 14-year-old girl who’s a little privileged. Kayla probably would have been a little monster if she didn’t love the idea of having a new shopping buddy and someone to watch trashy reality tv with.

“Oh God, don’t act like I ever hated you guys. I’m pretty sure I stayed for Christmas a year after the quote en quote scandal. I just feel more comfortable now with everyone. Plus, I’m very grateful that Karolina has been so kind considering...” She trailed off, gesturing to the bump at her stomach. “Gianni pretty much screamed his head off at me for two hours straight. I swear it was the most we have talked since I was born and it was 95% Italian and profanities.”

Hunter laughed again, but this time it was much shorter, his usual wide grin dropping slightly. His eyes were filled with concern, making Stella slightly uncomfortable as she felt the mood drop in the room, She focused instead, on the stubborn plastic on the Go-Gurt, finally managing to open the tube, and eating some despite the sudden loss of appetite.

“We all make mistakes, Stells. It’ll get better.”

Only if Hunter knew. If he knew what news was going to be delivered that morning. What mistakes were really going to catch up to Stella. How there was no chance anything was going to get ‘better.’

Willa was 4 months old, resting on Stella’s hip as she surveyed the empty house, bouncing her lightly. The last thing she needed right now was a baby crying. It was hard being in Rosewood. Back to where everything happened. Where she lost Alison. The town had obviously changed since she was gone, or maybe she just did. She was used to sunny California where a girl hadn’t been missing for a year. Sunny California where she was always surrounded by people, her family.

She didn’t know how much she missed it until her feet hit the cold marble floor. The house felt more barren than it ever has. Probably because she was expecting her father and Raphael. Of course, they didn’t come. She was too much of a shame now to her extraordinary designer of a father. Dropping her bag on the floor, she made her way upstairs towards her room. Walking down the long hallway her curiosity peaked when she noticed one of the guest room’s doors were open, light flittering out from the crack. She moved slowly to the door, furrowing her eyebrows together in confusion. Was someone else here? Did Gianni decide to see her after all? Pushing open the wooden door slowly she peeked inside.

What was inside surprised her more than the presence of her own father could. Pictures of animals hung on the wall, a cushy rug on the floor, and assortments of pillows and cloths. As well as a crib. Her father made a nursery for her. Well, he paid someone to make it for her. But the thought meant everything. It was most likely Raphael’s idea, being the softy he is, but for Gianni to actually make it happen was a huge step.

“Willa, look! Your room is so pretty...” She looked down at the little angelic face that was her daughter, a smile on her lips. She couldn’t help but love the precious little being she held in her arms, how her eyes were slowly fluttering closed. Exhaustion was hitting her just like it was her mom. Both had a long journey from California to Pennsylvania. Letting out a breath of relief, Stella carried her babe gently, placing her down in the new soft padding of the crip. “Get a good rest tonight sweetheart.” She cooed, leaning down and pressing a kiss on the baby’s smooth forehead. Already passed out, Willa’s small breaths were audible. Stella could have watched her for ages, looking down at her from above the crib, a distant look on her face. Life without Willa in it feels like a different reality, something very far away. A life where she had Alison.

“Stella?” Grant Carter’s booming voice echoed off the large corridor’s walls. “Stella!” He called again, sounding closer. Stella straightened up, her eyes meeting Hunter’s, both kids with wide eyes. Grant Carter was always cool and collected even in the midst of big films when tensions and stress should have been high. But here he was yelling around the house with such agency.

“Dad? I’m in the kitchen!” Stella called back, a frown etching itself into her face. Her body surged with worry. Something in her gut was telling her something bad was happening, that whatever her father was going to say was going to change her life. She was correct.

Grant Carter in his infamous white V-neck tee and faded jeans turned around the corner. He was a typical attractive man in his 40s with tan skin and salt and pepper hair. He looked like a movie star and acted like one too. But he was acting much different than usual. He was stiff, his eyes sharp, and his frown deep.

“Dad, what is it?” Stella asked, bracing herself for the worst as her father opened and closed his mouth repeatedly trying to find his words. He was always better at presenting his thoughts visually. “Dad?”

“It’s Alison. Mr. Dilaurentis called. She’s missing.”

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