Chapter 1--Let's Meet
Friday Morning
Dear Diary,
Hi. My name is Canaby, but you can call me CC. I live here in St. Louis. I am 13 years old. So let me tell you about what is going to happen this summer. I am going on a vacation with my best friend, Sandra, to California. We leave tomorrow at 10 a.m. for the summer. Oh, here’s my mom.
“Hi, mom! What are you doing?” CC asked.
“Oh, hi CC. I am just looking for my ring from my mom. Have you seen it?”
“Uhh… no. Maybe Teresa knows where it is.”
“Okay. Thanks, honey.”
Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Teresa is my older sister. She is 15 years old and a beauty hog. She takes almost an hour just to get her clothes just right. Then she takes like 2 more hours to do her makeup and hair. Ohh, I’m sorry. My dad is calling me. Goodbye diary!
“CC! Go check the mail please.” CC’s dad hollered across the house.
“But dad!” CC yelled.
“Now please.”
“Fine. Can I go on a walk before supper?”
“I guess. Don’t go too far.”
CC put on her jacket and walked out the door.
Brr! It’s cold! Summers are supposed to be hot! Maybe I won’t go on a very long walk today. Wait a minute, who is that? There’s a girl by the mailbox. Hmm… maybe she’s a new girl.
“Ahh! Get away from me!” The girl screeched and scurried away.
“Wait! I didn’t mean to scare you! Come back!” CC called.
Noo! Hmm… I have an idea. I think I’m going to follow her from a distance. I guess I have a pen and paper somewhere. Maybe I should write her address down. Ummm… that is actually kinda creepy. Nevermind. I should go back home.
CC went back home to eat supper. After supper, CC made sure that she was fully packed for tomorrow.
Ahh… I’m so tired. Maybe I’ll go to bed early and have a good night’s sleep.
The next morning, Canaby woke up at 8:30, exhilarated. She ran downstairs ready to eat breakfast.
Hmm… where are mom and dad? Where’s the food?! This is strange. Very strange. Wait, this piece of paper on the table wasn’t there before. But what does it say?
CC picked up the piece of paper and read it out loud.
“Dear Canaby,”
Oh no! They never use my full name unless there’s something wrong. I’ll keep reading.
“Your father and I have run into a little problem. I am sorry we couldn’t see you off, but we still want you to go. Grandma will pick you and Sandra up and drive you to the airport. Be safe, Love Mom and Dad.”
Oh no! What should I do?! Are mom and dad in danger? Should I go find them? Are they dead? Nevermind. I just need to relax.
Just then, the phone started ringing. CC looked at who was calling before she picked up the phone. It was grandma! “Hi, grandma! Are you coming to pick me up?”
“Yes, dear. I’m on my way. There is a small problem, though.” CC’s grandma said.
“I already know that my parents ran into a problem,” CC replies.
“It’s not that, darling. But I am glad you know. This might be better for me to tell you in person. I’ll be at your house soon. Love you! Bye!”
“Bye, grandma! See you soon!” CC replied, scared. About ten minutes later, Canaby’s grandma arrived.
“Hi, grandma. So, what were you going to tell me?”
“It’s about Sandra. She has disappeared!”
