Aftershock by Vanessa Acton

Author:Vanessa Acton [Acton, Vanessa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Danger, Darby Creek, Day of Disaster, Disaster, Extreme Weather, High School, Hi-Lo, Natural Disaster, Natural Disasters, Realistic Fiction, Storm, Storms, Survival, Teen, Teenagers, Teens, Weather, Action & Adventure, Survival Stories, Survival, Survival Story, Thiller, Suspense, Thrillers, Thrillers & Suspense, Self-esteem, Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance, Self-Reliance, Social Themes, Aftershock, Aftershocks, California, Earthquake, Earthquake Aftershock, Earthquake Aftershocks, Earthquakes, Friendship, Relationships, Vanessa Acton
ISBN: 9781512435009
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Published: 2017-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

8

Liam

Harper’s house was five blocks away from Sasha’s, but even in that short distance, the damage level seemed to spike. This part of the neighborhood might as well have been hit with a wrecking ball. Trees were down, power lines slanted dangerously. Liam saw a garage that had folded sideways like a collapsible cardboard box. Porch rails had buckled, pieces of roofs had collapsed, windows had blown out.

The neighborhood was also weirdly quiet.

Liam almost missed the unending fire alarm at school. Somewhere off in the distance he heard sirens, but he found himself wishing they were closer. It would be nice to know that help was nearby if they needed it.

Liam wasn’t sure he wanted to see his own house—or Harper’s.

He and Ray had been to Harper’s house hundreds of times. The first time was probably in kindergarten, when everyone in the class had been invited to Harper’s birthday party. That was Harper’s first birthday without her mom. She’d hugged everyone who came, even the boys. And she made sure everybody else got a piece of cake before she started eating.

Weird thing to think about now. Almost like the kind of story you’d tell at someone’s funeral.

You idiot, he said sternly to himself. She’s fine. I’m sure she’s fine.

When they got to the house, he let out a giant exhale. It was fine. At least it looked fine from the outside.

Liam and Ray rushed up to the front door, and Ray rang the bell. Harper’s dad’s car wasn’t in the driveway. He was probably still at his office in Sacramento. But Harper should’ve been here.

They waited five seconds before Ray pushed the doorbell again. They heard it echoing inside the house—but still no answer.

“Harper?” called Liam. “Are you there?” Silence. “Are you okay? We just wanted to make sure you’re okay. You don’t have to talk to us otherwise. We’re just worried.”

More silence.

“Harper!” Ray shouted. He banged on the door with his fist. “Quit being stupid! We’re calling 9-1-1 if you don’t at least yell to us that you’re okay.”

For a split second, Liam really did expect to hear her voice: Leave me alone! Just forget about me. You’re good at that.

But that didn’t happen.

Ray pounded more forcefully on the door. “Harper! ARE YOU OKAY?”

“Ray.” Liam grabbed his friend’s arm before the door got dented. “I don’t think she’s here.”

Ray turned toward him, looking as if he’d lost his balance, even though the earth was holding steady for the moment. “But she left school three hours ago. If she’s not here—where is she?”

Liam could only shake his head. “I don’t know.”

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