Read Second Class Supers – Page 39

Mattea drove to the address of the closest Ainsley Bronsen that Kya had found. Neither one of them spoke much on the drive. Kya’s mind raced with thoughts and worries about what she would say, how she would speak to Amelia’s sister, and what they would find. Many other less concrete thoughts and worries swirled around, stealing her attention.
“I think this is it.” Mattea said, just above a whisper, as she pulled over to the curb beside a nicely kept, suburban type home with a large two car garage built into the front of the red brick and white siding two story home. There was a mahogany stained wooden porch that stretched across the rest of the main floor of the house. Four hanging baskets of flowers hung at evenly spaced intervals along the overhang.
“Nice digs.” Kya said, trying to ignore the sound of her heart beating fast and persistent in her ears.
“You ready to go up?” Mattea said. Her voice was still small and she made no visible sign that she was going to leave the car.
“I guess so.” Kya undid her seatbelt and slowly opened the car door, motioning to get out. Frantic, she closed the door until it was just a crack and turned her body back towards Mattea. “What do I say? How do I do this?”
“You go up, knock on the door, and then…” Mattea shook her head. “I don’t know. But I know you are smart and caring, and I am sure you will figure it out. Do you want me to come with you?”
“Please.”
Mattea and Kya, their hands clasped tightly together, walked up the patio stone path along the edge of the nicely manicured lawn and garden to the double door with large windows filled with a floral design of frosted glass. Kya let out a long guttural breath and Mattea raised an eyebrow as if to ask which of them should ring the doorbell.
Kya raised her free, but slightly shaky hand to where the button for the bell was mounted beside the door. She closed her eyes and leaned her whole body in to make her finger push the button. The bell rang melodically, and Kya opened her eyes to see a silhouette moving beyond the frosted glass. Kya leaned heavily on her heels, ready to turn and bolt from the stranger’s house. Her discomfort was causing a slight, but noticeable cold sweat to form. As she waited, she couldn’t help but count, an activity that helped her focus her mind and relax. She made it to fifteen before the door swung open.
Kya felt a huge smile burst across her face and she nearly fell over with relief as she stared at the face of her friend. Amelia’s regular straight black hair, her friendly smile, a healthy glow on her, no longer sallow, cheeks.
“Can I help you?” She asked, and the way she spoke, the lack of recognition, instantly broke Kya’s heart.
“Ainsley?” Kya could barely get the word out through the solid lump that had formed in her throat.
“Yes.” She said, glancing suspiciously at the pair.
Kya couldn’t speak, her mouth hung slightly open, completely dry inside. She simply stared at Amelia’s sister, taking in her appearance and trying to see the differences between the two.
“Hi,” Mattea interjected with a smile. “I’m Mattie, and this is Kya. We’re friends of Amelia’s. May we come in?”
The smile fell from Ainsley’s face, though she gestured to allow her new guests into her house. The house was painted with a neutral palette, and there were pieces of tasteful artwork hung on the walls. Ainsley led them into what seemed to be the formal living room. A fireplace with a wood mantle was set into the wall opposite the door. There was a window beside it that Kya assumed looked onto the brick wall of the house next door, only three feet away. To the left of the fireplace was the bay window overlooking the porch which Kya had briefly glanced at on her way to the door. In front of the window sat two matching beige armchairs, and opposite the fireplace sat a beige leather couch which matched the chairs. Kya and Mattea both sat on the couch. Ainsley sat on the armchair further from them.
“So,” Kya said, finding her voice again. “Do you know where your sister is?”
Mattea shot her a reprimanding look.
Ainsley cleared her throat. “Can I get you ladies something to drink?”
They both nodded their affirmative.
“Just water for me please.” Mattea clarified.
Ainsley left the room, her footsteps echoing as her heels tapped against the wood floor.
Kya found it odd to see someone wearing high heels inside their own house, though she noticed that Ainsley was a well put together woman. It reminded her of someone that looked more prepared for a high fashion gala event than Ainsley’s sister’s normal barista attire.
“Kya!” Mattea whispered sternly. “You can’t just say that!”
“I panicked!” Kya whispered back.
Ainsley returned with a shiny metal serving tray filled with drinks. She had a glass of water with ice and a slice of lemon in it, and two rather large crystal glasses filled with red wine. She placed the tray on the table and gave the girls a tight lipped smile. She picked up the wine glass closest to her and took a large gulp.
“I don’t know where she is.” She said. “It’s been weeks since she returned my texts.”
Kya and Mattea each picked their respective drinks and took sips.
“We had gotten in a bit of an argument the last time we spoke, and I figured she was just mad at me. Well, at least until you two showed up at my door. You see, that’s what we do. We fight.”
Kya nodded, unsure of what to say. She tried to choose her words carefully. After a slightly uncomfortable pause, and another sip of her drink, she began to speak. “I’m sorry, and I don’t mean to be rude, but do you mind if I ask what the fight was about?”
“It was about her stupid Supers. She showed up here. Literally just popped into existence in my kitchen. Made me break a plate. They were a really nice set of dishes.”
Kya could see Ainsley’s agitation rising.
“She was all proud of herself for paying some stranger in a back alley to mess her up. Then she comes into my house, showing off, as always! Making a mess and leaving me to clean it up.”
“So, I’m getting the feeling you guys don’t always have the best relationship.” Kya said, and Mattie elbowed her in the side.
“Not since our parents died. They used to be able to rein us in and help us to see things clearer. Without them,” she paused. “It’s like we’re two strangers.” She took another sip of her wine, nearly emptying the glass.
Mattea flinched and then pulled her phone out of her pocket. Leaning in close to Kya’s ear, she whispered. “It’s Rory. It’s getting late and he’s getting worried.”
“So you have no clue where Amelia is?” Kya asked.
“No. And I’m not about to go looking for her either.”
“Really?” Kya said. “Why not?”
“Because.” She folded her arms. “Amelia made her choice. It was a stupid decision and she has to live with the consequences.”
“She could be dead.”
“Then I guess I’ll see you at the funeral.”
“Kya,” Mattea said, “I really gotta go.”
“Okay.” Kya said, standing up.
“Thanks for your help.” Mattea said. Her tone both gentle and sincere.
Kya grit her teeth, turned towards the doorway, and walked back to the front hall. As she walked out to the front porch, Ainsley’s hand touched her shoulder and Kya turned.
“Look. I don’t know if she would go there, but our family owns a cabin. Our parents left it to both of us to use as we see fit, but I haven’t been there in years. It’s north of the city by about two hours. We used to spend a lot of time there. It held a lot of good memories, but for me at least, they’ve all been ruined now. I could write the address down for you if you’d like to go see if she is there.”
Kya nodded.

Read Second Class Supers – Page 41