1. The Disappearance.

“Take care of your sister.” Mum said pulling her suitcase towards the door.

“And make sure you both have dinner on time. Proper dinner Paige not Lays and soda.” She added.

“Yes mum, I’m putting on my big girl shoes just for this, don’t get worked up about anything.” I said pushing my mom closer to the door.

She worries way too much. She really needs to learn to relax and just trust that everything will be fine in her absence.

“Lest I forget.” Mum said turning to face me.

“No one goes out after 6 pm. I believe you will act responsibly.” She said with all seriousness before shutting the door, right in my face might I add. She did not even let me respond. That’s my mum for you.

“I guess it’s me and you for the night little one.” I said turning to Lisa with a smile.

“Cool, I can stay a little past my bedtime right?” Lisa asked excitedly. She hates sleeping early.

“Only if you promise to be on your best behavior.” I said flicking her nose lightly which caused her to double over in laughter.

I love my sister so much. She came as the symbol of hope and new beginnings for my family.

“Come on, let’s get your assignments done.” I said with a smile as I pulled her up from where she was sitting.

***************************************

“Lisa you can't leave, its getting late." I said to my younger sister for the umpteenth time, she was beginning to get on my nerves.

"But my diary fell out the window of my room. I just want to pick it up, I’ll get back into the house immediately.” Lisa said pleadingly.

We’ve been arguing back and forth about this for the past twenty minutes.

Does this girl not understand the meaning of the word ‘NO’? I think not.

“No funny business I promise.” Lisa said with all seriousness.

“Paige please." She added while giving me the pity puppy eyes.

Ugh!! I definitely do not have time for this.

“Why does she have to be this cute?” I thought to myself.

I can't let her go out though. Mum gave me strict instructions before traveling.

“Lest I forget, No one goes out after 6pm. I believe you will act responsibly.” I remember her saying just as she shut the door.

"Okay Lisa, this is what is going to happen, when I'm done with my calculus assignment, I'll go get your diary." I said keeping my face as stern as possible so she wouldn't make me change my mind.

"But you'll...you are going to...” Lisa tried arguing.

"No ‘buts’ Lisa.” I said with finality.

There was an instant frown etched on her face. 

“Now go watch TV and be the good girl that you are okay." I said shooing her off.

"Okay." She said solemnly, she sounded heartbroken. 

Oh well, that was quite easy, she is usually the type to argue a lot. 

My father was an irresponsible scientist.

I needed an after school job.

The sound was so loud my ears were hurting.

Is Lisa serious?!

She turned on the speakers and increased the volume to its maximum level.

I guess she was not giving up so easily after all.

"Lisa Collins turn that volume down immediately." I said as I made my way to the living room.

She was seated on the couch with a passive aura and she was deliberately ignoring me. 

This is going to be harder than I thought.

"Lisa I believe you heard me when I said you should turn the volume down." I said no longer trying to hide my annoyance. She was taking my patience for granted.

"But I can't hear well enough. I wish I could increase it a little more." She said with a carefree shrug.

What?!

She is not serious right?

"Lisa I know what you are trying to do but I have already given you my word, once I'm done studying I will help you get your diary. Now please turn down the volume." I said as calmly as possible. 

I don’t have the best temper but I always try my best to be calm with Lisa. 

"But you're going to take long studying. What if someone picks it up and reads it? I will be fast, I promise." Lisa said with a pout.

What could an eight years old girl possibly write in her diary that will be so private?

I looked at the clock, it was almost 10 pm and I sincerely didn't have time to bicker.

We will have to do this the hard way I guess.

"Now listen to me Lisa, I'm the one in-charge here, I've already told you what is going to happen and you have no other option than to agree." My voice was stern and all I could hope for was that she gets the message.

Her countenance dropped and I knew she was about to have an outburst.

"It’s either you turn down the volume or you head straight to your room. Am I clear?" I said raising my voice.

Wow! I just sounded like my mum. I don’t know whether to think that’s cool or not.

"I hate you. You are not in charge of me. You are just mean and self-centered." Lisa said running up to her room in tears.

Trust Lisa to be a drama queen. It’s just a diary, no need for all the unnecessary stress. 

On the bright side, now I could study in peace. 

************************************

“Finally.” I sighed as I closed my notebooks.

I was finally done with my school work after over an hour.

Wait a minute! 

It has been over an hour and Lisa has been calm. 

Doesn’t feel right if you’ll ask me, typical Lisa would have tried annoying me just a little more.

Maybe I was too hard on her.

I should check up on her and apologize maybe.

"Lisa, I'm sorry okay. I didn't mean to raise my voice at you." I said while knocking on her room door.

I expected her to scream at me or shoo me away, but I got nothing.

She could not be that mad right?

"Lisa I'm really sorry, just open the door please." 

*

*

Ten minutes and still nothing.

"Since you don't want to open, I'm coming in." I said tiredly.

I jerked the door open, expecting to see Lisa either on her bed or trashing her room, but to my surprise, her room was empty.