*Three weeks later*

The flashing lights and events of Building Con are a faint memory in my head. Faint, but still there. And persistent enough to let me be reminded of it every day.

It's been a few weeks since that crazy day. After I dropped everyone off to their houses, it was already in the late AM's (thanks to Petra who wanted to go to more booths), and I literally knocked out once I hit the couch. I slept for a whole day after that, woke up at eight at night, jumbled up as hell.

Lukas, Petra, (and sometimes Ivor, I forced him to tag along, he seemed to grow soft for us) and I have been hanging out a bunch the next two weeks. But this past one has been...distant.

Lukas had this big writing competition he was planning for, and Petra just...she wouldn't answer her phone. Which is weird, considering that she's the one who always calls me. I got weirded out after a few hours. I've tried going to their houses a few times, but neither would be home, or they just wouldn't answer.

I swear, if I had the keys to their houses I would've done the same thing that they did to me.

Another thing too. Harper's invention: PAMA.

It's blowing up.

Everywhere I see there are signs, or billboards, ads on websites and TV, even on the radio and news. It's like I can't seem to get away. And it's the same darn-green smile. Everywhere. It's definitely a big hit, probably one of the biggest yet.

I feel happy for Harper, although lately, I haven't been able to get in touch with her, most likely because of how busy she is. She's probably rich beyond belief.

Actually, the last I remember, Lukas and Petra were getting pretty hooked up with PAMA too. Ivor didn't, saying it was "too new to be good" but I'm guessing it's because he had nothing to use it on. I for one, haven't been using it at all. Not since a few days after Building Con, actually. For some reason it's made me uneasy. I barely use the new phone Harper gave me, unless it's for emergency.

It just gives me an eerie feeling.

Anyway, back to present time.

I walk towards my kitchen, around the dark and speckled marble island in the middle. It's moderate sized, with dark wooden cabinets and regular kitchenware items. There are a few decorations by the window near the sink, a little blue flower growing in a clay pot and a fake plant waving back and forth, powered by the sunlight.

I pass by the sink full of dirty dishes and open the silver fridge, searching for something to eat for lunch. But right as I open the door, I hear a little 'ding' from my phone. I immediately close the fridge door and grab my phone on the island, seeing who the text is from.

[Lukas] <1:12 PM> Hey Jesse, sorry we haven't been in contact for a while. I've been quite busy. Would you mind stopping by my house later so we can talk things out? Maybe you can help me with the Writers' Competition if you don't mind. Petra is coming over as well. Hope to see you there.

Quickly typing in the words and writing a reply, I press send. I can't miss this. I have to find out what's going on with them. I don't know, maybe I'm just being paranoid? I can't tell for sure.

[Jesse] <1:13 PM> Hey Lukas! Are you okay? I've been trying to get in contact with Petra but she hasn't been responding. I'll be there in twenty, please stay put.

And with that, I grab my phone and bag and dash out the door, my stomach growling furiously in the process.

***

Literally jumping out of my car, like Super Mario over a ditch, I slam the car door behind me and race up to Lukas' door. His house is one story, a reasonable size, with a very light brown for the exterior and darker brown for the edges. I can see Petra's fierce red car pulled up on the curb, since there is no driveway, dents banged onto the sides and scratches revealing shiny silver.

Pulling my attention back to focus, I knock somewhat impatiently on the door.

"Hey, Lukas! It's Jesse." I exclaim loudly so that he can hear. Waiting for a moment, I pause, until his voice responds with a dull; "it's open."

With an intended shrug I clutch the bronze circular doorknob and twist, pushing forwards so that the wooden door creaks and opens.

A mop of messy blond hair stands out from above the couch, and I close the door behind me, setting my stuff down on the nearby stand.

"Hey Lukas," I greet him, walking to go sit beside him on the couch. "What-"

"Hello Jesse." He responds, turning to me. That's when I stop.

"You look terrible."

His usual combed to the side hair is now a tangled mess, and he's in the same outfit as Building Con, his regular black jacket and pants. Except it looks like he had to struggle to get them on. Little tears are at the ends and the outfit itself looks crinkled. There's what looks like food and water stains on his top, and bags rest heavily under his eyes, with a sparkle of violet. He looks like he hasn't slept for a while.

"Don't worry, it is all part of the process." He explains vaguely, shrugging his shoulders completely vertical. I take a seat on the couch next to him, almost completely confused. I let out a sigh and let myself sink into the fluffiness of the couch, grabbing his stuffed animal (some sort of cat) and squeezing it for comfort like a stress ball.

"You gonna tell me what's going on? How about the Writers' Competition? I could help-"

"I quit."

My jaw drops, and I gap at him.

"But-why-? You couldn't stop talking about it ever since Building Con!" I protest, remembering how he brought his journal everywhere we went, jotting down notes of inspiration. "And you've worked so hard-!"

"I have to ask you something of utmost importance." He says, grabbing my hand, or rather, wrist. I flinch, letting go of his stuffed animal. "Do you know where Harper Mesa is?"

I stare at his hand, which is secured tightly around my wrist, and then back to his eyes. I shake his hand off and get off from the couch, a pit of uneasiness burying its way through my stomach.

"I don't know what's going on Lukas, but you're acting really weird." I exclaim, keeping him in my view as I walk backwards towards the door. He gets up from the couch and mimics my actions, moving forward with each step I take.

"Stop." He says, in a voice that isn't his. It's rough and coarse, like he's forcing the words out of his dry throat.

Suddenly, something collides with my back, but it isn't the door. It's something softer-a body?

My instincts take hold and I turn whip around, fists clenched into a fighting and defensive stance. But I'm met with someone who I don't expect to meet.

"Petra?" I lower by fists, my mind filled with confusion. "What-?"

A pair of arms-Lukas'-wrap around me, trapping my own from moving. I let out a gasp as I use my hands to try and pry his off me.

"What the heck-?!" I cry out, but his grip is surprisingly strong. I take a step backwards, forcing him too as well. Struggling against his restraint, I can make out Petra taking a step close to me.

"Do not resist. Everything will be fine."

Both Lukas and Petra's voice mix into that one statement. But before I can say anything, her fist clenches, and she aims straight for my face.

A sudden jolt of pain reaches my head, and I stumble, letting myself fall weak into his iron arms. My mind spins, and an ache begins to grow.

Eyelids forcing themselves shut, my body drifts into darkness.

Yeah... I kinda lied

Whoops

Sorry this chapter came out later than expected

But school is really kicking me in the butt rn, like everyone is cramming everything into the last two months of school >~<

Aaaaanyway, I hope you liked this chapter, things are starting to get a bit more interesting ;) cya!