"Umm...sure, Lia..." Jon said...
The girl shook her head..."I know I look different with contacts, but..."
Karyn was convinced this girl had to be gaslighting her. She turned to the two boys...who were acting like it was...well, the first day of Spring. "What about Kyla?"
"Oh...we were looking for Kyla," Jay suddenly remembered. "Maybe you can help?" He asked Lia. "We can't find her, and I have her bookbag."
"Isn't that a job for the school staff? I mean, maybe they could make an announcement, or call her Mom," Lia said. "I'm sure she's fine, but..."
"I think we'd really better look ourselves," Karyn said. "I mean, we don't want her Mom to worry."
Lia nodded. "I can help, if you want. Jay and I can search one part of the school, and you and Jon can search the other."
Jay looked rather confused, but nodded. It wasn't until they split up that Lia paused to gently pat his arm. "Jay...you don't really want to listen to Karyn...do you? I mean, Kyla is your friend, not hers."
"But she and Jon were trying to help."
"Maybe," Lia said. "I have a much better idea though. How about we," she whispered into his ear. Jay turned beet red in surprise. Lia grabbed his hand and urged him toward the basement.
