Arizona's Zone: Why not? Part 9 and Part 10

{Woah, sorry it's been a while! I completely forgot about it. Still, it's good to know that people read my poor series. :)}
{And guess what? I'm putting TWO parts instead of just one.}

PART 9

It had been a week since seeing Ms. Jordyn. Every day, I had sent Grace or Natalie to bring food to Willow. I was too ashamed to show my face to the little girl I let down.


"You know what?" A voice snapped. To my great surprise, Natalie stood in front of me. "You need to snap out of it. You can't change what happened." I knew she was right, but I wouldn't admit it.


She sat down next to me, and wrapped her arms around me. "Ari, it wasn't your fault. A week, you've hidden in here. The girls in the gardening club and the author's group have missed you so much."


I didn't respond. "Arizona. Willow is so depressed. Arizona! She thinks it's because she did something that you're staying away."


I turned to look at her. "Tomorrow afternoon, after the club and the group. Tomorrow I will see her." Natalie smiled warmly. I smiled back.


I sighed in relief as the bell rang and glanced at my schedule.

8-8:30 Bible Group

8:35-9:15 Grammar

9:20-10 Science

10:05-10:50 History/Lit

Fifteen Minute Break!

11:05-11:45 Government/Economics

11:50-12:30 Lunch

12:35-1:10 Health

 1:15-2 Math

I had survived my school day...and math! Yuck. I stuffed my things in my locker quickly before running off to the Gardening Club. On the way there, I noticed Jubilee and Ivy running together to their Photographers Guild {just a homey studio created by the girls at the school} I laughed. The two BFFs {and my sisters!!} made quiet a cute picture.

I only vaguely remembered our activities. We planted some crocuses outside our dorm rooms, and Elizabeth gave us some exotic succulents from her extensive collection. I remember discussing plant names, and nothing more.

I was about to head to the Lake when I remembered the Authors Group! Meep. I darted off just in time for the gathering. We wrote some stories and exchanged books. By that time, I was almost too excited to stay in my seat!

As soon as the group ended, I rushed out to the Lake. "Willow!" I cried. Nothing. I scoured the banks of the Lake. Aside from some food crumbs, I found nothing.

I tried searching the woods. I wore my voice out yelling. Willow was not to be found. I stumbled to the meadows by the Lake. It started to rain. "Willow's gone, and it's all my fault," I cried.

The rain bore down heavier and heavier. Still, I stayed out, calling for my dear friend. My limp hair was soaked. My clothes were drenched. I shivered as my clothes started to freeze around me. November weather wasn't conducive to staying cozy in one's clothes.

I remember growing light headed. I ignored the sensation, and pressed on. Then, the world started to spin. My vision started to gray from the outer edges in. The blood drained from my head, and I collapsed.

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PART 10

"Ari! Oh Arizona!!" I heard a voice. I slowly opened my eyes. There was Grace. Her unseeing eyes were scary to me. "I'm okay," I murmured.

I looked around. I was still laying on the grass outside! "Natalie spotted you, and has gone for help." The sky was clear, and it was freezing. There was frost on the ground, and frost on myself.

"Tell me all," I said, and closed my eyes again. "Well, last night, you didn't come back to the dorm--"

"Last night?" I cried. "Let me finish!"

"We thought that you might've gone home. Then, this morning, you weren't at the Sunrise overlook. So, we searched for you. Natalie found you. She thinks you might have 1st degree hypothermia. Do you feel very cold?"

"Not very cold...just a touch. Actually, sometimes I feel warm." I said. Grace nodded. "She's right. Anyway, it's 7:30 in the morning, and 40 degrees F."


I nodded slowly. "Willow is gone," I whispered. Grace heard. She combed her fingers through her silky brown hair. "She was getting sad that you didn't want to see her anymore. I guess she decided to move."


A tear rolled down my face, and I sighed. 

~~~

After that, Natalie came with some paramedics who took me to the hospital. They gave me an IV, and a nasty cocktail of medicine. Yuck.

Then, after all that icky stuff, Natalie, Grace, and Joy walked in. They weren't smiling. "Willow was reported being seen going into a fast food place. She never came out."