Chapter 4 - Suspicions

The following week unfolded with a rhythm that felt familiar yet strangely unconventional. Every morning, Helena and Selena woke before dawn, the stillness of the world outside their window enveloping them like a soft blanket.

"Let's hurry and finish breakfast before we get caught up in our art," Helena said one morning, expertly balancing a piece of toast while rummaging through her bag for her history report.

"I know, I know!" Selena replied, her voice muffled as she pulled on a paint-splattered apron. "I'll be quick."

Their breakfast was often a rushed affair—cereal and fruit, with an occasional splash of milk. They savored these moments, knowing they had to make every minute count.

After breakfast, they dashed to school, their backpacks heavy with textbooks and art supplies. While most students mingled in groups, Helena and Selena preferred to find quiet corners of the school to work on their projects.

"Let's use the art room during lunch today," Helena suggested as they walked through the bustling hallway.

"Good idea! It'll be nice to have some space," Selena agreed, her eyes darting around, slightly nervous about the prying eyes of their classmates.

The art room, usually filled with the smell of paint and the sound of laughter, felt like a sanctuary for them. With its large windows and scattered easels, it provided the perfect environment for creativity and focus.

"Okay, while you work on your history report, I'll sketch out ideas for my painting," Selena said, pulling out her sketchbook and settling at a nearby table.

As Helena wrote, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Her gaze flickered to the doorway, where Mr. Carson, their homeroom teacher, stood, observing the students with a furrowed brow.

"Helena! Selena!" he called out, stepping into the room. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"

Helena felt her stomach drop. "Uh-oh. What now?" she whispered to Selena.

"Probably about our grades," Selena replied, worry etched on her face.

"Girls, I've noticed some irregularities in your attendance and assignments. I wanted to check in," Mr. Carson said, his tone firm but not unkind.

"We've been trying our best, sir," Helena said, straightening her posture. "It's just... sometimes we have to juggle a lot."

"I understand that," Mr. Carson replied, studying them closely. "But it's essential you keep up with your studies. I don't want to see either of you fall behind."

Selena nodded, her hands trembling slightly as she fidgeted with her pencil. "We will, Mr. Carson. We promise."

"Good. Just make sure you're not neglecting your work," he said, a hint of concern softening his gaze before he stepped back, leaving the girls alone once more.

"That was close," Helena said, exhaling a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

"Do you think he suspects anything?" Selena asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Maybe. But let's focus on our work," Helena replied, shaking off the tension.

Lunchtime arrived, and they retreated to the art room once more. After finishing their meals, they dove into their projects, the hours melting away.

As the sun dipped low, Helena felt a pang of unease. After school, Selena often disappeared into their room for a few hours. She had started noticing Selena's late-night painting sessions and the soft glow of a lamp illuminating their small bedroom.

"What do you do at night, Sel?" Helena asked one evening, curiosity gnawing at her.

Selena hesitated, her eyes darting away. "Just painting and brainstorming. You know how it is."

"Yeah, but you've been spending more time up there. Are you sure everything is alright?"

Selena forced a smile. "I promise, it's just art. Nothing to worry about."

But deep down, Helena felt something was amiss. The fleeting glances Selena cast towards her sketchbook and the way she sometimes murmured to herself late at night unsettled her.

In reality, Selena had been venturing out after dark, slipping into the shadows of their neighborhood to investigate the mystery surrounding their father's disappearance. While Helena thought she was absorbed in her art, Selena had been carefully piecing together clues, determined to uncover the truth.

Each night, she donned a dark hoodie and slipped out of their home, her heart racing with the thrill of secrecy. She had learned to navigate the alleyways and backstreets, listening for whispers and gathering information from anyone who might know something about their father.

One particular night, she had ventured to a local bar rumored to be frequented by those with ties to her father's past. The dimly lit space was filled with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses, but Selena's focus was sharp as she approached a table of men discussing recent events in the city.

"Did you hear about the Willis family?" one of them said, his voice low. "The father just vanished. Some say he got involved with the wrong crowd."

Selena had felt her heart stop. The wrong crowd? What did that mean? She leaned closer, straining to catch every word.

"They say he was looking for something—something big. But he got too close, and now he's gone," another man replied, his face shadowed.

"Yeah, and the sisters? Poor girls. They don't stand a chance without him," the first man added, shaking his head.

With her pulse racing, Selena had retreated from the bar, knowing she had to be cautious. The information she gathered only deepened her resolve to find out what had really happened to their father.

The next morning, as she and Helena prepared for school, Selena felt the weight of her secret pressing down on her. Her sister's concern for her well-being only added to her internal struggle. How could she share this burden without putting Helena in danger?

"What do you do at night, Sel?" Helena pressed again, concern etched on her face.

"Hel, can I come in tonight? I want to see what you're working on," Helena suggested, trying to sound casual, though her tone was tinged with determination.

"Uh, I don't know, Hel. I think it's better if I keep it private for now," Selena replied quickly, a hint of panic in her voice.

Helena frowned, frustration bubbling up. "Why can't we share everything, especially when we're in this together?"

"Just trust me, okay? I'll show you soon," Selena insisted, her expression pleading.

As they walked to school, the atmosphere felt heavier, each sister lost in her thoughts. Helena worried about what secrets Selena might be keeping, while Selena fought to protect her sister from the darker side of her investigative ambitions.

At school, Mr. Carson watched them intently from a distance, his brow furrowing with concern. He had seen the potential in both sisters and wanted to ensure they thrived, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their story than met the eye.

The day passed in a blur of classes and assignments, but Helena's mind remained occupied with thoughts of Selena's nighttime activities. She had to find a way to support her sister without overstepping while also ensuring they stayed on track with their schoolwork.

As they returned home that evening, Helena resolved to dig deeper into the mystery surrounding her sister's secretive behavior. They were in this together, and she would make sure Selena didn't have to bear her burdens alone.