Two weeks. It had been two weeks since everything seemed to not only go to hell in a handbasket, but nearly everyone in the small town of Stockbridge had all but disapeared without a trace. Leaving only a handful of survivors in the form of a ragtag group of long time friends, and strangers. No one knew what happened, how could they, they were all asleep as everything seemed to go routinely like they always did. But when they awoke, the few remaining individuals found themselves to be the only ones left. And since then, things had somehow only gotten worse. As if everyone else in your hometown disapearing in the dead of night wasn't bad enough.

Even more random and strange happenings started around town, which seemed to only add to the already horror movie esque feeling everyone found themself in. Strange voices and sounds were heard down alleyways or streets when one wasn't looking, only to look and just barely catch sight of something before it was gone. Shadows appearing and disapearing in the blink of an eye. As abnormal and questionable it all was on its own, the added notion of everyone else being gone hadn't help any stress that found itself forming over the weeks that followed.

None of this made sense, and why should it have? How could hundreds, no nearly two thousand people, cease to exist without anyone noticing at all? There just wasn't any reasonable or logical reason or explanation. Which is what led to where the remaining group find themselves today. Within the past two weeks sine they found themselves the only survivors, so to speak, everyone had been doing their part in trying to find out something, anything at all at this point to help point them in the right direction. Leaving town wasn't an option, they all learned that the hard way. Sawyer having been the first one to volunteer himself to walk through the eery mist that seemed to hang around the outskirts of town. Only to find himself walking back where he started. Appearing to be in some endless loop. No matter what way Sawyer or any of the others tested it out, they would always return back from where they came. No one was getting out that way. Any connection or communication to the outside world of Stockbridge wasn't possible. Whatever unsteady connection they already had with the internet was gone. Any calls or messages sent either weren't able to be sent, or went unanswered. Nevermind getting any signal.

However though, after some rooting around, Bea and others had managed to find some walkie talkies in the Sherrif's office, and well, no one would be missing them. And even if anyone managed to show up, they doubted they'd be in trouble for using some manner of communicating with each other at least. Thank god that at least worked. Outside of that, the group had also managed to find another odd thing, the power, water, heat, and electricity seemed to remain. Meaning they hadn't a reason to worry about going cold or not having constant light or heat sources. However odd that also seemed. But nothing ever made sense in this town, even before everything went to hell.

Since then though, the group had also made secured locations throughout town. Starting with the local diner being made their daily meeting spot, where they would all show up at a designated time to report whatever findings they had that day. Usually there wasn't much to report on. Other than the same old answers half the time. The library had also been more or less Rowan's second home, considering how much time she spent there every day, trying to read as many books as she could, or search for any information that was potentially helpful to them. Often times being escorted to and from the library by Theo, as she often requested. Which, Rowan had finally relented, allowing her friend to help walk her to and from the old building in question. Which is where Rowan found herself now. Stacks of opened books all around her as she was busily scanning over yet another page. Eyebrows furrowed neatly together as she took in as much information as she could.

Only almost jumping out of her skin when she heard a sudden sound, before taking a steady, deep breath as she realized it was only the alarm on her phone going off. Alerting her that it was time to pack up, and head over to the diner. They'd be having another meeting today, even though Rowan knew it would just end with her rambling to the others, who were always disinterested as always with whatever she found. Slipping a few books into the leather backpack, Rowan tossed over her shoulder, and with one more look around the room, she grabbed her phone and exited the library. Quickening her pace as she made it down the side-walk. A cold gust of wind caused a shiver down her spine. As if the cold and dreary weather wasn't helping the already ghost town feeling Stockbridge had now, as if it didn't always have that feeling.

Rowan knew that the others would arrive shortly after she got to the diner, seeing as she was usually always one of the first ones to get there. Seeing as how she was often too eager as the others said. Truth be told she was, even if what she had to share wasn't much of anything knew. Hopefully the others had something better to share than she had. Rowan dug her hand into the pocket of her jacket, slipping out a set of keys as she enclosed the building up ahead. Skip's Diner, the old building said in bright neon colors. Rowan gave a soft sigh, pushed the key in and turned it as she stepped into the small building. Her eyes darting around, she never liked being alone in the establishment. It just never felt right to her, and she didn't know why.

Setting down her backpack on one of the booth's tables, Rowan flipped the light-switch, and the dull white flurecant lights above flickered for a moment, before stabilizing. She slipped into the booth, taking the spot alongside the window, as she took out her phone. Quickly sending a text to Bea, weirdly enough they could communicate with each other still, but everyone else was impossible to ever get a response from. Just as Rowan had sent the text asking where Bea was, a bang sounded on the glass window right next to her head. Causing her to jump once again. A loud and all too familiar chuckle sounded, as a figure slipped in through the main door, "Well you're here early." Rowan heard her friend chime. Rowan's eyes darted over to the darker haired individual, "I suppose so. But...Good afternoon to you too, Dre." she greeted softly. Deirdre gave a small smile and nod, sliding into the spot across the booth from Rowan, Afternoon, Ro. Guessing your trip to the ol' library was a bust?" they questioned, leaning back in the booth. Rowan simply responded with a small shrug of her shoulders. Unsure whether to burst any hopes anyone had just yet, or wait until they were all together again once more. For now she'd wait, at least at that point she could disapoint them all at once. That thought was for sure a comforting out...

Two weeks later and Letta still couldn't believe that her family was still missing. The anxiety surrounding her grandfather had hit quickly, but she was beginning to miss even her grandparents, as overbearing as they could be. When she first found them gone, she had taken their expensive car out for a spin, she ate whatever she wanted, slept in often, and wore whatever she wanted. But a few days into things, it got old quickly and she began to worry.

What helped to keep her from spiraling, were her friends and her writing. She was determined to figure out what happened to not only her family but her town as well. She wasn't the only one missing loved ones. Ben was missing his father, Bea was missing hers, and on and on. An evergrowing list of the missing.

That wasn't the only concerning thing about what was going on in Stockbridge. Those who were left, the survivors, reported seeing strange things around town. Things they couldn't explain. Their power would work, but they couldn't get any signals from outside of town. No radio. No tv. No cell signals. No internet. They were completely alone.

Letta stood in her room, shoving the things she needed into her satchel: her notebooks, her pens, a flashlight, and a few small "essentials" like chapstick, a small water bottle, and a granola bar. Tonight was another meeting of the survivors. Mostly to theorize just what might've happened to get them all into this mess, and how exactly they were going to get out of it. She looked forward to working with Rowan. She was an incredibly smart girl who always seemed to see things in ways the rest of the town didn't.

Before heading out of her bedroom, she grabbed her Canon Rebel DSLR camera, made her the cap was on tightly, before tossing the strap over her head and bounding down the stairs, shutting the door tightly behind her. She might be the only one living there, but if strange things were afoot in her town, she would like to know if they were cavorting in her bedroom. Plus, she made it clear that her home was open to those who needed it. The only way they were going to get through this thing is together.

She exited her home through the garage after checking every door leading to the outside was locked. She grabbed her rollerskates and shoved her socked feet into them, and rolled out, her boots held tight in one hand and her garage remote in the other. Just like that, she was off down her driveway and headed towards the diner.

She had stopped driving within the first week once they realized they couldn't reach the outside, or leave. If they weren't going to get any more gas, there was no point in wasting it when it could be used for other things in case of emergencies. Besides, this was a small enough town to get around in any way. Why not get some exercise in?

The air was chilly as she pushed her way through the empty streets. The sight still gave her the heebs. She was so used to the bustling of small-town life. Waving to the old man who owned the barbershop as he swept the hair from his floors. Or the produce woman who used to give her a free apple as she passed (if she was on foot or wearing skates). Both of them hadn't been seen since everyone else disappeared. The whole town was reduced to next to no one. She rubbed her arms, though she was warm enough under her jacket that she knew it wasn't from the cold. She could've sworn she was being watched.

Once the diner came into view, she sped towards it, hoping to chase whatever, or whoever was watching her. Or at the very least get enough distance that the feeling would leave her mind.

The ghosts of this town were going to get to her one day.

She reached for the door, pulling it open, swinging herself inside where she used her momentum to roll to a nearby table. Rowan and Dierdre were already there. The sight of the dark-haired, brooding... of Dierdre made her swallow the lump that formed in her throat. She quickly turned her attention to Rowan, giving her a peck on the cheek. "Hey, babe, sorry I'm late." She sat on the edge of the nearest vinyl seat and swapped her skates for her boots. Although I guess I'm early since it's just the three of us." She gave a nod to Deirdre by way of greeting.

She pulled out her phone and sent a request for an ETA to the rest of the group.

Ben sat on his front porch, a lit cigarette between his fingers. He took a drag, holding it, and blowing out the smoke in a chemical cloud. He knew he needed to get going or he'd be late for the "meeting". Normally, he would assume that no one would even notice he was missing. But since he began working with Bea, Letta, and Rowan and investigating the town, recording his podcast episodes, if not for any other reason than to just document the goings-on of Stockbridge... he felt seen. He didn't realize how chafing that would feel until he was constantly being looked at and talked to. It had been a long time since he had that kind of attention on him and it was definitely an adjustment.

He took another drag, allowing himself a moment of stillness, to savor the silence. Their small rickety house just outside the neighborhood was usually quiet, especially since it was just he and his father, but there was just something about the stillness around him that he wanted to savor for another moment. It was also a moment of calm before he would be around Bea Clarke again.

She wasn't chaos by any means. She just... caused his body a little chaos. His heart races when he sees her. He talks a little too fast sometimes. His mind moving a mile a minute. He wants to impress her. He wants to be himself. He wants to make her laugh. He doesn't think he's very funny. He blew out another puff of smoke and ran a hand through his dark hair with a sigh. He needed to shake the feelings. Bea was too good for the likes of him. A Misfit. The boy without a mom and an unstable father, raised in the party scene and moved to small town, Massachusetts. He traded board shorts and cargo pants for jeans and leather jackets. Though, strangely enough... if he allowed himself to think about it, he actually prefers this life.

Camping under the stars with friends. Seeing Bea smile. Kayla's hugs and guidance. They liked Ben for who he was and not the money in his pocket or his father's career. Just... Ben.

He took one last drag as the lit end neared the butt of the cigarette before he flicked it into a muddy section of his front yard where it would be doused by the moisture. Last thing they needed was a forest fire when there weren't any firemen around. He released the smoke into the air, watching it dissipate before as it rose into the night sky. Time to go. He thought. He grabbed his flashlight, his phone, a walkie, and his old skateboard, and made his way into town.

He thought about taking it bike to the diner, but he tried to use it only for emergencies. Gas was all around him but he didn't feel like siphoning it until he had to. For now, he would just ride. He arrived at the diner just in time to see Letta Hardcastle barreling towards the door and swinging her way inside. Almost like she was running from something. Ben squinted into the night, only really seeing shadows. He prayed none of those shadows moved any more than a shadow should. He tried not to let it cause him any unease. Before he walked inside, he pulled out his phone, typed a quick text to Bea before heading in.

B
@ Skip's. cu soon. b safe

In all her years of living in Stockbridge, Bea had never known the town to be as quiet. Even at the dead of night, there was always something or someone around. But now, it was far too quiet. Far, far too quiet. Ever since the moment she'd woken up to a too-quiet town, she'd been waiting for something to happen. Her parents were gone. Everyone was gone. Until the texts had started coming through from the selected handful who were still there. She could have cried a little in relief when Rowan had texted her, soon followed by Deirdre, Toby, and Theo. And, of course, Ben. The whole situation was hard and terrifying, but at least she had all of them by her side to make it a little easier. She got lucky, with some of her favourite people in the world left by her side.

She'd taken to carrying her father's shotgun with her every time she left the house. She didn't know why, but it at least made her feel a little bit closer to him. He'd know exactly what to do in this circumstance. Bea tried to make sure that every decision that she made would make her father proud. She'd commandeered the Sheriff's Office, and people at least seemed to be respecting that. She'd gotten everyone sorted with walkie-talkies to allow them to communicate if their phones went down. She'd also stockpiled what she could of medical supplies, and kept them there, somewhere they could be at least controlled somewhat. She hadn't been so lucky with getting her hands on anything other than basic meds; it seemed that they had been one of the first things to disappear. Bea had all but taken over the role of Sheriff, it seemed, as protector of the people; although not in the ways she would have expected.

She swore softly to herself as she glanced down at her phone and realised the time. She was due to be at the diner soon, and she was still at the sheriff's station. She slung the shotgun across her back and began the trek across town. It was a pleasant trek, but not enough to relax her. It was only when her phone buzzed with a very specific text that she relaxed even the slightest little bit. There was a text from Letta, asking where everyone was. But what made her smile was the text from Ben, specifically to her, saying that he was already at Skip's. She fired back a quick response.

To: Ben
omw, be there in five :)

She hadn't known Ben for long, but in the time they had known each other, he'd already become one of a handful of people who could make her truly smile without even really having to try. He could always make her laugh without even really having to try. Nothing felt right in their current predicament, but when he was nearby, things felt... a little more right. She was truly glad that he hadn't disappeared as well.

She reached the diner and pushed the door open, waving to everyone who was already inside. "Hello, everyone," she called, sliding into a seat across from Rowan.