Chapter 4: Mason's Concerns

Mason had always been the protective type, and as he watched his sister Tracy's behavior change over the past few weeks, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of concern. She was distant, detached, and seemed to be getting more and more withdrawn by the day. Her grades were slipping, and she was spending less and less time with their mother, Melanie. As he walked into the kitchen, he saw Tracy sitting at the table, her eyes fixed on her phone as she texted with Evie, the popular girl from school who had taken Tracy under her wing. Mason had met Evie a few times, and he had to admit that he found her intimidating. She was confident, charismatic, and seemed to have a hold on Tracy that Mason didn't understand. "Mom, can I talk to you for a minute?" Mason asked, trying to keep his tone neutral. Melanie looked up from the sink, where she was washing dishes. "What's up, sweetie?" "It's about Tracy," Mason said, his brow furrowed with concern. "She's been acting really strange lately. She's always out with Evie and her friends, and she's not doing well in school. I'm worried about her." Melanie sighed, putting down the dish towel. "I know, Mason. I've been trying to talk to her about it, but she just pushes me away. She says she's fine, that she's just hanging out with her friends." "But she's not fine," Mason insisted. "She's getting more and more distant. And Evie...I don't trust her. She's got a bad influence on Tracy." Melanie nodded, rubbing her temples. "I know, Mason. But what can we do? Tracy's 13, and she's going to make her own decisions. We just have to be here for her, and hope that she makes good choices." Mason shook his head, feeling frustrated. He wanted to do more, to protect his sister from the negative influences that seemed to be pulling her down. But he didn't know what. As he turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of Evie walking into the house, a smile on her face as she greeted Melanie. Mason felt a surge of unease, wondering what kind of influence Evie was having on his sister. Later that day, Mason saw Tracy sitting in her room, her eyes fixed on her phone as she texted with Evie. He knocked on the door, trying to get her attention. "Hey, Tracy, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, trying to keep his tone neutral. Tracy looked up, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "What is it, Mason?" "I just wanted to check in with you," Mason said, trying to keep his tone light. "You're my sister, and I care about you. I just want to make sure you're doing okay." Tracy shrugged, looking away. "I'm fine, Mason. Don't worry about it." Mason felt a pang of frustration, but he knew that he couldn't push the issue. Not now, at least. He would just have to keep a close eye on Tracy, and hope that she made good choices. As he turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of Ariah, Evie's friend, walking down the street. He had met her a few times, and he had to admit that he found her interesting. She was confident, charismatic, and seemed to have a good head on her shoulders. Little did he know, their paths would cross again soon, in ways that would change everything.