airports // 5sos au

xxxix.

(luke)

The point of having mobile technology, according to my mom, is to have access to mobile communication. In the words of Liz Hemmings, 'What's the point of me paying for your phone if you're not going to answer it?'. Whenever I find everybody, I'm giving them all long-ass lectures about the importance of answering their phones.

"Hey, you've reached Emily. I can't answer the phone right now, so just leave a message and I'll be sure to get back to you as soon as I can. Have a great day!" I hear Emily's voicemail for probably the tenth time today.

"Em, it's me," I sigh, "Please, for the love of all things good, answer your phone. We're leaving town tomorrow and you promised me that we'd pack for New York together today. I, uh, went to your house and your parents were there, but they said that they hadn't seen you all morning. Nobody's answering their phones and I'm starting to get worried, babe. Please just answer your phone and tell me that you're okay." I take a deep breath as I hang up.

I'm currently sat in the parking lot of Auntie's Kitchen, completely clueless as to what I should do. I've gone to Emily's house and her parents seem completely unfazed by the fact that nobody knows where their daughter is. After that, I called Emily, like, four times and she didn't answer any of my calls. I even visited Meghan and Ashton's houses. Meghan's parents seemed concerned, and they promised to contact me if they heard anything from her. According to Meghan's mom, Meghan is out with Chris, which could explain why Meghan isn't answering my calls or texts. Ashton's mom wasn't home and I haven't heard back from Ashton at all, so at this point, I just have no clue what to do.

I look around the empty parking lot and think back to when Emily and I had first met. I laugh when I remember how she stormed out of the first tutoring session. She was so stubborn about the whole thing, but look where it got us. My heart speeds up when I think about our time at Auntie's Kitchen and how I couldn't help but think that she was the cutest person I'd ever met. That day with Emily was my favorite day because that was the first day I saw Emily as not just another person to tutor. I saw her as a friend, even if she didn't feel the same way at the time. I remember how Emily looked when she told me that she had to go to her brother's apartment. She looked so nervous to tell me and I remember I just wanted to hug her and tell her that it was okay and- wait a minute. Max's apartment, why didn't I think of that sooner?

I quickly start my car and drive out of Auntie's parking lot. A little over fifteen minutes later, I park in front of Max's apartment and run up the stairs that lead to his door. I knock and a few moments later Max opens the door, trying to keep Parker behind him.

"Luke?" He raises an eyebrow, "How are you?"

"Hey Max, hi Parker," I smile to the toddler who's waving at me, "Uh, I'm good, how are you?"

"We're doing well," Max nods, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

I shift my weight, nervously, and nod, "Yeah, actually, I can't find Emily. Do you know where she is?"

"I don't know where she went, but she was here earlier this morning."

"She was?" I widen my eyes.

"Yeah, she mentioned something about some kid named Ashton and then she left."

Ashton? Maybe that's why they're both M.I.A.. "What did she mention?"

"Something about stopping him from leaving town," He shrugs, "She didn't really get into specifics."

"Okay," I nod, "Thank you so much for your help, Max, I really appreciate it."

"No problem, man, just make sure my little sister is safe."