Young and Hungry (Just Write it-2015)

Young and Missing 2

JOSH

Deep breaths. In and out. In.... and.. out.

At first I was tempted to have a glass of whatever alcohol I had left but then I stopped myself knowing I wouldn't be able to fully think once inebriated.

I pace back and forth. Kitchen to living room then back again.

Then I hear keys in the lock.

"Gabi?" I inadvertently say outloud.

I look to the door and sprint to the otherside of the room just in time to get there as Yolanda opens it.

"Oh, I thought you might be Gabi..." I say sadly, now taking a seat on the couch. I slouch over so far it almost hurts then grab a pillow and wrap myself around it.

"You still haven't heard from her?" She asks taking a seat in the chair just a few feet from the sofa.

I shake my head already feeling tears coat my eyes.

"I called Sophia, she hasn't seen her either. I sent a car for her." I say half mumbling into my now slightly dampened pillow.

"Maybe she's just on her way back." She says trying to sound reassuring.

"I looked up her phone Yolanda. She isn't getting a signal. What if she's hurt? What if we don't find her? What if I never see her again?" I feel the tears run over my cheeks. I try my best to hide them behind the pillow but there is no fooling Yolanda.

"Josh, that girl is one of the strongest and most resourceful people I know. You know that car of hers, most of its duct tape and....." She stops.

"And.." I manage to whimper out.

"Josh I wouldn't drive that car two blocks let alone 2 hours..." She says.

"We need to find her." I say wiping away the tears.

------

"Josh any news yet?" Sophia asks me over my shoulder.

"No, I hacked into the towers near where the wedding was but it seems like she didn't make any calls." I say with my eyes still glued on the screen clicking and scrolling.

"Oh she wouldn't, she refuses to talk and drive. She lost a cousin that way." She says her eyes glued on the computer monitor as well. Then realizing her poor choice of words, tears started to bubble up in her eyes.

Sophia and I sat shoulder to shoulder at my desk both hoping intently for a miracle.

"Want me to make you guys somethin? You must be hungry." Yolanda says from the doorway, a towel over her arm.

"Not hungry." I say not wanting to distract myself from finding her.

"Josh, if you don't eat something voluntarily, I will be forced to..."

"Fine, just make whatever." I say not trying to be mean, but food wasn't exactly my highest priority.

"Josh will have a grilled cheese." Sophia says besides me.

I couldn't help but crack the smallest of smiles. The only way Sophia would know how much I like grilled cheese was if Gabi told her.

I need her. I need Gabi back. We all do.