Missing

My Fault

I ushered everyone away from the food court and over to a small seating area so Jenn could calm down and relax a little. I looked around to make sure that woman wasn't watching or following before sitting down myself. Sierra and JJ watched confused as I sat trying to console Jenn. Smiling I looked at them and handed them their boxes from Build a Bear

"Everything is OK. Mommy just isn't feeling well. Play with these until she feels better."

I waited for them to play quietly at the small table before focusing on Jenn.

"Jennifer it's alright. I'm not going to let anything happen to you, or JJ or Sierra. You're safe. She's a creepy woman. I don't know what her deal is, but I won't let her hurt any of you."

"I'm sorry" she mumbled "she just...came out of no where in the bathroom and I panicked"

"It's alright. I just don't want you thinking that I'm going to allow something to happen to you guys because I'm not"

I wrapped my arm around her and held her close as we sat for a while watching Sierra and JJ play with their bears. It was a quiet moment. A welcome change from all of the craziness that usually intruded our days. She sat up and looked at me and smiled.

"Come on guys lets put the bears away and help daddy pick out the things he needs for work."

She helped the kids pack up their stuff and I kissed her cheek and smiled as we got up to head down the mall. I just needed a few shirts and a new "business casual" outfit. I hated dressing up and wearing a tie, but if I was going to be carrying around the title I might as well adhere to the rules a little better. I smiled as we walked along. For all the chaos and drama from lunch and Sierra's little stunt the day was turning out alright.

"Daddy fix it!"

Sierra held up the bow for me and I smiled kneeling down to place the bow back into her hair.

"Stop messing with it silly" I teased poking her playfully in the stomach

She giggled and ran ahead a few feet. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest and I called her back taking her hand. Suddenly a small group of female fans came walking up and I half smiled. I didn't mind fans from time to time, but I was out with my family and I didn't like when my kids were exposed to the "mayhem". Jenn pulled away with JJ giving me an annoyed, but understanding smile. She hated when things like this happened while we were out and about, but she understood it.

"I'm going to take the kids over to the Disney Store and wait."

She pointed only a few shops down and I smiled and nodded. Sierra, however, would not leave my side so Jenn left her with me. I signed a few autographs and was taking pictures when I realized Sierra wasn't next to me. Trying to be polite I pulled away from the pictures and looked around only to find her "window shopping" behind me

"Sierra. Over here please. Stay where I can see you."

Pouting, she walked back over and stood watching. I smiled at her and continued on with the fans.

?? POV

Looking around I smirked seeing her standing alone in front of the Gap. Crowds of people walking by and no one stopped to notice the tiny curly blonde haired, blue eyed child. She wasn't lost. I could see her dad in the distance talking to a group of people distracted

"Hi Sierra. That's a pretty dress. I noticed you like teddy bears. I have one in my car. It's extra special and I want to give it to you. Would you like that?"

She looked back at her dad and then at me unsure

"Your daddy said it was OK"

I held out my hand and she took it smiling and walked with me out of the mall

Jon's POV

Smiling, I took the last picture. The girls started asking questions and I patiently stood answering them. I noticed Jenn walk up out of the corner of my eye and I smiled at her and finished answering the question. The group walked away and I walked back over to Jenn and JJ

"Jonathan?"

"What?"

"Where is Sierra?"

I looked at her confused and quickly turned around and then back at Jennifer.

"She was right here...I just....I just saw her"

I felt a wave of panic take over and my heart started racing as I stared blankly at Jenn. FUCK!!! She was right here. I just saw her! I don't even know how long ago that was....

"JONATHAN!!! Snap out of it! Where is she?!!"

"I don't know Jennifer...she...she was right here....I saw her....I..."

"How long ago??"

"I...I don't know...5 minutes...she was here....I..."

"YOU WEREN'T WATCHING HER!!??"

She dropped her bags and took off dragging JJ with her looking everywhere. I went in the opposite direction looking every where I could. I stopped into every store along the way. No one had seen her. I stopped in the middle of the mall next to the elevator and looked in every direction nervously dragging my fingers through my hair.

"SIERRA!!"

I called out and looked all around. Nothing....just seas of people walking and talking; minding their own business shopping. I pulled out my phone and found a picture and started asking anyone who would stop

"Have you seen my daugther? She walked away...please...she was wearing a green and pink dress"

The response was always the same...no. No one had seen her. I felt numb as I walked back over to where I saw Jennifer waiting on her phone. I sat down on the bench across from her with my face in my hands fighting back the urge to cry. I couldn't even look at her. This was all my fault.