Is This Smart? (Under editing and revising)

Chapter 14

Darkness. We are all surrounded by thick darkness. I try to stifle a scream, and, for once, I succeed. Sort of. Instead tears begin streaming down my face and puddle in my lap. Jordan pats my shoulder and squeezes my hand, which are freezing and still shaking. He keeps making these calm noises until I eventually stop shaking and the tears are streaming in smaller gusts. He reaches his arm over my shoulders and I lean my head down on him.

Once I'm nearly all the way calmed down, my phone vibrates. It's lying one my lap. I jolt out of the seat! My grip on Jordan hand loosens in spite of my fear. I nearly fall over yet again, but luckily, I just fall onto a plush couch, that, thankfully, isn't occupied. Letting out a tiny sob, I push myself up off the couch, and search the surrounding area for the glow of my phone screen. Just as Jordan helps me stand I see it, stuck under one of the chairs. Quickly, I retrieve it and join Jordan, Maggie, and Ann. They have all formed a tight circle; there's no place for me to squeeze in. So, I just maneuver my way through the throngs of frantic, tired, and confused guests, who are rambling throughout the café and lobby. I find an open seat right in front of the fireplace. I click around on my phone for a few minutes. Then, I just observe the people scuttling around me.

A woman in a pink, fluffy robe sits on the edge of the cream colored sofa as she bounces a child on her knee. All the while, a frightened look is plastered over her aged face.

Next I look over to a group of little kids. There are three. Two girls and that little boy from earlier. They play together nicely. The only thing that's different, is the little boy keeps looking around. Probably, his is looking around for his little sister. The one Jennifer went to find.

Why? Why would she leave us? Leave me? Especially after she broke her promise? Then, the torturous memories float around inside my head. I decided to just let them come, and not try to push them back as I have done countless times before. The cabin. Andrea. Joan. The city. The dagger. All of it. I just let the thoughts flow, and with them comes tears. One question keeps popping into my mind, "Will Jenn ever come back to me? I don't know how I could go on living without her." I'm so scared again. And, somehow, it's worse that last time. I don't know why, maybe it's because I know that I can be helping Jennifer this time? Or maybe that I'm still upset about her and the broken promise?

I look up and towards my friends huddles in a tight circle. I can guarantee that Maggie and Ann are accounting the events of my nightmares to Jordan so he can help.

I stand and slip away, pointing my phone light to the ground. I walk through the now calming crowds of people, who are now just sitting and watching; most likely thinking too. Once I'm across the room, I've roughly formulated a plan. A guard stands in front of the stairwell door.

Just outside those doors, is a bathroom. It's the only facility anywhere nearby. Gathering my last, skimpy ounce of courage, I walk up to the guard, "Umm, excuse me? I need to use the restroom. Likely, badly."

Without any changes in his expression, he steps aside. I'm shocked! I mutter a quick 'thank you' then push with all my might on the heavy steel door. When I'm on the other side, I let go of the door. The sound of a click makes me turn and face the door. Heaving a sigh, I mutter, "Welp, no turning back now."

I head to the bathroom. Once I'm done I search around anywhere for a weapon or something to provide protection, at the very least! All I have with me is, my phone, hoodie, and the contents of my backpack. My backpack! I slip it off and, hurriedly, dump the contents on the floor. My keys, iPad, brush, and the gift shop bag all tumble out. Then, I begin to think, "Hmmm...." Unexpectedly, I let out a giggle. What?!? I've barely smiled since the last vacation let alone laugh! I guess it was all the pressure and depression I went through.