Pearl

Chapter 14 - Missing

Pearl was pacing around in the temple, contemplating whether she should share her 'secret' with you. It would've been a good idea to talk to Greg but it was still quite tense between them, despite the events that occurred in Empire City.

Just as her mind was being more and more clouded, a figure slammed the door open. Pearl just stared at them, not recognising them at first but then blushed when she realised it was you.

You were breathing heavily and rushed over to Pearl, engulfing her in a hug. She hesitated but returned this sudden sign of affection. As enjoyable as it was, there was a negative meaning behind it.

"What's wrong, (Y/N)?" Garnet asked, sensing your sadness as she warped in. Pearl tried to release you, not wanting to be caught by Garnet but you didn't want to let go and just awkwardly had your arms wrapped around her.

"I d-don't know where my Mum is. I asked h-her friend if she knew but apparently sh-she never turned up to the party. I don't know what to do." Your voice cracked on your last sentence, and you started to cry. Tears stained your shirt and Garnet embraced you for comfort as Pearl wasn't doing a great job at it.

Naturally, Garnet already knew what you'd say before you said it as there weren't as many strong possibilities of anything else but let you continue anyway.
"S-Shes missing and I don't know where she could be. I don't know anything to help find her."

Pearl, upset to you so distressed, attempted to make the situation more positive.
"W-Well, at least you get to be here with us more!" She laughed nervously and clapped her hands together.

You just looked at her, in shock. How could she be so insensitive? Your Mother was missing and she was only thinking about hanging out more? As amazing as Pearl is, she can really say the worst things at the worst times.

And, naturally, in your state if mind, you just stared at her and cried harder. Pearl realised she said something wrong and her fake smile reformed into a frown.

Garnet spoke.

"No. We must search for her immediately." Garnet said, mostly aiming it at Pearl.
Then she turned to you, hand on your left shoulder.
"Don't worry, (Y/N), we'll find her. But for now, we need to regroup."

Steven came to the temple from the car wash as quickly as possible when Garnet called him with Kiki's phone. She really needs to give Kiki her phone back.

Amethyst was messing around with Vedalia but soon came back. So now everyone was at the Temple and the situation was explained to everyone.

"Should I call Connie to help as well?" Steven reached into his pocket but Garnet motioned her hand up to stop him.

"That's won't be necessary. We can solve this ourselves. Connie doesn't need to worry." Steven took his hand out of his pocket, holding his phone.

"I'll just text her that we'll be busy this week."

"Fair enough." Garnet rearranged her visor.
"First, we look at the crimescene, if you don't mind, (Y/N)." You nodded eagerly, also noticing how she tried to say it in a friendly way so that Steven doesn't get upset. You didn't see the point though. Steven's seen a lot of things and despite how bad this was, he's seen worse.

"Lead the way!" Pearl smiled awkwardly, still trying to be positive. You opened the door and walked down the stairs with Garnet and Steven following behind.

Amethyst grabbed Pearl's arm and pulled her aside.
"What's was that? 'Lead the way!' Pearl, you're acting really weird. Like, even weirder than usual." She punched her shoulder lightly and exited. Pearl stood there for a moment thoughtfully and closed the door as she left, groaning at Amethysts last part.

You handed Garnet your key but she just smashed the door open.
"Huh. I guess that works, too." You thought to yourself.

Everyone followed you in. You gestured to the sofa and chairs to sit but Garnet and Pearl stayed standing. Steven sat down politely on a chair and Amethyst crashed on to the sofa.

It was awkwardly silent and even Garnet looked uncomfortable.
"You can look in her bedroom, if you'd like. There might be something in there that I didn't see." You suggested quietly and gestured your hand over to her bedroom door. It had a little illustration of the both of you blue-tacked to the front. You drew it when you were about 7 with pencil crayons.

"Then we begin our investigation there. Amethyst and Steven, you look for clues around here. Pearl and (Y/N), check bathrooms, the kitchen and any other rooms. I'll check the bedrooms." Garnet commanded, but not too harshly as this was a delicate mission.

"Operation: Find clues!" Steven exclaimed. He may be mature but you still liked the childish side of him.

Everyone went to their assigned positions, Pearl letting you choose what room to inspect first. You went to the bathroom as your Mother spent a lot of time in there. She would be doing her hair or makeup in the mirror before a party, as well.

Pearl glanced at you and saw your sad frown. This really affected her. She didn't know what to do to comfort you. Should she say something? Would a hug help?

"We'll find her. I promise."