Please Understand

Chapter 29: Now or Never

"Mason, I know Dr. Keshner said this is a step in the right direction, but I don't want you to go," Mom pleaded for the millionth time, but I didn't stop packing my bag. "What if you have a panic attack and we aren't there to help?"

"Mom, everything is planned, and Dr. Keshner gave me a list of things to do in case that happens," I reassured her even though I wanted her out of my room. Finally, I looked up with a smile. "Come on, next year I'll be in college. This is a practice run. Everyone thinks it's a good idea, even Dad."

She pursed her lips, and crossed her arms over her chest to show me her vast amount of disapproval. "Fine, but I'm driving you to the airport tomorrow."

A small smile was on my lips as I remembered our brief conversation yesterday. Mom had a hard time letting go, but I was proud of her. She only cried a little when we hugged goodbye, but I was only going to be gone for four days. She'll probably end up loving time alone, and she'll probably start counting down the days until I'm actually going away for college. My backpack was light on my shoulders as I made my way out of the airport, and to the cab that would take me to the heart of the city where this adventure would finally begin.

The buildings towered over me as we passed them by, and I gaped at everything, excited to have the opportunity to tour this city and the college once I arrive. Part of me knew this was going to work. I was no longer hoping, I just knew without any doubt. The picture of Emily at the end of her diary was the last shred of proof I needed to make my next move. Now or never, this was it.

The detectives were still piecing together bones, but all other leads were dead ends. They were questioning all of Danny's friends, and anyone else who could have taken her. I could've told them to check the footage of all the airports in the state, but I didn't know which one she went to, or if she really even made it to one. She is smart though; she probably hid her face from any of the cameras.

The cab stopped, and the driver looked at me with a puzzled expression because I had him drop me off on a random street, no where near normal tourist attractions, and ten minutes away from the college. I paid him and barreled out of the car with my heart racing. I could hardly contain my excitement as he sped off and I looked around at the people as they walked along the streets, a Starbucks on every block, and the Space Needle looming a few miles in front of me. The sky was grey and cloudy, the air chilly, but luckily it didn't start raining.

My legs shook as I started walking by gift shops, and clothing stores. I tried to stay out of everyone's way as my happiness bubbled. Where should I look first? I didn't know where she would be, but I knew she was alive. She was here; my heart could sense her. There was nowhere else she could be. If I don't find her today, then I'll go ahead with my tour of the college. I'm bound to run into her there. If not, if I go home empty handed, then I'm giving the diary to Detective Nix. I'll tell him I found it in the tree house, and hopefully he'll believe me. Hopefully, he'll understand what I did. Hopefully, he can bring her home if I fail.

There were so many people walking passed me, and I studied their faces even though I knew I wouldn't find her in this crowd. She wouldn't walk around without a purpose. My eyes flitted from across the street to in front of me, every way I could think to look. Could she be in any of these stores? Could she be in a class right now? Where is she?