Illuminate

Chapter 19- Greyson

4:00 AM- Monday-

Peyton and I had been driving around all night, searching for our daughter. We had called Owen as well, but he said every flight was booked and there was no way for him to get down, but he was sending his prayers. If she was still missing by tomorrow he said he would try his best to come down. It was good we had gotten the boys to go home, but it was clear they were both as worried as we were. I was sure Owen was as well. Peyton had regretfully given Austin the job of telling him. Every terrible scenario had crossed my mind, even the idea that Eva's life may be over, which scared me more than anything.

"Peyton, I think we should call it. We have to sleep. We can go home and sleep for a couple of hours and then get back on the search with fresh minds. The police will be out looking for her tonight too," I offered.

"I think we need to keep looking. I'm not sleeping until I know our baby is safe at home with us," Peyton combatted aggressively. I rubbed my eyes and nodded, agreeing with her. I was awake on pure adrenaline and fear. We continued to look all over town in all the places open at 4 in the morning, but she was nowhere to be found. 

6:30 AM- Monday

By the time the sun was up, we had checked every establishment within a four-mile radius of our house. 

"We should go get the boys," Peyton said and I nodded, starting the drive back to our house.

"I'll go with Colton you with Austin, call if you need anything," I told her and she nodded.

"Greyson what if we legitimately cannot find her?" she asked softly.

"We are going to find her. We can't lose hope," I told her. "Eva wouldn't want us to."

"I just hope she's okay," she added.

"Me too," I said, knowing that there was a very good chance she may not be. I stared at the road, my hand on Peyton's thigh, attempting to comfort her. I pulled into our driveway and we both went to get the boys up. 

"I also think we both should have something to defend ourselves with. Just in case something happens," she said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"If she's in a dangerous situation, we have to get into it as well. I think having a pocket knife in our pocket wouldn't hurt," I explained and she nodded. She quickly went to get mine and my spare one for herself and I started to go up the stairs.

I went into Colton's room and saw him staring up at the ceiling, he had clearly been awake for quite some time.

"Finally, let's go," Colton said, getting up quickly.

"Wait, did you sleep at all?" I asked him.

"Not really, I mean it was next to impossible," he said softly. I gave him a quick hug.

"Let's go, you're with me and Austin is with Mom," I told him and he nodded. He quickly threw a shirt on and we both went down the stairs immediately. I grabbed an apple and bit into it, knowing it would be one of my only opportunities to eat today and Colton did the same. I also grabbed the pocket knife Peyton had left out for me. Soon after, Austin and Peyton came down the stairs.

"Alright, Austin and I talked and we think we should go farther south and you guys go farther north, okay?" Peyton offered and we all nodded.

"Hey, it's going to be fine, everyone. She's going to be fine," I told them, even though I wasn't sure my words were true. It was silent for a little bit.

"Okay, be safe, call us if you think of anything," Peyton finally said.

"Sounds good," I replied, kissing the side of her head. I hugged Austin goodbye as well and then Colton and I headed out to my truck. I immediately backed out and we restarted our search for our Eva.