Invincible

Chapter 5- Message in the Rock

Once I reach Kat, I wrap my arms around her. "Kat, I think it's time to go home." Kat sobs heavier and louder.

"I just wish I knew if Caitlin's alright."

Giving her a reassuring smile I try to comfort her. "I'm sure she's fine. We, need to go home!" I order an Uber and then try my best to console Kat until our ride arrives. When it does I call Samantha and tell her to meet us outside.

As Kat and I make our way toward the exit, a hand grips my arm. I turn my head to a concerned Jesse.

"Where are you going?"

Part of me feels guilty for leaving like this. "It's late. We have to work early in the morning. We really do need to get home." Jesse stands frozen for a sec staring at me. Anger is evident in his expression.

"So that's it Hugh? No goodbye or exchange of numbers?"

The guilt seeps in deeper. What have I done? "Jesse, lets be honest, you live in Texas. What did you think was gonna happen?"

"We could at least talk about it... maybe stay In touch."

The hope in his eyes is enough to make me think twice, but reality always wins. "Let's not complicate things more than they are. We had a fun time together. Let's leave it at that!"

Leaning in I give him a soft kiss. His hands pull my face close to his in a desperate plea. Butterflies stir in my belly, but I choose to ignore them and pull away. "I'm sorry, but I have to go." Jesse withdraws, and I see the hope in his eyes die.

"I thought you were different."

His words sting causing me to turn away from him. I can feel my eyes burn and without looking back, Kat and I make our way to our Uber. Once in the car, I let the breath out I'd been holding, and let the tears fall. Kat squeezes my hand and soon Samantha joins us. I tell the Uber our destination and it isn't long before I feel the vehicle move foreword.

"Lex, why won't you give him a chance?"

I look over at Kat with tears still running down my face. "That was nothing serious. Jesse's from Texas. I'm just worried about Caitlin."

I know it's terrible to lie, but I need the attention to go elsewhere. I can't have everyone worrying about me when Caitlin's still missing. Pulling out my phone, I dial Caitlin's number one more time. When it goes straight to voicemail I swear under my breath. Kat, and Samantha both look worried.  "I'm sure she's fine!"  Turning my head to look out the window, I try to hide the doubt I truly feel.

Kat and Samantha start talking about their night of events, but I feel completely numb. It's as if I'm in a dream. Not present, but not away either. Just there and frozen. I try to listen to what they're saying but I can't seem to comprehend what's being said. Their lips are moving, but I can't hear a word. All I feel is a mist of despair. Will we ever see Caitlin again? Will I ever forgive myself for using Jesse the way I had?  Will I ever be able to let go of the man that haunts me every second.

"Lex, we're here."

Kat's voice pulls me from my trance. I pay the driver, and all three of us exit the vehicle slowly. Samantha runs ahead, pushes through the front door, and calls out for Caitlin. By the time Kat and I make it to the door, we see Caitlin curled in a ball on the couch. Tears are streaming down her cheeks, and Samantha is sitting next to her rubbing her back in soothing motions. Kat is the first to speak.