On My Way • Why Don't We | ✓

twenty six

July 14, 2017 ; San Fransisco, California
Evelyn

The wall that's been built around Nova and I has thickened with each day. We avoid each other without exchanging any conversation. I've spent an increasing amount of time in Daniel's room, avoiding one of my best friends.

She's pushed everyone away, barely speaking to the boys or myself unless it's absolutely necessary. The words that we exchanged two nights ago are still fresh in my mind, and every second that passes, our distance increases.

I regret everything I said that night, but knowing Nova, she wouldn't accept my apology, and frankly, I don't think I could accept hers. She hurt me. The Nova I invited on tour definitely isn't the Nova from two nights ago.

I drift off into another night of restless sleep. Guilt and regret follow me throughout the night, intertwining themselves into my nightmares.

I am awoken by the sound of sirens that rushes past my hotel window. Turning over, I read the red numbers that seem to float in the darkness. 3:07 A.M. My mouth is dry, so I stand up slowly to retrieve the plastic water bottle that I left on our dresser. In the darkness, I stumble and find my way to the dresser. Turning around, I notice her bed is still.

Squinting, I step closer, and I soon notice that it's not only still, but it's also vacant.

"Nova," I shake the sheets to find only three pillows, "Nova."

My heart speeds up. She's gone. I grab my phone and my room key before running down the hallway to the adjacent room and knock three times.

Pushing my ear against the door, I listen for any movement, but I only hear silence. Pounding on the door once more, I listen again, but no one responds, so I move down the hall to the next room and repeat the process. I'm about to turn away when the door opens to my left.

"Ev," Daniel mummers groggily, rubbing his eyes, "What are you doing up?"

"Daniel," I sigh with relief, "It's Nova. She's gone."

"W-what?" He stutters, still shaking the sleep off of him.

"Nova. Is. Missing," I repeat slowly. His reaction, though delayed, immediately wakes him.

"No, she can't be," He shakes his head.

A sleepy Corbyn stumbles up next to Daniel, "What?"

"Nova is missing," I repeat steadily.

"Okay, okay," Daniel processes the information, "We have to find her. Did she take her phone?"

"Yes, but I don't know where she went, and I doubt she would answer my calls," I begin pacing in front of the two boys, "This is my fault, isn't it? She said she wasn't happy here, and I pushed her, and now, she's gone."

"No, it's not," Corbyn, who's had time to awake, shakes his head, "Let's wake the rest of the boys up and come up with a game plan."

"Okay," My heart is pounding, and we steadily knock on the door.

"Hello?" Jonah pulls open the door groggily, "What's—"

"Hey, Jonah," Jack calls from inside the room, his voice a mix of confusion and sleepiness, "Zach's gone."

"What?" I splutter, "Nova is missing too."

"They must be together then," Daniel takes my hand and squeezes it gently, "She's okay."

I force a smile to Daniel but my heart is still pounding, "Someone please call them," I plead.

"I will right now," He pulls out his phone and shows me as he dials the number.