I have to call the cops back. I’m still freaking out because now she’s gone for good and I’ll never find her. Even though the cops would, I can’t let her be accused of a crime she didn’t commit. I was conflicted enough about it when I thought she did take the money.
Thankfully, I get a different person when I call in and I don’t have to sound too ditzy. Yes, its okay, I found the money, sorry for wasting your time. The lady says no problem, it happens all the time.
I want to cry but I don’t have time for that. I’m not used to being full of emotion like this but I’m getting there. I need to think, where would she go?
I grab my phone and start searching. I scribble down a note or two, screenshotting the addresses of the major travel hubs. I didn’t realize there were so many. I’ve never travelled by bus, rarely by train and I don’t think Roxy would go to the airport.
It will take me hours to check them all, I might not get it done in one night. Then she’d be gone, no address and I could forget about her answering the phone.
All I can do is get to the closest ones and hope that she hasn’t left yet.
I fall briefly down a rabbit hole of wondering how Roxy chooses her destinations. Is it just the first train or bus leaving town? Then I think about how she most likely doesn’t have any money and she’d probably need a few days work at least.
I would have less luck figuring out her job than I would her destination! Roxy is full of stories about her previous jobs. I have no idea how she finds these wacky, off the wall employment opportunities, but if there was a carnival in town, that would be the first place I’d look.
I run to my room to quickly put on jeans and a sweater. On my way through the kitchen, I take a moment to put the food and drinks away. I don’t want it spoiling here on the floor and if I do find her, we can share this stuff when we come back.
If I find her. If she comes back. I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t come back. I’ve done a really crappy thing here and I know it.
Touching each item brings up images of sitting on the couch sharing this with her. Hearing her laugh and feeling my body pressed against her. She can’t be gone. She can’t be. Nothing has ever made me feel this way—nothing has ever made me feel at all.
Putting the snacks away I find a bag of gummy bears and some candy bars at thievery bottom of the bag. Roxy has very carefully selected the snacks I like and gotten just a couple for herself. High sugar, high fat, no nutritional value. How does she stay so skinny? I appreciate the effort she’s gone to in choosing, making sure tonight was all about me.
It kind of breaks my heart a little. She’s so thoughtful.
Once I’ve put the stuff away, I stand by the door quickly scrolling over the addresses. I don’t want to go out. Those places will be crowded with people and I’m not good with people, let alone mobs of them.
I know I’m stalling. I’m just afraid I won’t find her.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. It’s Rachel.
“Hello, Rachel?”
“Yeah Helen, its me.”
“What’s up?”
“Do you know that Roxy girl? The one we had to kick out?”
“Yes.” My heart flips and crash lands.
“She’s here.”
“Where?”
“At the Nook.”
“You let her back in?”
“I haven’t had a chance. She hasn’t asked. She’s just hanging around out front.”
“Oh.” I don’t know what to make of this, but I’m frantic. I have to get down there.
“Is there any way you can keep her there?” I practically shout.
“I don’t think she’s going anywhere, but sure. If she moves around, I’ll ask her in. I’m sorry Helen, but after last time I don’t feel like letting her in. Some of the patrons were pretty pissed.”
“I totally get it. I’m on my way. Hey, Rach?”