To Capture A Ring

The Search

I stayed there until I heard his car start up, and heard him leave, then I turned and ran up the steps and into my kitchen where Brianna, Mariah, Fred, and Markie sat at the kitchen table. Mariah gave me the look. Knowing but not going to say anything until we were in private,I threw myself down into one of the kitchen chairs after grabbing myself a drink. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, I pulled it out and read the text: “Hope you sleep well, goodnight beautiful. " I smiled at my phone and typed my reply carefully, then hit send: “You too! Have fun at work, handsome! ". I returned my phone to my pocket. “Someone’s got a boyfriend!” Brianna teased. I rolled my eyes. “It’s Jordan isn’t it?” Markie asked causing me to glare at him, “I knew it!” he said before him, Brianna, and Fred all started laughing. Mariah slapped Fred in the arm. “Ow” he grunted while rubbing his arm, “We’re just friends.” I said coolly in reply before leaving the room.

I placed my empty glass in the sink and headed for the stairs. I went to my room, shutting the door behind me, learning from my earlier mistake, locked it, changed into shorts and a tank top, laid myself in bed covering up, placing ear buds in my ears, pushing shuffle play on my music, I stared at my ceiling, watching the fan spin, singing along to every word of every song that played, before slowly drifting off to sleep. I was woken up to a phone call coming through. The time was 1:04 A.M, and it was Jordan. I sat up rubbing my eyes answering the call. “Hello?” I said, grogginess seeping through my voice. “I’m sorry if I woke you up, but I’m outside.” That woke me up. “Why?” I asked laughing, “I thought you went to bed hours ago.” I continued. “I was woken up too, Fred never went home. His mom called me thinking he would be at my house I told her I have work in the morning. I figured he’d be at your house, with Mariah. All the lights are on at Mariah’s house too, and no cars were in her driveway, so I figured I’d check yours.” My eyes widened in fear. Probably out with each other, doing who knows what at this hour. “Give me a minute, and I’ll be out.” I said hanging up, pulling the earbuds from my ears, and tossing them n the bed while I pulled on sweatpants, and a baggy hoody from my closet, and slid my flip flops on my feet, and headed out my bedroom door not even bothering to stop and check myself in the mirror. I ran downstairs, and saw my mom. “Where’s Brianna? Is Mariah here? Fred? Anyone?” My mom looked up from her coffee, “Brianna is outside. Markie and Jordan showed up here looking for Fred, he didn’t go home tonight. Mariah’s parents called and she didn't go home either.” I nodded my head, taking in a deep breath. “I know. I’m going with them to help find those two.” Mariah is going to be grounded until she’s 30. “Okay.” was all my mother said as I walked out the back door closing the screen door quietly behind me. Brianna and Markie were sitting on the hood of Jordan’s car talking. Jordan was in the driver’s seat with the door open and his feet resting on the door, lounged back waiting. I walked towards his car and his shot his gaze towards me, placing his feet on the ground he stood up and met me in the middle of the road placing his hands on my hips. “Where do you think we should go look for them at?” he questioned me, “probably at the cubby hole, the wooden structure that hangs off of the train bridge a few blocks over.” he took his hands from off of my hips and walked back to his car. Markie and Brianna both climbed in the back seat, so I opened the front door climbing in next to Jordan. He looked at me, and smile without saying a word. He started up his car, and drove off silently.

We arrived at the train bridge and he parked his car at the side of the road, leaving the engine running. “I’ll go.” I said hopping out before anyone could protest. I shut the car down and started walking up the rocks on the side of the bridge using my phone as a flashlight. I got to the top and crossed both rails, shining my light down into the cubby hole. Empty. Mariah, where could you be. Both of their phones are turned off so it’s not like we could call them or anything. I turned around to see a figure, and it caused me to jump. “Calm down” Jordan laughed. I slapped his arm, “You scared me.” I squealed. He chuckled, and gave me a quick kiss before turning to head back to the car. You never fail to keep me wrapped around your finger. I remained quiet, following him closely, shining my light, and watching my step. We arrived at the car, returning to our seats and driving off again. Checking every spot that was local to us before heading back to my house with no luck at all.

We pulled up to my house, as Jordan shut the engine of his car off after parking. I sighed in defeat, my best friend was missing. I know she is out with Fred, but she was going to be grounded for a very long time once her parents find her. I ran my fingers through my hair, stressing out over this. "We should call her parents Tati" Brianna suggested. As much as I hate admitting my sister is right, she is. "Yeah, I'll call them, give me a minute." I opened up the car door, causing it to squeak, and shut the door behind me. I dialed Lena, Mariah's mother, and propped myself up on the hood of the car, mentally preparing myself for the conversation I was about to have with the woman who treats me like I am her family. "Hello? Tatiana, did you find Mariah?" I sighed "No, I'm sorry Lena, we checked everywhere we could think of. We checked all the places we always go to. Her phone was still off, I tried calling her and Fred again." Then it hit me. THE DIAMOND! "What?" I didn't realize I must've been thinking outloud again. "I'll call you back in about 20 minutes, Lena, I think I know where she is!" "OK! Her dad and uncle are still out looking. Let me know if you find anything, please." nodding my head, I spoke quickly, "Will do, talk to you soon." I pulled my phone from my ear and clicked my phone screen to end the call. I shoved my phone in my pocket as Jordan, Brianna and Markie all got out of the car. "I think she's at the diamond. That's the only place we didn't check!" I said and, without waiting any longer, I started my journey on foot, headed up the road towards the abandoned baseball diamond in the woods, where we had played manhunt only nights earlier. I looked over my shoulder, I saw that Brianna and Markie were following me, keeping up with my quick pace, but I didn't see Jordan. I continued walking in silence, until I heard running. My heart sped up as I slowed down and turned around to see who or what was running towards us. Jordan. It was just Jordan. I released the breath I didn't realize I was holding, and we waited for him to catch up. "I grabbed flashlights" he said while catching his breath. He handed everyone a flashlight, and we continued the short walk to the baseball diamond. We turned our flashlights on before entering the dark trail, searching high and low, constantly stopping to see if we could hear any noises to get a better direction of where they could possibly be.

Jordan slid his hand into mine and gave my hand a squeeze, as if he was trying to reassure me that we would find her. We walked together in silence, the only sounds to be heard were the crunching of twigs and whatnot under our feet, and the quiet talking of Brianna and Markie. "Over here!" I heard a familiar voice. "Guys? Do you hear that too?" I questioned. Everyone stood still and went quiet. "OVER HERE!" the voice yelled again. "That way" Jordan pointed, taking the lead. We walked for another moment or two before stumbling upon Mariah, and Fred. Fred was lying on the ground looking as if he was in and out of consciousness. Both him and Mariah looked as if they were beaten to a bloody pulp. I drew in my breath as I took in the sight in front of me. "What happened?" Jordan asked. "We were out here walking and talking, and some men were back here, they followed us, beat us up, took our phones, our money and left. I've been afraid of them coming back, but I couldn't leave Fred here alone. He can't walk." Mariah sobbed uncontrollably.