The Outcast - Chapter Seventeen

I tried to find Jazz all day yesterday. I literally spent hours searching, hollering her name. People gave me looks, apparantly not liking the sound of the Outcast's voice. Well, too bad. Jazz was my friend. I had to look. I came up empty yesterday in my search, which left me in a bad mood. I went back to see how Jordan was doing; he was out cold, and didn't seem like he was going to be waking anytime soon. So much moving so soon hadn't done him any good.

Now I find myself sitting at the kitchen table with Sasha and Marina, a plate of bacon and eggs in front of me, the toast off to the side. Though the food looks delicious, and Marina and Sasha are already digging in, it just makes me feel queasy. I'm not in the mood to eat; I just can't think of food at a time like this.

Someone had taken Jazz yesterday, there was no doubt about it. But why would they take her? She was so kind, so innocent, so pure...why did they have to take her? Jordan's going to be upset when I tell him that I didn't find her, that I couldn't even find a trace of her. How am I going to tell him? Will he do something drastic? Will he try to find her himself? They seemed close, last time I checked.

He won't just sit there and do nothing, that much I'm sure of. But what can I do to stop him? It isn't like I'm stronger than him; he's older than me, taller, and stronger. I am just no match against him. But then again, he's injured and bed-ridden. I might have an advantage.

But I might not be able to do it. He's my friend, I don't want to attack him to keep him in bed. I pray it doesn't come to that. He's already been hurt enough at my expense, he doesn't need me making things worse.

I notice Marina and Sasha watching me worriedly. I sigh beneath my breath and slowly pick up my fork. Their eyes never once leave me, they watch my every move, anticipating what will happen. Why are they acting like that? What do they think I'm going to do? I haven't been acting that strange around here, have I? I didn't think so, but then why else would they be acting this way? It makes my head hurt just thinking about it.

I poke at my eggs and pop a piece into my mouth, chewing slowly. The yoke stains my tongue as it spews from the egg, my teeth chomping at it in slow, regular intervals. I swallow quickly, wanting to get rid of the taste. Normally I love bacon and eggs, but now I'm just not in the mood. I'm not in the mood to eat.

But I force myself to finish breakfast, even though it makes me feel sick to my stomach. I rise from the table and excuse myself, before I start to leave the house.

"Where are you going?" Sasha calls from the kitchen.

I stop at the backdoor. "Jordan's," I say.

In her silence, I can hear her hesitating. "Okay," she says, if not a bit reluctantly. "Be back soon, though. Don't be gone all day."

"I won't," I say. "I'll be back soon. Bye." I push the door open and exit the residence, leaving my familiar yard.

I arrive at Jordan's quick enough, and pull out a rusty golden key to unlock the door. With Jazz being taken so suddenly, I wasn't taking any chances with Jordan. I had locked all the doors and windows yesterday, just for his safety, and my reassurance.

I enter the house and shut the door behind me, re-locking it. Slowly, I move toward Jordan's room. I rap on his door softly, but there is no answer, but that doesn't surprise me. It is to be expected, what with his condition and all.

Jordan's still lying in the same position on his bed. I sigh as I see this. He shows no signs of waking. He looks content to sleep, his face slack and peaceful. I don't dare try to wake him; if he wakes, the expression on his face will grow pained once more, and I really don't wish to see that again.

"I'll find Jazz, Jordan," I whisper into the silence of the room, clenching my hands into fists at my sides. "I promise you."

With that, I turn and leave the room, shutting the door softly behind him. I don't wish to disturb him in any way. It's best that he sleeps for now, because if he wakes up and sees that Jazz is still gone, I garantee that he will go searching for her, no matter his condition.

And, as his friend, I can't let him do that.