Pushing the auditorium doors open, I do a quick sweep of the room. She’s not here, which makes sense since others have checked here. My legs take me deeper into the room, toward the stage. I don’t know why I have a strong feeling she’s here. It’s not like she knows how the stage works, but it’s the only place no one has looked.
Going backstage, I make my way down the stairs and under the stage. There’s not a lot of room in here, but it’s enough for a skinny kid to fit in. It’s dark and hard for me to make my way inside, so I call, “Robin, are you here?”
This isn’t really safe. I hope I’m wrong and she’s not here, but something tells me she is.
There’s a small platform on the floor that lifts when a prop needs to rise up from the trap door. They used to let students under here, but Principal Harrington put an end to that when it was deemed unsafe.
I can’t make out exactly what’s under here because it’s so dark and dusty, but I’m pretty sure I see a light from what must be the screen of a phone. It’s coming from the distance.
So sheishere. I was right.
“Robin, it’s me, Kylen. Raven’s friend.”
No response.
“Everyone is looking for you,” I continue. “Your parents and sister are crazy worried about you. Wanna come out? It’s not safe under here.”
Nothing.
I wish I could go to her, but I don’t fit because my shoulders are too broad. “Robin, please come out. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
Again, nothing. If not for her moving phone, I’d think she was hurt or worse.
“Robin, come on. You’re a bright, funny, awesome kid who shouldn’t be hiding like this. ”
The phone stops moving. “I’m not awesome.”
Finally, some response from her.
“Sure you are. But come out and let’s talk about it.”
No movement.
I’m getting nervous because I really don’t like that she’s so unsafe. But what can I say to convince her to come out?
Shutting my eyes, I take a deep breath. “Raven is my best friend,” I tell her. “And it’d crush her if something were to happen to the little sister she loves so much. And it’d kill me to see her so devastated. Please, Robin. You don’t understand how important you are to the people who love you.”
She’s quiet.
After a bit, she says in a low voice. “I just want to disappear.”
“I understand you’re going through something and I want to help you. But you’ve got to come out first.”
Nothing from her for about a minute, then she shifts and crawls toward the exit, toward me. I can’t help but sigh in relief.
Because the place isn’t meant for people, she has to weave through old props, wooden beams, and other things here that I can’t make out.
When she finally sits before me, on her hands and knees, I notice she’s covered in dust and bits of wood.
I hold out my hand to her, helping her climb out. As soon as we’re on our feet, she slaps the dirt off her shirt, jeans, and hair.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she glances away. “Are you going to make me go back to my parents?”
“Not until you’re ready, but I’m going to text Raven that I found you and that I’m staying with you until you want to go back.”
She nods, still glancing away.
I quickly text Raven, letting her know her little sister is safe and sound. Maybe not happy, but the important thing right now is that she’s okay physically. I also tell Raven that I’ll hang out with her until she’s ready to return.
