Being paid amply for it.
It’s a simple matter of following through.
A human can do anything for a few hours or days for that kind of money, I reason. Hell, I’ve done a lot worse for a lot less.
Not that I’m proud of it.
“Nicolette?”
I look over to find Fabien staring at me. “Yes?”
A look of concern washes over him. “Are you alright?”
I brush off his worry. “Yes, of course. I was just thinking about my sister. I haven’t talked to her today and we talk every day.”
“Why don’t you call her? You should have a signal by now, and if you don’t, you can use my phone.”
Now that he is bandaged up, he’s getting dressed again.
I look down at my phone. Yep. I’ve got a signal.
I dial Savannah. She doesn’t have class for another hour, and this is a good time of day to connect.
It rings and rings and finally goes to her voicemail.
How strange.
“Hey, it’s me. Call me when you get this.”
Frowning, I send a quick text.
Hey, honey. It’s me.
No response.
Maybe she went out with friends last night. She decided to sleep in, maybe… I can't give myself any more excuses and can't worry about this right now. She’s too far away from me to check in on her.
“Everything okay?” When I look over at Fabien, I get a lump in my throat. It’s been such a long time since I’ve had anyone who was as concerned for her as I am, it makes me a little wistful when he asks me.
“It’s fine,” I lie, ignoring the way my voice wobbles. “I just can’t get in touch with my sister, but I’m sure she’s… fine.” I look out the window so he doesn’t see the way sudden tears spring to my eyes.
Still, it's at the back of my mind and I can't help but worry.
Just a few more days, I tell myself. Just a few more days until Fabien and I finish our deal. I will have enough money to go see her.
To leave.
It’s getting harder to swallow the lump in my throat.
Wordlessly, Fabien reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze.
“Landing in five minutes," the flight attendant tells us.
Breathe.I draw in a deep, cleansing breath, and let it out slowly.
“Want to try her again?”
I do, but it goes to her voicemail again.
