Chapter 3: Can I worry now?

Note: All characters belong to the wonderful Meg Cabot.

Jess'POV

I wake up with a jolt. The night has been horrendous. When I finally fell asleep, it was to visions of Rob lying in a dingy room, waiting for me, saying my name over and over. I had a vague idea where this room was, but I wanted to be sure. I get out of bed, and call Chick.

When he answers the phone, I scream " Well, has he shown up yet? Or can I worry now?"

Chick responds as I predicted " Jessie, calm down. You can worry, but screamin' at me isn't gunna help the situation."

I cry and say " Chick, I'm sorry, but this isn't like Rob. I dreamed about where he was- and…and…"

I can't even finish my sentence because of the sobs that escape.

Chick quietly waits for me to finish crying before he says, " Jessie, I'll be over in a half-hour. Then we'll figure out a plan. Hang tight."

Easy for him to say, he doesn't have to see the dingy, terrible room that Rob is being kept in. God, these images are killing. I wish I didn't have this so-called gift. Right now, I'd call it a curse.

Ring Ring

My heart jumps, thinking its Rob. When I answer, I'm so disappointed to hear my mother's voice.

"Jessica, why don't you and Rob come over for dinner today? A nice bar-b-q with the Abramowics, and the Thompsons, and maybe the Blumenthal's."

Leave it to my mother to be thinking about food at such a critical moment. I guess I have to tell her about Rob's disappearance. "Mom, I don't think that's the best idea-"

She cuts me off " And why not? Just because you and that boy are married does NOT mean you can forget your family. "

God, I forgot how my mother spins everything as a personal attack on herself. "No mom," I sigh, "its because Rob is missing- he still hasn't come home, and I'm going to look for him."

My mother starts on a rant " Oh God, Jessie, I'll bring food for the search party – just sandwiches, and maybe cookies"

She's making me so mad, I hang up on her. Then, I hear the doorbell ring. I get up and let Chick in.

"C'mon, I've got the guys waiting."

Guys? What guys? I look out my front door and get my answer. I see no less than 25 men on motorcycles waiting for me.

" Ok guys, let's go!"