Where was Claire? Jonny's blue eyes scanned the waiting room of the emergency room. Jonny sat down on the uncomfortable plastic couch and stared down at the month old magazines in front of him.
What a night.
Everyone bolted once Jonny announced he had to call an ambulance because of an 'emergency.' This kept the busting to a minimum. The only ones to remain behind were Michael, Eric and himself. That was when he noticed. Claire was missing. Missing from her own party. Missing from her own house.
"She has my eyes!"
Jonny sat up straight and looked over to the direction of the angry male voice. Two nurses bolted towards the old man as he continued to yell at a stunned young girl as she waited for the doctor.
"She has my eyes!"
"Yes, Mr. Vauhn. Please come with me." The older nurse spoke calmly and took him by the elbow as she did so she eyed the younger woman who took her cue to grab his other elbow.
"My EYES!" He glared at the young women who sat shocked in her seat.
"Yes, right over here dear." The older woman led him past Jonny and into the double doors.
"I KNOW! You stole them! My EYES!" He broke free from the two nurses and tried to run towards the girl. The two nurses jumped for him and pulled him back. A security guard seemed to appear out of no-where and practically lifted the guy off the ground. "My eyes . . . my eyes. . . my eyes have been stolen."
The group disappeared behind the doors. Jonny sat back and sighed. Well, it could have been worse.
"Quest?"
Jonny stood up to meet eyes with Michael.
"Eric is going to be okay." Michael took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"Good," Jonny ran his fingers through his hair.
"I have to know," Michael whispered carefully.
"Know what?" Jonny asked keeping his voice as low as Michael's.
"I have to know what's going on. How you knew." Michael crossed his arms and waited.
Jonny studied the dark eyes. How much he told would say how deep he was about to get in. How deep did you want to go?
"I'm going to be honest," Jonny raised his chin slightly as he spoke.
He was going all the way.
Jessie knew the precise moment Jonny Quest got home. She was curled up at the front of her bed watching the light under her bedroom door when the front door opened and Dr. Quest's voice boomed in the hall.
"Jonathon Quest you deliberately lied to me."
Jessie pulled her knees and tucked them under her chin. She could still feel Jonny's embrace.
"Dad, I'm sorry." Jonny softly answered.
Jessie huffed.
"Son, I think you're sorry you got caught." Dr. Quest angrily replied.
Jessie closed her eyes. The designs on her eyelids went black and again she was seeing Jonny's shadowed face as they stood alone in the bedroom.
"Dad," Jonny's voice was soft and sincere. "I really am sorry. I screwed up. I know."
Jessie knew they were coming up the steps. She could hear the footsteps and the slight creak of the banister as Dr. Quest braced it for support. She could also hear Jonny's breathing and feel it on her cheeks as he pulled her closer.
"At least you had the sense to call for help and stay when the paramedics arrived, unlike some people." Dr. Quest's voice was softer. Jessie looked over to the light under her door. "One week. For one week no Questworld, no parties, no after school activities, and no before school activities. Understand?"
"Yes, sir." Jonny replied.
The door to Dr. Quest's bedroom opened and then softly shut with a swoosh. Jessie could hear Jonny make his way down the hall. She watched as his shadow consumed the light.
"Jess?" He whispered softly.
Jessie put her head down and pressed her forehead to her knees. She could still feel his heart against hers.
A soft knock followed the silence.
"Jessie? Are you awake?" Jonny spoke a little louder.
Jessie didn't move. She listened as started to turn the knob. She remembered to lock the door. Jonny sighed and gave up. A moment later the light in the hall went out and Jessie was in complete darkness. Jonny's bedroom door shut, leaving her alone.
Jessie sank down into her covers and looked up at the ceiling. The Quest household was silent. The only noise left was the noise in her head. It was just enough to keep her from sleeping.