Chapter 4
It was getting late and Pixel hadn't called back. Stephanie was getting a little worried and kept looking at the clock. It was seven o'clock and soon Stephanie would be going to bed soon. Then the phone rang and she practically grabbed it out of her father's hands.
"Hello, this is Stephanie."
"Hi Stephanie." It was Mayor Meanswell. He sounded upset.
"What's wrong Uncle? Did something happen to Pixel?" Stephanie asked nervously.
"Put your mother on the phone." The Mayor said.
"But…" Stephanie started.
"Put her on the phone." Uncle Milford repeated. Stephanie got her mother and handed over the phone.
"What's going on Milford?" Amanda asked.
"Pixel is missing." Milford put bluntly.
"He did. When?" Amanda whispered.
"About six hours ago. We looked everywhere and we can't find him." Milford explained.
"Do you think he'll come here?" She asked.
"Probably. He has your address. But I don't know if he had enough money to buy any tickets of any type." He replied.
"Well we'll keep our eyes peeled. What should I do with him if he does show up? And what do I tell Stephanie?" Amanda inquired.
"If he does show up, keep him there. I think he probably came to visit Stephanie. As far as Stephanie, I don't know what to tell you. Do you think if maybe I or Sportacus told her she would take it better?" He asked.
"Anything is worth a shot. If you think it'll help, I'm open to suggestions." Amanda told him.
"All right give her the phone." Milford said. He handed the phone to Sportacus. Amanda handed the phone to Stephanie.
"Pixel?" Stephanie asked.
"No it's me, Sportacus." Was the reply.
"Oh, is everything ok?" she asked.
"Well not exactly. Listen you have to promise me that you won't get too upset, ok?" Sportacus asked.
"Ok, I promise. What's wrong?" Stephanie asked nervously.
"Pixel is missing. We have been looking for him but we can't find him." Sportacus explained. Stephanie sunk to the floor. There was silence on the other end and Sportacus was worried.
"Stephanie are you still with me?" He asked.
"Uh huh." She said weakly.
"We are doing everything we can to find him. You keep your chin up, ok." Sportacus said.
"I'll try. I wish you were here." Stephanie replied.
"I wish I was too. Hang in there I'll call you if anything develops, ok?" He asked.
"Ok. Please find him, Sportacus." Stephanie said.
"I will. I promise. Good bye Stephanie." Sportacus said.
"Good bye, Sportacus." She replied and hung up the phone. Her mother rushed over to her and the two sat on the floor. Stephanie cried and cried. Amanda tried to comfort her, the best she could. It was now eight o' clock and Stephanie was worn out physically and emotionally. Doug lifted her off the floor and put her on the couch in the living room. There she fell into a restless sleep. Stephanie tossed and turned and cried. Finally, she stopped and fell into a deep sleep. By then it was quarter to nine. Her parents sat there and kept an eye on her. Around nine-thirty there was a knock on the door.