I grabbed my phone, my fingers flying across the screen as I searched for the contact information of every hotel in the vicinity. I began making calls, one after another, my eyes darting between the road and the phone, my heart racing with anticipation.
"Hello, Grand Hotel. How may I assist you?" a friendly voice answered.
"Hi, I'm looking for a guest named Chris. Has he checked in recently?" I asked, my voice firm, my eyes scanning the road ahead.
"Let me check," the receptionist replied, the sound of typing on a keyboard filling the background. "I apologize, but we don't have a guest by that name."
I thanked her and hung up, dialing the next number.
"Welcome to the City Inn. How can I help you?" a cheerful voice chimed in.
"Hi, I'm trying to locate a friend named Chris. Has he checked in?" I asked, my eyes fixed on the road.
"Let me see," the receptionist said, a pause following. "Yes, we have a Chris who checked in about 20 minutes ago."
My heart skipped a beat. "What room number?" I asked, my pen poised over a piece of paper.
"I'm sorry, sir. I'm not authorized to disclose that information," the receptionist replied apologetically.
I thanked her and hung up, my mind racing. I had to find a way to get Chris's room number.
I dialed the City Inn again, asking for the manager.
"Hello, this is the manager. How may I assist you?" a firm voice answered.
"Hi, I'm trying to reach a friend named Chris who checked in about 20 minutes ago. It's an emergency," I explained, my voice urgent.
The manager hesitated before responding, "I'll see what I can do. Please hold."
A minute passed before the manager returned, "Alright, sir. Chris is in room 314. But please, you have to understand—"
I thanked him and hung up, my eyes fixed on the hotel's entrance as I pulled into the parking lot.
I rushed to room 314, my heart pounding in my chest. I knocked on the door, and Chris answered, looking surprised.
"Hey, Robin. What's up?" he asked, his expression curious.
"Where's Sarah?" I demanded, grabbing his collar, my voice firm.
Chris's expression changed to confusion. "Sarah? She never came with me, man. She headed home after the prom."
My world came crashing down. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
"What? Why didn't you tell me?" I asked, my voice laced with frustration, still holding him tight.
Chris shrugged. "The last I checked, I don't think I fucking owe you any explanation, anyways, I didn't think it was a big deal. We just parted ways, and I came here to chill, even though I would've loved it if she was here with me."
I couldn't believe it. I'd been searching for Sarah everywhere, and she was safe at home all along.
"Thanks, Chris," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, but I wasn't just going to show up here and leave him empty handed, I punched him on the face, definitely breaking his nose.
I turned and walked away, my mind reeling with thoughts of Sarah, of what could have been, of what still could be. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number, my heart filled with hope.
I pulled up to Sarah's house, my mind racing with uncertainty. Had Chris been telling the truth? Was Sarah really home, safe and sound? I grabbed my phone and dialed her number again, but it went straight to voicemail. No matter how many times I called, she didn't pick up. I knew we still had our differences, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.
With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and approached the front door. I knocked twice, and the door swung open to reveal Sarah's dad, his warm smile a contrast to my anxious heart.
"Hey, Robin! Come on in," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Thanks, Mr. John. Is Sarah home?" I asked, trying to sound casual, but my voice betrayed my concern.
He furrowed his brow, his expression puzzled. "No, Robin. Sarah's not home. Didn't you see her at prom?"
My heart skipped a beat. "Yeah, she was there, but...I don't know where she is now," I admitted, feeling a wave of worry wash over me.
Just then, Michael, Sarah's younger brother, stepped out of the living room, his eyes narrowing at the sight of me. His expression was a mix of anger and hurt, a reminder of the pain I'd caused Sarah.
"What do you want, Robin?" he asked, his voice cold, his arms crossed over his chest.
I took a deep breath and began to apologize, my words pouring out in a rush. "Michael, I know I hurt Sarah, and for that, I'm truly sorry. I was blind, and I made mistakes, but my feelings for her are real. I love her, man. I was stupid, and I let my fears and doubts get the better of me."
Michael's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "You broke her heart, Robin. She cried for hours. She thought you were the one, but you threw it away."
I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt and regret. "I know. And I don't expect forgiveness overnight. But I need to find her, talk to her, make things right. I want to prove myself to her, to you, to your family."
Michael studied me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. "She's not here, Robin. But I'll tell you this - she's been hurt before, and she won't take kindly to your apologies. You need to prove yourself, show her you're committed to change."
Mr. John placed a hand on my shoulder, his expression understanding. "We'll see, Robin. Just be patient and genuine in your approach. Sarah needs time to heal."
I nodded, determination coursing through my veins. "I will, Mr. John. I promise. I'll do whatever it takes to win her back, to regain her trust."
I felt a sense of resolve wash over me. I would find Sarah, and I would make things right. No matter what it took.