Chapter 2: Dream a Dream of Life Gone By [20: Where For Art Thou?]
I tried to get J up and out of bed, but he never did respond to me. Not wanting to be late for the breakfast meeting, I make my way to the cafeteria in order to join those that were there. It just seemed to be the usual people that always showed up.
“Ah, Kasperov, have you seen Joyce today?”
“Huh? You haven’t seen her?”
“Normally, she is in her lab, but I did not see her there and she did not answer her door when I knocked.”
“Do you guys think something happened to her..?”
“Maybe we should check on her?”
“A good idea, Noodle. There is not a lot of school to hide in. Perhaps we should split up?”
“Hold on, aren’t you all getting a little worked up? I know the thought she could be in danger is scary but...I haven’t seen Hunk today, either. Or Webby. The Great Guardian hasn’t shown up, either. And J isn’t around.”
“She makes an excellent point. If she is not here, perhaps she wants to be alone? We should not force her to do what we desire.”
“Well, I have her breakfast here. I will go check her room again and leave it there.”
With that, Valentina got up and walked out of the room.
“I’m still a little worried...”
“She’s probably just sleeping in, Kas. It’s really not a big deal.”
“Look, if she’s dead, we’ll know ‘cause the motive won’t happen. Long as we get an announcement for that...”
“Hey, you all know the drill today, right? Come on up to the computer lab! I’ll see you all there!”
“And that answers that.”
“Wow...you’re pretty smart, Itsuki.”
“What..?”
“Well, we shouldn’t keep ‘I'm waitin’...”
We all got up and made our way to the computer lab. Joyce, as well as everyone else not in the cafeteria, was there. That at least calmed one of my nerves.
“Welcome, welcome, everyone! It’s so good to see you all again! Are you excited for the motive today?”
“No!”
“Yes, tough crowd...”
“Well, you’ll still be dealing with the motive either way! And today’s lucky winner is...Joyce Heartswell!”