I figured chances are, Maya was with Julie. Not many people know about her. Tyler and Olive didn't take her anywhere and neither did I, dad's only seen her once or twice and wouldn't do anything with her, that leaves Julie. Her dad works with the horses at the fairgrounds, I bet Julie brought Maya there, which would also explain why she wasn't at school today. But how do we get her back?
"Guys, that's way too far to run or even walk to." Tyler says. I realize it's literal miles down a busy road, of course we can't go that far.
"I'll get my dad to take us then." I say and turn around, speed walking towards my house. I will not be letting Maya stay with Julie of all people.
"Dad! Maya's gone, pretty sure I know where she is, can you please take us to the fairgrounds? I have to find her!"
"Maya's gone? Yeah of course, let me get my shoes and keys. Are your friends coming too?" He asks. Tyler looks away, like he doesn't want to go. Makes sense because he's sick but this is Maya.
"Yes, of course we're coming." Olive says.
My dad quickly put on his shoes and grabs his keys. We all go out to the car. I'm in the front, Olive and Tyler in the back. Maya… She has to be there. What if she isn't? What do we do then? And if Julie did take her down there, what am I supposed to say? I absolutely can not stay even slightly friendly with her if she took Maya away from me. It's only a five-minute drive, so I guess these questions will be answered soon. It's silent in here. Olive looks almost as worried as me, and dad's just trying to get us down there quickly. I'm so glad he's been so willing to let me do things like randomly go out in the field or with Olive and Tyler and been so supportive of me going to school.
"If Maya's here, she'd be down by the stables on the opposite side of the fair grounds." Olive says. Tyler doesn't move.
"I really don't feel well guys. Are you sure she's here? She could just be sleeping in the barn…"
"Tyler. This is Maya we're talking about here. Julie knows where she was, and she wasn't at school today. Her dad works here with the horses. It makes way too much sense. Let's go." Tyler reluctantly steps out and we head towards the stables. It's pretty far, these are big fair grounds. We try not to lose each other as we step through the long lines for rides and food and games and through the large crowds. It's very loud and I can feel my heart beating faster and faster. Where is Maya? As we get to the stable, I immediately see her. Maya is here. And so is Julie.
"Julie! What is Maya doing here? Why would you take her? What were you thinking?"
"Lizzy! Oh thank god. I tried to call you. I saw Maya and it wasn't my idea I swear"
"Yeah? Then who's was it? You know Maya basically belongs to me and I trusted you enough to let you meet her."
"Want to know whose idea it was? Ok, why don't you ask Tyler." She says, glaring at Tyler.
"Tyler? Was this on you? Did you take Maya down here?" Olive starts asking. I can't think straight. It was Tyler? How could he.
"I just thought she's a race horse and her breed would be perfect for-"
"For the horse races? Tyler, Maya is not a racehorse, she's never raced in her life as far as we know! And without saying anything to Liz? Are you serious!" I can't listen anymore. Olive is defending me and Maya, and I'm thankful for that. But I can't believe Tyler would do this. How do I get Maya out of here?
"Liz, I promise you that Maya will be back in the field no later than tomorrow morning. I'll try to keep her out of the races too. I'm so sorry." Julie starts. I just run. Trying to ignore the overwhelming feeling of all the people around me, I had to get back to the car. Maya is technically safe, and she's not being taken away from me, but there's nothing I can do right now but go back to the house and just wait it out. I can't handle this. Too many people, too many cars to search through, I've lost everything again. Where's my phone? Where's Olive? Why am I like this? I can't breathe. I can't think straight.
"Liz! Liz!" I hear Olive calling. She's nearby for me to be able to hear her but I can't answer. I can't breathe. I can't tell whether or not I want her to find me. I need to be alone, but I can't focus, I need someone here.
"Liz! There you are. Breathe, ok? I know that's not an easy thing to do, but I need you to slow your breathing. We're going to get you home, Tyler and Julie are staying here, and Maya will be home soon."
After sitting here for what feels like forever, I was finally able to stand up. I hate most people so much. Pushing away the feeling of everyone watching me, me and Olive quickly get back to the car. After explaining everything to my dad, he takes us back to the house.
"Liz… Do you want me to stay the night with you? We could wait for Maya together." I can't say anything. I want to cry already as it is. I just want to be alone. I want to tell Olive this but I can't open my mouth
"Text me if you need anything, ok?" She says before she leaves. When I am sure I am alone, and my dad isn't going to check on me, I simply break.