When he was sure Tina was nowhere in sight, he hastily traveled his gaze to the laptop seated on the table– hunching forward for the drive resting beside it. Unfortunately, Tina’s phone rang at that instant.
“You dare not touch that Lucas–” She warned, darting out of the kitchen; as it was usually one of his habits of getting on her nerves.
But as determined as Lucas was, he was swift enough to take the drive before Tina got there.
She spontaneously threw a scornful look at him, reaching for the phone–unaware that the drive was gone. Lucas thought of taking his leave before Tina becomes conscious of herself over the drive but then, leaving suddenly was surely going to raise eyebrows or suspicions on him so he laid low; hiding the drive while he pretended to play along.
“Hey Roxy,” Tina muttered over the phone, throwing Lucas the last glare before turning away.
“We need to meet Tina.” Roxy’s voice rushed in from the other side of the phone. “Let’s meet at Lillies Café. I have already spoken to Bella.” She added.
From the tone of Roxy’s voice, Tina knew from instinct that something was up. It might probably be about last night– a voice rang in her mind.
She deftly gazed at Lucas trying her best not to look alarmed in her composure.
“Sure,” She hoarse, a bit on the high pitch. “Just give me about...” She muttered, drawing the phone back from her ear while she glanced at the screen– checking the time. “.....five minutes. ” She went on; returning the phone to her ear.
Lucas on the other hand, just watched in anticipation – finding her sudden uneasiness weird but in it, all remained conscious not to get caught. As it was the last thing he would wish to happen. No one in his or her right sense would wish for Tina’s anger– It’s like walking into the Lion’s Den.
He straightened his back, relaxing a bit more on the sofa while Tina went on with her call.
“Alright Tina, no bailing out. It's a matter of life and death.” Roxy cautioned.
“I know, I know Roxy.” Tina sneered, rolling her eyes in the process. “It’s not like I have a choice.” She blunted– starting to get pissed off by Roxy’s consistent attacks. “I’m hanging up now.” She notified but before Roxy could reply, she hanged up.
Tina instinctively scoffed, turning to the sofa only to meet the expectant gaze of Lucas on her. Like he was waiting for whatever conversation that went on over the phone to be reported to him.
“What?” She barked, hunching over the table while she hastily gathered her things– folding up her laptop in the process and sped off to her room; having the slightest idea that the drive was gone.
Within the next 2mins, she came rushing down the stairs again with her mini backpack hanging loosely over her shoulders.
“Tell mum I went out to meet with Roxy and Bella when she comes asking of me.” She called out to Lucas who was still seated on the sofa. “ I will let Nanny Betty know when heading out.” She added and without waiting for another second, darted off.
*********
Though Isla had hinted that her Aunt Jerome had accepted for Phidel to return to Wesley High in place of her sister, she hadn't officially made it known to Phidel but she couldn't help being happy.
She had all along been smiling from ear to ear throughout the ride. Isla who had been stealing glances at her couldn't help smiling herself.
“Are you that happy?” Isla questioned with a smile plastered on her lips. “You’ve been smiling like forever now. ” She added.
Jade on the other hand was so immersed in his video game. He was by far not interested in whatever conversation was going on around him. But one thing was certain; Phidelia’s disappearance was weighing heavily on him too but tries to subdue it through his video games.
Phidelia simpered at Isla’s words, tucking a lock of her sleek curly hair behind her ear. “I don't know Isla but all I know is I can find out what happened to my sister now.” She affirmed. “I don't care how but I’m surely going to find out.”
“Are you sure about this?” Jade interrupted, drawing both Isla and Phidel’s gaze his way. “What if it's too dangerous?” He inquired, suddenly interested in the conversation. “ Looking at how the school is keeping quiet on this issue.” He attested but Phidel still held her horse.
“I’m not going to back down that easily Jade.” She muttered with a strong will– her gaze traveling from Jade to Isla with a straight face.
Jade shrugged, returning to his game.
“Just don't get hurt.” He mumbled, “ Wondering now if Aunt Jerome made the right decision or not.” He added without looking up.
Isla spontaneously placed a hand on Phil's back, slightly rubbing it on seeing how heated things were getting.
“Whatever you're going to do, just be careful.” Isla commented, “ I don't believe Phidelia will be happy wherever she is, seeing you risking your life for her.” She added, her mouth curving into a tight lip smile as Phidel stared at her.
Phidel in turn reciprocated the smile, nodding her response in the process. “You guys don't need to worry about me, I will be careful.” She assured.
After about 40minus of riding in the bus, it finally pulled up at their stop. They alighted at the bus stop right in front of the mall and the bus sped off. When they were sure they were good to go, they staggered off.
***********
Not long had Tina left the house that her parents returned from daily routines. Mrs. Blankson was quite exhausted when she arrived but left off straight to Lucas’ room which was unlike her. It seemed like something was pulling her there but Mr. Blankson on the other hand wasn't bothered at all as he had some signings to do. He slammed on the sofa and went on with his activity.
Back in Lucas’ room, he glanced at the drive-in his hand and smiled. “Now let's find out what you're keeping from me, Tina.” He chuckled, hunching over his laptop while he searched for the port for the drive.
When he had found it, he inserted it in and relaxed back– waiting patiently while it loaded.
Tina was almost halfway through her ride when she thought about the drive suddenly clicked. She instinctively jerked up in her seat, alarmed.
“Damn’t it.” She cursed when an image of where she last saw it flashed before her mind’s eye; followed by Lucas’ awkward behavior earlier on.
“Turn around.” She blunted.
“Excuse me?” The driver uttered, staring at her through the front of me.
“I said TURN AROUND.” She barked, edge with anticipation.
“Yes, miss...” He answered, swiftly turning his hand around the stirring wheel while he curved the nearest roundabout– taking the path back home.