Somewhere in the USA…
Micheal Shaw POV
Tears pricked my eyes as I stare down at Margaret adoring smile in the picture frame. I picked it from the nightstand and held it tight to my chest, letting my tears flow freely from my eyes. “Where are you, Margaret?” I sobbed.
“Just come back already and fight me. Please”
I cried for what feels like a long time and finally wiped my tears with the hem of my t-shirt.
“I miss you, Margaret,” I whispered, using my forefinger to trace her lips in the picture.
I sniffed my running nose before returning the picture to its previous position and picked my cellphone beside it. I unlocked it and went through my contacts for Rodney's number.
I dialed his number immediately I found it, and he picked up after the second ring.
“How are you doing, son?” I asked, trying to sound cheerful like usual. I wouldn't want him to notice I just stopped crying. “What's up, Dad?” He answered me with a question and I felt somewhat warmth upon hearing his voice.
“I'm okay, son, how are you faring?”
“Dad, you sure you are okay?” He asked, alarmed. “Of course, son, I'm absolutely good. I will be returning to Paris tomorrow,” I quickly told him before he would suspect my voice, and I could feel him rolled his eyes at me. “Safe trip Dad, gotta go” He said and without waiting for my response, he hung up.
I shook my head sideways while dropping my cellphone on the nightstand. Typical son ever.
A normal kid would be happy his Dad is returning from his vacation after a very long time. Paris here, I come.
Tamara POV
The following morning,
I kept wandering aimlessly around the whole city with no destination. I passed the night in front of a mansion in the area, but pretty far to my neighborhood. And I've left the place since dawn before the house owner would come out and met me there. I look shattered and disorganized now, but I do not care, I feel so glad I am far away from him now. Uhm mm…
Still can't believe I slept on the street last night.
What do I do now? I thought, still orbiting the city. The morning had become bright as the sun illuminated on the sky. I noticed people who passed me were giving me is-she-okay look before walking away. “I'm okay, I'm alright, I'm not crazy,” I told them as they shoot me stares I wasn't comfortable with. I looked down at myself and breathe out heavily, I was barefooted, I had only short and an oversized shirt on me, which covers the short partially. Indeed, I look crazy.
I ran my fingers through my hair as Alicia kept crossing my mind, but I didn't know how to face her, not after keeping things from her. She will be extremely mad at me once she gets to know everything, and of course, who wouldn't be mad?
I continued with my unknown journey, but something gripped my attention from afar, causing me to halt my steps. It was a job vacancy billboard.
Oh, yeah…
I should call the telephone number!
I dug my hand inside the short to fetch my cell phone. I realized after some couple of seconds that my monster father had destroyed it.
Goodness, Lord,
Will I be able so survive?
I switched my gaze around and found a suitable place to sit. Good, I should rest.
My stomach grumbled loudly while I went to sat down, I placed my both hands on it.
God, I am really famished.
Rodney POV
I was having my breakfast quietly on the dinning table while my mind keep straying back to my last encounter with clumsy girl.
F*ck!
What's this?
I can't even do anything without thinking about her. I drew in a long breath, I just hope they find her. Suddenly, my cellphone buzzes, cutting me off my thought, and I looked down at the caller.
It was Henry.
I picked up my phone as I quickly swipe the answer icon and pressed it to my ear.
"Good morning, boss,” He greeted.
“Yeah, speak,” I ordered.
“The girl…” He began and I dropped my spoon.
“What's up with the girl?” I asked him impatiently, as my heart began throbbing.
“We have spotted her somewhere in the city” He replied, and I sprang to my feet as relief washed over my system. “But she kind of looks so rough” He further said, and I frowned. That shouldn't be a problem.
“You know what, Henry?”
“Try your possible best to make her come with you, take her to any nearest hotel, so you can take good care of her,” I instructed. “Text me the location immediately you get there,” I added, sounding so eager.
“Alright, Mr. Rodney” he said, and I hung up immediately.
Wow,
I smiled broadly like I just won a prize beyond price. Well… It's nothing. I'm just happy she was finally found. I told myself with a shrug, but I heard my subconscious mind whispered 'liar' and I rolled my eyes at him.
I walked out the dining room and headed for the stairs to my room… I better go prepare while I await Henry's call.
Jason POV
I tried calling her phone for the hundredth time, but same result. It couldn't be reached.
“For f·ck sake why is her number not going through,” I yelled at nobody in particular as I pace back and forth angrily in my bedroom.
“If she thinks she can get away with this, then she's joking” My jawline tightened as I stormed out of my bedroom, slamming the door hard behind me.
“Give me the car key,” I told the driver immediately I approached the parking lot.
He was reluctant at first, but after I shot him
a deadly glare, he quickly stretched forth the key to me and I snatched it from him.
After some minutes drive, I arrived at the front of her coffee shop. I got down from the car and barged into the shop and headed straight to the counter.
I breathed out deeply.
Be calm, Jason.
“Where's the coffee girl?” I asked the Blondie girl I met behind the counter calmly. “Excuse me” She furrowed her brows.
“Where's…”
Jeez! I don't even know her name.
“Where's your partner?” I inquired again and she eyed me suspiciously. “Who are you and why are you asking about her?” She said bluntly, and I felt like pulling her Blondie hair.
“Just answer me young lady” I almost yell, but she didn't spare me a glance anymore as she kept writing on a note. F·ck!
“She's my personal maid, you dimwit!” I scowled at her, and she finally look up with widened eyes. Good.
“What?” She asked in disbelief.