(Orville POV)
"We are doing the best we can, sir. It's hard to track someone down especially if they just vanished without any trace." The detective said.
"What do you mean 'vanished' without a trace? Are you seriously doing your job or are you just loitering around, stuffing yourselves with coffees and doughnuts?" Gillian said beside me.
"Gillian, there's no use getting angry." I said as I squeezed his shoulder.
"I am really sorry, sir! I can assure you that we are all doing our jobs right. We won't stop until we find her."
"Thank you, detective." I said before they exit my house. It's been six months since Eloise went missing and we have no idea what happened. We don't know if she got abducted or harassed. The authorities are struggling with the task of finding her and it's beginning to get the best out of Gillian already.
"Orville, are you sure you didn't have any argument with her?" He asked.
"Not that I can remember and as far as I know, we were on good terms that day. We have a few banters every now and then but I cannot recall any during that time." I said.
"Damn it!"
Eloise and I have been getting along quite well and we were doing better than ever. Though we just remained friends, I can see how much of a great parent she is to our kids and to Joanna. Eloise, Gillian and Joanna have been spending their own family time while Eloise and I have also been using our time as much as possible with Harry, Wayne and Sofia. There's no jealousy whatsoever. Besides, my feelings for Eloise were long gone and she knows that. Though she still gives me an advice and her friendly opinion regarding some women that I have been seeing. She really is a great friend.
There was also a time wherein we both agreed that our relationship as a husband and wife has finally come to an end since our kids are now grown up and they are finally able to understand the state of our relationship. It's time for Eloise to be with her true love which is Gillian and pour her heart out for the family that she will build with him and Joanna.
Of course, she still is going to make the same amount of time for our kids as much as she does to Joanna. We were talking through our divorce process in a very civilized manner and right when we were at the verge of letting each other go, she vanished in thin air and everyone has no clue why.
"Daddy, when will mommy come home?" A teary Joanna came running towards Gillian.
"Hey, sweet pea! She will come home very soon, no worries, okay? She just went on a little trip like what Dora always does, right Orville?" Gillian said.
"Your dad's right, sweetie!" I smiled as Gillian gave me the thumbs up. Joanna then hopped on my lap and grabbed my hand.
"Orville, can you please call mommy for me?"
Oh no! How do I make stuff up?
"Sweetheart, I don't think mommy is allowed to have a phone in there because that is a special trip she's having and she also said to us once that if you lessen your crying, that means you're a brave little girl and she will give you as many candies as you want."
"She said that?"
"She sure did. Are you going to be a brave little girl for mommy?" I asked.
"Yes!" She said enthusiastically. It's so amusing how kids turn into their gullible mode as soon as you mention the word, candy.
The door came flying open and I saw Sofia, Harry and Wayne coming in.
"Harry!!" Joanna said as she ran to her favorite step sibling. Harry knelt to give her the same tender hug that Joanna is about to give him.
"How have you been, squirt?" He asked.
"Mommy is not here. She's still on a trip." Joanna pouted.
"Oh…well. Come on, I'll make you a cup of hot chocolate in the kitchen." Harry said before escorting Joanna out of the living room so she cannot hear the real story.
"Dad, mom has not been found yet?" Sofia whispered.
"Not yet but the police are doing the best they can, Sofia." I said. Wayne looked down, very worried about his mom. That's how he is as a person. If he is sad or dismayed about something, he won't show his emotions out. He's afraid of being perceived as vulnerable by people.
"Aunt Ari dropped us off by the way." Sofia mentioned.
"What?!"
"She's outside." Wayne said.
I hurried all the way outside to give that woman a piece of my mind. I walked furiously down the entrance steps of my porch and made my way to her until I came face to face with the woman.
"What the hell do you want, Ariana?" I said, trying to contain my anger.
"I just dropped your kids here. What's the matter? A thank you would be nice, Orville." She said.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't like you? We are long over. Stay away from me and stay away from my kids. I have a huge problem right now so don't add more fuel to the fire."
I was about to walk away when she grabbed my wrist to kiss me on my lips. I groaned in disgust so I pushed her with all my might, causing her to fall down on the ground.
"Get out! Get out before I lose my temper!" I said before wiping my lips and spitting her saliva that went inside my mouth.
What a repulsive human being!