I lay in bed with my eyes awake as rays from the morning sun filled my bedroom. Since it was Saturday and I didn't have to worry about waking up early, I had spent the past few hours lying there, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Jake. Today was the day we were supposed to meet at 7 pm, but I couldn't figure out if it was a date or not.
My mind raced with anticipation. Could it really be a date? Why would he set us up like that? Or was it part of his plan to make Samantha jealous? These thoughts frustrated me to the point where I grabbed my pillow, pulled it over my face, and let out a loud scream before collapsing back on the bed, my gaze fixed on the ceiling.
Swiftly getting up, I walked over to my bedroom window, brushed my messy hair with my hands, and pulled it up into a bun. Afterward, I headed to the bathroom, picked up my pink toothbrush, and brushed my teeth. Once I finished, I turned on the tap, cupped water in my hands, and splashed it over my face to freshen up.
As I made my way downstairs, I found my dad on the couch, clad in his blue robe with his legs crossed.
He took a sip of coffee from a mug while reading the newspaper. I greeted him from behind with a hug and a peck on the cheek, but he seemed preoccupied and responded only with just a nod. That was unusual for him as he was usually more…. Deciding to brush it off i proceeded to the kitchen where my mom stood, wearing an apron and doing the dishes.
"Good morning, mom!" I greeted her with a wide smile.
"Good morning, sweetie," she replied, her eyes scanning me from head to toe, taking note of my messy hair and one sock on my left foot. "You woke up early today," she said with a sarcastic tone, followed by a light chuckle.
"Doesn't dad go to work on Saturdays?"I burst out, dismissing mom's question. Mom's smile quickly disappeared for a few seconds, she paused holding a cup in her left hand.
"He's taking a break from work... to spend time with you guys," she sighed, gently placing the cup on the dish rack. Then she left the kitchen, accidentally bumping into me, her wet hands wiped against her apron. I couldn't help but feel that they were hiding something from me, something they didn't want me to know.
My gaze shifted and it fell on the filled trash bag on the side and said, "I will take out the trash," speaking loudly enough for her to hear me but she was out of sight.
Heading outside, I tossed the trash into the big green trash can. Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket, and I quickly checked it. It was a message from Jake with an address of the place we were supposed to meet.
He really wasn't joking about today, I quickly dialed his number. I stood silently listening to it ring. It rang multiple times but still no response for him.
"Why aren't you picking my calls" I texted and as soon as I clicked send, another message came in from Jake himself. "That was quick." I thought.
"Am having Breakfast with my family, I can't answer calls," he responded.
I sighed, staring at the text in my cell phone. Was I really going to go through with this?
With no other option I dialed Matilda's number, I hadn't told her about this but hopefully she would help me out. We had a long talk, I told her everything and at first she laughed and she decided it was best I go.
"What's the worst that can happen?" she said.
Adhering to her words, I decided to go to this location.
Evening came quicker than I had hoped, with mom and dad fully aware of my plans. Actually, I left out the part of me meeting up with a boy, Matilda agreed to go with my plan of me meeting up with her and they didn't see it as a problem as long as I didn't stay past my curfew.
I sat in front of my mirror brushing my hair and allowing it to fall freely, I did a little make up and put on a blue dress, I wasn't a fan of heels due to an incident that happened to my younger self causing me to sprain my ankle, since then I hated them. I went for black flats instead, easy and more comfortable to walk In.
I didn't know whether or not I was overdressed but the place stated in the address sounded and looked fancy from the pictures I saw online.
I stood in front of my house walking slowly to the main road. I was expecting a call or a text message or at least he should be here picking me up.
I was beginning to have my doubts about this but decided to go anyway, taking the bus to this location.
My purse in hand, I stood in front of a fancy looking restaurant, small plants, vines and flowers placed as decors and bright light at the entrance. Beside the restaurant was an outdoor hangout, it had chairs and games, a pool by the side close to the entrance.
Inside the restaurant was no different, it was fairly filled, only few people were present and already took their orders.
I casually walked into the restaurant where I was greeted by a male stationed at the door.
"Good day ma'am," he said with a warm welcoming smile, wearing a red shirt and black pants. "Welcome to Le Petit Manger. My name is Lucas, and I'll be taking care of you tonight. Do you have a reservation with us?"
For a moment I felt my stomach drop, what if Jake hadn't set a reservation for us? It would be so humiliating, My gaze shifted from his face to the book he held.
Softly gulping down I said the only thing that came to my mind. "Jake Thomson?" My voice held more of a question than a response.
His eyes glanced through the list, he paused and looked at me for a few seconds making my heart race. Are you Piper?" He asked.
"Yes," I replied, raising my brow, then he smiled.
"Ah, right this way miss," I sighed in relief. At least I knew this was a charade. He guided me to my seat, my footsteps echoing softly in this almost empty restaurant.
"Would you like anything?" He asked. Then my nerves rushed back in. I couldn't order anything obviously because I couldn't afford any of these. Jake had chosen this place so there was a high chance it was expensive. Who am I kidding, it was obviously expensive even at one glance.
"Nothing?" I muttered. "Am waiting for someone." I responded, he nodded and left.
Few hours with no sign of Jake,I started getting worried and my patience wore thin. Was this a joke to him? If he didn't want to come in the first place why waste my time. Was this his way of getting even with me? I dialed his number once more, overcomed by frustration.
It was getting late, people slowly leaving until it was just me. Deciding to also take my leave, I got up, and adjusted my dress. I still hadn't had anything yet but I just couldn't risk it, leaving was the best and only option.
The moon was bright in the sky, illuminating the area. It was already past 9pm. More than two hours wasted for nothing, I dialed Jake's number once again, my phone placed by my ear. But just like before, there was no response.
"You are so dead," I muttered under my breath. My voice tensed and my mind filled with anger and frustration. Standing in front of the now empty pool, my gaze fully focused, staring at my reflection as it waved in the water. I nervously gulped down nothing, memories from the past flashed before my eyes, the incident slowly replaying in my head. I forcefully closed my eyes, trying to lock out those memories from coming back.
I took in a deep breath trying to calm myself, when I felt a sudden tug on my shoulder. I turned, and saw a man running off with my purse. I screamed, grabbing a hold of it. "Thief!" I yelled out loud, hopefully loud enough to be heard but no one was around. He yanked the purse from my hand, and I stumbled backwards, losing my balance.
I fell.
My hands flailed , unable to stop myself. I watched as the man standing above me took to his heels. Leaving me to sink like a stone into the pool.
As my head went under, I felt a rush of icy cold water on my skin. I struggled to swim, my heart racing and my breaths coming in short gasps, all I could taste was water.I was getting weaker and weaker and knew I wouldn't be able to stay conscious much longer. My lungs were on fire and my limbs became numb.
It was happening again,I was reliving my worst nightmare all over again.
I was being pulled further and further into the depth and my vision was becoming blurry. I could hear faint sounds above me and I kept fighting to stay awake but it was getting harder and harder until everything went dark.