My heart skipped a beat as I heard Olivia's ominous tone.What was she calling for?She never liked me for once.
"What's going on Liv?"I asked trying to sound casual and act like nothing happened despite my growing concern.
"I'd rather not discuss it over the phone,can you meet me at the coffee shop on 5th street at 2pm tomorrow?"Olivia replied
I checked my schedule and nodded even though Olivia couldn't see me"I'll be there"
The rest of the day dragged on as my mind wondered, conjuring up worst-case scenarios,what could Olivia want to discuss that required such secrecy?
I went home feeling so stressed,so many things running through my head but there was one thing that is my pain relief-Amanda,my precious pearl,ran towards me and gave me a hug at the door step.
"Mummy!!"her tiny innocent voice echoed,she was beeming with joy as she was so happy to see me.
"Hey baby,how was school?"I asked as I released from the hug.
"It was great mum,guess what mummy?"She said with anxiety.I was curious to know what she had to say.I caressed her cheek and asked"what"
"I got a star today at school today and also dad made dinner"She exploded me with great surprise.
"Wow,daddy made dinner?"and just after she screamed YES,Antonio approached me,he came with all smiles and hugged me.
"Welcome hon"he sounded so happy and calm to see me.I was about kissing him when Amanda screamed
"Mummy let's go have dinner before it gets cold"she pulled me with her smaal hand to the dining.
"I can't believe you made dinner"I said with my mouth full.
"Ehm...well..you didn't come on time and I didn't want to stress yo you when you come back so I made it"he chuckled.
"We made it"Amanda corrected him smiling.I giggled and Antonio planted a kiss on my forehead,I was moved,he loved me so much.
I slept soundly and woke up the next day with a full spirit, determined that nothing was going to spoil my day.
I arrived work pretty late because I overslept.As I stepped into the company,I stumbled on him-Kelvin on my way to my office.
I screamed when I felt liquid on my dress-he spilled coffee on my dress.
"WHAT THE HERK!"I was so angry,I anticipated a good day but he has just jinxed me.
"Oh my God,I am soooo sorry...I didn't mean to...I didn't know you were coming"he felt quite guilty and he even tried cleaning it for me which is quite impossible.
"Stop that"I felt so embarrassed"didn't you see me,why were you so glued to your phone?look at what you've done to my dress"
"I am so sorry,I could get you another dress"he was so handsome having that rough look.
I noticed people staring at me and this was not the right time to be mad"no,I am fine,I don't need your stupid help,I am not poor besides you obviously did this intentionally so just get out of my sight"I yelled at him because seeing him only made me more upset.
****Thank God,Rachael,one of my colleague had a spare dress,I changed into it and continued my day.
It was 2pm sharp,I walked into the cozy coffee shop and spotted Olivia sitting in the corner nursing a cup of coffee.
"Hey"I said,sliding into the chair across from her"what's going on?"
Olivia's expression was grave."it's about Jackson"
My heart sank.Jackson, Olivia's older brother,had been a significant part of our lives but he'd gone missing five years ago,leaving behind only whispers and unanswered questions.
"What about Jackson?"I asked,my voice barely above a whisper.
Olivia hesitated before speaking"I received a letter yesterday...from him"
My eyes widened."what? that's impossible!"or was it?
My eyes locked into Olivia's searching for answers."a letter from Jackson,but.... how" confusion written all over my face.
Olivia's hands trembled as she handed the letter."I know it sounds crazy,but I recognize his handwriting, it's him Leila"
My mind reeled as I took the letter.Jackson,my dear friend,my confidant,my rock.We had grown up together,sharing laughter and tears.
He had been there for me during my darkest moment, especially when I was bedridden with a severe illness in high school.
I remembered the countless hours Jackson spent by side,reading my favorite books,watching movies together,and making me laugh despite my weakness.
But then,five years ago,Jackson vanished without a word,no explanations,no goodbyes, nothing.
My eyes scanned the letter,my heart racing with every sentence.The words blurred together as my eyelid was wet but one phrase stood out;
"Meet me at our old oak tree at midnight,come alone"
A shiver ran down my spine.What did Jackson want after all these years of silence?I had built walls around my heart,afraid to let anyone in again but this letter...
*****"I arrived at the old oark tree at midnight,my heart racing with anticipation,I tried to shake off the feeling of unease but it only intensified as the hours ticked by.
As I approached the tree,I called out,"Jackson?"
The silence was oppressive,my eyes scanned the darkness,but there was no sign of Jackson.
Suddenly,a figure emerged from the shadows but it was not Jackson.
"Olivia?"my confusion turned to alarm.
"What's going on?"
Olivia's expression was cold, calculated
"Where's Jackson"
Olivia smiled"there is no Jackson anywhere"she continued"you think you can just waltz into my life and take away one thing that keeps me alive,I will first make your life miserable"
What will happen to Leila?What was Olivia up to?Is this going to be the end of Leila?