Chapter two

This novel is about a college student whose fate is something she never expected which could change her life forever - that is, to investigate a crime scene that happened within her school.

Phineas's POV

"Phin, let me go!" Alicia (or Ava) whimpered.

"No, I won't." I replied in a strong serious tone and gripped her hand tightly.

"It's too early for us to go strolling, Phin. I still want to sleep. I'm not a morning person - you know that. Besides, I don't even know where the hell are we going!" I halted and examined her face.

"I am aware that you aren't a morning person, Ava. But judging your face, you seemed to have a good sleep last night. Furthermore, as to where I'm going to take you remains a secret for now. Can't you at least trust your childhood friend, Ava? You know I'm not going to kidnap you or anything." I smirked.

"H-how about my outfit? I'm not comfortable just wearing shorts in public." I sighed. I knew convincing her to go with me in a place where she doesn't know would be a difficult task.

"Believe me. You'll just be fine wearing those. And please grow old Ava! You're beyond your teenage years to be too conservative!" I facepalmed in disbelief but still gripped her hand of course.

"What's wrong with me being conservative?!" She glared at me, obviously hurt of what I just said. I winced at her reaction.

"R-Relax Ava. Let's forget that issue for now, okay? We are running out of time." I glanced at my watch and looked around - we're near the parking space.

"Fine, but I'll not forgive you for doing all these things." She looked at me sternly.

"Alright. I'll leave it as that but I'm never letting you go 'til we get there." I beamed to appease her anger but her expression didn't change.

"Just let go of my hand. It's barely breathing. See? It's getting reddish because of your firm grip."

"No, I won't."

"You're persistent, Phin." She sighed in defeat.

"So are you." I smiled. She frowned and rolled her eyes. I simply laughed to my heart's content. This is the type of girl I knew she was. We had been friends for so long. She still hadn't changed some of her childish traits.

"Why are you laughing? Is it because you're amused of pestering me at this early hour?" She asked with her raised eyebrows. I shook my head. Now, we're both in front of my red sports car. I opened the door of the passenger's seat, motioned her to get in and she did. I closed the door gently and hurriedly went to the driver's seat to start to engine. I pulled over the car towards the driveway. I noticed Ava to be unusually silent this time. She must probably be so annoyed. Her silence is disturbing so as to cause some sort of panic deep within me. Then, I finally decided to start a conversation between us.

"You're mad at me." I looked straight in the driveway, waiting for her reply but she didn't. I glanced side way and saw her napping - her head resting on the glass window. I sighed and smiled in relief. I thought she was in real war with me. We did have countless of arguments for God knows how long, but never did we encounter a huge fight. If that happens, I seriously don't know what to do.

Alicia's POV

I woke up slowly feeling uncomfortable with my position. I shifted my head away from the car window still half-asleep and felt the sting around my neck, shoulders, hips and a portion of my forehead which rested upon the glass car window. Have I slept that long already for me to feel this pain? I turned to see a pair of seemingly worried eyes in the driver's seat. Now I was fully awake. I couldn't utter a single word. Phin was staring at me intently.

"Feeling better?" asked Phin.

"Y-Yeah." I croaked while shifting into a satisfying position still feeling giddy.

"Must be exhausted."

"Yeah, I think so." Truthfully, I was exhausted because of the argument that we had earlier. My mind was also preoccupied of trying to figure out what he's planning with me. Besides, my mood swings are usually faltering early in the morning. Phin went out of the car and pulled open the passenger's door beside me.

"C'mon." He bent slightly to see my face and grinned. I just stared at him blankly and went out of the car.

Looking around, I saw the sign Town and Country Village. So we're in Palo Alto, San Francisco. No wonder I got body pains. We've traveled a long way from Los Angeles to San Francisco. I eventually realized what Phin is planning.

"So you want to let me meet my brother?" I questioned.

My brother, Felix Nicholas Parker, is a first year medical student at the famous Stanford University. His dream is to become a thoracic surgeon just like our father. However, our father died in a plane crash. He was a traveling surgeon. Though his death was tragic, we still remain his proud children 'cause he will always be a good role model to us - passionate and dedicated with the chosen career.

"Yes. He wanted to surprise you." Phin winked.

"Haha! Well, I'd say his surprise is an epic failure. I already figured it out before I even get to see him today."

"You'll see." He smiled.

"Whatever."

Walking together, we went inside the shopping area. It's been a while since I last visited here. I can hardly recall how this place looked like years ago - in some way a distant memory to me. We walked towards the Howie's Artisan Pizza. My stomach growled realizing how hungry I am.

"I know this is your favorite." He beamed. I simply nodded. He always knew I love pizzas.

Just then I saw one man waving at us. He's nearly six feet tall wearing a simple white polo shirt and jeans. My heart leapt for joy recognizing him as my older brother. It's also been a while since we last met. Then I saw a woman standing beside her. She's not that young anymore - in her forties I guess. I squinted to examine her.

"It couldn't be -" My eyes widened in astonishment.

Author's Note

x x x Thank you for reading. Please do not hesitate to leave your review, comments or suggestions. x x x