Chapter 2

Drifting

'Wake up Aria.' Said a sweet voice. 'Aria, wake up.'

'Huh?'

I slowly opened my eyes and saw my mother sitting on my bed. I sat up and hugged her.

'Good evening sleepy head.' She said

'Good evening.' I replied sleepily.

'Now.' She said, letting go of me. 'Where on Earth is your mobile?'

'Lying around here, somewhere.' I said looking around. 'Its most probably discharged.'

'Yeah I thought so. I tried calling you but you didn't pick up. Leave that. I wanted to say that we're going away for a few days...'

'We?' I said

'I and your father. There's a judiciary meet across the state and we're flying over there tonight. Our flight's in about two hours. So I was wondering if...'

'No worries, mum!' I said. 'I'll pack and go to Abby's.'

'That's like my little girl.' She kissed my forehead and pulled me into a hug.

'When will you be back?' I asked.

'By Thursday.'

'You mean only two days?'

'Yes. You think you can manage?'

'Mom, I'm 17. Of course I can manage. Plus I'll have Abby and you know her mother is super sweet.'

'I know dear. I would've talked to her but she's not picking up...'

'Mom! You worry too much!' I said breaking free. 'She won't mind at all! And she might be out dropping Abby off at Lily's.'

'You sure?'

'A hundred and one percent.'

Finally mom looked relieved. She got up and went to her room.

OK so I'm all alone for some hours.

I looked around my room and my eyes drifted to my closet.

Or maybe not.

After an hour mum was ready to leave and so was I.

'Where's dad?' I asked once I was down.

'He'll meet me at the airport. He sent love for you.' She said eyeing me.

'Aw. I love him too.'

'Are you going to Lilly's?' Mum asked.

'Yes. I might as well go. She invited me but I wasn't in the mood then.'

Mum beamed. 'Have fun dear. But be careful and..'

There we go again.

'And don't talk to strangers. Stay in your limits. Be home back by 10 or the most by 11. Don't dance much. Don't be alone. Be sure you have someone you trust, with you all the time. Don't take short cuts. Follow the path you already know.' I mimicked her.

'I'm serious Aria.' She got serious.

'Sorry.'

She smiled. 'No worries as long as you follow these instructions.'

'Trust me I will.' I said.

'I'm proud of you Aria.'

'So am I.'

'You're proud of yourself?'

'Mooommm!'

Mom grinned.

Just then I heard the horn outside. The cab was here. Mum kissed me one last time and left.

I looked at myself before I left.

My brown hairs were perfectly straight. I let them fall behind my back. I wore a long loose, blue shirt and baggy jeans. My favorite butterfly necklace hung down my neck.

Makeup.

Makeup!

I forgot makeup!

I rushed up and got out my makeup kit. I applied light blue eye shade and a blue eyeliner of a bit darker shade. Next I took out my lip gloss and applied it on my lips giving them a bit shine.

'There you go! Now I'm ready for a party.'

I picked up my suitcase and dropped it in the gallery. I'll pick it up on the way to Abby's after the party and I headed off towards lilly.

It was 8 pm. The party must've already started. I imagined Abby dancing on the dance floor leaving everybody in awe.

Luckily I found a cab at the stop. Lilly's house was in blues street. That where the filthy rich lived. Yes Lilly's patents were filthy rich. No matter she was so spoiled. But hey a party's a party even if its at your arch enemy's house. No wait. My arch enemy is Sybil. Oh whatever.

I reached at 8:30 sharp. Sure the party had already started. It was like the whole college was invited. Her mansion was huge. Sure I had seen it before too. Surprisingly me and lilly were best friends when we were little. But then, she began to change and that jerk Stephen was the last nail in the coffin. We became total strangers after that. Abby left Lilly after that too and our trio was broken forever.

I got in and began my mission: Finding Abby.

It was really hard. There were kids everywhere! I thought about calling her but she wouldn't hear anything in this noise anyway.

I checked the food corner. No Abby.
I went onto the dance floor and almost got crushed. But no Abby.
I searched all three floors. No Abby.
I went out and searched in the gardens but no luck.

However, I did see someone sitting by the fountain. The person looked up but he was far away and I couldn't see his face.

I checked my watch and it was 10! No way! How did I loose track of time so easily! I just got here!

I rush back in and found out how. It was jam packed. No wonder it took me so long. I was so focused on Abby that I didn't notice.

I decide to check one last time. I went upstairs just to bump into Lilly and her new friend Stephani. She had a glass of juice in her hand. Only the juice wasn't in the glass anymore but on her shirt. Woops.

'Watch where you're going!' She looked up.

'Oh, its you.' She glared at me and then smiled a fake smile. Is it me or my arch enemies fake smile a lot.

'I'm sorry I forgot you were blind.' She said.

'Hilarious.' I said and was going up when she blocked my way.

'Where do you think you're going?' She said.

'None of your business.'

'Aw sweetheart. It is my business. This is MY house. And be careful. Remember you're stupid so called friend Abigail isn't here to protect you.'

I was surprised. What did she mean? Abby didn't come?

'I'm surprised that you came without her. Oh wait! No I'm not! Because you don't care about anyone except for your own selfish self.'

That's it!

'Oh pahlease...'

I was cut off by a voice behind me.

'Um. I hope I'm not disturbing you Lilly but, uh, could tell me, um where the uh kitchen is?' He said.

I don't know why but the voice sounded familiar.

'Sorry dear. But I have to go and change. Some moron just dropped juice on me. You won't mind if Stephani showed you the way, would you?'

'Sure. No problem.'

I was about to turn around when Stephani pushed me aside. Lilly glared at me on last time before running upstairs.

I made my way out in one piece. It was 10:30 already.

'If I don't call the cab now, I'm not getting one till tomorrow.'

I opened my purse only to find it empty. D****t! I forgot to unplug my mobile.

Now what?

I got back in and found Alice. Alice was with me in French
She was a good friend.

'Hey, could I use your phone?' I asked over the music.

'Why?' She asked eyeing me.

'I forgot mine and I need a cab.'

'Sure. Here you go.'

She handed it to me. I dialed 555 and ran outside.

'Please oh please someone pick up!' I prayed silently.

'Hi. This is cab service group. How may I help you?' Said the lady on phone

Yes!

I gave her my address and hung up.

I gave Alice back her mobile and waited for the cab.

The weather outside was chilly. It made shivers run down my spine. The sky was full of clouds and a light breeze was blowing. It might rain.

Where was that cab?

A yellow car suddenly appeared on the street.

Finally!

He stopped by me.

'Miss Aria?'

'Yes. Its me.' I said getting in.

'Where to?' He asked

'Willow street.'

He started the engine and drove. Just then I heard someone call my name.

I turned around to see who it was.

'Hey Aria! Wait up!'

There it was again. But the driver had already picked up speed and soon Lilly's house was out of sight.

That voice. Its so familiar. But whose?

It then clicked! It was the same voice that rescued me from Lilly! But who was he?

Author's Note

Who is he?
Any guesses?