IT STARTS ON A BRIDGE

Chapter-2

As dusk approached, it was getting dark. Kenna had called me multiple times, concerned about my whereabouts and urging me not to be late. She and Chris were both close friends of mine. I decided to wear the new red knee-length dress I had purchased earlier that day. It had a backless design, revealing my back above the waist. After getting dressed and applying some makeup, I made my way downstairs. Shortly after, the doorbell rang, revealing a well-dressed and handsome Chris standing before me. Although I was accustomed to his good looks since we saw each other daily, he seemed exceptionally graceful that day.

Chris: Sarah, wow... you look absolutely stunning.

His broad smile and almost dropped jaw amused me, making him appear like a fool.

Sarah: Thank you, Chris. You're quite handsome yourself.

I complimented him with a polite smile.

Chris: I came to pick you up.

Sarah: Thank you, but you didn't have to.

I acknowledged his caring and loving nature towards me. Chris was like an older brother, and I had no desire for any other sibling.

Chris: I know, but I thought it would be a kind gesture to ensure you're not late, as always.

He teasingly rolled his eyes, implying that his offer was driven by kindness rather than concern. I shook my head at his playful behavior.

Sarah: Alright, whatever. Let's get going now.

Chris opened the door of his Mercedes and gestured for me to get inside. Once I was comfortably seated, he took the driver's seat. He was wealthy, attractive, and seemed like the ideal man for any girl, but to me, he was simply my best friend, nothing more. We soon arrived at the villa where the party was being held.

Chris: Sarah, you go inside. I'll join you after parking the car.

I nodded and observed the place. It sent shivers down my spine, resembling a haunted house from a movie. The front veranda was spacious, and with the darkness setting in, it became even more eerie. Feeling a bit apprehensive, I decided to wait there until Chris arrived. The air was getting colder, and suddenly, I heard strange rattling sounds coming from the surrounding bushes. I looked in their direction, but everything seemed normal.

Sarah: Maybe I misheard something.

I whispered to myself, trying to reassure myself. However, the voice returned, causing fear to creep in. I contemplated entering the house, but I wasn't sure where to go. Suddenly, a woman appeared out of nowhere and hugged me. She had long nails, disheveled clothes, messy hair, and pale skin—a beggar who looked more terrifying than any beggar I had encountered before.

Strange woman: Ellie, I finally found you. Don't leave me again.

Fear engulfed me, chilling my hands and feet. I screamed at the top of my lungs, her grip on me tightening. I attempted to break free, but my efforts were in vain.

Sarah: Help me! Somebody, help!

Chris must have heard my cries because he came running, but I have no recollection of when that woman vanished into thin air. Overwhelmed by the experience, I fell to my knees and began crying heavily. It had been a long time since I last cried, not since that incident that occurred on the same date as today. Chris rushed over to me.

I realized that my tears weren't solely driven by fear but rather by a sense of disappointment. Ten years had passed, and I remained helpless and clueless about what had happened. The tears were a manifestation of my frustration rather than fear.

Chris: Are you okay? Why did you scream?

Sarah: A... A strange woman came out of nowhere and hugged me. I didn't even know her. She was so terrifying, and she kept calling me Ellie repeatedly.

Chris: It's alright. Maybe she was a psycho. Stop crying and stand up.

He comforted me and helped me to my feet.

Chris: Now, stop crying, or your makeup will be ruined, and you'll look like a ghost.

He teased me, laughing, while I glared at him for making light of the situation. Despite being scared, his actions managed to bring a smile to my face. Seeing him pretend to zip his mouth, I smiled at his playfulness.

Chris: Okay, okay, beautiful. Now, let's go inside.

We entered the villa, and I was amazed by its grandeur. It was a stark contrast to the spooky veranda we had encountered earlier.

Chris: Kenna sure knows how to throw a party.

Chris expressed his surprise, and I found myself equally astonished. Kenna spotted us from a distance and made her way towards us with a warm smile.

Kenna: Sarah, you're finally here! I thought I would die waiting for you. What took you so long?

Undoubtedly, she looked stunning and attractive.

Chris: What about me? Did you forget about me?

Chris playfully asked Kenna.

Kenna: No, no, of course not! I was waiting for both of you. And Chris, I loved the gift you brought me more than any of the others. I could never forget you.

Chris: You materialistic woman!

Chris snorted and responded rudely.

Chris knows both of us very well, and his choices are always the best.

Kenna: Alright, now let's cut the cake.

Kenna, excited about the cake cutting, spoke to us. The cake that was brought in was huge and beautiful. However, there was something unusual about it—it had both Kenna and my names written on it. I tried to comprehend the situation, but before I could say anything, all the guests started singing a birthday song. They sang for Kenna but also for me.

"Happy birthday to Kenna, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Sarah, happy birthday to you too."

Sarah: What is this? How did you know it was my birthday?

I asked Kenna, utterly surprised and confused, since I had never shared my birthday with her.

Kenna: Cut the cake with me first, and then I'll explain.

Before I could refuse, she interrupted me, whispering.

Kenna: I know you don't like celebrating your birthday, but if you don't cut the cake with me, I won't cut it either. The choice is yours.

Knowing Kenna's flair for drama, I reluctantly agreed by nodding my head, and together we cut the cake. After a couple of hours, when all the guests had left, only Kenna, Chris, a few hired staff members, and I remained.

Sarah: Can you tell me how you found out about my birthday?

I asked Kenna, feeling annoyed. I had never disclosed my birthday or the reasons behind my aversion to celebrating it. They had asked me several times, but I always evaded the topic.

Kenna: Well, it goes like this. A few days ago, I went to your house to return your notes, but you weren't home. Your grandmother told me to wait for you, and while we were talking, she accidentally revealed your birthdate and the reasons behind your reluctance to celebrate.

Kenna emphasized the word "accidentally," but I knew she had manipulated my grandma with her clever words.

I let out a sigh, realizing she wasn't lying. After all, my grandma was known for her loose lips. The truth behind my avoidance of birthdays was... recalling it brought forth tears, sadness, anger, and a deep-seated hatred towards the unknown perpetrator. I could never forget that day, not in this lifetime.

Kenna: Sarah, you should try to forget about it. It's been years, and you're twenty-one now. Almost ten years have passed.

Sarah: No, I can't forget, nor do I want to. I don't know if I ever will... but I am going to find the culprit and take what is rightfully mine—revenge.

I declared, tears welling up in my eyes. I can't forget that day, the day of agony that had caused me so much pain and sorrow.

Chris and Kenna exchanged concerned glances, realizing the depth of my emotions. They knew how determined I was, and they understood that my pursuit of justice was far from over.