The Twerking Serial killer

The common room of Ruby hostel was alive with the sound of laughter, the hum of background music, and the mingling scent of various instant noodles flavors. It was Friday night, and I had gathered with the girls for our usual end-of- week wind- down. Jessica, my best friend sat cross-legged on the floor, her back against the couch. She flipped through the magazine while absent mindedly munchin on a bag of chips. Across from her, Leah was sprawled on a bean bag, typing furiously on her laptop, likely finishing up an assignment that was due next week. Africa, Jessica's best friend, sat on the couch, a cup of hot coffee warming up her hands. Jess: "did you guys hear about the new cafe that opened up downtown? apparently they bake really good cakes." Leah: (not looking up from her laptop) "Yeah, I heard about it. We should totally check it out tomorrow." Africa: "I'm down. I could use a break from studying." The conversation drifted from cakes to classes, then to the latest campus gossip. As laughter filled the room, Jessica's phone buzzed on the coffee table. She picked it up, glanced at the screen, and quickly stood up. Jess: "Hey, I need to take this. Be right back." Jess stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind her. The muffled sounds of her voice echoed faintly back into the room. Africa: "wonder who that was." Leah. "Maybe her parents?" Africa. " Nah, she wouldn't go out to talk to them. Must be someone important." The girls returned to their conversation, but curiosity about Jessica's call lingered. After a few minutes, Jessica re-entered the room, a wide smile on her face. Jess: Hey guys, Guess what???? Africa: What? Jess: I'm going out tonight Africa: Wait, what? with who? Jess: remember that guy I told you about?, the one I met online? He just called and asked if I wanted to meet up Leah: Tonight?!are you serious? Jess: Yeah, I know it's sudden, but he seems really nice, and we've been talking for a while now Africa's expression shifted from surprise to concern. She exchanged a look with Leah before addressing Jessica. Africa: Jess, are you sure about this?, I mean, meeting someone you've only talked to online.........it could be risky Jess: I know, but I feel like I know him. We've talked about everything......... family, school, even our favorite movies. Plus, we're meeting in a public place....... I'll be fine. Leah: Where are you meeting him? Jess: at the new cafe downtown. Figured it would be a good chance to check it out Africa sighed, trying to hide her anxiety. She didn't want to come off as over protective, but the idea of Jessica meeting a stranger made her uneasy. Africa: Okay, but promise me you'll keep your phone on and text me if anything feels off. And share your location with me. Jess: I promise.And I will. You worry too much Africa. Africa: I can't help it. I just want you to be safe Africa smiled and gave Jessica a quick hug. Jess: I know and I appreciate it. But it'll be fine. I'll text you when I get there and when I leave, okay? Africa: Alright. just......... be careful Jessica nodded, grabbed her coat from the hook by the door, and waved as she headed out. Leah: Do you think she'll be okay? Africa: I hope so. I trust her . but I can't shake this feeling. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. The room felt a bit quieter after Jessica left, a sense of unease settling in b. Africa tried focusing on the conversation, but her mind kept drifting back to her best friend. She silently prayed that everything would be okay. As the night wore on, the girls continued their chatter, but Africa found herself checking her phone more frequently, waiting for that reassuring text from Jessica Africa: ( thinking) please be safe Jessica The clock ticked on and Africa couldn't help but count the minutes till she heard from her best friend again. THE LONGEST NIGHT. The common room had quieted down since Jessica left. Africa and Leah exchanged uneasy glances as they tried to focus on their conversation, but their minds were clearly elsewhere. Africa had her phone clutched tightly in her hand, checking the screen every few minutes for any sign of a message from her best friend Jessica. Leah: Maybe she's just having a good time and forgot to text Africa: yeah, maybe ........... The hours dragged on, and as midnight approached, Africa's concern deepened. She decided it was time to check in on Jessica. Africa: I'm going to call her . Just to be sure everything's okay. Leah nodded, her own worry evident on her face. Africa dialed Jessica's number and held her breath as her phone rang and rang. Finally, it went to voicemail. Africa: Hey, Jessica. Just checking in. Give me a call when you get this, okay? Africa hung up and stared at her phone, hoping it would ring. Leah: Try texting her again. Africa sent a quick text message, " hey, just checking in. Everything okay?let me know." She hit send and waited. The silence in the room felt heavy , like a thick fog they couldn't see through. After a few minutes, leah spoke up. Leah: Let me try calling her. Leah dialled Jessica's number but the result was the same. Voicemail. Leah: This isn't like her, Africa, what if something happened! Africa: I don't know. Maybe her phone died or she's in a place with bad reception. Leah nodded, though her expression showed she was not entirely convinced. They sat in silence for a few more moments before Africa spoke again. Africa: I'll call the cafe She quickly looked up the number and dialled. The friendly voice of a man answered. Man 1: Hello, cake paradise. How can I help you? Africa: Hi, I'm looking for my friend. She was supposed to meet someone there tonight. But I haven't heard from her, her name is Jessica. Man 1: Let me check for you, one moment please. The line went silent as Africa waited, her heart pounding. After what felt like an eternity, the man came back on the line. Man 1: I'm sorry, but I don't see anyone here by that name. We are actually closing up for the night. Is there anything else I can help with? Africa: No that's all, Thank you. She hung up and turned to Leah, her face really worried Africa: They didn't see her there. Leah: What do we do now? Africa took a deep breath trying to calm herself down. Africa: I think we should wait a little longer. Maybe she decided to go somewhere else and lost track of time. If we don't hear from her soon, we'll figure out our next step. Leah nodded, though the worry in her eyes mirrored Africa's own. They sat in tense silence. The minutes ticking by agonizingly slowly. Africa tried calling Jessica a few more times, each attempt met with the same frustrating result. voicemail. Eventually Leah spoke up, her voice soft and hesitant. Leah: Maybe we should try to get some sleep. There's not much we can do right now, and we might think more clearly in the morning. Africa hesitated, the idea of sleeping feeling almost impossible with the worry gnawing at her, but she knew Leah was right. They needed to rest. Africa: Okay let's try to sleep. We'll check again first thing in the morning. They headed to their shared room, the atmosphere heavy with anxiety, Africa set her phone on her nightstand, the screen facing up, and turned the ringer volume to it's highest setting. She lay down, staring at the ceiling, the events of the night playing over and over in her mind. Africa:( thinking) please be safe, Jessica. Please. Leah switched off the light and the room plunged into darkness. The silence was deafening, each minute feeling like an hour. Africa tossed and turned , unable to quiet her racing thoughts. Leah :(Softly) She'll be okay, Africa. She's smart and capable. We'll see her in the morning. Africa: I hope you are right. Eventually, exhaustion overtook their worry, and they drifted into a restless sleep. The night stretched on, each of them caught in uneasy dreams filled with worry for their friend