Memory Lane
1827 Words
The police arrived in no time, surrounding the scene in a fury of flashing lights. Anne, still reeling from the shock of the event, stood frozen. A gentle voice broke through the chaos.
“Ma’am, are you hurt?”
Anne shook her head, wrapping her nightgown tightly around herself. “No, I… I managed to defend myself.”
An officer handed her a statement form and pen, instructing her to write down what happened. An officer was assigned to stay back with her for the night.
As the officers retreated into the night, her phone buzzed. Mr. Clarkson had sent a text, “What happened?” She sighed and dropped her phone without replying to his text.
The police officer that happened to stay back was male. Anne walked up to me and asked if she could offer him anything.
“Would you like me to get you anything, officer?”
“No ma’am, I'm… I'm good.” The police officer stammered, staring at her exposed body she was trying to conceal.
Anne noticed his gaze was fixated at her boobs and stopped trying to cover it up. The officer realized he had been caught and apologized for his unprofessional behavior.
“I'm sorry madam, I shouldn't have done that.”
Anne gave a sultry glare and went back inside, leaving the officer confused. She managed to get some rest after wrestling with her thoughts.
“Anne! Anne!” Miley called out, announcing her presence as she made way towards her room. She had heard about the break-in and rushed over immediately.
Anne groaned, rolling over in her bed, feeling uncomfortable. “Miley, I just want to sleep.”
“Oh, I saw the handsome officer keeping you company,” Miley teased. “No wonder you’re sleeping in.”
“Stop it Miley, you're supposed to be cheering me up, not bothering me.” Anne sat up laughing.
Miley's expression softened. “I’m sorry, Anne. I care deeply about you and with Lauren gone, you're all I have left.” The two friends embraced, holding each other tightly.
“I'm sure Lauren is fine and she will definitely return back to us.” Anne reassured Miley.
Anne reluctantly went into the bathroom. She finished her bath after several queries from Miley, who was tired of waiting. She dressed quickly and they prepared to leave together. The police officer who had kept vigil all night, bid them farewell, his duty fulfilled.
As they stepped out of the house, Anne and Miley couldn't help but think of Lauren. It had been over a year since her disappearance and today was their traditional Girl's day. The annual ritual that was fun and filled with laughter was now bittersweet.
“I wished Lauren didn't have to leave,” Miley said, her voice filled with concern.
Their conversation drifted to memories of past Girl’s Day, taking them down memory lane…
Anne wasn't fortunate like Lauren and Miley. While their family boosted billionaire status, Anne's parents worked hard to make ends meet at Major's Corps. Her father was in accounting while her mom, HR. Yet, she attended the same school with them, where their paths crossed.
However, their relationship was complicated. Lauren harbored resentment towards Anne, due to her father's affection for Anne. Mr. Clarkson's fondness for Anne was unmistakable, he would shower her with gifts and invite her to spend the night. Lauren felt jealous, despite receiving more lavish gifts.
Rumors swirled around Mr. Clarkson's fondness for Anne, raising speculation amidst the public that she might be his secret daughter.
Miley and Lauren hate was due to a long standing family feud. This disagreement had become legendary, with each side not ready to back down.
Lauren's school days were filled with pain and isolation. Classmates would relentlessly taunt her, striking at her deepest insecurities.
“Your dad love's Anne more than you,” they sneered.
“She's his real daughter, not you.”
The cruel word cut deep, fueling her resentment towards Anne. Why did her father favor Anne, a girl who wasn't even his biological child.
Anne witnessed her classmates cruelty towards Lauren and felt it wasn't right. Despite being favored by Mr. Clarkson, Anne's motivation stemmed from empathy, not gluit. She tried to intervene but all her efforts fell flat and also made her the new target.
Bryce the formidable football captain, also known as “The Princess Knight” was the only one that stood against them. His athletic build and confidence commanded respect and all the bullies fell at his feet.
During history class, fate brought Anne, Miley and Lauren together in a group project. They hesitated initially, weighed down by their complicated past. However, they chose to put aside their differences and focus on their shared goal.
To their surprise, their collaboration was seamless. Ideas flowed freely and they were done with the project without any complication. For the first time, they saw each other in a new light, perhaps, it was the first step towards their friendship.
Though Lauren wasn't loved in school, she cared less about that and was happy with the life she lived. Unfortunately, her mother left due to Mr. Clarkson infidelity. With her mother leaving, her life was disrupted and she felt empty. Seeking refuge, she created a fake profile on an online site, freeing herself from the weight of her burdens.
Within this haven, Lauren connected with a user, stranger001. Despite being strangers, they bonded over shared struggles. They decided to meet in person, eager to connect beyond their screen. They arranged a meetup, choosing a time and place.
They agreed to meet at a burger shop, not far from school. Stranger001 arrived first, occupying a corner booth waiting for Lauren who was running late. Just as she was about to leave, Lauren walked in hurriedly, bumping into her.
“I'm sorry,” Lauren apologized, steadying herself.
Miley was surprised to see Lauren here, as she doesn't usually use this spot.
Miley's curiosity sparked, “Are you meeting someone here.”
“I guess so, I'm actually late.” Lauren replied, glancing at her watch.
Miley's eyes widened as realization dawned. She had been chatting with Lauren online.
“I should've figured this out,” Miley lamented, feeling vulnerable. She had shared her secrets with her online acquaintance, now standing before her.
Lauren read her facial expression and asked. “You must stranger001?”
Miley nodded, confirming Lauren's thought. Their online conversation had delved into sensitive topics, exposing vulnerable aspects of themselves.
“We keep each other secrets,” Lauren stated.
They've both shared intimate information and eventually they agreed to keep each other's secret.
Anne was surprised to see Miley and Lauren getting along. She had long sought Lauren's friendship but her efforts had been met with polite indifference.
With Lauren's mother leaving, Mr. Clarkson invited Anne over, concerned for her daughter's wellbeing and unaware of their differences. Anne agreed to come, respecting Mr. Clarkson's wishes.
Upon Anne’s arrival, she was taken aback to find Miley already there, laughing with Lauren in her room. Despite Lauren's chilly reception, Anne chose to stay. Miley sensing the tension, suggested a change of scenery. “Hey, let's grab some fresh air and head out. It might lift Lauren's spirit.
Lauren's expression remained skeptical but she nodded. Anne detected a hint of reluctance, yet Miley's enthusiasm eventually won her over.
They went to a quaint cafe in the outskirts of town, away from the city chaos, enjoying milkshakes and the cool evening breeze.
As they savor their treats, Lauren's initial reserves began to fade, replaced with genuine smiles. Surprisingly, Anne found herself relaxing and before long, they were deeply engrossed in a conversation.
The tension between Lauren and Anne dissipated, replaced by a sense of mutual understanding. They delved into their personal lives, sharing stories and vulnerability.
Anne opened up about her struggles with their classmates, revealing how she tried to shield Lauren from their taunt, only to become the target. Her voice trembled slightly as she recounted the painful experience.
Lauren's gaze locked onto Anne's, her eyes filled with a deep sense of admiration. For the first time, she saw Anne not as an outsider, but as a kindred spirit.
“Anne, you didn't have to do that,” Lauren said, her voice laced with emotion. “I allowed them to treat me that way. Their words, their actions... they don't define me.”
Anne's expression faltered, surprise etched on her face. “You allowed them?” she repeated.
Lauren nodded. “I learned to rise above. Their tyranny doesn't move me. I won't give them the power to dictate my self-worth.”
Miley watched the exchange, a warm smile spreading across her face. “That's strength, Lauren. True strength.”
Anne's eyes welled up with tears. “I wish I had your courage,” she whispered.
Lauren's hand extended, enveloping Anne's in a gentle grasp. “You do have courage, Anne. You stood up for me, for others. That takes heart.”
As their hands touched, a spark of understanding flashed between them. Anne realized Lauren's resilience wasn't born from indifference, but from a deep-seated confidence.
“You're amazing, Lauren,” Anne said, her voice filled with reverence.
As they continued their lively discussion, laughter filled the air, creating a joyful atmosphere. The girls' banter and jokes had them giggling uncontrollably, lost in the moment.
Time seemed to stand still as they enjoyed each other's company. The sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the horizon. Engrossed in their conversation, they forgot about the passing houand before they knew it, the stars began to twinkle in the night sky.
“Wow, look at the time!” Lauren exclaimed, glancing at her watch.
Miley nodded, “Yeah, your dad might be worried.”
Anne chuckled. “Who needs time when we're having this much fun?”
The girls stepped out of the cafe, into the crisp night air. But their tranquil exit was shattered by a sudden crash.
Anne's scream pierced the air as she was struck by a speeding car. The vehicle screeched to a halt a few feet away, its tires squealing in protest.
Lauren and Miley rushed to Anne's side, horror etched on their faces. Anne lay motionless on the ground, her body twisted at an awkward angle.
“Call 911!” Miley yelled, her voice trembling.
Lauren swiftly pulled out her phone and dialed the emergency number. “Someone's been hit! Please hurry!”
The driver, panicked and fleeing the scene, abandoned the car and disappeared into the night.
As Lauren and Miley tended to Anne, passersby began to gather, their faces filled with concern.
“Is she okay?” a bystander asked, anxiety lacing his voice.
Lauren's eyes welled up with tears. "I don't know... please, someone help!"
Sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder. The girls held onto each other, praying for Anne's safety.
- Writer
