Chapter 1: Window
617 Words
I get up from bed and make my way toward the window of my bedroom. The curtains are fluttering by the breeze and the sound it is making is satisfying to me always. But not today. I completely ignore it.
Looking down the window, I see people already rushing to their respective places of work. A cat is sleeping soundly and a dog is barking at her, maybe to disturb her sweet sleep. Funny part is how the cat is unbothered. After a while, the dog gives up and walks past the cat. The sight makes me chuckle until I suddenly remember the reason I hurriedly came here for. Blaming my distracted self, I start looking for him. Him. My childhood friend. Adrian.
Adrian is my childhood best friend who is a Latin and he is the sweetest thing ever happened to me. Today is his birthday and I'm more excited than he could ever be.
My plan is to shout a 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' to him as soon as I spot him. I wait for him to come out his house.
Five minutes...Ten minutes...Half an hour passes but there is no sight of him. I sigh and head downstairs to eat my breakfast.
"Good morning, sweetheart. Today is your favorite Fruitcake"
"Why, thank you"
"What are you having that long face for? Is something the matter?"
"Oh, it's nothing"
"Just tell me"
She won't let it slide easily. She never does.
"Adrian"
"What about him?"
"He didn't show up to his usual time today"
Mom pauses for few seconds.
Then she gasps
"Oh right! Isn't it his birthday today?! Boy, is he seventeen already?"
"Gosh, I almost forgot" "And don't worry, he must not be home"
"Hmm" That is my only response while I enjoy my Fruitcake.
.........................
Upstairs, I get ready for school.
"Bye, mom!"
"Bye and take care, love"
I smile and start unlocking my bicycle.
Its babypink in color with a cute small basket hanging in front. I love it.
The bicycle is a gift. I received it from Adrian on my birthday last year.
I stop by a sweet shop to buy Adrian's favorite chocolates and Dark Cadbury being one of his favorites.
"ELSIE"
Hearing my name called out, I turn around to see Amelia.
Amelia and I are close friends and in the same class.
"Hey, nice that I caught you. Huh!"
"Buying chocolates for Adrian, hmm?"
I smile and nod
"Did he head early to school today?"
"No wonder that the spot next to you felt empty from far away"
She says dramatically
"I think so, yes"
It's usually us both going together to school so I know where Amelia is coming from.
"Guess what? Now you're here to fill up that empty spot" I say, laughing
"Of course, babes Let's go"
Reaching school, I subconsciously glance around. No Adrian.
It's time for lunch break, yet I can't see him
Soon, his guy friends start asking me about his whereabouts. Knowing that he missed school on his birthday pisses them off. Me too.
I just shake my head in answer.
Ruth, Adrian's best friend, stares at me for a while.
"What?" I say
"You look so pretty when you're upset"
I punch him hard.
"OW Hey!". "Chill man, something must have come up to him"
"After all, you are the first person who Adrian shares little to little details about"
"Yes, but today was his birthday"
"I know" Ruth says
"That guy loves celebrating his birthday more than going to field trips, so I'm sure he'll get to you by evening"
"Hope so"
Evening passes. I have my dinner and go to bed.
There's no birthday. No Adrian.
"Just...where are you?"
- Writer
