Ephemeral Ecstasy

Chapter 8

After hanging up the phone, Ankara immediately got up from the bed and headed to the room's terrace. She sighed, observing her surroundings before returning to dress up. She wore a hooded sweatshirt paired with jeans, along with a face mask that made her look like a celebrity hiding from fans and reporters.

After getting dressed, she left her room with the lights still on. She knew she wouldn't be noticed by the busy nurses and staff. She used the staircase to avoid people and make her exit easier.

Ankara jumped with joy because her plan was successful. She made a call using her phone to a friend.

"Send me the address... I'm coming."

"Okay... No problem."

"Is it there yet?"

"Yes... Are you sure about what you're doing?"

"Yes, will I run if I'm not sure? I'll pay you once I arrive."

After the conversation, Ankara immediately went to the location with a hopeful expression.

••

It was already 6:30 in the evening, and the staff had delivered the food, but in Room 32, it was Yedd who brought the meal. Yedd felt a mix of happiness and nervousness because he was going to admit something to Ankara today. He was anxious as he opened the door, wanting to get it over with.

Yedd's eyes widened when he didn't find Ankara in her room. He searched for her, but she was nowhere to be found. The clothes she wore earlier, a sticky note, and a credit card were left behind. Yedd picked them up with a sense of sadness.

[ YEDD,

Credit Card for the bills. Thank you for your sympathy; it gave me a second chance to change... See you in the next life.]

Yedd felt more pain than any bleeding wound could inflict. He hadn't even been able to express his feelings for the girl, and he deeply regretted what he had done. Yedd rushed out of the room, hoping to catch her. He ran here and there, but he didn't see any trace of Ankara. Yedd felt extreme worry and fear about where the girl was and what trouble she might be getting into again.

He tried calling her family in case she went home. He only had the number of the maid who brought her clothes, so he dialed it. The maid was surprised because, to her knowledge, Ankara's discharge was scheduled for tomorrow, and she wasn't in the mansion either. The young man wanted to cry, but he needed to stay strong, knowing he could still find her because she had just left. He informed the staff and even the local police to look for her. He also tried calling Carmelita, but no one answered.

•••

Every touch of Carmelita excited the young man. Besides her beautiful face, he knew she was skilled in bed. In their intense desire, they had also engaged in activities in the man's car.

Like before, Carmelita woke up early, but she arrived home faster because she didn't need to walk, as her car was in the same parking lot.

Upon arriving home, she quickly changed into her uniform and had a meal. While eating, she glanced at her cellphone and was surprised to see 20 missed calls from an unknown number. She mustered the courage to call back.

"Hello?"

"Carmelita, is Ankara with you?"

"Excuse me... Who is this?"

"Sorry, it's Yedd. Is she with you?" The voice on the other end sounded urgent.

Fear gripped Carmelita upon hearing Yedd's question. "Isn't she in the hospital? Oh, yes, she mentioned she was getting discharged today and going home." Carmelita smiled as she recalled Ankara's words.

"Actually, I'm her doctor. She left last night."

"WHAT!?" Carmelita jumped from her seat. Fear was evident on her face.

"I also called their house earlier, but she hasn't arrived yet."

Carmelita couldn't respond, overtaken by fear. Yedd continued, "If you see her, please let me know. I have something I want to tell her."

"I'll call her... Bye."

Carmelita repeatedly called Ankara, but there was no answer. While on her way to school, she called Ankara's family, and just like Yedd mentioned, she hadn't returned yet. Carmelita tearfully and sadly informed Yedd of everything.

"Teacher, why do you look so sad? Are you sick?" Carmelita had been staring blankly since she woke up, and these words from Xian snapped her back.

"Thank you, Xian. I'm just worried about my friend; she hasn't come home yet."

"its okay, Teacher," Xian said, hugging her tightly.

"Class, we won't have class this afternoon; Teacher has an appointment. Is that okay?"

"Okay, Teacher!"

•••

Wearing jeans and a white t-shirt, Carmelita sat in a coffee shop, waiting. She hadn't gone to see her friend; she hadn't been able to stop her. Carmelita hadn't even realized that Yedd was late. It was understandable, given the overwhelming thoughts running through her mind.

"Sorry, I'm late."

"It's okay... Do you have any news?" Carmelita asked, her tone filled with sadness.

"None yet."

"What happened? Why was she in the hospital? She didn't mention it."

Yedd told Carmelita everything, from the beginning up to the escape. All of Carmelita's anger toward Yedd dissipated, replaced by support. The two of them went to the police station together but were met with disappointment. They went to Ankara's mansion, but only the housemaids were present. On that day, Ankara's mother had left for Canada on business, while her father had traveled to Australia for his work as a judge.

The two of them didn't gather any information that day, leaving them deeply disappointed. Their journey ended in sorrow and fear.

"Aren't you getting ready? You only have an hour left," were the words that greeted Carmelita.