Chapter 2 Night Time

The night fell with me seated on my stool and looking out of the window. Something I am never afraid of doing since I'm quite used to it. My mind moves back to the email I received and I groan disappointedly. I can't believe my boss wants me to resume on Wednesday, I thought he'd say next week or so but not as early as on Wednesday.

Well, Mom and I both agree to go visit our new neighbors before leaving for the store tomorrow.

We're already running out of food items and money is something we do not have but thank God the money I found in the envelope is quite enough to last us for some time.

I check my ticking clock to see what time it is, it's kind of late, 12:38. I think it's best I get back to bed.

I lazily stand up and pull off my dress changing into my pajamas before walking towards my bed and lying cozy on it. I lie on my bed staring at the old and cracked dirty white ceiling, patiently counting it.

As I study the ceiling in the meantime, I hear the door opposite our house swing open along with a flashlight, then it suddenly goes off. Curiosity ran through my veins as I climbed off my bed and went to check through my window where I saw someone dashing away. I couldn't exactly tell who it was due to the darkness that clouds the place, the bright moon and stars only gave little brightness.

Being too adamant and curious in knowing who that person is and why he or she is sneaking out by this time I

quickly scurry to my box, open it, and pick up a casual black top and pants. I pull off my pajamas and immediately change into my casual wear.

I wear my black hoodie and then tie up my hair. I check out the window to see the person standing and scrutinizing around as if checking to see if anyone is following up or probably he/she is waiting for someone. My thought went wrong the moment I saw the person walking away.

I quietly run to my door, slightly push it open, sneakily step out of my room, and quietly shut the door. I am trying to stay quiet so I won't wake Max and my mom.

I walk to the living room, unplug my phone, and keep it in my pocket.

I walk to unlock the entrance door before stepping out. I look around and see the person walking, he or she is far from where I stand and I curse under my breath.

I follow quietly and stylishly, trying to clear any form of suspicion.

Moments later and we are already on the highway, few people move around and the street lights blink repeatedly. I sigh in horror. I don't know what I am doing nor do I know why I am doing it.

Suddenly the mystery death of my sister came roaming in my head, mentally knocking me off and reminding me of Mr. Strange, I shivered at his name.

" Ralph!"

I hear and see someone walking up to the person I follow, If I'm not mistaken, I heard him call him Ralph. Ralph... Isn't that the name of the teenage boy who just moved into my neighborhood? along with his family?

" Khalid," the Ralph guy called.

" What took you so long?"

" Sorry, Khalid. Family comes before anything else,"

I quietly listen to what they have to say. I wouldn't deny that I am already becoming scared. What if Mr. Strange is somewhere around here? The thought drains me.

"Did anyone follow you?"

The Khalid guy says and moves his head to the side to stare at me, though it's just a glance. Immediately, I turn around, pull out my phone, and place it on my ear, pretending I am receiving a call.

" Hey guys, come on in,"

I hear another different voice but it's that of a female. I am afraid to look over to see what they are doing but just to clear any thought of suspects, I remain still, still pretending I am receiving a call. I am really scared, my heartbeat increases, my palms sweat and my body is fragile.

Screech!

And I hear a car take off. I slowly turn around just to see a car driving away at a high speed. The Ralph guy and the other guy are gone, I see them nowhere. They already left with the car.

"I had a nice time, thank you Mrs. Will," I hear a voice and I turn in the direction of the voice.

I see a fat-looking man from behind me walking in my direction. He walked past me heading to a taxi that I did not notice at first.

Could he possibly be a taxi driver? I do not know but I begin to follow him until he gets into his taxi.

" Excuse me,"

I say softly and he glances at me with arch brows. He is already sitting in the driver's seat and holding the steering wheel with both hands.

" Yeah?"

He spoke, the softness I saw in his eyes disappeared within seconds and was replaced with a harsh one. I can perceive a smell of alcohol, his voice is a little husky and I don't know if or not I should request help.

" I need help,"

I am a little timid as I speak.

" So?"

Came his reply.

" I'm sorry to bother you but_"

" You got money?"

He didn't even let me finish and he spoke. Money? I didn't bring a penny with me.

Damn Scarlett! you screwed up.

" No, I don't but_"

" No money, no offer,"

The man says and turns on the engine. My heart nearly jumps inside my mouth with a fear that If I don't leave this place I might have an encounter with Mr. Strange. Though I want to, I'm scared to.

" I can give you my address, I promise to pay you in double just please help me out,"

The man stares at me for a while before sighing. His gaze softens.

" Listen, pretty girl_"

He begins but I don't give him the chance to complete his statement as I clasp my hands together and mutter a 'please'.

Again, he sighs.

" Get in,"

He finally says and immediately, I get into the back seat. Thank goodness.

" Where are you heading?"

He asks but I don't answer immediately. Where should I head to? Should I head home or should I follow Ralph and his colleagues?

" You saw that car that drove off a while ago?"

I say to my surprise.

" Uh? Is it Khalid's and his colleagues?"

I heard the slight shiver in his voice when he spoke, was he afraid?

" Yes, you know where they are?"

Why am I so curious? but whatever the reason behind it, I hope it leads me to what I want to know.

" Huh? How do you expect me to know?"

I sigh at the answer he gives me.

" Okay, just drive,"

I say with false hope as I lean on the seat with my eyes closed.

Moments later the driver keeps driving away heading to where I do not know. No cars, nobody seen on the road, it is just too quiet and dark that I begin to freak out. Soon, the car comes to an abrupt stop.

" Okay miss, I'm a few miles away from my house, could you do the honor by getting down?" The man says and I couldn't help but freak out.

What? Come down? I can't... I don't even know where I am, like... How the hell am I going to return home... Ohh!

I shouldn't have done this, I should have just laid on my bed until I fell asleep, I should have minded my own business.

" Get out,"

" Can you please_"

" Cut the crap and get out of my car,"

The man yells angrily.

" I'm sorry,"

I say gently and quietly open the door before stepping out. Oh! What am I going to do now?

" Close my door,"

Says the man and I realize that I haven't shut the door yet.

" Sorry,"

I whisper to him and calmly close the door and without a second, he takes off leaving me to myself in the middle of nowhere.

What have I done