365 DAYS TO REMEMBER

Chapter 1

Melissa checked her phone for the umpteenth time and sighed. God in heaven knows this irresponsible side of Jason is one thing she hates so much about him.

"It's birthday for Pete's sake, and the crowd is at the venue already, waiting for her, but the jerk she calls a boyfriend, is no where to be found. He isn't even picking her calls." She snorted, as she thought.

She picked up her phone again, and dialed his number for the last time, it went through but he didn't pick up. She gave up.

She walked to the cheval mirror briefly to check out herself before stepping out.

She smiled, satisfied and happy.

She looked dazzling. Her birthday gown was a beautiful, black, armless gown made with satin and Royal lace, it was specially designed by one of the best designers in town. Her hair was styled beautifully with silver pins and clips, her makeup was nicely done as well, made to match the gown she was putting on. All thanks to her father.

Her dad had spent an arm and a leg to ensure her birthday party was a very humongous and aesthetic one, even when all she wanted, was a mini family party.

He invited famous magazine editors, influential business moguls, famous celebrities, models, and stylists. No one knew why and how he did that, but he made sure the guests were not more than 100, and they were all big cheeses.

"Grrrrh!" The ringing tone of her phone jotted her out of her thoughts, and she scurried from the mirror, to the couch she was sitting on earlier, she picked the phone up and glanced at the screen, it's was him.

She picked up the call with a deep frown, and a hand akimbo.

"Where are you Jason?" She asked, in her sleek American accent, and he was quiet for a while.

"I am at home, hope nothing?" He finally responded.

She was astonished and speechless. She knew him to be very reckless and forgetful, but she never imagined it would be to that extent.

"Are you there?" He asked again, and every muscle in her tensed.

"YOU DISGUSTING ASSHOLE!!!" She cussed angrily, "How can you forget my birthday?? The most important day of my life!!"

"Your birthday?? Babe you didn't.... " She hung up angrily, without him completing his words.

"No, I've had enough of this rubbish. I am breaking up with this dude today!" she exhaled roughly, while thinking aloud, and grabbed her clutch before storming out of the room.

She strolled to the house garage, and her face shoot open, just as she saw her driver standing beside the family's 'Tesla'.

"We are going with this??" She asked, walking towards him and pointing at the car.

"Yes ma'am, your father instructed the car to be cleaned and decorated for you." He replied, opening the door for her.

The flying Tesla is the most expensive car in the Jones' mansion garage, and her dad bought the car not too long ago, he hadn't rode the car for once, nor does he allow her mom or anyone to move with it. Consequently, Melissa was surprised he'd order it to be cleaned for her.

Her dad loves her so much, understandable, because she was the only daughter, and child, but she still doesn't know what to think of these special treatments, and expensive birthday party.

"Anywho, she'll just sit back and enjoy."

"22 feels good!!" She thought and smiled.

°°°°°°°°°

The drive was quit short, and they got to the venue about 30 minutes after. she remained in the car, taking pictures of herself and posting on insta, the picture sharing platform, specifically made for people like her.

She suddenly, felt someone knock on the door, and she wind down the tinted side window as she turned to see Jason, "her stupid boyfriend" .

She opened the door and he came in immediately.

"What are you doing here?" She asked with a deep frown, as he closed the door.

"Come on babe, let's put that behind. The most important thing is that I am here now." He responded, with a worry knitted forehead.

"How can you forget my birthday Jason?? how can youuu.....?" She questioned, visibly annoyed, and he interrupted.

"Quit the drama Melissa! You were supposed to remind me!!" He yelled.

"I am supposed to remind you??!" She yelled, louder back at him, and he sobered.

"And now, you even called me MELISSA? What happened to baby... sweetheart.... honey..?" She added painfully, as she fought the urge to cry.

"I can remember vividly Jason, you were the first person I gave the invite to. I told you, way even before anyone was informed."

She locked eyes with him, and sniffed, "I need to know what is happening Jason, you don't care about me anymore.... You treat me like an option, and you make me feel I've been forcing myself on you...." She burst into tears.

He stretch his hand immediately, and pulled her close, pulling her into a hug subsequently.

"I'm sorry I made you feel that way" he wiped her tears with his palm, and rubbed her back slowly "I care so much about you, and I will never purposely hurt you." He muttered apologies, begging her to stop crying.

"Look at me" he pulled out and brought her face close to his. "Look into my eyes and tell me what you see"

She looked up, and obeyed, she couldn't help, but admire what she saw. From the well defined brows, to the beautiful dark-brown almond eyes, his pointed nose and the well toned skin, to the hot red lips. "This handsome chap here is mine" she ignored whatever he was saying, as smiled and thought to herself.

"........you can see guilt, remorse and compassion...."

"I could only see a handsome man" she interrupted and cackled.

He giggled lightly and pitched her nose playfully. "I'm deeply sorry dearling...."

"Just shut up and kiss me." She pouted.

He smiled and leaned forward, just as he was about to, they got interrupted by a brisk knock on the side window. She opened the door and it turned out to be the driver.

"Ma'am, you are needed in the hall now!!."

Whoop! She almost forgot it was her birthday.

She brought out a mirror and adjusted her makeup, grabbed her silver clutch and phone, and stepped out immediately, leaving Jason and the driver behind.

Camera lights started coming from different paparazzi and directions, as she struggled to reach the portico of the hall, she got there and heaved a deep breath, before opening the door, and she walked in.

The hall was so large and beautifully decorated, the entire place was gay with chandeliers hung all around.

There were about 20 round table there, they were rounded with decorated chairs, in a way five people gets to share a table. Foods of different varieties were show-cased, and a slow music was playing in the background.

All eyes were on her, as she cat walked perfectly and elegantly into the hall (exactly the way her mom taught her).

Everything seemed beautiful and normal apart from what she saw when she looked at the most distant corner of the hall.

She saw some people talking to her father, and they were gesturing at him authoritatively, while he stood there with his hands at his back, giving a slight bow, more like him receiving instructions from them.

She was surprised and genuinely confused. Her father is a successful and quite famous business mogul, he is well respected and he has NEVER bowed to anyone before.

What is going on? Who are these people and why is he talking to them? She wondered.

Chapter 2

"For the person we've been waiting for, An outstanding beauty, gorgeous completely, sophisticated, noble and incredibly elegant... "

"I call on our charming celebrant...... Melissa jones!! The host announced loudly.

The guests all stood on their feet and began clapping as she stepped on the stage.

It was indeed a special day, she has never felt so good in her entire life. "Thank you... Thank you everyone ...." She kept waving and blowing kisses at them, until she was able to restore the decorum.

"Thanks so much. I appreciate every single person in this hall today, thank y'all for gracing this ceremony and thank you for showing me so much love." She gushed in her appealing voice.

She briefly started at the crowd, admiring them and the beautiful displays around them, everyone was genuinely happy and having fun, she felt lucky and really couldn't have asked for more.

Her eyes got to the last corner and she saw her dad, still talking to the strangers, she shook her head lightly and continued.

"A special appreciation also goes to my father, the famous business mogul and the CEO of "The Jones' Empire", Mr Edward Jones..... " The claps resumed again and all eyes drifted to his direction. He was obviously uncomfortable, as he faced them, and waved at them with a fake smile.

She scoffed inwardly, and continued " he is the best father any daughter can ever have and this gathering wouldn't have been possible without him. I appreciate you dear father, and I love you so much." She blew a kiss at him.

The guests gave a standing ovation again and the claps became louder. "I love you too daughter!!" He half-yelled from afar.

All this while the mysterious guests were still behind him and their faces were not smiling at all. Only God knows what they are up to.

"I also want to use this medium to appreciate two special people in my life and I would like them joining me here on the stage". She paused for a moment, and continued again "My sweet Mom, Mrs Kimberly Jones, and Jasonn.... My boyfriend." She added quickly, and the crowd chuckled.

Mrs Jones walked elegantly to the stage, gave her a peck on her cheek and hugged her lightly.

Her eyes wandered around the crowd, searching for Jason, but they didn't find him, she kept looking until her eyes found her dad and his 'friends' again, there was a common unreadable expression on their faces, but she didn't understand what it was about, not really like she cared either.

She kept staring and wondering why Jason was not in the hall, and the silence was becoming deafening and really awkward, as the guests started murmuring.

She became puzzled and didn't know what to do until her mom took the microphone from her. She addressed them briefly and concluded her speech.

They all applauded her, and she held her daughter's hand as they left the stage.

The host took over, and the entertainment continued.

*

*

*

The party ended awkwardly, without a sight of Jason and she eventually got to know the Tesla was a birthday gift from her father. She could tell, there was more to the party than she thought.

She strided out of the hall and walked tiredly to the car park, she saw Jason standing beside her car all alone with his jacket hung across his shoulder and his elbows were on the car bonnet.

A chill went through her as she saw how very furious and mad he was looking from afar. That was creepy.

The last time she saw him that way was roughly three years ago, the day he lost Judy --- his then best friend ---- she was allegedly murdered by some strange city goons who never got apprehended, this happened just 3 months after they started dating.

He was sad and really broken the day the news got to him, Judy was the only friend he had and they bonded so well while she was alive, he fought tooth and nail to get justice for her but unfortunately, the cops couldn't trace any of the evidences to anyone.

Melissa walked slowly to him, holding the end of her lengthy gown for easy movement. She moved closer and touched him, being very careful not to flare his annoyance and he shook lightly, he was obviously lost in thought.

"What happened Jason? I didn't see you in the hall at all?"

He narrowed his eyes and stared at her for a while before looking away.

"Is anything the problem? You know you can talk to me!" She inquired softly.

" Your dad......" He broke.

"What about him?"

He stared at her again, opened his mouth to talk and closed it again.

"Talk to me baby, you are scaring me!" She asked impatiently.

"I wasn't allowed in." he blurted.

" What do you mean?" She arched a brow.

He gulped hard, and began, "Your dad... He said some things to me, he called me manipulative, and said I am an opportunist.... He said, you are not in my league, and I am really beneath you." He mumbled, looking downward.

" He said said so many things I do not understand but he made one thing clear, that you and I can never be TOGETHER." He explained further and she gapped with widened eyes.

Melissa and Jason have been together for about three years, and It's true melissa's father had never approved her relationship with him. but he has never for once confronted him, not once, he only complains about how irresponsible and carefree he gets most times.

There was also a time he persuaded Melissa to jilt him, but he has never gone this far. She wondered what the sudden change is about, and why he said all that to him.

"I am really sorry about that babe, I am very certain he was not in the right mindset." She said convincingly and he just stared emotionlessly.

"He sure didn't mean all what he said and I promise to talk to him once I get home." She tried assuring him, as he wore his jacket, and nodded lightly.

"It's fine, I'll see you tomorrow. I've got to go." He murmured, and she noticed he was still angry.

He made to leave and she pulled him back.

"Still angry, huh?"

"I'm not. My mood just got ruined."

She got close to his, and put her hands around his neck. "I am sorry okay, I take responsibility for everything and I promise I'll make it up to you."

He faked a smirk as he cheered up a bit, " ok!. It's fine." He drew her face closer and planted a beautiful kiss on her lips. "Good night darling, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!"

She smiled as she realized he was just wishing her, the entire drama didn't give them much time together. "Thank you boo-boo." She managed to say blushing.

"I'll send my wishes and gifts by morning. It's time to go!" He kissed her cheek again, and withdrew from her. With that, he got into his car and drove off.

She sighed in relief and signaled at the driver to take her home, it was getting dark outside and she was exhausted already.

Chapter 3

Jason drove with full speed as he opens another bottle of whiskey. he pushes the accelerator of the car with his foot, and his heel on the ground.

With blurry vision and a really boiling blood, he just needs anything as an outlet of his frustration.

He sniffs and runs his fingers into his hair, "three FREAKING years down the FUCKING drain!! How would I carry on?!" He snorts and soliloquies.

"How am I supposed to tell Melissa that I'm afraid of letting go? How would i tell her, that her father intends to marry her off to a total stranger?"

"She has become part of me and I would have "poped the question" by now, if those bird-brains hadn't restricted me from attending the party."

Prior to the day, he had visited a jewelry store to purchase a diamond ring. The typical engagement ring with a love shaped diamond stone, just like most girls want them, hoping he'd be able to propose to her.

It was true he forgot her birthday, but he still intended to compensate her by making the day more memorable.

He hissed and blows the car horn as he took another gulp from the bottle.

"Why do I always have to lose women I cherished so much?"

"I lost mum at a very tender age and I almost loosed my sanity, I lost Becca, I lost Jada as well, the only true friend I ever had..... and now Lissa?

He clenches his fist around the steering in anger.

"Was I cursed by someone or my life is just full of mysteries?!!"

"I really don't give a flying f*ck this time!" He bawls out. "i don't care what happens, I won't let go! I won't allow Lisa to be taken away from me like that" he hits his hand on the steering.

"I'm done being a coward, I wanna fight for what is mine. She is the girl I love. It's wouldn't be that easy".

Without warning, a red car at his side, bashes him, just as the blonde driving, decelerated and stopped before a zebra crossing. Perhaps, he was the one who bashed the woman.

Being the usual temperamental jerk that he is, he didn't waste time before winding down and blaring loud, "Get a driver Fool!!!!!!!"

.

.

.

.

"Ma'am, it's seems some people are after us" Melissa heard the trembling voice of the driver say, as fear twisted her gut.

They've been moving for over 30 minutes, and they are just 20 minutes away from home. But unknown to them, the cars have been stalking them since they left the venue.

"What do you mean?" She asked panicking.

"Some people have been trailing us for some time now....."And I'm afraid ma'am, I can't fly the car" his voice trailed off and he began driving fast.

Sweats trickled down melissa's spine, as she kept looking behind. She had no idea what was going on.

The cars sped up too, just as expected, and it became obvious they were after them. She turned to see them again and they were four in number, all black.

Why wouldn't the day just end peacefully and why is all these happening to her? What could be going on and who are these people too?

So many thoughts troubled her mind, but she could not ponder for too long as she needed to get her self out of the mess first.

"Let's slow down a bit Mr Sawyer, they might just pass without harming anyone." she suggested still panicking and he obeyed.

He slowed down and one of the cars came with the speed of light and over took them without caution, another passed as well, and stoped right in front of them.

Mr Saywer stoped the car eventually, and the cars all parked surrounding them.

Before they could say Jack! Five hefty men scurried out of the cars and walked towards them.

They opened the car doors and a tall slender one pointed a gun at Sawyer, "just a word from you, and you are gone!" He addressed firmly, with a stern face, and a cigarette at a side of his lips.

That one sentence, was enough to seal their lips.

Another, with green locs pulled out lisa from the back seat, and collected a black tape from the first one to seal her lips.

With her blindfolded, and her lips sealed, they hurriedly forced her into one of their cars, and the slim gun guy shot Sawyer on the leg.

With that, they all drove off with speed.

The poor man screamed out in pain as he held his bleeding leg. But the pain he felt in his leg was nothing compared to his perceived fear.

His mistress had just been abducted. And that would be a big trouble for him. He didn't need no one to tell him that.

Blindfolded Lisa sat at the back seat of the car sobbing, humming and totally drained. But her crazy abductors didn't care, not like it was their businesses or they cared about her. They ignored her completely as the drive continued.

She thought about how the day started, she woke up really happy and full of energy, hoping her new age would bring happiness and many achievements to her life.

She remembered scribbling some resolutions into her daily journal, and promising her self to live by every single one of them.

She got so many messages and calls from her friends and business partners. She also got birthday wishes from thousands of fans and friends on Instagram.

Is that going to be the end of her modelling career?

What if they kill her? what would happen to her parents and Jason?

Thousands of thoughts, and questions ran through her mind.

She felt numb all over as she couldn't wrap her head around anything.

Bad enough, she couldn't even see a thing, she could only sense the car moving. She had no Idea where they were heading to and what was happening at all.

After what seemed like forever, the car came to a halt and she was pulled out of the car, her blindfold was removed as well.

She looked around and noticed they were in a very quiet and isolated inland.

She heaved a deep breath, and was about thanking her stars, before the green loc dude came again, and began taping her wrists together.