THE FORGIVEN BITE

What The... Surprise

AN: Nothing much to say. I am editing this chapter and my browser is freaking me out. The thoughts of characters which are in itallic doesn't appear as itallic neither bolds are bold :( I got to fix it, till then enjoy this unedited dosage. :D

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Chapter 3

I hopped out of the car and started my way towards my house, while Ron parked the car at the side of the driving lane. I was jumping on my feet with the anticipation of eating something delicious. I was too hungry and the thought of smoked chicken, which my gran never forgot to prepare on my birthday, made my stomach growl.

"Granny must have prepared something special today. I know she will," I said to no one in particular. I knew Ron was behind me, but he didn't reply anything. It was strange, he didn't comment anything about my growling stomach.

I passed our small garden. It is fourth day since I watered these plants, I thought as I looked at the almost dead rose plants. I needed to water them. I didn't like seeing them die, but I was a lazy brat as well. Shrugging, I stepped on the front porch.

I twitched my nose to inhale the delicious smell but was surprised when I got nothing. What's wrong? I wondered. I know it wasn't a big deal, but Gran always had food prepared by the time I reached home, which was normally this hour of evening. Isn't she home yet? I wondered again.

Without any further delay, I rang the bell. I waited impatiently, tapping my foot on floor. There was no response. My hunger was messing with my patience, which was growing thinner every second and the cold mood of the wind was like a fuel in fire. I tried the bell again, twice, thrice with no avail. I checked the time. Sure I wasn't early. Neither Gran worked till six in the evening, not on my birthday.

"Gran, are you there?" I called out loudly. I tried to listen if there is any rustling sound inside, but no, there wasn't a single sound coming from inside.

In addition to the deadly silence inside the house, Mr. Ribera's dog's barks were creating the creepy site. Not that it mattered much, as their dog barked every time he saw me. I assumed he hated me.

My calm composure started wearing off as panic overtook it. "Ron, there is something wrong. Gran is not answering the door," I said, my voice rushed out in an urgent torrent. This entire time, Ron stood terribly silent. But I continued to call Gran. "Gran, Gran, please answer me. Are you alright?" I cried aloud.

"Ron, why isn't she opening the door? I hope she is alright." I dug my fingers in my hair, while pacing to and fro. I was on the verge of shedding tears. Gran was my only family and I could not afford to lose her at any cost. I needed her. I was being weak, but this was actual me when it came to my family and friends. I loved them. My lower lip trembled and mist formed in my eyes.

Why was Ron so calm?

I ran to the window, but all I could see was darkness. Fear of losing my loved ones had been my worst nightmare and feeling it becoming true was unbearable.

"Ash, relax." Ron held me by my arms. "Relax, nothing is happened to her. You are simply worrying. She must have gone to the restaurant-"

"But she isn't," I protested, shaking my head frantically. "She never worked this late on my birthday." I wanted to believe Ron, but I knew my gran.

"She must have gone to fetch something from the market. Just try to call her on phone." I took my phone out from the jeans pocket and dialed her number. My hands were trembling. My brain wasn't in the state of working properly. Panic was rising in me and a lump formed in my throat.

The ring went on and finally transferred me to her voicemail. I disconnected the call and tried again, but found my call transferred again to her voicemail. "She is not receiving my call, Ron. She is not... She never did that." A sob escaped my lips as I looked at Ron with teary eyes.