The Night They Went Missing

Tanisha

5 days before she went missing

23rd April 2018

The morning was the same as usual. It always was. Get up, say goodbye to George once again and then go to work. It never really changed, but soon it would. Soon, my day would be different and I could finally spend it with him.

 When I got to work, the day was steady, people walking in and out with books in their bags. Sometimes, they would come in to look at the books – not intending to buy any – but walk out with a pile of books.

 Regulars wished me a happy birthday before they left, even though they didn't have to. I was looking forward to tomorrow, but what I was looking forward to more was spending time with my mister. I would be away from this life, living it as if I was someone else. I could finally stop pretending and enjoy the day away from the life that brought me pain and grief. A part of me was being consumed by the guilt. I kept picturing what George would think of me if he found out, the disgrace and disapproval covering his face. He didn't deserve this, to be lied to and betrayed, but the other part of me had overrode the other part. It was stronger, more dominant and it had taken over my brain and heart utterly.

 But I couldn't think about that, not right now. If my mind got lost in the sea of those thoughts, then I would never resurface.

 As the day of working came to a close, Alton came up to me, his blonde hair being brushed aside. On his lap, a book with an orange background and a time glass on the front read, They both die at the end plastered on the front.

 "What's that?" I asked, even though I could clearly see what it was.

 "It's a book," he laughed, "it's a birthday gift and since I've seen you re-read that book so many times, I thought it would be time for you to read another."

 He pushed the book into my chest, not allowing me to have the chance to refuse. Not expecting him to give me a present, I smiled back at him before admiring the cover.

 "Thank you, but you didn't have to."

 "Oh I know, but I wanted to and do not even think about trying to repay me. It's a present." he barked before pushing his wheelchair away and back to the counter where he began to count the change.

 Despite me not wanting to admit it, I did want to buy him something in return, to show my gratitude, especially because I didn't ask for it. But he was right. This was a gift. When it comes to his birthday, I will just buy him more gifts as a thank you.

 Once the book store was shut and me and Alton said our goodbyes, I hopped into my car and drove away. Botham had sent me the address after I called him and thankfully it wasn't a hard place to find.

 The cafe was right outside the town of Nottingham and smelt of cakes and strong coffee as you walked through the door. Not many people were sat inside and I imagined most people would still be at work. The bell rang loudly behind me and as I turned to see who walked through the door, it wasn't who I hoped.

 He was no where to be seen. Maybe he decided to bail on me, to run out of fear for what I wanted and held over his head. He didn't know what I knew, he was utterly perplexed, and when he found out what will be held over his head like a rainy cloud, he'll be shocked to the bone.