Triple Life (#Wattys2015)

Ch 50

I walked hurriedly, stopping only to read the names of the streets or lanes.

"Where on earth is Ferret Lane?" I muttered to myself, irritated.

I was irritated and annoyed, a tad bit tired too. This day was too much to deal with. My parents' accident, Adrian's disappearance and now, I am going to the place where I blindly hoped I'd get the answers for the million questions swimming in my head. Had I been quite sane right now, I would've walked back home and sat next to the phone waiting for a call from Naniji or Aleya Mami. Or I would've tried to find where Adrian was by stalking all his social networks but unfortunately I was confused and helpless.

I let out a squeal as I found Ferret Lane, a small lane which was 10 minutes away from the shopping mall I frequented with the girls. I looked at the numbers until I came to a cosy looking house which had cream coloured walls with a red slate roof, and a small well kept lawn. 

I hesitated before taking a deep breath and ringing the bell, maybe...maybe I'd get the answers here. I was really nervous because I didn't know whether another surprise was going to spring up on me and the anxiousness I felt wasn't really helpful.

"Hi dear."

I looked up to see a blonde haired, slender woman who seemed to be in her late 30s. She had a kind face and a pleasant smile but the most striking feature was her amber eyes.

"Uhm ma'am, I am here to see Allison." I mumbled, embarrassed.

"Ah come in dear, I suppose you must be Ishita Wingley?" the lady, who I think is Mrs. Grey asks me as she ushers me inside.

My face flames and I mentally glare at Allison for talking about me as Ishita Wingley. I didn't hate the name but I always prefer Annabelle Wingley better than Ishita Wingley.  "Yes ma'am, I am. My name is actually Annabelle Wingley."

"Ishita is your second name right?" Mrs. Grey asks me. "And stop with the Ma'am business, no need to be so formal to the mother of your former enemy and present friend. Do feel free to call me Daisy because no Mrs. Grey either 'cause that's my mother-in-law." Mrs. Grey, no, Daisy chuckled.

I gave her a small smile but before I could reply Allison, who had just come down was surprised to see me in her living room.

"Hey Belle!" Allison squealed as she ran towards me and hugged me.

"Hey Allie!" I smiled at her groan.

"So, what brings Madame Wingley to my cosy dwelling?" Allison asked in a faux British accent.

"The quest to find silly answers." I replied directly.

Allison looked quite taken aback but recovered quickly "Answers? What do you mean?"

"The mysterious disappearance of one Mr. Adrian Rider." I answered robotically.

Allison looked stunned "What?!"

"Didn't you watch the news sometime back?" I asked her, vaguely amused.

"Nope." and saying so Allison switched on the TV which, due to some twist of fate was on Channel 24/7.

"Following the News segment brought to you half an hour back, we, at Channel 24/7 News have more information on the disappearance of Mr. Joseph Rider of the multi million dollar Grenalda Solutions business corporation together with his family. Grenelda Solutions is currently managed by the Assistant Manager, Mr. John Newstead and he seems to not know the whereabouts of the Riders' but this disappearance is assumed to be planned. There is a suspicion that the disappearance of Mr. Adrian Rider, son of Mr. Joseph Rider and Mrs. Marilyn Edwards-Rider, isn't linked to this and that he might've been taken out by force or kidnapped. The FBI and CIA are still doing investigations and are trying to trace the whereabouts of the Riders' or that of Mr. Adrian Rider. Mr. Shane Fox, CEO of Empire Fox Corporation is currently being investigated in relation to this shocking incident as this comes after Empire Fox Corporation managed to clinch a billion dollar business deal which led to a huge loss for Grenelda Solutions.

Do keep in touch for more updates and I am, Natalie O'Clements."

Allison's eyes bulged out as the news programme ended and I am sure mine would've too. I couldn't believe it! Adrian had been kidnapped?

"Oh Belle!" Allison sighed loudly as she hugged me, both of us trying hard not to cry. "I am so so so sorry about this Belle!"

"It's okay Allison." I said, choking back tears.

"What did you want to know from me?" Allison asked, curiously, after releasing me from her hold.

"Uhm, do you know some sort of beach house or any other properties the Riders' own? You know, any property you think they might be at the moment." I asked, biting my lip nervously.

Allison seemed to think for a moment "No, Rhea, Miles, Mark and I had only been to the mansion here and we don't know about any properties of theirs. The Riders' were pretty mysterious but nobody noticed this."

"I see." I nodded my head, dejectedly.

"There's something else bothering you too." Allison remarked after a few minutes.

"Huh?" I asked her, confusedly.

"Spit it out!" Allison ordered.

"My parents had met with an accident in India and are in a critical condition." I said, brushing away the tears furiously.

Allison was stunned "What?" she screamed, I winced at the loudness.

Daisy Grey was by our side in seconds, "Seriously?"

Allison and I looked up at her as if she had grown two heads.

"Mom, what's with the 'seriously' part?" Allison asked, perplexed.

"Gosh, I have ears too you know. I heard the news and I know of Belle's and your relationship with Adrian. You were Adrian's girlfriend for sometime this year and in middle school too, weren't you, Allison? Belle, you are Adrian's current girlfriend and you've been together for a few months and he was also the reason between Allison's and your erm...misunderstanding, earlier in the school year, that lead to some problems. I heard that they think Adrian might have been kidnapped but are not sure. It is a big blow especially to you, Belle as your parents too have met with an accident back home and are in a critical situation. You, my dear, might be quite frightened and confused  right now with all this stuff happening to you but don't worry Ria, Carlo, Allison, Allison's dad- Neville and I are here for you. I am pretty sure your parents would get better soon and this mystery would be solved." Daisy said, soothingly.

"Thank you Daisy, this means a lot." I smiled.

"So, do stay for dinner today." Allison offered.

"Let's check with Ria and Carlo." I told her.

"No worries, 'cause I already did!" Daisy grinned mischievously.

Hey guys...

Sorry for the long wait...I was busy with exams and I'll be abroad for a few weeks...so, expect an update in Mid-May... =)

My flight is tomorrow...so I kinda hurried through the chapter and I am excited to be flying to the UK and meeting all my friends in London and Cardiff =)

Happy reading!

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Love,

GirlzSparkle

 

PS: WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK??? WHERE IS ADRIAN??? HAS HE BEEN ACTUALLY KIDNAPPED?