Forgotten

Chapter 8

*Farah's POV*

I ride the bus until it hits 5th and main before getting off and walking the last block to a large condo building. The sight makes me sick, the sort of people that usually live in these buildings care little about anyone "below" them and spend their money frivolously.

I know they're not all truly like that but childhood memories are hard to argue with when you'd do anything to have those days back. I walk into the lobby and retrieve my key from the front desk since I accidentally left the other, along with dads old book of poems, at the apartment. I ignore the ache in my chest at the thought of leaving it behind and head for the elevator. I have a condo here in case of an emergency situation like the one I'm in now. My fathers old condo. He was so good at keeping it a secret that only I ever knew he owned it. If you have enough money they'll even put you in under an alias so that no one will find you.

I sigh and comb my hands through my hair, pushing all thoughts of dad and how things used to be aside.

"It's been too long Farah." I jump a little at the familiar voice before turning with a smile on my face.

"Gerald!" I've always loved Gerald as the grandfather I never got to have and often spent time following him around the building as a kid when dad was working.

"Oh so you do remember me. Thought maybe you'd run off with some young man and forgotten all about your old man." As he finishes the smile on his face betrays his true feelings though and he pulls me in for a hug.

"Gerald you know I'd never forget about you, I just haven't been able to come around often between work and school."

"Mmhm, sure sure but why don't you tell me why you look like you've been hit by a car?" Leave it to Gerald to go right for the gold.

"Oh, well I got in a small car accident but it was no biggie. An SUV just hit the taxi I was in but everyone is fine." I speak in a rush as I try to come up with a complete explanation.

"Young lady I may be old and you may not be a child anymore but you never could, and never will be able to lie to me." Even with the smile on his face he has a certain tone in his voice that means business.

"All right, I'll explain on the way up."

And I did, from Theo finding me in the alley till I walked in the doors here, I told him the whole story.

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*Theo's POV*

Why does she have to be so damn stubborn? She needs help and she knows it so why won't she just let me? I storm into the apartment and go through every drawer and cabinet looking for something she may have accidentally left behind but the only thing I find is a worn old poetry book. I flip through the pages finding countless of dog-eared corners and little notes written in the margins. I toss the book a few feet away onto the table when a key slips out and falls to the floor. It's actually a very nice, if worn, key. I grab the book and key before locking Farah's apartment and turning in the key downstairs. I guess she won't be coming back here. I pull out my phone and once again dial Jake's number.

"Yes Theo?"

"I found a key."

"A key?" I can hear the skepticism in his voice

"Yeah she left a note and a key to get into her apartment and I found a book and a key."

"Oook.. so two keys?"

"Yes."

"One for the apartment and one for..?"

"I don't know but I'm going to find out."

"And you need me because?"

"Know anyone who can tell me what or where this key is for?"

"You're in luck, I do actually."

Once he told me the name and address we hung up and I headed for a pawn shop downtown. Maybe Farah didn't leave this on purpose but I'm going to find her.