Of gilbardo

Chapter Five

Hansford Street Western location

Anna was out of her room before six, she'd wished not to meet Jolie because if she should, she would have to explain to her on where she was going to so early. Luck wasn't on her side when she discovered that Jolie was already up and was making something in the kitchen. She couldn't tiptoe out, because if Jolie caught her, she would have to stay back. Now, she would have to fake a lie to her mother.
“Mum, I'm leaving for school!“ She found herself calling out to Jolie.
“For school?“ Jolie who thought Anna was still in her room sleeping came out of the kitchen. She was holding a tray with a loaf of bread she'd baked. Jolie knew Anna isn't the person that wakes up earlier than eight. Even when she was to go for her school competition that started by eight in the morning, Anna had slept until Ten. Jolie was the one that woke her to remind her. Anna had cursed and screamed and had hurried out of the house without eating and combing her hair.
“Yeah, I'm going for some language lessons.“ Anna said.
“Language lessons.“ Jolie was silent for awhile. She looks at Anna who was dressed up in her favorite breeches and sport shirt. “You're on the holidays. Besides Ms America would've called to notify me about...“
“Ms America is for science. This is arts.“ Anna cuts in.
“And when did you start studying arts?“ Jolie crossed her arms.
“It's partly science and arts. I want to learn some new languages.“
“You know what is surprising, is the fact you want to learn new languages and the most surprising, is the fact that you're up and dressed by 6am.“
“Well,” she shrugs, “people change. I'm not going to be the first.“
Jolie thought for a bit before saying. “Have breakfast.“
..
Anna glanced at the wristwatch and sighed. She'd taken the bus to the unknown address in her palm. The whole territory seemed deserted. Anna strolled to each villa looking to see if the house address matches with the one written on the paper. She checked three more times before stopping at a detached suburban house. She has found Justine's home. Just a few knock on the wooden door it flew open. An aged woman was staring sharply at her.
“Who are you and what do you want?“ The woman spoke chewing something.
“I'm Anna and I'm here to see Justine.“ Anna didn't think she was talking to Justine because the woman looked old.
“Justine is my daughter. She isn't staying here.“
“How do I locate her, ma'am.“
The aged woman squints at her and said. “You're quite young. Why are you looking for Justine.“
“I'm Jolie's daughter.“
“Jolie…” She tries to remember.
“Jolie Howard. My mum and your daughter were close friends and they went to the same highschool.“
“How would I forget Jolie. Did Jolie send you here? It's been a very long time I heard from her. How's she? Wow, I can't believe Jolie has a daughter this big.“ Justine's mother showed her gap teeth. “Come in.“ She ushers her. The parlour was a small space with a sofa at the east side and a wooden chair at the west, next to it was a coffee table. The electric fan spun at the lowest.
Justine's mother caught Anna glancing about the house. She said. “Can I offer you something?“
“I'm fine.“ Anna utters. “I just want to know where I can find Justine.“
“Your mother sent you?“
“Yes.“ She lied.
“What I don't understand is why Jolie didn't come here herself. Why did she have to send you.“ The old woman was reasoning.
“She isn't feeling well.“ She said another lie.
“I still do not understand. After all this years why does she want to see Justine?“
“She misses her and they were highschool besties.“
“Why didn't she come here herself?“
“I believe I've answered the question. I would say it again. Jolie isn't feeling too well.“
The aged woman stared at her strangely and shrugs. “Justine is staying at Starbucks adjacent to long island. Her house address is 104.“
Anna was satisfied. 'I'm so sorry grandma, but you would have to go. You could bring me lots of trouble.' she thought aloud.
“You were staying at Landmark City?“ Anna looks at her thoughtfully.
“Yes. That is were Justine grew up.“ The woman responsed and realises. “Wait, how did you know that.“
“Jolie told me.“
“Oh, okay.“ She nods.
'Or not.' Anna thought.
“There's something on your neck ma'am if you would allow me take it off.“ Anna says.
“What could that be?.“ Ms smith was reaching for her neck.
“It's now behind your ears.“ Anna reached to where she sat and… Mrs Smith's weak neck snapped.
..
It was almost 12noon when Anna returned to the house. She'd spent 3hours cleaning the mess. She knew she'd only began. There was still a lot she must do. Anna hoped Jolie wasn't home yet as she was finding the spare key to the entrance door in her purse.
“Where did you go.“ Was the first words Anna heard when she stepped into the living room. She looks up to see Jolie glaring at her with distrust.
Jolie continues. “I and Danielle was at your school hours ago and we were told you were absent. Anna there was nothing like language lessons today. So can you please tell me where you were?“
“Fine. I will tell you.“ She needed something quick.
“I'm listening.“ Ms ken crossed her arms.
“I was out visiting a few friends.“ Anna says.
“So what you're telling me is that you left home by six in the morning just so you would visit some friends?“ Jolie didn't believe her.
“Yes, there's nothing wrong with that. Besides I had to tell you something so you could allow me leave the house. I'm sorry.“
Jolie sensed something fishy and she said. “When did you start lying to me?“