Unraveling the mysteries

Chapter 6

Next few days, Josie considered looking for some clues. She had promised Marie and herself that she would try but wasn't keen on trying. She kept delaying it and wondered whether that made her a terrible person. Obviously, there was some secret hidden from her. But what was it?

Marie had texted her that she was back with her parents. So, Josie had to start snooping. That too, soon! One day, the opportunity came knocking on the door. Her dad was at work, and her mom was out. She was alone at home. It was the perfect time to start her search. One place popped into her head immediately.

With great conviction, she made her way into her parent's room. She felt guilty even being there. She slowly opened the bedside drawer. She took out the key to the wardrobe and unlocked it. After searching for a while, she came up empty-handed. The locker contained nothing out of the ordinary. Just the typical possessions.

Next, she felt like the bedside drawer would be a good idea. There were two bedside tables on either side of the bed. She checked all the drawers that were open but found nothing. When she was just about to open the locked drawer, she heard a feminine voice from behind.

"What do you think you are doing?" Startled, she turned immediately, in the process dropping the keys.

Her mom was standing outside, looking at her. Still in shock, she kept quiet.

"Josie? What were you doing? Answer me!'

Stuttering, she replied. "Umm. Nothing."

"Josie!"

She stalled to think up some lame excuse and replied.

"You scared me! I thought it was someone else."

Putting her hand on her chest, she tried to calm down. When she saw her mom continue to stand with her hands on her hips and raised eyebrows, she continued.

"I was just searching if you guys have got me any more surprises."

"Really?" Her mom asked, still sceptical.

"Yeah! And what better place to hide than in plain sight."

Her mom, though, didn't question or believe her and kept mum. She was suspicious of Josie but decided to let it go for now.

"I am sorry I went through your things." Josie felt ashamed.

"It's okay, honey. We are used to it." Her mom replied, chuckling.

Josie quickly made an escape to her room. She still believed her parents wouldn't lie to her. On the other hand, Marie seemed to be accepting her as her sister. The gift that she gave Josie was a dead giveaway. The same one that Josie hid at the back of her closet. She had no intention of opening it anytime soon. At least, not until after she came back.

They were leaving this Thursday evening for Switzerland. And Thursday was tomorrow. So there was no more time for playing detective, especially with her crammed schedule. Some last-minute packing was still pending. Just when she was done, she got a video call from her friends. They chatted till she felt sleepy. When her eyes couldn't stay open anymore, she went to sleep. It would be the last time she slept on her bed. At least for a while!

The aura was different when she got up the following day. It was filled with excitement. Josie and her parents woke up early to get everything in place. They left early for the airport as it took an hour to reach. It took some time to pass through the security checkup. As the plane arrived, everyone boarded. Next was Josie and her parents' turn. Josie was elevated to find she got the window seat.

Soon the plane took off.

And thus began their new journey.

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Author's Note:

Hello there!
Josie is off to Switzerland- her dream destination. Wonder what surprises await her.
Random question- Do you believe in the quote "keep your expectations low & you will never be disappointed"?
Let me know!
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- Mitali