𝚂𝚎𝚎 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 #2: 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍

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TAMMY:
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"Amorette!!"

For the umpteenth time, I yelled her name as I ran into yet another abandoned hallway and I called them abandoned because they were all so distant from where the party was being held that no one went up that far.

But, just like before, I got no reply after yelling. The only thing that would follow my exclamation was the muffled voices and music that came from the party downstairs.

I stared into empty space, breathing heavily, my hands resting on my knees and my accelerated heart pounding widely.

I stayed that way for what seemed like eternity, staring harder into the hallway, praying, hoping that Amorette would just waltz through it, fearlessly and in good health. But with each passing minute, my hope grew thinner and my fear heightened.

I screamed out of frustration, tossing my hands in the air and pulling at my hair after.

I had started to believe that it was my fault she disappeared. If anything happened to her, I would never forgive myself. I was so determined to dig something out to help my case that I dismissed her problem and promised her something I failed to fulfill.

I took out my phone to call Aidan as I headed for another room. Placing the phone on my ear, I proceeded to open the door.

"Otamayomi." Aidan called.

"Any luc-" The door handle turned before I could place my hand on it and the door slowly began to creak open.

I slowly took a step back, and then, another. My instincts kicked in and I ran to hide behind a dark corner.

"Be silent." I whispered into the phone, "Put the call on speaker from your end, in case something happens."

Aidan didn't respond, but I knew he heard me and did as I told him to. And in the dark corner, I waited silently for whoever was behind that door to step out.

I saw a foot, and then another. The rest of the person emerged slowly, or rather staggered out, walked a few more steps and then. . .dropped on their knees, sitting back on their heels.

I only got to see the side of the person's face and I watched silently, sensing something familiar about the person.

I looked closer, stepping a bit out of the shadows without realizing and I discovered who the kneeling figure a few distances away from me was.

"Amorette!" I yelled, relief washing over me as I ran out of the shadows. As I reached her side, I knelt down and wrapped my arms around her in a tight hug.

She was still sitting on her heels when she saw me, but when she did I saw relief wash over her frightened features and she hugged me back tightly.

For a moment, we just held each other. Then, slowly, we pulled away, looking at each other.

"I was so scared." I said, a small smile on my lips.

"Me too." She replied, her eyes welling up with tears.

She hugged me again, and I let her as I rubbed my hand gently on her back and hair to soothe her.

"Tammy, are you okay? What's happening?" I heard Aidan say from the phone.

I picked up my phone and spoke into it.

"I'm fine." I said, "I found Amorette."

I heard the group start talking excitedly in relief.

"Where are you guys?" Ayomide asked.

"In some hallway. We'll be down soon."

I caught the call, and when I looked back down at Amorette, I heard soft sobs and I felt my shirt dampen.