Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 24: Where are You?

Alya's Story

Deniz had been acting really strange today. Everything she said seemed completely opposite to what she had expressed just a week ago. And what was this nonsense about being in love? I wondered as I finished my coffee. That's when I noticed a piece of paper tucked under her coffee cup.

Alya, I've left to find out who's been following me. He was here earlier, the one who exited right before me. Check the security cameras. We'll meet at my place afterward. If you can't contact me, look on my vanity, in my bedroom.

What? I sprinted toward the video monitor. More concerned than ever.

"Deniz, please don't do anything stupid," I muttered, panic rising in my chest. I scrambled to find the moment Deniz had left; just before she did, a figure wearing a hood had exited the café. The silhouette looked strikingly familiar-was that the same person from that night? Did Deniz go after him? I needed to get to her immediately.

I left the café in the hands of my assistant for the day, grabbed my bag and leather jacket, shoving the video tape inside. I had to make sure Deniz was safe.

I ran all the way to her house, my heart pounding with a mix of worry and fear. What if Deniz had gotten herself into something dangerous? My mind raced with all the possible scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. I could feel adrenaline coursing through my veins, pushing me to move faster.

When I reached her house, I knocked on the door, anxiety gnawing at my insides. Jacob answered, his familiar voice a small comfort amidst the chaos.

"Alya! Good to see you," he said with that warm tone of his. I couldn't help but feel a flutter of affection for him; he had a way of making everything seem lighter.

"Hi," I replied, stepping past him into the living room. "Where's Deniz?"

Though I would have loved to linger and chat with Jacob, I had much bigger problems on my mind.

"She hasn't come back yet. Didn't she stop by your café?" he asked, concern etching his features.

"She did, but she left something behind, so I came to return it." I lied, forcing a calmness I didn't feel. I couldn't let him know the gravity of the situation yet. "Can you call her? See when she'll be back?"

As he took out his phone, I pulled out my own, sending a message to Deniz.

Where are you? I came to your house.

"She's not responding, but she will come soon." Jacob said calm, too calm for the situation I was in.

"Ah, I will wait a little longer then. I'll try to call her again..." I fumbled for words, desperate to keep him from sensing that something was off.

But when I tried to call her, the message came back: The number you have dialed cannot be contacted...

Panic gripped me. I forced myself to breathe deeply, trying to keep the fear from bubbling over. Jacob had to check on Tommy so he left me alone in the living room. And I was dying right there.

As soon as he turned away, I felt the weight of dread settle on my shoulders. What if something had happened to Deniz? I hugged myself, trying to fight off the cold that crept into my bones. I couldn't just sit here; I had to do something.

"Deniz, please be okay," I whispered to the empty room, anxiety tightening around my heart.

I decided to wait a few more minutes, but soon enough, impatience clawed at me. I knocked on the bedroom's door.

"Come in!" Jacob called from the other side.

As I stepped into the room, Jacob and Tommy were turned to me.

"Hey, Tommy! How are you feeling?" I asked, forcing a polite smile. We didn't know each other well; I'd only met him during his recovery at the hospital, and he still looked a little pale.

"Much better, thanks! Just trying to keep my spirits up," Tommy replied, his voice a bit hoarse but earnest. He leaned back against the pillows, clearly still resting.

"Glad to hear that," I said, keeping my tone light while my mind was racing. I needed to check the vanity without raising suspicion.

"Jacob has been a great help," Tommy continued, attempting to distract himself. "He's been keeping me company. You know how boring it is just lying around?"

"Yeah, I can imagine," I said absently, my eyes scanning the surface of the vanity. My heart raced as I searched for anything that might explain where Deniz was.

As Tommy rambled on about his favorite shows and his plans for recovery, I spotted a small folded piece of paper with my name on it. My heart sank. This had to be it.

"Um, Tommy, could you give me a minute?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Sure! I'll just be over here," he said, still talking but not looking at me. I knew he was trying to be polite, but my gut told me to hurry.

Once he turned back to the TV, I quickly unfolded the note..

-

Dear Alya,

You know you are my best friend. And that I've shared everything-all my secrets with you. I trust you. So, If anything happens to me, please tell Aras and Jacob about everything.

Deniz

-

A wave of panic washed over me. Why hadn't she told me? I had to protect her; she was putting herself in danger.

"Hey, Alya, you good?" Tommy called from the other side of the room, momentarily breaking my focus. I forced a smile and nodded, even though I felt like I was about to choke on my fear.

"Yeah, just... looking for something," I lied, my heart racing.

"You sure? You seem really tense," he said, a hint of concern in his voice.

"I'm fine," I insisted, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

Tommy seemed to accept my answer, though the worry didn't fully fade from his expression. "Alright, but if you need anything, just let me know," he said, his voice soft.

"Thanks," I replied, hoping he wouldn't press any further.

Jacob, can we have a talk? Alone? I said, turning towards him, trying not to let Tommy figure out anything.