Just Now

V

"So, I went home. My mom was crying histerically. Ven gave me a piece of paper. It was Nina's writing."

Mom and sis, I love you guys. But I want to know what life is with this man. Goodbye

"I got confused. Why are they like these if she just ran away. Then, Ven told me, "Her body was found in.." I didn't hear it 'cause I collapsed."

I realized that Luke was hugging me while I was telling him about my sister. His hands were caressing my back up and down. My crying stopped. I didn't even notice my tears starting.

"She was raped. I asked the coroner not to tell me what my sister looked like. I might kill someone if I knew."

I just heard Luke's breathing.

"I have a stalker,Luke. He could be my sister's killer." I told him about the text messages and the flowers.

"Nif, we can do something about this. Do you want me to help you?"

I removed myself away from his warmth and wiped my tears with my hands. I looked in to his brown worried eyes and said, "Yes."

"Okay. I'll do everything. But, we can talk about this tomorrow. You need to rest."

We went inside the house and saw Teresa watching television. I walked over to her and kissed goodbye. She smiled.

I walked to Luke's car and sat shotgun. I fell asleep on the drive to my house.

--- 

My body clock woke me up. I sat up and looked around. I was in my bedroom. The problem is, I don't remember going to bed last night. I panicked and looked under my blanket. I'm still wearing my office clothes. Damn it, Nif. I laughed at myself and sighed.

After preparing myself for another day in work, I grabbed my phone and texted Luke.

Thanks for yesterday.

I went down for breakfast and saw Mom was already on the way out.

"Mom, wait. Why so early?"

"Oh. Going out for chores." That's odd. "Oh honey. A police officer brought you here last night. Did something happen?" She winked. Oh this womaaaan.

"I fell asleep in his car on the way here. Super tired."

"Oh." She winked again then left.

My phone chirped.

Busy at work?

I replied.

No, not really

After a minute, I got a new message from him.

may i visit you?

I felt my heart speed up as I texted him my office address. I don't know if visitors are allowed there. But what the heck.

---

I have been sharing my longing looks at the clock, at my phone and at the door for the last 4 hours. I missed lunch break just in case he comes. I was getting tired of waiting but I'll give him a couple of minutes more..

"Nif!" Hannah called.

"Huh?" I asked but not taking my eyes off the door.

"This is the problem with you. You have one, once in a decade, and you overdo things. Give the guy some slack."

"Ahuh."

I heard Hannah sigh. She's wrong. When the one thing you're waiting for for years has come, you'll do everything not to lose it.

Oh well. He's probably stuck at work. I stood up and went to the elevator. While waiting, I checked my phone.

waiting for someone?

At that moment, my head became so heavy and my neck felt numb. Luke might be in danger right at this moment. I looked around. It helps me to think, I guess. I placed my hands on my stomach. I'm feeling so much stress right now. I dialed Luke.

Ring. Ring. Call ended.

Damn it! I entered the elevator and punched first floor. I have to go to the police station.

Ring. Ring. Ring. Call ended.

I got in my car and drove to the station. My phone kept on re-dialing Luke. Each time the call ended, my palpitation was getting stronger. Damn it, Nif. You're going to save someone but you'll end up dead first. I slapped myself hard.

I parked in front of the station and ran inside. An officer looked up from her paperworks and asked: "How may I help you, ma'am?"

"Is Officer Luke here?" I felt so exhausted and I was gasping for air.

The officer noticed and stood up. "Are you ok?"

"Yes." I stopped for a while and took a deep breathe. "Where is Officer Luke Angeles?"

She walked out of her desk and led me to an office. She looked at me with worried eyes and left.

I looked through the opaque window of the office and saw a blurry image of two people. One had his head on the table and the other was standing up.

I was sweating like a pig as I pushed the door open. I held my breathe as the janitor yelled with surprise. Luke, who was sleeping, jerked his head up and looked at me with surprised eyes.

"Oh, I am sorry Sir Luke. She surprised me."

"No, no, Olly. It's fine." Then Luke looked at me and smiled. I was stuck in my spot but I smiled back.

When the janitor left, I found myself breathing properly.

"Sit down, Nif. Are you ok? You look like you ran from a very hungry very ugly zombie." He stood up, got a glass of water and offered it to me.

I managed to smile. "I thought you were in danger.."

"Why?"

"You were not answering my calls." I looked down. "And, he knew I was waiting for you.."

"Waiting for me?"

I looked at him. Did he forget? "You said you'll go to my office today."

His face became stiff. "Nif, I lost my phone."

My eyes widen. I can't believe this. I sent my office address to a thief. "Since when?"

"After I brought you to your house. Why, Nif? What happened?"

I was about to tell him when my phone chirped.

I already know where you work Jennifer. u dont have to text me your office address 

I felt my hands tremble. "Your phone was stolen by my stalker, Luke."