Almost Home [Halted]

| F O U R |

I enter the store and keep my bag in the staff-room. Ensuring that my uniform is perfect and so is my hair, as well as my face flawless and makeup in place, I go out and straight to the counter.

"Good morning, Demetria." Charles says, followed by Amber. "Morning, guys." I put quite an effort into a shabby smile, which luckily, they didn't notice was fake.

"Constancia isn't coming in today?" Amber asks as she places fresh muffins on a tray to be displayed behind the glass counter.

Lost in my own depressed world, I hadn't noticed that my best friend wasn't around. She was never the one to be late to work. Even if she were sick, she wouldn't miss a day.

"Cia hasn't come yet? I tried calling her last night as well, but she didn't answer." I said, slight worry reflecting in my voice.

"I hope she's alright. Why don't you go and check on her? Charles and I will take care of the orders till you're back. Besides, Hyacinthia will be here soon." Amber's lips form into a bright smile.

"Cinthia's back from her honeymoon?" I giggle.

"Finally. Hopefully she isn't pregnant already, given how energetic that woman is." Amber rolls her eyes, causing Charles to snicker.

"Anyway, I'll go and check on Cia. I'll be back in approx. 2-3 hours." I grab two cups of the Starbucks signature hot chocolate and my bag, and walk towards the door.

"Take your time, girl. We have you covered." Amber winks at me.

"Love you, Amber." I wave and walk out of the store.

I stop a taxi and get into it. As I was almost nearing Cia's building, I check kik.

Demxtria (8:24AM):
Morning, C. Are you okay?
Didn't see you at work and was worried so,
I'm coming home, okay?
Be there in 5. x

I sigh and lock my phone.

About ten minutes later, I find the cab stopped right under her building. I quickly pay and thank him, and make my way to the elevator.

Once I reach the 14th floor, I knock on her door. No one answers, so I knock again. Her bell wasn't on, so, I couldn't quite ring it. I unlock my phone and call her.

"The number you're trying to call is currently switched off or out of the coverage area. Please try later." and the message starts to repeat again, when I disconnect the phone.

"I'll try a few more times. If she doesn't open the door still, I'll leave." I sigh and knock again. Still no answer. I try twice more. But the response never changed. No one opened the door.

Cia stayed alone, so I couldn't really call her parents up and ask. She didn't even share the apartment with anyone, neither did she have a spare key for me to keep.

I toss my finished hot chocolate in the dustbin and turn around to leave, when I hear voices nearing her door from inside.

"Finally." I sigh and stand in front of the door, waiting for it to be opened.

I hear a masculine voice mumble "Who can it be so early?" and Cia reply "Maybe the bread guy."

"Must be Cia's secret boyfriend she keeps talking about," I giggle softly, "I can finally meet him."

The door unlocks twice and slowly opens with a cringe-worthy creaking sound.

"Good Mo—" I pause and my eyes widen. My eyes start tearing up like a pipe that was broken and leaking but kept under control by tying something around it, which was now opening up.

"Scout?!" I yell in shock.

Scout stood there, just as shocked to see me and half naked, with just the pizza boxers I had gifted him for his 21st birthday. Cia stood behind him, with eyes widened, messed up hair and all she wore was a bathrobe, with her neck area exposed, clearly showing her cleavage and proving the point that she was wearing absolutely nothing underneath.

Cia begins walking towards me, saying, "Dems, I can explai—"

"What is left to be explained, Constancia?!" I interrupt, yelling. A tear rolls down my left cheek, followed by many more on either sides.

"Huh?! How could you do this, Constancia? How?! I thought we were family. I thought you freaking cared for me! And you, Scout?!" I had already begun crying, my voice got shaky and I slapped her hand away when she tried to place it on my elbow.

"I can't.. I just.." I run into the elevator and press 'G' simultaneously followed by the '>| |<' button.

Last thing I know was, they both ran to the lift, calling out to me. But it was too late; the lift had already closed, with me leaning against one side and crying.