Real Love (Book I)

Chapter 25 (Finale)

~ 2 weeks later ~

*Aaliyah's P.O.V*

I sit back watching the news trying not to stress out too much. With all of this foolishness going on with Michael and I, I somehow managed to forget that my best friend is still missing. Tonya has been gone for a couple months now and it's driving me crazy. I don't understand where she could be. The media is just now starting to report on her disappearance and they've been trying to get in contact with me for a statement but I declined. Trying to express my confusion and sadness in front of cameras is way too stressful.

Lately, I've been staying in the guest house to give Michael and Lisa their space.

Honestly, their relationship is irrelevant to me at this point. Dr. Knox-Antonio, and I have been talking basically everyday since that visit to the hospital. He's a really sweet guy, which is why I wouldn't dare bring him into this awkward situation. I mean, he says he understands but it's still not the right time for us to date.

"What do you think happened to your friend?", Antonio asks.

"I'm not even sure. The same day I had last seen her is the same day she went missing... and the last person she was with, from my knowledge, is Cassidy-my other friend", I answer.

"That's very strange. Do you think Cassidy could've-"

"Do I think Cassidy could've what? They weren't fond of each other but neither of them would ever think about putting the other in harms way. Besides, the whole point of them leaving together that day was so that they could have a talk and set their differences aside", I say.

"You don't find it odd that the same day Tonya goes missing, just so happens to be the day that she hitched a ride from someone who despises her? When's the last time you talked to Cassidy?", he probes.

"The same day Tonya went missing...", I answer with a sigh, "maybe it's just a coincidence... I mean, Cass and I haven't been as close lately anyway."

"I know this isn't my business, but you should probably give this information to the police. If you don't, you could possibly get into trouble for withholding important information and it makes you look like a possible accessory to her kidnapping", he says.

"Wait, wait, wait, you can't just call this a kidnapping. The police and investigators haven't even defined it as that yet and they're the professionals", I respond.

"Yeah, the only reason they can't call it that is because they don't have the same amount of information as you. All they know is that some woman is missing. They don't know who she was last with, what she was wearing... nothing. Why won't you go to the police anyway?", he asks sounds a bit irritated.

I start to think. "Honestly, I'm scared. I wasn't the last person with her, but I know who did see her last and the more I think about the situation, the more guilty I look."

"Well, you have the possibility of looking guilty whether you tell or not, so you should just tell what you know", he says.

I hear a knock so I look toward the doorway to see Michael standing there.

"You're right. I'll call you back, Antonio", I say.

I hang up and direct my attention to Michael. "What do you need?"

"You're really talking to that Doctor guy?", he asks looking amused.

"Yes, I am. Is there a problem?", I answer.

He scoffs. "He's not even your type."

"Oh? So what is my type? I thought you were my type but we both see how that worked out...", I say.

He shakes his head and steps further into my room, now sitting on the edge of my bed. "I actually came in here because I overheard your conversation and I think you should talk to the police and the press."

"Did you overhear or were you eavesdropping? And why the press?", I ask.

"I was eavesdropping. But anyways, doing both would make you look a lot less suspect", he respond.

"You guys are right. I should speak to the police. But, as for the press... I'm not so sure", I say.

"Well, when are you gonna go?", he asks.

"Guess I'll go now. There's no point in waiting", I answer as I walk out of the room with him following behind me.

"Did you want me to go with you?", he asks.

"No, wouldn't want Lisa making any assumptions", I say rolling my eyes.

"What would she assume? She knows we're not together anymore so us going someplace won't bother her", he responds nonchalantly.

"Michael, you are so clueless. Women sometimes say that certain things don't bother them even when they do... and trust me, Lisa would not be okay with you going anywhere with me alone. She barely likes the fact that I'm still here... even though I was here first...", I inform.

He sighs. "Look, let's just go. I can handle her attitude."

I shrug and we both leave the room. But when we make it to the front door, we see Ginuwine standing there.

"Why are you here?", Michael asks.

"I know where Tonya is...", he answers.

"How? Where is she? Is she okay?", I ask frantically.

"I don't know exactly where she is and I'm not sure if she's okay, but I know who she's with. She's with Cassidy and Yuko. Cassidy told me a couple days ago", he answers.

"But why would she tell you...?", I ask confused.

"Look, we can answer all questions later. Right now we need to go to the police department and tell them everything we know immediately. Let's go!", Michael says.

We all hop in the designated SUV truck.

I really hope Tonya is alright. I'm so confused. How does Yuko know Cassidy? Why did they take Tonya? Why did Cassidy tell Ginuwine they had her? Nothing is making sense and then he says he doesn't know if she's okay... ugh, how did I let all this happen?