I sat at my desk, working as usual. I tiredly take off my glasses and rub my temple. I look at the missing girl in the picture. She's been missing for about ten years. Even before I started working at this job. I just started working here. The case was about to be closed, and she was going to be assumed to be dead. But I quickly took the case. She was about my age when she went missing. We were both eleven. And we were best friends.
Ever since then, I started to dedicate my time in trying to find her. Though it might be pointless, I'll still try. Whether she's actually alive or not.
I put my glasses back on, rereading the case.
Lapis Lazuli, age eleven. Blue eyes, brown hair, tan skin. About 5"1. She was last seen at Homeworld Junior High School.
I look at the clues that were found that day. It was a note left by Lapis... it read:
"I won't be seen for awhile. I had to run away. Things have gotten... difficult in the house.
...
I want one person to be the one to find me. Here's a clue for her. Don't try looking because only she can find me.
I am at where we first met, remember our little bet? I found you when you frowned and cried, and I came to help, I really tried. I befriend this shy little girl, and your frown turned into a nice smile.
I hope that helps. I hope to see you again one day.
-Lapis Lazuli"
...I need to find her. I... this... it all sounds so familiar. Is she talking about me..? When we first met... a bet? Found crying... shy little girl.... friends. She's... she's talking about me! I remember the day we met like it was yesterday.
I sat by the alleyway , struggling to muffle my cries. I heard light footsteps coming towards me, and I tried to cower and hide.
I saw a girl about my age come towards me. She looked at me with a sympathetic look on her face. She sat down to me, smiling at me softly. I only look back with my sad look.
"What's your name," asked the girl,"My name is Lapis Lazuli."
"Peridot," I reply with my cracked, raspy voice.
"Why so sad, Peridot?"
"Kids keep making fun of me... they called me four-eyes and freckle face... said I was ugly..."
"Don't listen to 'em! I think you're perfect the way you are!"
"No I'm not..." I said with a slight blush on my face.
"I have a bet for you. If I make you smile, you HAVE to agree with me," Lapis proposed.
"Okay..."
The girl made me smile. She poked me with a goofy look on her face, repeating, "Perfect Peri"
"Ahah! I made you smile! You ARE perfect!"
"Fine..." I replied, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. She gave me a big hug. I hesitantly hug back, enjoying being in the arms of my new friend.
...
The alley... The alley! She should be there! I quickly run to my car and drive to all the alley's I could find. No luck so far... It was getting dark already too... One more before I call it a night, I park my car in front of the alley and look around.
After finding nothing, I angrily yell, kicking the air, collapsing on the alleyway floor. I laid against the wall, crying out of frustration.All of a sudden, I feel a hand rest on my shoulder. I don't move but I look at the person. The person was a woman about 5"6, 5"7. She sat down next to me and put an arm around me.
"Why the long face, friend," She asked.
I looked closely at her face and realize. It's her. My eyes widen and more tears fall down my face.
"Where have you been..?"
"Roaming. I come here every night to see if you finally came."
I hug her and cry into her shoulder. She hugged back, stroking my hair with one hand, and I ask, "Why'd you have to leave me alone... you idiot.."
"Family problems.. I saw things I shouldn't have. Things would've happened to me if I didn't go. I should've told you... I'm sorry..."
I hugged her tighter, "It's okay Lapis... I'm just glad you're alive..."
"Ten years, huh? It's been quite awhile..."
"Haha... yeah.... I noticed you cut and dyed your hair," I said," I like it better now. It suits you pretty well."
We stop hugging, and we just sit against the alleyway wall.
"Thanks Peri."
"No problem Lapis. Hey, uh... you got somewhere to stay? I was wondering if maybe... you'd like to stay with me.. I mean, if you have nowhere else to stay..."
"U-um, yeah! Why not?"
"O-okay! Let's go!"
I stood up, but before I could start walking to my car, Lapis took my hand, and held it in hers. I felt my cheeks heat up, sweat dripping down my face.
Lapis smiled at me like she did ten years ago. I smiled back, then walking to the car with her, only letting go when we went inside the car. My hand felt cold now, her hand had a nice warmth to it. I ignored the cold for now, starting up my car, driving to my house. I stop the car and park it. I look at Lapis once again, and I could feel my eyes start to water. I wipe the tears before they could trickle down my face.
I guess Lapis saw the tears, so she got out of the car, and went around to the driver's side of the car. She opened the car door, picking me up. I squirm and blush heavily as I've never been picked up since I was young. She brought me to my house, opening my door with ease.
"Your door was unlocked.. that's dangerous.."
She seemed to shrug it off, as she brought me to my room, laying down with me on the bed. She laid separate to me, respecting my space. Though I didn't want the space between us, it was for a reason.
"Have a good night Peridot.. I'm sorry about the trouble..."
That was the last thing I heard before I fell asleep. You were worth the time it took to find you..
