Frozen Yogurt

11. The Note

It's 2am and Bella finally decides she needs to go and as I'm about to go to sleep my phone vibrates across my bedside table.
This person has the nerve, the audacity, to hit me up so early in the morning. Best be having a good reason.
I look who it is before I answer the call. It's my mother.
"Mommy? What's wrong?'
"I didn't know if you would be awake but I'm glad you are. Your father and I have received a ransom note."
Just at the sound of that my head begins to spin. A ransom note? Why? How much?

My head was crowded with so many unanswered questions.
"Becca?"
"Becca!"
"You still there?"
"Yeah I'm still here, I'm coming over a bit later to see this note. We should probably get some sleep."
"Okay, see you later then. Bye Becca"
"Bye Mommy."
I tried so hard to sleep that night and push the thoughts of this note to the back of my mind but it kept resurfacing every time. It made it impossible to drift into my subconscious so I lay awake staring at the ceiling letting all my thoughts bounce around in my mind.

I eventually ended up calling Him and I thank the lord that he was awake. I told him everything as well as all my thoughts and concerns. He eased my fears as if he were right next to me and wanted to come back early to be with me but I said no. He should be there and I will be waiting for his return.

I must have fallen asleep at some point because when I opened my eyes again I saw the sunlight spilling through the gap in my curtains. I sighed as I checked the time and messaged my mother that I would be there at around 11. I took a shower as if it could wash away all my doubts and fears but to my disappointment it didn't work. As soon as I had something to eat I was on my way to investigate this so called ransom note.

When I arrived at my parents house the first thing I said after I greeted them was "show me the note". They hesitantly handed me a folded piece of paper. I could tell this person was not your average criminal, the note was not handwritten so police wouldn't be able to identify the handwriting, it was printed out and it read:

Your daughter Everleigh is safe however she will remain captive unless you deliver a sum of R77,500 to this address:

13 Sherwood Road Horalow Parks, Idris

If you report us to the authorities, try to find us or refuse to pay us there will be consequences and harm might come to your beloved child. You have 72 hours starting now to meet our demands.

I had to read it over about 3 times and the figure of R77,500 kept nagging at the back of my mind. I knew my parents didn't have that kinda money just laying around. How were we supposed to get 70 grand in 3 days? It's almost impossible. I sunk into the couch like a deflated balloon. What do they mean by "consequences and harm"? Harm in what way? What kinda consequences? I couldn't think straight so I got up and excused myself and went to stand outside to try and clear my mind.

After what I felt was long enough I went back inside and asked my parents what we should do. They mention maybe hosting a fund raising event which I barely hear because I'm not really focused on what they are  saying. I mumble a "yeah" or "okay" when they ask for my opinion. I let them know that I'm leaving and that we'll talk again the next day.
I feel like my body is here but my mind wanders elsewhere.

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Authors Note:

Hi y'all I know it's been a while and I apologize for that. This is a short chapter just to let you know I'm alive and I'll try my best to update again soon. 🦄