Winged Lights

Second

He didn't come.

Lance promised to pick me up for our dinner date.

But he didn't.

He haven't even called, or even left me a message. I tried to call him but his phone cannot be contacted. I went into his apartment but there's no one in there. His neighbors said they hadn't seen him come back from work.

What happened?

I didn't know. I tried to shrug it off, but it was no use.

I adjusted my coat as I crossed the road. Snow is starting to fall and the cold is definitely freezing.

I entered the pastry shop and went directly towards the cashier.

"One flat white and a cheesecake please," I ordered.

The woman on the cash register smiled at me before barking orders at the baristas. "That would be 20 dollars," she said cheerfully.

I know I should return the cheerfulness. I should also smile in return. However, I did nothing of those as I paid her. I got my coffee and cake without a word and settled on the table at a corner.

I picked at my food and drank ever so slowly, sighing every single minute. I kept on calling and texting Lance, but every unreplied text and unanswered call added to the building anxiety inside of me.

Is he ignoring me purposely? No, that cannot be. He's not like that at all.

But what? Why?

I finished my cheesecake and drank my coffee quickly as I hurried out into the streets. I just remembered that Nikki's all alone in the apartment.

I looked at my watch. 11:23

It's almost midnight.

Heck.

I have completely forgotten about my beloved companion because of my pain.

Now I regretted not bringing my car. The pastry shop is just near my place so I figured I should just walk while assembling my thoughts.

How did I walk and eat too long?

I was cursing myself but then something made me stopped.

I do not know what's happening, but I actually felt something strange. I didn't hear any specific indication, like footsteps or anything, but I just know I'm not imagining things.

I felt the hairs on the back of my head stood up like the way it always does whenever I'm being watched or when there's danger coming.

The cold night air sipped into my bones and I shivered.

Sshhh..

I turned abruptly and looked behind me, my heart slamming into my throat. I didn't hear any sound but I felt it in the air, sensed it in the wind.

Sshh.

Someone's following me.

I looked around again and found nothing but the deserted street I'm currently in. Still, I could feel the hairs on my nape prickled with careful awareness as fear started to bubble inside of me.

I quickened my steps and hurried my movements. I'm already near my apartment. I can make it.

I knew it was crazy but I could actually feel a pair of eyes digging holes in my back.

I rushed into my apartment and immediately locked the doors. I sighed in relief when I fully realized I'm already inside my safe haven. I quickly checked all the windows and the back door, locked them all too.

It's a mad notion but it's better to be sure.

"Nik?" I called out and looked around for my four-legged friend. I sat down on the couch and called again. "Nikki, babe, I'm here."

Moments later, a big Labrador dog came out from the direction of the kitchen and snuggled up on my lap. I smiled, Nikki's soft fur calming my nerves.

"There you are," I cooed. "How are you? It's almost midnight. You want snacks, hmm?"

I stood up and headed to the kitchen, with Nikki following behind. I opened the refrigerator and reached for the watermelon slices I made earlier. I put some slices on Nikki's bowl and settled back on the couch.

I flipped through the channels and decided to watch HBO, trying so hard to completely forget the feeling of fear I had earlier.

I cleaned up a little after finishing the watermelons, washed my plate and Nikki's bowl. Nikki and I cuddled on the couch together for a half an hour more before I got tired and decided to retire to bed.

But before I sleep, I decided to try calling Lance again. I tried so many times but it is still unattended. I already sent him so many messages but there's not even a single reply from him.

What could have happened? Is he sick? Did something happen to him?

After dialing hospitals and police station around town, I gave up. I also tried to call our mutual friends and Lance's workmates but there's no one who can give me answers.

I will be sure to find out tomorrow.