Abducted

23 days: More to the story

SATURDAY: DECEMBER 3rd

I sipped my coffee, sitting cross legged in my desk chair, watching as Demi's eyes fluttered open. She immediately groaned, clutching her obviously throbbing head. Her hair was a frizzy mess of tangles that looked like a lion's mane when she sat up. "Good morning, sunshine. I think you need this more than I do," I whispered, handing her my cup of coffee and an aspirin. "I love you," she said popping the aspirin in her mouth and washing it down with the coffee. I stood up, pulling my hair into a messy bun, and finally sitting down on the edge of the bed next to my very hungover friend.

A knock on my door turned my attention away from Demi. "Come in," I said as softly as I could. My dad popped his head in, covering his eyes. "Dad I said 'come in.' Neither of us are naked," I assured him with a chuckle. "Just making sure. But, my boss invited me to a retreat to Napa Valley. I'm taking Jamie and your mother," he explained. I gave him a look, indicating that I needed him to explain further. "He awarded me the trip due to my high numbers last month. For some reason he gave me a trip for three, so I decided to bring your mother as well. Maybe she'll find her second husband," he joked before closing the door. Demi and I look at each other, ultimately deciding to ignore whatever just happened.

My mom, Jason, Jamie, and my dad were downstairs with luggage. Jason carried the luggage to my dad's car as my parents and Jamie ate breakfast. "Just in time. We're about to leave," my dad said, getting up. He gave both Demi and I a warm hug. "I'll miss you girls. We'll be back soon," he said placing a hand on each of our cheeks. My mom followed behind with tighter hugs and a kiss on each of our foreheads. "The kiddies are with grandma across town. Call me if any of my big kids need me," my mom said brushing a piece of loose hair behind my ear. Jamie put their dirty dishes in the dishwasher then picked up her purse. She gave us a half smile and a nod before following my mom and dad towards the door. They all waved as they walked out. I watched as they all made their way to the car through the window. Jamie was hugging Jason, kissing and pinching his cheeks as if he were a child. I could hear her annoying, high-pitched voice telling him how much she loves him. "I'll miss you so much, my sweet boy," she pouted. Demi and I  rolled our eyes, playfully gagging towards each other. Jason walked back inside the house with red lip prints on both cheeks. "Nice makeup," Demi teased with a snort. "Nice puke stain, Red," Jason shot back. I laughed at them as they playfully glared at each other.

Three loud bangs on the door startled the three of us. Jason stood up, signaling for Demi and I to stay seated. We watched as he cautiously made his way towards the door. The concern leaving his face as he peaked out of the window. "It's just your slutty friend," he said as he opened the door. We walked over to the door, taking Jason's place as he walked up to his room. Minji awkwardly looked around, avoiding eye contact. She nervously bit her nails.

"What's up? I thought you'd be at the party," I finally said, breaking the silence. "I was. I just showed up after you left apparently. I really wanted to talk," Minji said back with half smile. I moved aside, giving her room to enter. The air felt thick as we all silently made our way into the kitchen. Minji sat on the opposite side of the table, facing Demi and I. "What are we talking about?" Demi asked with an eyebrow raised. "I wanted to tell you about my trip," Minji replied, looking down at her lap. She took a deep breath, running her hands through her green and black hair. The sun shining on her face reflected off of her piercings, causing her lip, nose, and eye brows to shine a little brighter. Demi and I silently waited for her to talk.

"I was in Southern Alberta. My dad had a job assignment there to build some cabin in some forest for a client. The client paid for my dad and his family to stay in this motel about twenty miles from the woods," she began. "Canada. Why didn't you tell us you were going there?" I asked, resting my elbow on the table. "It was supposed to be a secret I guess. The client paid for everything from an off-shore account, so there's zero paper trail," she replied back. Demi leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. I watched as her restless leg syndrome began to take over. "What's so special about the cabin?" Demi asked followed by a yawn. "That's what I couldn't figure out. Dad kept everything under wraps including the client's name, the plans for the cabin, and even the exact location of the cabin. I never got to see it," Minji answered, shaking her head. "Me and Don just stayed in the motel the whole time. There was nothing for miles," she added.

I watched her body language closely. Minji has three main tells when she lies. Usually she would tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. Other times she would blink rapidly or she would start stuttering. Not once did she touch her hair or blink more than the average person. She spoke clearly as if she rehearsed this conversation or maybe she was just telling the truth. I honestly don't think she's lying. So far.

"You spent a month in a motel with no communication with anyone except for your dad and step dad. Why not just text us an update at least?" I asked, tossing my hands up and shrugging my shoulders. "I wanted to. There wasn't any wifi at the motel. I couldn't talk to anyone unless I used the landline," Minji replied, gagging. "And you don't memorize numbers," I added, nodding my head. "Well, what made you want to tell us this now?" Demi asked, leaning forward, finally intrigued by the conversation. "I found out a little bit of information from this voicemail I overheard my dad listening to in his office. The voice from the phone sounded like a guy with a really cracky voice. As if he were going through puberty. He thanked my dad for his work and hoped his 'donation' was enough for his silence about the whole operation. Apparently the cabin is meant to be used for something important, but I didn't think much of it at a time. That was until I heard Jay's voice for the first time when I got back. Finally, it clicked," Minji said running her fingers through her hair once again. I couldn't tell if that was her way of tucking her hair behind her ear. What she just said sounded so unbelievably crazy. Jay? Are you kidding me? "That's crazy! Where would he get the money to do any of that?" I asked, instantly getting defensive. "You had me up until that," I added. Minji shook her head, "I don't know. I've been trying to find a way to ask, but I didn't want to jump to conclusions or do anything to get my dad into trouble. I've only found out a few things. Do you guys remember telling me about that girl from-"

Minji was cut off by a knock at the door. "Hold that thought," I said, holding up my finger. I made my way to the door, opening it to see Jay's smiling face. "Speak of the devil," I accidentally said out loud. "Were you just talking about me?" he asked with a chuckle. I froze as I thought of what to say. "Hey there, Jaysean. Love that name by the way. Where is this Ciggy?" Demi chimed in, coming to my recuse. "He's coming over later. I actually came because I wanted to invite you two over for a bonfire tonight. Just a nice little hang out for the four of us," he beamed. Looking at this sweet guy in front of me made me feel like Minji was definitely lying. "Absolutely," I said without hesitation. "Yeah we'll see you tonight," Demi added. Jay smiled and nodded before turning to walk away. I closed the door, internally screaming with excitement.

Minji walked up to us, causing my internal excited screams to halt. "Bianca, I don't know what his goal is, but I have a bad feeling. Jay is not who he says he is. Well he is, but he's not telling you everything," Minji fretted. I began shaking my head in confusion. "What does that even mean?" I questioned, furrowing my eyebrows. "It means I can't exactly say what I want to say because it's not my place but it is my place as your best friend to warn you about people's bad intentions," she answered, placing her hands firmly on my shoulders. Demi ducked under Minji's arm, stepping in between us. "You mean you're one of her best friends," she corrected. Minji rolled her eyes, gently pushing Demi out of the way, ignoring her remark. "Ask him yourself," Minji finally said before opening the door and leaving.

Demi and I looked at each other. We both knew we were thinking the same thing. "Ask him what?" we both said in unison. "I mean I can tell she wants to tell me something, but why not just come out and say it?" I asked throwing my hands up and letting them slap my thighs. "I feel like she left us with more questions than answers. Oh well. I try not to dwell on anything Minji says," Demi shrugged, already dismissing the entire conversation we just had. She began walking up the stairs to my room, most likely going to find an outfit for tonight. I stayed downstairs, leaning my back against the front door. I replayed Minji's story over and over again trying to figure out the point. After all, she wouldn't withhold information without a reason. I just hope for the sake of our friendship that reason is really good.