Oceans Apart

Prologue

[Annika]

The streets are alive with rushing bodies. People ducking for cover to escape the rain. Drenched to the core and jogging though the downpour, Annika weaves her way through the thinning crowd, hurrying home. Her curls bounce lively as she sprints down the puddled street, checking her watch with an urgent frequency.

I’m so late!

She scolded herself in her mind as she turned into her street and picked up her pace from a steady jog to a full out run. Her steps landed heavily on the slippery streets, splashing water on to her and wetting her further. The keys slip from her watery grasp as she tries to unlock the garage gate and she grunts out in frustration.

They’re gonna kill me.

She thinks as she ducks under the partially opened gate and rushes to her house. The rain keeps her loving pets at bay allowing her a clean and quick break for the door. As soon as she steps inside the sound of her Skype ringtone blares at her, demanding her attention. To her luck, mom and dad aren’t home as yet so Annika speeds down the hallway and into her room, clicking the answer button as she slumps into her chair.

“I told you she wasn’t home yet.” Sariah points out and Annika chuckles as she strips off her soaked jacket.

“Dang babe, where you been? You’re wet, wet and not in a fun way.” Priscilla adds and Annika rolls her eyes as she laughs.

“I can’t handle you Pri.” She answers as she pulls her curly mane into a loose ponytail.

“No one can,” Sariah chimes in and the trinity laughs in agreement.

“Sorry I’m late girls, I had to stay in to finish an assignment and it’s raining like crazy.” Annika justifies.

“It’s ok babe, we’re used to it by now.” Sariah points out playfully, referring to her friend’s frequent tardiness.

“Yep. If we had a cent for every time you were late we’d be rich enough to visit each other.” Pri added with a splash of light hearted sass.

“One day we will,” Annika assures her and a smile of solidarity is shared between them. Despite the evening hour on Annika’s side of the world, the live images on the screen show that the sun is still shining down on her companions. A longing tugs at her heart strings.

I wish I could hug them.

She tells herself and blinks to keep the tears away. She’s not usually a crier but with everything that’s been going on she’s been feeling a little overwhelmed. 

“So what assignment were you working on Nicky?” Pri enquired, snapping Annika out of her melodrama.

“Uh, English. Finally done,” she answers plastering a smile on to her face.

“Good, you can get some sleep tonight.” Sariah points out.

“Yes I agree Ria. You’ve been sleep deprived for too long babe. It’s not healthy.” Pri adds.

“Trust me as a psych student I know. The drained state of my body is just emphasis.” Nicky agrees.

“And your insomnia is because of school work right?” Ria enquires and Nicky sighs knowing exactly what she’s asking.

“Nicky?” Pri presses and Annika knows she’s in a corner.

“Work may have something to do with it.” She admits, not bothering to lie. There are no emojis to hide behind on a video chat.

“They still haven’t found him?” Ria asks and Nicky shakes her head ‘no’.

“It’s only been two weeks. I still have hope. The woods behind the hospital are extensive so they probably haven’t searched it entirely. They’ll find him.” Nicky answers but the uncertainty hangs heavily on her words.