Find me

Chapter 25

It takes us twenty minutes to finally get back to my room. Dad gave me his present and made sure that I'll open it when they left.

I curl in my bed, holding his gift, curious to know what is inside it. I gently unwrap it. I can't wait. And finally, I opened it. I was stunned by its shine. Wow. It's a pendant of red crystal, Ruby. And it looks incredible. I never know that dad has great taste in jewellery.

Beneath it, there is a letter. Of course, it was from my dad. I opened it.

'Dear Alice,

I hope you like it. It's not brand new but it's precious. Now you turn 18, I don't believe my little baby has grown up this fast. Alice, there is something which I have never told you before, and I have no courage to tell you on face, so I am writing it down. This pendant belongs to your mother. This is the last thing which she left and I know, she left it for you. And Alice I believe your mother is still alive.

I still remember that horrible night. You were only four years. I was at the café and you and Andriana were at home. We were a happy family. Andriana was so happy when you were born. But that night has ruined everything.

When I returned home, the house was dark. I knew something is not right. When I noticed broken glass under my shoe, chairs overturned, a lamp was broken, and our framed pictures were shattered and hanging in a corner.

I called your mother several times, but no response, I ran down the hall and into the kitchen, searched for her in every possible place but she wasn't there, as I looked on the 2nd floor, thankfully you were there, safe, playing in your room. I let out a breath.

I asked our neighbours; if they heard something or saw something. But they also didn't know anything. I filed a police complaint but got no response from them. They searched the whole city, but she was nowhere to be found. I've waited for her for about two years, hoping that wherever she is, she would be fine and come back to us. But she never returned. And I couldn't able to handle everything by myself, the café and you. I need someone who could take care of you. Since you are the only one left by my side and I don't want to lose you too. And that is when I decided to get married again just for your sake.

And trust me, Alice, Angela loves you a lot. I hope you give her a chance. She cares for you.

I'm sorry for not letting you know all these things till now and sorry to hurt you. But you were a child and I thought it would be better if you know everything when you grow up. I hope you understand me

                                                   Love dad.'

I didn't realize that tears are continuously running down my cheeks. My chest is tightened, and my heart is contracting. The tears well endlessly in my eyes and fall so quickly that I can't even see anything.

'She's alive' I croak. It is beginning to hurt when I think about it. She's alive, she may be in danger, maybe she needs us, maybe she's waiting for us. And what are we doing, playing this happy family drama? My fingers curl into a fist so hard that it starts hurting. I'll never forgive him. I hate him for lying to me, for forgetting my mom who needs him the most but instead of finding her. He got married and play this bullshit family drama.

Wait! If I was there too at the time of the incident, why don't I remember anything? Why?

Tears are still streaming down I need to find her I told myself And I will at any cost.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I hadn't realised when I fall asleep while crying. I stare at the ceiling for a little while, wondering what time it is. I glance at the window, still dark.

With the moonlight streaming into my room and cold wind blowing. I decided to get up and glance down to see the clock, it was only 2 am. Wait. Besides that there is a box, perfectly wrapped again with ribbon but this time it is blue. I watched it for a moment, wondering when I put it here or who had given this. I don't remember it. There is no name, without any second thought, I opened it, and was surprised to see a pair of round shape earrings of blue crystal.

I blinked my eyes, gazing at it curiously, wondering who it could be. I notice a handwritten note under it.

'Happy birthday.

I endure your pain,

And never let you hurt,

Nobody noticed the broken pieces inside me but you did,

You are the one who holds me in the rain,

I am your slave until my last breath,

And protect you till the end.'

My pulse increased, and my heartbeat raced at its peak. Nobody ever wished me like this. But still, it feels familiar. Like I can feel every word written over it. My mind is awhirl to know who gave me this, want to know the meaning behind it.