Close Enemy

Chapter 19

Christmas was just around the corner, Christmas spirit felt a bit dull this year I wasn't really in the mood to celebrate this year, the police had not found the killer yet this made me really uncomfortable.

I was in the living room assisting my mom design the Christmas tree which was placed close to the entrance of the house.

We arranged different ornaments round the tree, this wasn't the first Christmas we spent alone, it was a regular thing for us every year, but I used to spend the new year's with Joel most times, other times we would video call each other when we crossed to the new year's.

But this year I wasn't going to see him to wish happy new year's, I couldn't even video call him, this really broke my heart, but it hurt me more that the criminal gets to celebrate with his family.

Just when I was assisting my mom I remembered Brenda, we had not spoke ever since she sent me her account number, she didn't even call to ask if the money would still be sent, this made me really worried.

I excused myself from my mom's presence and went to the backyard to make a call to Brenda.

I called her number several times,  it rang but she didn't pick my calls.  I became very worried and decided to pay her parents a visit.

*******

Hours later I arrived at the Larson's residence, they lived in a cream mini duplex, the house had been decorated from the outside, I could feel the Christmas vibes from the way they decorated the outside.

I went ahead to knock on the door,  the door had opened, it was Grandpa paipai, Brenda's grandfather, I greeted him with ought most respect as he welcomed me into the house.

When I got into the house I met a  rowdy sitting room, I gave everyone general pleasantries.

I hoped to see Brenda amongst the crowd, but she wasn't there, l I went ahead and approached Mrs Lola, Brenda's mother.

We walked to the hallway of the house for some privacy. I had asked her if I could see Brenda, but I was shocked when she told me that Brenda wasn't home.

The whole family was gathered here and Brenda was always known for being in the Christmas spirit, so why would she not be around.

"Please Mrs Larson when last did you hear from her, also did she tell you why she wouldn't be around"

"well she got a new job at Oklahoma months ago, so she used to visit sometimes, but she said she might not be around for Christmas"

"when last did you hear from her"

"well we spoke on the phone like two weeks ago ever since we've just been chatting on rear occasions, is anything the problem?"

"well I tried calling today, her phone rang but she didn't pick up "

"she must be so busy with work"

"okay, I guess I'll be leaving now"

"oh no wait, have something before you leave. Before I forget congratulations on your pregnancy"

"Thank you"

After I left Brenda's place I felt really uneasy, I called Brenda's phone over again, still she didn't pick. Immediately after I called I get a text from her.

Sorry Allie can't talk now,  I'm at work I'm barely ever free.  Love you

After I had received her message I felt at ease, but something was different, Brenda wasn't the type to send an I love you to her friends.
This was the first time and it felt good.