Disappeared

He stood up and ran inside, not giving me time to react.  

“Lucas! Where are you going?” I screamed following him inside and found him leaving.

“What’s wrong with him?” Mom asked, frowning her eyebrows. 

“I’m sorry but we’ll also take our leave. Thank you for the dinner.” Jenifer said getting up and both of them ran towards the door and left, not giving us a chance to reply.

“What’s wrong with them....? Did you guys fight?” 

“No! Not at all, he suddenly had a headache and ran away.” I replied, rubbing my forehead.

“Strange, wasn’t he ok an hour ago?” 

“He was perfect but he suddenly started screaming and then…. ran away.” I was confused.

“Forget it. You can ask him tomorrow at school.” She sighed and started cleaning the room.

“I planned a movie night and a few fun games but he ruined it.” I mumbled loud enough for her to hear.

“It’s okay. You can watch movies anytime.” I just hummed at her words helping her clean.

Next day

I searched every corner of the school but couldn’t find him. I was worried, thinking how severe his headache could be to skip school. I tried calling him but couldn’t reach. 

I rushed to his home right after school and rang the bell. His guardian Marie who was probably in her 50’s opened the door.

“Hi granny.” I greeted her with a smile.

“Oh Mel! It’s been a long time. How are you?” She pulled me inside with a bright smile.

“I’m as fine and beautiful as always. What about you?”

“You know that I am always in my perfect state.” She giggled and motioned me to sit on the couch.

“Yeah! I know. By the way, where is Lucas?” I got to the point.

“You don’t know?” She looked surprised.

“No, I don’t. And his phone is also unreachable.” I replied with a nervous laugh, as it was the first time I was asking someone about Lucas. 

“He left with his parents at midnight. Right after they returned. I thought you knew.” She explained.

“What? He left with his parents?” I couldn’t believe what she said.

“Yes, and they’re gone forever.”  

“No! That’s not possible. He never wanted to go to his parents. How can he suddenly change his mind? And what about his studies? He can’t change school just like that, in the middle of nowhere. I’m sure he’ll come back.” I tried to calm down. There was no way I’m going to believe her. It must be one of his pranks.

“They said they’ll speak to the principal over the phone. And…..” She paused. “And I was his guardian only until he’s 18.” She started fidgeting her fingers.

“And what does that mean?” I was beyond confused. 

“His parents wanted me to be his guardian only until he’s 18. But I never thought they’ll take him away right on his 18th BIRTHDAY.” She sighed, sadness was clearly visible on her face.

“He never told me about it.” I was disappointed.

“He didn’t know. He found out yesterday, when his parents came to take him away. He rebelled and ran away, to your home but they followed him. Later when they came back, he agreed.” She looked up with tears in her eyes. “And now he’s gone forever!” She tried her best to smile but failed.

“I…I need to go. Mum must be waiting.” I stood up hanging my bag on my shoulder. Whatever I heard was too much for me to take in. I needed some time to clear my mind. I stormed out with teary eyes, rubbing them off with my sleeve.

I knew that her mom was at work. I ran to my room, throwing myself on bed. Now that I was alone, I couldn’t stop myself from balling out. I’m honestly not a person to cry easily but that day I cried until I had no more tears left and drifted to sleep.          

It had been 3 months since Lucas disappeared. I tried my best to find him but couldn't. It was like he vanished into thin air.

It was my birthday tomorrow. Mom decided to throw a small party to cheer up my mood. Although I wasn’t feeling like it, I didn’t stop her.

We cleaned the house and decorated it with flowers and colourful lights. Some of Mom’s friends arrived earlier to help us with the chores. They were easygoing and cheerful and all of them were about my mom’s age. I felt a little better after seeing the house lit up with their chattering and laughter. 

It was about 8 in the evening when we were done with everything. I went back to my room and took a bath as I could smell dust all over my body, wore something decent and comfortable and came down. 

Everything went smoothly, I was so bored without Lucas. Everything reminded me of him. I never imagined I’d be celebrating my birthday without my best friend.

Now, since most of the guests were gone, I picked the dirty dishes from the table, dumped them in the sink and went upstairs while mom was busy gossiping about her stinky superior’s affair. The moment I entered my room, a cold breeze hit my face. I don’t remember opening the windows.

‘Maybe mom did it’ I thought and closed them. When I turned back, I saw a white envelope with red thread wrapped around it kept on my desk. I wondered what it was. 

Curiosity killed the cat, this proverb was probably phrased specially for me. I opened it, and my eyes widened at the familiar handwriting. 

...Happy birthday Mel,...

...           Hope you’re doing well. Sorry for disappearing without a word. I’ll explain everything to you tomorrow. Meet me at Crimson cliff at 10 a.m....

It was Lucas for sure.

Author:

I know this chapter was kinda boring. But the next one, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***