Chapter 2

Beyond the windows, the sun finished setting. Darkness gathered deep and close and silent. So we decide to went back home. We were heading out the double doors and down the wide porch steps. 

I feel the vibration coming to my pocket as I realize someone is calling. 

'Its mom'

 I took a glance against my wristwatch. It's already eight in the evening and it's past dinner time which is the reason why she keeps on bugging me. 

We left the cafeteria, Hilary's heels tripping across the polished hardwood. 

I am about to hop in my Geely LC GB M/T when I heard my tire explode. I immediately run towards the back of my car where I heard the explosion. 

"Flat tires?" Hilary asks and I nod to reply.

"Get inside the car, I'll accompany you," She said while pointing her index finger to her car. 

I slowly went inside her Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 GT Specs while drawing a smile on my face. Darn! I have to seize the moment. 

'Can you imagine how rich she is?'

Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 GT Specs cost four million which is my family can't afford. It has an engine of Blue Oval’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8, its displacement is 4,951 cc, transmission of 6-speed MT, or 10-speed AT, it has a horsepower of 435 and its most top speed is 250 km/h. 

Did I take research on it? 

Of course! 

Dream cars do exist, and they are in her garage. 

I took a glance at Hilary. Her face and body edging into enough starlight for me to see her beautiful eyes were seriously nailed at the main road. I am not a bisexual and mostly not a lesbian. I appreciate the beauty that was made by god. 

How lucky I am to have her as my best friend!? 

I comfortably seat and keep my gaze at the rare view mirror. 

Old people say, driving at night is dreadful and dangerous. Well, I might get agreed to it. But this doesn't stop me from driving at night. Driving at night is the action I want the most and want it to turn into a habit of mine. Driving in these hours makes me more relaxing and allows me to think in peace. It is generally cooler even with air conditioning, no sunburn on long drives. 

I see the appeal of driving at night. The mostly empty streets, the freedom of not having to worry about other drivers. The dim glow of street lights or traffic lights. The empty streets with the flicker of lightning bugs and the moonlight illuminating your surroundings. In short, I like it because it’s a time when the rest of your world is usually asleep so you feel more alone in a good way. 

As we arrive, I went down her car and drop off a simple goodbye to Hilary.

I gently open the door until my dog surprised me with its bark. 

"Hello Ash, Did you miss me? " I said while stroking its hair. 

"Sweety is that you?"

"It's me, mom!" 

"Oh my! Les my daughter! How's your day? You said you'll come home before dinner time! " she said while pouting so I chuckle.

"Sorry about that," 

My mom and Hilary is the only thing that I've got. When my father passed away, Hilary stands beside me. She cheers me up whenever I am sad. Their hugs and kisses were my best medicine. 

But Hilary is a different person I've been with. Unlike those other girls who were blessed by their beauty and power were thought too high on themselves. But Hilary? She stays humble and kind. In short, a perfect model to be proud of. 

"Come, I've cooked Rib eye steak with garlic butter just for you" 

I sat at the ladder back chairs which are next to the dining table. 

As my mom placed my meal in front of me, I started to pray and gently cut it 1 and a half inches apart. 

I was about to give it a bite until I feel the mouthwatering flavor all over my tongue. The taste of the juicy meat while combining it with garlic, butter, and a perfect amount of salt and pepper makes the meat more exciting. A simple ingredient but it makes it fancier. I give it a sniff before I take a bite. The aroma of rosemary goes well with the meat. It's soft, juicy, and chewy that makes me even more hungry. 

' YUMMY!! '

It's already past 11. After eating my dinner I decided to walk to the back of our house, just to digest the food I've eaten. Meanwhile, I walked my way to the bathroom to have a quick shower before going to bed. The cold water quickly numbed my body, as the water streamed down my body. But I didn't mind the cold sensation. I stormed out of the bathroom after I put on my pajamas. 

I lay down to the bed, looking at the ceiling for a bit while thinking nothing--not until I remember our conversation lately. 

"Why did she suddenly ask that question? Is there something that happens to her?" I asked myself while drowning myself in confusion. 

'Well, I guess not? She is still cheerful, which is what she usually does! I guess there is nothing bad that happened to her' 

On the morning of the fifth of September, I wake up with a headache. Even taking my head off the pillow made my head hurt like hell. 

"Sweety, it's time to wake up." mom said while opening the curtains. "What time is it?" I asked while narrowing my eyes. The sunlight was hurting my face so I blocked it using my hand. "8 am." 

I took a glance at the watch and saw that it's 8 am! I quickly took a nice shower for a better wake-up and to relieve my damn headache and put on my uniform. 

"Mom, I'm going to school now" I shouted. 

I'm about to leave the house when I realize I still haven't received any message from Hilary. At this time of the period, I always receive a text from her. "Is she busy?" I asked myself. 

I've arrived at my first subject but she's still wasn't around. "Where the heck could she possibly be? It's already at 9 o'clock. She has to be here before our class start" I tried to call her phone but she wasn't picking it up. And I even leave her a message but she didn't even bother to reply. I was about to leave the room when our professor suddenly came. 

It's already past noon till our class has finally ended. I took my phone inside my pocket and check my emails and messages but there was still no sign of Hilary yet, so I decided to come for a visit. 

I bought a two-box of a delicious donut, which is her favorite dessert. I took one bite in one of the donuts. The taste of a freshly produced donut is so light and airy with a sweetness that just is too good. The outside tastes much like a sweeter version of “white bread”. However, once you get to the middle of a very traditional type of doughnut, the flavor profile changes drastically. Now I know the reason why they called it a gift from God. Nice! 

I already arrive at their front gate when I heard her mom shout. 

"Where the hell is she?!"

"She's not in her room."

 

"I searched everywhere but I found nothing!"

"Call the police now!" 

I quietly watch them while drowning myself in confusion. 

"What is happening?" is the only word that comes out of my mouth.

"Hilary is missing!" 

To my great surprise, the food I carried fell over my hand due to my out-of-consciousness.