Athena's POV
I was rolling in my bed from one side to the other, as I am trying so hard to find the most comfortable position that will put my body and mind at ease.
I recalled digging and deeply invested in my manuscript earlier in the living room when I unexpectedly received a phone call from Dimitri. His voice sounded so deeply worried and seriously concerned, which made me smile for an unknown reason.
We were having random conversations over the phone, and even cracking up in laughter with some of the lamest jokes we have ever heard and thrown at each other, and my frustration with my manuscript was instantaneously diverted. I personally hate it when I was my focus and concentration was being distracted by someone or something, but as I heard Dimitri's voice, I have come to realize that it was way too good to actually voice out all the innermost anxiety and dread that has been consuming me for quite some time now.
To be honest, I
Dimitri's POV I was trying to review the fingerprints and substantial pieces of evidence on one of the victims as I accidentally recalled last night's events. I got to intertwine Athena's fingers to mine and even attempted to kiss her, even while her friend was just around us. What was wrong with me? Why would I do such a thing? I wondered to myself. Here I am at the office, trying my best to focus on generating the lead's possible hideouts and such, yet my concentration seemed to be drowning away from me. It was like I was dumbstruck and still dreamy even if I had barely gotten enough sleep. "Is everything okay, Di?" I suddenly heard a voice from behind that I startled in surprise, that made me jerk from my seat. "Whoa!" It was Detective Amiri, and he was holding both hands in the air as if he did not mean any harm at all. He seemed to be so gobsmacked by my initial reaction as well. Recognizing that it was my partne
Cloud's POV I could not believe it. I wanted to punch my face really hard as I had been filled with disbelief and skepticism all throughout my journey, instead of being excited and anticipating all the good things that can possible happen on my arrival. I could not believe I was able to return to New York after 6 months of my stay in the stunning country of South Korea. Furthermore, I know that I had been away for so long, but I only took the opportunity to make me find my former self, and be alive, once again. I had been breathing for so long, that I had completely forgotten and overlooked how it felt to be actually alive, and survive, in the wilderness of the world. While I know that so many people will surely demand me for an explanation, there would only be three people in my life that deserve to hear my side. And that, in fact, I would be glad to offer as I have come to the realization that not all people I have encountered were
Dimitri's POVAfter having a one-on-one conversation with Detective Amiri earlier at the office, he initially expressed his gentle stipulation on how I should take things with Athena. The thought of intertwining my fingers with Athena and almost kissing her on her apartment the night before while we were all engrossed in a horror film constantly keeps on clouding up my mind that I was almost non-functional at the office. Being a keen observer and a detective, Detective Amiri's scrutinizing gaze did not escape the blank expression on my face and my jumpy demeanor, which was not always the case. He did not even ask me a question, he made it a point in a direct and concise manner which made me completely taken aback. After which I refused to deny it, he made an assessment on both situations and offered some pieces of advice and actions that I can embed in my mind."What I am saying here is that, if you really like Athena, then go and chase her. Pursue her
Chad's POVI was driving from home and I was singing loudly, along with the loud and upbeat music coming from my car stereo. I even tap my steering wheel occasionally as I sing along with my favorite ballad playing in the background.I was just about to get home after a romantic date with Lovi. Yes, it was our first month of being in a serious relationship with her, and I see to it that I was right there to celebrate it with her. Honestly, she was completely taken aback in shock and surprise when she have come to the realization that my park was parked in front of their publishing house. I could not help but capture the fascinating moment that I saw from her face when she came out of the office with a horrified look on her face as she stared at my car while continuously batting her naturally long and curly eyelashes, attempting to make sure that she what she was seeing was all perfectly true and accurate, one way or another.I opened the driver'
Chad's POV I had arrived home safe and sound, and I was now honking my car, trying to catch the attention of our household worker. After a brief minute of waiting, I finally emerged from my car and decided to open the gate instead. As I was about to enter my car, I suddenly froze in my place as I saw a dark silhouette of a person standing just a few inches away from me. I tried to step carefully and cautiously, little by little, as I tried to adjust my fields of vision on the inky blackness. The figure was encompassed with fog, and my eyes widened in fear as I have realized that the figure has just taken a step closer to me. Then I remembered the raving lunatic in the news who were slaughtering and taking out the hearts of random people. Realizing that it might be the same lunatic that was facing me right now, I instinctively took a step back. I was striding backward as the figure continued to approach me slowly. My jaw was practicall
Dimitri's POVI have been calling Athena's mobile number over and over again, but she would not answer. I have flooded and spammed her with text messages, but everything goes unanswered. Furthermore, I have tried to drive my car to her apartment, but I always find it dark and empty. And when I tried to peek through the inside of it, it seemed as though nobody had come home for a few days, which made me terribly nervous and seriously anxious to the core. Where is she?I tried to dial her mobile number once more, but all I ever hear is the continuous ringing that made my ear irked even more. Even in my dreams, I used to dream that I was constantly calling her. I have tried everything I could ever do, but what can I do? No matter what tactics and schemes I make, she just would not answer. If only she would answer even for a brief second so that I could track her location, but to no avail. And besides, Athena was not a naive kind of girl. She was
Athena's POVI had just finished cooking fried rice, bacon, and eggs and was just about to set the table when Cloud stepped into the kitchen. He flashed a widesmile as he saw me, then went in to envelop me in his broad arms and draw me into a morning embrace. We lingered there for a while, living in the moment.We were then distracted when the coffee machine started to make a bothersome whirring sound. As we drifted away from each other, we both burst out laughing. I went to the coffee counter and started pouring two cups of coffee. The aroma of caramelized brewed coffee populated the kitchen atmosphere.In silence, we started digging into our breakfast. We just exchange meaningful gazes and sweet smiles as we successfully complete our breakfast. I absolutely loved how we were able to eat without needing to speak anything. Simply enjoying the plate of food and each other's company.We ended up going in
Megan's POVI have been going around in circles on the prestigious shopping center in the heart of New York when a familiar figure of a woman suddenly caught my attention. I narrowed my forehead as I tried to watch her from the distance. She was wearing a crop top, slim and fitted jeans, and high-heeled sandals. She had a luxurious bag on the side clinging to her shoulders, and she was wearing seemingly sophisticated sunglasses.Her hair was long and brown, with slight curves on the end. She was fairly white-skinned, and the way she carries herself instantly gives off the impression that she was rich, famous, and influential. Likewise, she also had a tall man wearing a black coat and trailing her from behind, mainly giving off an idea that he was her personal bodyguard.My emotions were filled with curiosity and astonishment when I have finally come to the decision of approaching the mysterious woman. Slowly and cautiously, I try to come up with
The Last Chapter "MOMMY!! Uncle Dimitri was so annoying!! I could not help but laugh whenever I hear my son complaining. "Sky! Don't go too far, alright?" Dimitri called out to my son. And my son Sky being so obedient, nodded and waved happily as he ran to play with his kite. "Hey, are you okay?" Dimitri asked me. I smiled and nodded. Eight years have passed.. Cloud, I'm not sure how I'm going to tell him about you. Sky expressed an interest in learning more about you as he grew older. I'm terrified and perplexed. Because the last time I told him about you, he was aware of how well things were going between us at the time. He knew there was no way we could be this far apart—because he knew you've been deeply in love with me since the day we met and that you'd waited so long just to be able to hold my hand respectfully in yours. He was well aware that I had fallen in love with your inconsequential effor
Athena's POV"ATHENA!! LOOK OUT!!" Megan suddenly screamed.Then suddenly, I just found the entire world spinning right before my very eyes.Then nothing.. But darkness.I tried to open my heavily drooping eyelids, as though I was forcefully knocked unconscious by some nauseous fragrance that has my world spinning around.After a few seconds, I finally recalled all the past occurrences before I had fallen asleep which instantly made me open my eyes and wander around.I was seated and tied up in a chair where you can see a fully painted ambiance in the room. White walls, white ceilings, and there was a window on the corner. It was filled with the chilliness coming from the air condition unit mounted to the wall, and there was a long table made with metal on each corner of the room with glass jars and lids on top of it. Judging from the overall appearance, it certainly looks like a laboratory that you
Athena's POVJust when I thought it was going to be the end of my once miserable life, a powerful voice echoed in my ears in the middle of the night. It was just a soft whisper, but enough to give me enough hope and strength.It was no other but Cloud.I watched as he carefully and steadily released the thick rope tightly wrapped around my body as I was groped into the branch of a tree. Then he gestured me to remain as silent and calm as I could until we could escape from the area of the incident.We were already running hand in hand, with no reason to look back, when the vivid image of Zidane, Lovi, and Chad's lifeless body, along with the missing heart on the facet of their chest, made my entire body shiver in fear and cowardness."Cloud, what the hell was going on?" As though I could no longer restrain the confusion that was starting to occupy my entire thoughts and consciousness, I asked as I muffled a sob.Clou
Athena's POVI was about to go into a deep slumber when I suddenly hear an ear-piercing, bloodcurdling scream from a distance. Along with its frightful screams in the dark, followed by the howling of the wolves from somewhere.Shivering because of the eeriness of the night, I tried to reach for my pillow and wrap it all over my body so I might as well find some comfort. I turned my body to another side and was about to give Cloud an embrace when I had come to the realization that there was no one sleeping next to me.Feeling dazed, I sat up and confirmed that he was, indeed, gone. Where the heck was he in the middle of the night? I wondered to myself. I pulled on a jacket and unzipped the tent. As I went out to search for Cloud, the cold and chilly breeze brushed through my skin that sends shivers down my spine.I was strolling around when I accidentally slipped because I could not see through the darkness of the night. I almost
Lovi's POVZidane's death had been a tragic event for us. We were just here for three days, yet the despicable crime behind his death was enough to spoil the vibe of the whole camping trip which was meant to celebrate Athena and Cloud's recent engagement. Yet, we were all gathered around to feel the remorse and sorrow of one of our friend's unexpected passing. What was alarming was that, his heart was missing, which means to say that he was one of those victims of the controversial crime lingering for over a year now. And to mention that if Zidane was killed right at this time and place, then there was no doubt that the serial killer of all the past crimes was just out here in the mountain, lingering with us. Probably watching us."Shit!" I overheard Cloud curse. He was holding his mobile phone up in the air, while Chad also did the same."No signal either. We should all plan to return to the city tomorrow morning," Chad informed us. I took a de
Dimitri's POVI have heard from Chad that they will be out camping in celebration of Athena and Cloud's recent engagement and that they will be staying there for a week. I have also learned that aside from the soon-to-be weds, they have a bunch of friends spending the time and celebrating with them. If I remember it correctly, they were 6 in total.In all honesty, Athena sent me a text message a few days ago inviting me to come with them, but I politely refused and used the excuse that I could not leave Detective Amiri alone seeing that this would be short notice. But in reality, I would gladly grab this opportunity just to accept her invitation if things were only different. However, it clearly was not, so I give myself some credit for being mature enough to respect myself even more by setting my boundaries and knowing my place and limitations.I heard a single knock at the door, where it revealed Detective Amiri. He was holding a folder with d
Athena's POVEveryone in the group was laughing and having a good time as we ate our dinner at the diner's when the doorbell rang, signaling that someone had just entered the vicinity. My attention was drawn away from the task at hand by the soft and subtle background noise, which piqued my interest. From the hallway, a familiar figure appeared out of nowhere after only a few seconds or minutes.In the end, Cloud noticed my distraction and shifted his gaze to the figure, which I had observed as his jolly and humorous expression on his face suddenly and unexpectedly vanished in an instant. We must have drawn Lovi and Chad's attention to his distressed appearance because they both turned their heads in the direction of where we were looking."Hi, guys," Megan said as she walked up to us and gave us a timid smile."What are you doing here, Megan?" When Megan suddenly appeared, it was Lovi who inquired, her brows furrowed in irritation and di
Megan's POVThis week felt like a bumpy roller coaster ride. All the synonyms and antonyms of misery that can be found in dictionaries were mixed in with it: sorrow and pain, shock and dismay, guilt and innocence, and everything in between. I've lost one person in my life who has stood by me through my witticisms and sobriety, and I'm devastated. My body has become frail, and I've become careless with the things I've been guarding for a long period of time. My immune system was undoubtedly weakened as a result of an exhausting and draining life challenge. I was almost convinced that this was the end of my life—I was almost ready to blame myself for all of those unhealthy matters and to feel ashamed. My sources of courage and energy have dried up, and I'm at a loss for what to do when it feels like living is a sinful pleasure. And what hurts the most is the realization that this moment marked the beginning of an unforgettable chapter in my life, one that
Athena's POVJust before you came across me, I allowed myself to drown and suffocate in an ocean of uncertainties. I figured it was fine as long as I got some, as long as I had a couple of them. I mistakenly believed that happiness consisted solely in giving your all to see someone smile, when in fact it is comprised of actually doing so while loving yourself at the same time. I've allowed myself to look outside of myself for happiness when it should have begun within me. And then you came along, making me feel valuable and sufficient all of the time. You look after me, taking advantage of every opportunity to demonstrate your affection. Even on your busiest days, you find the time. The fact that you never forget to check in on me is amusing, especially given the fact that it always happens when I am missing your presence the most. When I thought I was already deserving of less, you showed me that I am deserving of even more. And it was there that I disco