CHAPTER 3

FREDRINN'S POV

~Ringgggg~ Ringggggg~

My sleep was abruptly interrupted by the noisy ringtone of my phone. Groggily, I fumbled to answer, realizing it was a call from Marco, my friend and workmate.

"Hey, Fredrinn! You alive, man?" Marco's voice sounded through the phone, mixed with laughter.

What's with him , It's too early to call.

I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Yeah, barely. What's up? Why are you calling me this early?"

"You won't believe what happened last night. You disappeared with that girl and left me hanging at the bar. Smooth move, buddy! " Marco teased.

"Wait, what? What are you talking about man" I asked because I was still half asleep to understand what he was saying.

What is he talking about?

"You left me dude with a girl saying you would only help her hail a taxi, but you never came back. I need an explanation don't you think? I was too tired working alone while the bar was full of people."

He said, sounding a little mad at me.

"Don't tell me you don't remember anything?" He added.

I sat up, my mind racing as I pieced off memories starting to come back, I met a girl in the bar, helping her into the taxi, her passed-out state, and the decision to bring her to my place.

What happened after that?

I decided to took a nap.

Then what happened next?

I don't remember anything after that.

But why did she leave without a word? She is not here anymore. I sat up, scanning the room, only to spot a bloodstain on the sheets.

"Man , are you still there?or you sleeping again haha" I heard Marco laughing on the other line.

"Wait Marco, I need to hang up. I'll call you later." I said to Marco before ending the call.

My heart skipped a beat. Panic surged through me as I realized this wasn't just a typical morning-after scenario. I nervously looked around for any signs of the girl, my mind racing with worry and confusion.

I got out of bed, my movements quickened by the urgency to find her. The apartment felt emptier, the silence was deepening my concern. I called out, but there was no response.

As I searched the apartment, my mind replayed the fragments of the night. Questions lingered, and anxiety gnawed at me. Did something happen while she was here? Was she hurt? I needed answers.

Then, with a sinking feeling, I saw the bloodstain on the sheets. I approached the bed, a knot forming in my stomach. What could have caused it? The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and a sense of guilt and responsibility settled in.

My thoughts raced as I tried to piece together the puzzle. I needed to find the girl and make sure she was okay. The urgency pushed me to move faster, my worry growing with each passing moment.

When I was about to get ready to go out something caught my attention.

A handbag presumably hers, I immediately open it, to look for something that can be used to locate her.

Inside, I found her cell phone, some cash, and a stack of IDs. My anxiety lessened as I realized she hadn't vanished without a trace. But the question lingered, why did she leave in such a hurry?

Glad that she her IDs was in her bag.

Elissa Marie Howard , what a pretty name.

I will find her.

I opened her cell phone and was glad that it didn't have a password.

The relief of having a lead was palpable. With her cell phone in hand, I decided to search for contacts under her name. As I scrolled through, I found a contact labeled "Dad."

With a moment of hesitation, I dialed the number. The phone rang, each tone fueling my anticipation. A masculine voice answered, "Hello?"

"Is this Elissa's dad?" I inquired, my voice filled with a mix of concern, nervousness, and urgency.

"Yes, who's this?" he replied. His voice sounds commanding and strict.

"Why are you using my daughter's phone?" He added.

"It's Fredrinn. I... uh... helped Elissa last night, and she left her belongings at my workplace. I just want to make sure she's okay." I explained. I did not say that she left her things at my home, it would not sound good to a father. I know that much.

There was a brief pause, and then his tone changed, growing increasingly stern. "What did you say your name was?"

"It's Fredrinn. We met last night at the bar where I was working as a bartender, and I helped Elissa get a taxi," I explained, sensing a shift in the conversation.

His voice grew sharp, "So, you're the one she was with?"

"Yes sir, I believe she's already home, sir. I'm trying to find her to ensure everything's okay and I want to return her things. I replied, hoping to ease his concern.

His frustration was evident as he responded, "She's at home. I saw her go to her room. You can throw away her things or you can keep it if you want, don't bother to return it." He said, sounding like Elissa's things are not that important.

"Butt----".

Before I could finish my sentence, Elissa's father cut off the call without allowing me to explain further. The dial tone echoed in my ear, leaving me with a mix of confusion and frustration.

His father seems so strict and rude.

I don't want to throw away her things just like that.

I tried to look at her contact again to look for someone that I could call when I stumbled upon the name 'Bestie Mich'. Intrigued, I dialed the number, hoping that she could help me return Elissa's things.

"Hello, Elissa what's up?" A female voice answered after a few rings.

"Hi, this is Fredrinn. I found her belongings, she left them at my workplace, and I was wondering if you could help me return them to her," I explained to Michelle, which I think is Elissa's best friend.

Michelle's voice sounded cheerful "Oh. I see. I thought Elissa finally got a boyfriend when I heard a man's voice haha."

"I just want to make sure she gets her things back. Can you help with that?" I asked.

There was a brief pause before Michelle responded, "Of course, Fredrinn right? I'll meet you wherever you're comfortable, and we can sort this out. Let me know when and where, and I'll be there."

"My workplace is inside the Quantum Metropolis area, are you familiar with that City?" I asked. It's better to meet somewhere that is accessible to her.

"Ohh, Yes. My house is only a few kilometers away." She answered cheerfully.

I answered." That's good, can we meet at 'Mystic Brew Cafe' located at 123 Enigma Street. It's a quiet spot with an inviting atmosphere, perfect comfortable meeting.

" Sure , let's meet there in an hour ." She answered before the call ended.

Relieved to have found someone willing to assist, I hurriedly get ready to meet Elissa's friend.