Something weird.

A few hours before the adaption.

She got off late from work again, Meryl was so engrossed in the review of her work collection that she did not pay much attention to her surroundings to find out that everyone had left the office. God she needed to give herself a break, but first she needed to put the pen down on her latest assignment. She had to present her arts to the board tomorrow, the board's decision could take her career to a whole knew level and her parents off her back for good. And maybe she could go for a short vacation with her boyfriend.

Brandon has been drifting away from her lately and the fault was from her, she has been too busy with securing her career she barely made time for him. They had argued more times the last few days than they've done in all their three years together.

It was seven on her phone when she packed her things to leave the office, there was no call or text from Brandon, nothing. All the texts she left him was left unopened.

Maybe he was truly angry this time and she didn't blame him. She would make it up to him, after tomorrow, they've been through arguments like these past years and they always found a way to overcome it. They would get past this too, Meryl thought as she made her way out of the five story building.

She had an eight thirty appointment with her folks and she was not about to call them and cancel it, she had exhausted all her excuses, since had canceled more than thrice this week. If there was anything she dreaded more than the unknown, it was those dinners with her parents. But they insist they have a family get together every week to keep each other posted on what was going on in their lives. More like what was going on in her life.

Her phone pinged with a notification, just as she was about to get into a taxi, and she rolled her eyes annoyed, it was her mom, Marianne Aldaine. It was a reminder about their dinner. "Argh," she grunted. This was one of the reasons why she wanted to get out of town.

She only needed tomorrow's board decision to go in her favor for that to happen.

As expected she found her parents seated at a grand table in the only private room in restaurant some forty five minutes later. They had a pendency to show off every chance they got, which unsettled her ninety-percent of the time but she was sure they cared less about what unsettled her.

"Welcome baby, your dad and I have missed you," her mom said with when she reached their table, giving her a peg.

"We had dinner last Sunday mom," she reminded her.

"I think what your mom wants to say is try and visit your folks more often," her father corrected.

"You know I've been busy dad, I barely get time for myself lately," she argued back. This whole attempt to get her to reconsider moving back with them was getting too old.

They seem to have gotten the message this time. The friendly waitress took their order and the conversation resumed as soon as her back was turned.

"How has your paintings been coming up? Have the board decided to add your work to the collection of exhibitions?" Marianne asked.

"Their going to decide tomorrow mom, based on my presentation," she answered. Her mother nodded, and added a second later, "If you need help convincing the board, your dad and I can help. You know that right?"

She knew where the conversation was leading to and she was not going to go with it, so she set the records straight.

"Mom I've got this." How her parents talked casually about her work and career like it was a two hour lecture was still beyond her. But her folks weren't done yet.

"Just let us know if you need our help, we will come to your rescue, you're our beloved daughter," her father had to have the last say, which made her the more angry. She wanted to shout and tell them to leave her life alone, she could handle shit on her own. They sat there for a minute or two in silence, sipping on their drinks.

The waitress brought in their food some time later and they began to dive in, Meryl could feel her mom's gaze on her the entire time they ate, she had something to say, no doubt about. Her dad however was busily concentrated on his food, the man did enjoy a good cook, that was one of the constant things about him.

"How are things with Brandon?" Her mom finally asked. Why didn't she think of this. Of course, she should have known they would roast her relationship with Brandon today too, just like always.

"Do you mean have we been having sex? No mom we haven't, and we're not going to until we get married," Meryl answered bitterly without mincing words.

She knew how dead on her parents were when it came to their principles as Christians. She was raised with those principles herself, it was deeply engraved in her. One of the reasons why she loved Brandon so much was his understanding of this whole principle thing.

"He hasn't proposed yet?" her mom asked with distaste in her words. "What's taking him so long?"

"We are not in a hurry mom, we have our whole lives ahead of us, he will propose when he is ready."

"Your dad and I were married at your age," her mom countered. Looking over to her husband for backup.

"Your mom has a point Meryl. Promise you'll give it a thought," he said simply. Her dad seemed less interested in this topic it seemed. But her mom was not ready to let it go yet so she spent the last five minutes explaining why it was important to get married. Meryl on the other hands was not sold to the idea. It took two for a marriage to happen and neither her or Brandon were ready for it, simple and short.

~.

She was so drained from her dinner get together with her parents when she got home. Reyna had texted her that she would be spending the night with her fiancé, Frank. The couple was her biggest inspiration. Her best friend was the happiest she has ever seen her in a long time. It gave her hope for her and Brandon.

Taking herself to her bedroom she decided to get some sleep. Tomorrow was a big day for her, she needed all the sleep she could get. But the universe had a different plan which did not involve sleep at the moment. The most awaited message finally came. Brandon had texted her back, she was all smiles as she unlocked her phone to read the full message.

He wanted to meet her at to meet him at the other side of town. At ten pm? Her smile started to fade as the message registered in her mind, he even added that she should not tell anyone?

How strange was that?

But there was an edge to the message, as if he was in some kind of trouble. Her first instinct was to him to make sure he was alright. So she called his number again, but it was now switched off. Now she was convinced that he was in some kind of trouble. Why then will he ask her not to let anyone know. Maybe she should call the police?

She put on the first dress she grabbed from the wardrobe and put on her shoes and set off, she would decide whether to call the police or not later on.

~~~~

Author's note: thank you so much for giving my book a try. This is my first ever book that I've written on any platform so please forgive the inexperience because I'm looking forward to improve on my writing and your support will be duly appreciated. Continue Meryl's journey into the unknown with her. Thank you.