"We were looking for you"

Morning came faster than I expected, so I quickly got out of bed and prepared for the day. I made sure I set aside enough time for breakfast before I had to take care of my morning routine.

I knew it was going to be a busy day ahead and wanted to stay ahead. Kira was also energetic this morning, wanting to get out for a walk. So we went for a run on a field not too far from our place.

After that, we showered and got dressed for the day, before heading to school. Kira allowed me drive her to school, so I made sure to get there early. When we arrived, I was already feeling the energy of the day ahead!

I thought back to the text I received the night before, thought about Ray and decided I'll try to get things over with on time.

I headed to my first class of the day and settled in. I was surprised when halfway through class, I haven't seen Ray. It's unlike him to miss class. I was slightly worried but pushed it back as I didn't want to think much of it.

'He's probably in the gym or just don't feel like coming for class.' I concluded within myself.

I arrived early to my second class of the day and was growing increasingly concerned. I could not spot Ray anywhere in the class, which was strange since we shared this class together and he rarely missed it.

After a few minutes of searching, I'd managed to locate all our other classmates in their usual places - but there was still no sign of Ray.

I couldn't help feeling worried as thoughts began cascading through my mind like an avalanche: 'Was Ray okay? Maybe something happened on his way here that prevented him from making it? What if he were hurt or worse…' I shuddered at the thought and quickly tried to shake off such frightening possibilities from her head.

With heavy heart I settled into my chair amongst a sea of unfamiliar faces waiting for our teacher to walk in. The other students came into the classroom one by one until no more arrived after five minutes of waiting; Ray still nowhere in sight.

I began to feel uneasy; this isn't like him at all, I thought anxiously as panic started to rise inside her chest.

As I sat in my desk, my thoughts constantly thinking and overthinking while waiting for our teacher, Mrs. Thompson walked in with a stern look on her face. She put her bag on her desk and turned to the class.

"Good morning, class," she began, but before she could continue, the door burst open and in walked someone.

Whoever it was dressed in a chicken costume, complete with a yellow beak and fluffy tail. Everyone in the class burst out laughing, including me.

The whole class erupted into fits of laughter as we watched the person dance, not acknowledging the presence of Mrs Thompson.

We all watched as the 'chicken' completed the dance with a 360 roll and raised on hand up. That whole class applauded but gradually stopped as Mrs Thompson turned her gaze to the class.

"You done?" Mrs Thompson asked on hand on her waist.

The figure removed the chicken's head and revealed Julius with a mischievous smile on his face.

"You again?" Mrs Thompson asked, shaking her head.

"Sorry, Mrs Thompson," he said, still in the costume. "I had to go to an audition for a role in a local play and I couldn't very well go dressed as myself, now could I?"

Julius was always known as the class jester and he had a reputation for his sense of humor, always making everyone laugh. Even in the most serious moments.

The class continued to laugh quietly as Mrs. Thompson shook her head, but she couldn't help but smile a little bit. Julius took off his costume, took his seat and class started.

But soon, that was all forgotten as I remembered Ray is still 'missing'.

Not wanting to draw attention towards myself, I tried hard not make anyone notice that anything was wrong while also trying not to think too much about the terrible scenarios running through my mind.

But even if nobody looked twice at me during class time today, deep down I knew something definitely wasn't right.

I managed to survive my 2nd class and as I was walking to my next class, I met Sam and Phoebe approaching from the opposite direction.

"Hey guys, have any of you seen Ray?" I asked them as soon as we caught up with each other.

"Not at all."

Phoebe answered.

"Not since yesterday. We actually went clubbing together, and he wasn't himself. He had a lot to drink that I had to drop him off at home." Sam replied.

I took in a deep breath and let it out.

" I should probably go check up on him." Sam suggested.

" Won't you get into trouble?" I asked looking at him in surprise.

" Well, I might, but I just have to make sure he's fine, he's a friend. He may need some help. Besides, I know how to go out of school with little chances of getting caught." Sam replied, feeling confident.

I thought about it for a moment and nodded.

"Alright then." With that I went to my next class, my thoughts gradually calming itself.

Soon, it was lunch time, Sam wasn't back yet. I got to the cafeteria, grabbed a tray and decide to eat by myself. As I was trying to eat my lunch, I heard a familiar voice calling my name. It was Kira and with her was Jack and Phoebe. "Oh! Hey guys, what's up?" I asked them.

"We were looking for you." Jack said.

" Thought you've gone to check on Sam and Ray." Phoebe added.

I smiled to myself noticing the sarcasm in the comment.

"Don't worry, I'm sure it's nothing." Kira said placing her hands on my shoulder.

As we ate together, my phone began to ring.

Ray.

"Guys, it's Ray." I said almost excitedly as I picked up the call.

"Hello Mia." he voice sounded from the speaker sending relief down my veins.

"Oh, thank goodness you are OK. You didn't pick up and I was…," I trailed off, my voice filled with worry and concern.

"Mia, Mia. Take a deep breath," he said, trying to calm me down. I took a deep breath in and out sensing the tension in my body slowly dissipating.

"I'm fine. On my way to school as we speak," he told me.

"Alright, see you soon." I said, my voice steadier now.

We hung up and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me.