CHAPTER 5

As the auburn haired female walked away, I noticed a small notebook on the floor. I picked it up and opened it. On the first page was a name.

"Aria Collins. A suitable name for an interesting girl."

I pocketed the notebook and texted my friend the name and to find more information about the girl. I walked out of the museum and headed to my car. I opened the door and was about to get in when my eyes caught a nearby flowershop. I closed the door of my car and walked towards the direction of the flower shop. I was greeted as soon as I entered. I was looking around aimlessly when my phone rang.

"Hey-"

"What do you need?"

"Straight forward as always."

"Just get to the point. I'm busy you know."

"Yet you have time to bother me for a girl. I was-"

"Busy playing video games before I assigned that task to you."

"Do you know how hard is it to-"

"I'll buy you that new game that you been ranting about."

As soon as I said that sentence he went silent.

"Fine."

He hanged up and sent me the information he gathered. I opened the file and looked into it.

She's studying in Blackwood Academy. She's in class 2A- 3.So she's my junior.

I looked at her picture. She was smiling yet it was empty.Her eyes were a different story though. Such vibrant familiar green eyes.

It's a pity that they were dull and her smile didn't reach her eyes. They hold such melancholy. I wonder what happened.

The picture made me remember the events that took place earlier. Images of her frightened and in pained expression made my heart ache and a wave of sympathy washed over me. While I was busy mulling over such depressing thoughts a vibrant red caught my eye. It was a red carnation. An idea came to me and I brought a bouquet of it. I walked out of the shop and headed towards my car. I opened the door and got in then headed towards her address.

Should I be doing this? We just met today after all.

I thought over for a while. Thinking of the countless possiblity and scenarios that may happen.

Screw it! I'll do it anyway. I hope it cheers her up.

I opened the note book and flipped a few pages. I had added more notes that she missed earlier and I had asked someone to see if she had any more problems. Thankfully there were none. I played some relaxing music while I drove to her place. An hour later I arrived at her place. It was already afternoon.

She's probably still not home.

I got out and stood in front of the building. I was busy deciding how I would proceed when an old lady carrying bags filled with groceries. I pocketed the notebook and approached her.

"Excuse me ma'am do you mind if I assist you in carrying those bags. It seems awfully heavy."

"Oh my your so thoughtful. Thank you."

I grabbed the heavier bags and she lead me to her apartment which was on the 2nd floor.

Thank goodness I left the carnations at my car.

A minute later we arrived and she unlocked the door and let me in. I placed the groceries on the counter and helped her with the remaining ones.

"Thank you so much."

"You're welcome ma'am."

"Why don't you stay for a while. I'm going to make some tea and cookies.

"I would love to but I have things to do. Maybe next time."

"Are you perhaps looking for someone?"

"How did you know?"

"You were staring at the building looking lost and holding a bouquet of flowers."

I just smiled sheepishly at her observation.

"I'm looking for a girl named Aria Collins. Does she perhaps live here?"

At the mention of the girl's name her eyes narrowed alright in a protective manner.

"I wanted to give her the flowers to cheer her up and return that notebook that she lost. But it seems that she isn't home. Can I trouble you to give it to her on my behalf?

She agreed and relaxed as soon as she heard my words and conclude I have no malicious intentions towards Aria. I handed to her the notebook and went to get the flowers. As soon as I opened the door to my car and grabbed the flowers, my phone rang. I immediately answered without checking the caller ID which was a grave mistake.

"Emmary I already told you -"

"Asher did you and your sister argue again?"

Once I heard the seemingly familiar voice I felt a chill run down my spine.

"Mom. Is something the matter?"

"Don't change the subject. Also have time to pull off crazy stunts but you can't even spare a minute to text your own mother.

"Sorry Mom. "

I heard her sigh through the phone. I felt even more guilty.

"I'll forgive you-"

"Really?!"

"On one condition."

"Let me guess.... You want me to buy you that dessert from your favorite bakery?"

"Yeah. You know me all to well."

I smiled at her request.

"Ok Mom. See you in a few. Love you.

"Love you too sweetie."

I hanged up, grabbed the flowers and gave them to the old lady. Then I got in my car and drive towards the bakery.

I wonder if he's home too