Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Aimscious was in her room, relaxed and warmed in bed ~ her back rested against the wall as her thoughts chased deep into the novel in her hands when a message notification caught her attention. As she lowered the book, she noticed it was from Mart. Instinctively, she reached for it with the thought that he might have needed her assistance in something.

With a swift glance through the message, she scoffed, a little puzzled at it. “ Didn't he call a few hours ago to cancel our meeting ?~ So why the sudden change?” She wondered but then, decided to reply, anyways.

“ Didn't you just cancel our plans for today?” The message read. Within the next second, another ding popped.

“ Yeah, I did ... But, things kind of went in favor of me so~ we can meet at 8 pm. I'll drop you home afterward.” Mart's message read. Without pressing further, she chortled.

“Alright...at 8, then~ I know you might have missed me a lot. I'll make sure to leave home at 7: 30 so I can make it on time.”

Done with the message, Aims briskly rushed out to make sure all her chores were done to enable her to leave earlier as planned.

*****************

Satisfied with the outcome, Rita's face lit up with a broad smile. Her lips instinctively curved in a sneer~ returning the phone to its spot, Mart's presence hit her. Unknown to her, he had all along been at the door before her notice.

“ What were you doing with my phone...?” His question just slapped her face. His voice echoed with vexation. With a sheepish smile, she trembled.

“Oh...that? ” A faint giggle followed. “ Umm.. l...l ~ well, I was just trying to call my mum; mine just run out of airtime.” She stuttered. Mart wasn't all convinced by her excuse but then, he decided to play along.

“Oh...sure. Did you get through ?” He asked, his voice visualizing his concern.

“Yeah, she instinctively nodded with a forced smile.

“Glad~ anyway, I brought you this; a glass of milk” He offered as he placed down the tray but then, Rita knew it wasn't a good idea to stay any longer. Her covers could be blown at any least mistake she finds herself.

With an excuse, she sprung up. “ Sorry~ Got to go now.” She said. “ Mum wants me at home now~ let's make it some other time, huh.”

Sliding past him, she doubled towards the door, making sure her demeanor doesn't sell her off. Mart just scanned at her in confusion. He noticed her efforts not to make eye contact with him as she walked past him.

“So soon~? ” He stuttered. Her sudden awkward attitude made him suspicious of her. “ What's she up to?” He thoughtfully wondered.

“Yeah, I need to run now.” With a faint smile, she waved at him and he nodded.

“Sure, take care, and thanks for coming.”

The door instinctively snapped close afterward. His gaze became skeptical— setting down the tray, he reached for the phone but then, his mother's call came through. He had no other choice than to answer.

“Hi, honey...” Her voice echoed just when he picked. “ Need you to run an errand at the office~ the Secretary called a few minutes, saying the goods just arrived. Kindly supervise them on my behalf .”

“Sure, mum... I'll be on my way now. Let's talk later~ Love you, bye.” With this, he immediately hurried off, the previous incident just escaped him.

AIMSCIOUS

It was already past 7:30 Pm, and for the past minutes, she had kept calling Mart but to no avail. On second thought, she thought he might be busy so decided to just go meet him at home since that was originally their planned destination. With a few books, she hurried out of the room.

As she got to the hall, she noticed her mother vested in her favorite Oprah show. Her chuckles made her giggle. “ Mum...” She called which brought Solidad's attention to her.

“I'm off to Mart's end for an assignment ~ I might return a little late but don't worry, he'll be dropping me off.” She assured.

“Alright... just let me know when you get there,” Solidad said. With a peck, Aims sped out of the house. “Later, mum.”She shouted.

OFFICE

Hours swiftly passed and soon the stars swarmed across the dark sky without Mart realizing the night approach. He returned to the office exhausted from the fieldwork he had in the past hours supervising. He instantly slammed into the chair and leaned back as he relaxed his head with closed eyes.

Analyzing and reflecting on the day's activity, Rita's visit suddenly came to mind. That's when he realized he had not yet checked his phone. Instinctively, he sat upright and drew it out. Surfing through for a couple of minutes, he trembled~ his looks suddenly turned pale.

“ What the hell is this...?” He exclaimed.

Rita in a haste forgot to clear the messages she'd sent to Aims. The reason behind her sudden visit soon became clearer to him.

“ Why did she send those messages to her?” Knowing what she was capable of doing, he panicked. He knew there was trouble looming ahead— all he could think of at the moment as to all Aims and cancel the meeting. He could later explain when everything is sorted.

In a haste, he dialed her line but could't get through to her. He tried for a couple of times but had had the same results. He couldn't help but feel anxious.

“ Please be safe...” He cried. Just then, the thought of calling her mother hit him. “ Yes, I can get through to her if she's at home.”

With a swift glance at the clock, he panicked~20 minutes more before 8 pm. He quickly dialed Solidad's contact.

“ Hey, Mart...” She called but he instinctively snapped in.

“ Please is Aims at home~ got something to discuss with her. Can you kindly put her on the line if she is?” He requested.

“ Oh, no... she left home earlier to your place~ Isn't she in yet?” She replied.“ I think she should by now.”

His knees suddenly felt numb and he scrambled into his seat. His tongue felt stuck in its place~ his thoughts raced at each other.

“ Is everything alright, Mart?” He heard Solidad call.

“ Umm, yes ...mum. ” He instinctively tried to pull a cover. “ Oh, that's the bell, it must be her. Thank you."

“ Glad, take care then. bye.” The line went dead afterward.

Mart finally knew his assumptions were right. Aims might be in trouble and he must find her before it's too late. Picking up his keys, he raced out.