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Kai

I lay in bed, contemplating my life choices.

It's been 3 days since I received that ominous message and I can say that my anxiety is still through the roof. The fact that there's a practice for the graduation rites this morning doesn't help either.

My alarm rang once again, reminding me of my human obligation to live. It's tiring, sure. But I don't really have a choice. I rolled out my bed as I heard my second alarm go off.

"Kai! You're late! This is the last time I'm going to say this. Don't make me come up there!"

My mother sure does have a lousy snooze button.

I stood in front of my bathroom mirror. The bags under my eyes are becoming more plump as the days go by. My disheveled hair also gave it all away. I look tired.

The comfort of a bath released my tensed muscles. I wish I could stay here longer.

I don't know what's worse. The unknown world of France or the danger I'm facing here. Is this what adult life's all about? Having difficult choices between life and death? I closed my eyes, sighing.

"I'll be the one driving you to school this time. Wait for me, alright?" Alicia's message appeared in my head as I felt a smile forming on my lips. Even if that police agent stopped protecting me, I'm glad I still have Al by my side.

"Kai! Get down here already! You have a guest!" My mother screamed. I still can't believe that her voice could reach this far.

There's no time to waste now. Alicia's already here.

I hastily got ready and headed downstairs. But what I expected was far off. My heart leaped, overwhelming me with joy. The man wearing a fedora opened his arms wide as his eyes and lips smiled.

"Uncle!" I can only shout in glee, embracing him tightly.

"I've missed you, champ!" Uncle pats my back.

It's been so long alright, I could hardly remember his rib-shattering hugs and pats.

"Easy now, baby brother or you'll break my son's fragile body!" My mother pouts, pulling Uncle's ear.

My uncle winced in pain. "Alright, alright! Jeez." His expression changed when he looked at me. "Oh, what do we have here?"

His fingers danced, reaching for something in my ear.

He pulled out a coin. "Be witness, my nephew! To my magic!"

I can't help but laugh at his usual tricks but my laughter quickly changed with awe as the coin suddenly became a small round locket with just a sleight of hand.

"You have a cool uncle huh, nephew." My uncle opened the locket and I found a picture of me when I was a child holding a string I plucked from his favorite guitar. "And quite thoughtful too!"

"Do you remember the story behind that picture?" My uncle sighs. "I loved that guitar you know, it's from your grandfather after all. I would even trade your mother for it."

My mother teasingly raised her eyebrow at him.

He chuckles before continuing. "And yet, I still couldn't bring myself to be angry with you back then because I loved you more. Also! You were just a teeny tiny baby when that happened so..."

"I still remember!" I began to stifle a laugh, vaguely picturing my uncle's shocked face. "Little me sure is chaotic, huh?" With a relaxing sigh, I continued to smile. "Thank you for being patient with me, uncle."

"You're welcome, nephew." My uncle then placed the locket on my hand, a gentle expression etched on his face. "Anyway, whenever you find someone dear to you. A friend. A lover. Feel free to change the picture inside so you can always be happy, knowing they'll always be there for you."

"Well, I could place your picture here now, uncle." I grinned, touched by his sentimental words.

"You could... But we both know your mother's the jealous type." He whispers.

"Now, don't go cry on me, champ. I still have another gift! I've heard you're leaving for Paris with me soon, so here." He presents a wrapped gift that looks like...

A mug?

I smiled at him. "Thanks, uncle."

"Anything for you, my favorite nephew."

"I'm your only nephew, though." I raised a brow at him.

My mother bursts out laughing. "Paris really made you stingy, brother. The locket is nice, but a mug? Maybe some strings or rosin would've been nice. Since, you know, he's playing now?" She gave him a judging look.

"Trust me. That's worth more than a new and branded violin." Uncle retorts.

Uncle gripped my hand before I could open the gift. "Open it later. Okay? Do not spoil the magic trick." He puts it inside my bag.

"Yes, sweetie. The golden magic mug can wait." My mother giggled. "Oh, why don't you drive your nephew to school?" She tossed the car keys at my uncle.

My uncle jumps with excitement. "Why, yes of course!"

As much as I want to have time with my uncle. I already made a promise. "I'm actually going with Alicia this morning. So..."

"Aww... But I thought--"

Mother instantly snatched the car key right back with her right hand while her left closed my uncle's mouth. "Don't worry sweetheart, your uncle understands." Her eyes glared with intimidation while keeping an innocent smile. "Right?"

My uncle can only forcibly nod in fear.

Mother giggled. "Anyways! We'll talk when you get back. I hope you and Alicia have fun! You don't even have to go home right away."

She started to drag him away, still grabbing tightly onto his lips. Uncle blinked pleadingly at me, to save him.

My mother laughs hard. "We can't waste the little time you have here in the States. My husband is challenging my new perfect design for our kitchen. You HAVE to back me up."

"Noooo! Help me, nephew!"

Sorry, uncle. I'll make it up to you.

I made my way to the nearest coffee shop, where Alicia and I should meet and possibly eat. If I'm early.

I tried to wait at the corner where fewer people were and where my screams could reach a lot of them.

This isn't healthy, not one bit.

The sweet aroma of coffee beans doesn't help nor does the indiscernible noises coming from the customers. I kept glancing around, looking for anything unusual.

My lips are still swollen but I can't stop myself from biting it. At this point, I have to meet with my therapist, Dr. Galiger again.

"Hey~" Alicia came into view. She covered my hands in hers. "I've been walking all around the cafe looking for you."

"Sorry, I'm late. And now, you're late." My voice quakes.

"I'm gonna give you a pass. But don't be late again, ok? I've already informed Steph that we'll be late but she can't cover for us every time."

Alicia seems quite upset when she mentions Steph's name.

"I've already got you some coffee and your favorite burger in the car." She doesn't say anything else. Al just tightly held my hand as if I'd disappear if she let go.

We drove in silence. Not even the radio nor the chewing sound I make can fill the void. Al became more reserved. I wonder if the threatening message finally got to her or it's the fact that I'll be leaving tomorrow with my uncle after graduation.

Come on, Kai. Think of any topic she'd like. Oh right! Dresses!

"You know, I have some extra allowance to buy clothes and we can shop later in your favorite mall!"

"I don't know~" Al sighs as she parks her car. "It'll probably be better if you don't go out too often. Just to be safe. And besides, Paris is also well known for their brands. You can shop there." She got out of the car.

Well, that's a fail. She's upset. It's time for me to be the one to console her.

"Hey... You can talk to me."

She glances at me with a defeated expression. "Stephanie's leaving for abroad too. But that's fine, she'll be back after she finishes her studies.

"I'm sorry." A soft whisper escapes my lips. I guess I'm not much of a help, knowing I too will be leaving.

Come to think of it. The way she acts heartbroken and the subtle glances she and Stephanie have whenever they are together. It's all becoming clear.

Alicia and Stephanie have always been together. It's my own fault for failing to comprehend such things could happen. I chose to be blind and it ultimately hurt me and Al.

"Don't be." She mutters. "I'm grateful for your concern, though. We can talk more later if you want but for now, we gotta do this."

We entered the venue for our final graduation rehearsal. It's pretty much the same, sleepy, turn of events. Up until it's your turn to go on stage.

I always scanned the crowd for the missing girl whenever I went on stage to no avail. She's really gone.

The fact is still etched on my mind. I could disappear too.

It's almost 10 am and we need to go home by then to freshen up for the real thing. But something outside the venue made everyone stay a bit longer.

Alicia and I traded glances as we made our way through the crowd blocking whatever's outside.

There stood a dozen police officers talking with Stephanie and some teaching staff. Al hurriedly ran to Steph's side and I followed suit. A familiar face greeted both of us. It's Mr. Reddison!

He dropped into a courteous bow. "Oh, the heavens blessed my eyes once again! What an honor to see you again, my lady."

But before he could grab and kiss Alicia's hand, Stephanie lowly growled at him as she deliberately stepped forward, blocking Mr. Reddison's hand.

Steph cleared her throat. "We'll gladly cooperate to the best of our abilities. We wish nothing more than to graduate with Leena."

"We're thankful to have you all on our side." Mr. Reddison's face filled with genuineness and sadness at the same time. "Her mother can only cry herself to sleep. I want to help Mrs. Spencer and find her daughter as soon as possible."

Spencer... Wait. The same Spencer Mr. Reddison mentioned at the police station 3 days ago?

I peeked at the photo, curious as to who Leena Spencer is.

My eyes widened in horror and my stomach dropped. Cold beads of sweat started to form on my face as I saw Leena's picture.

The girl that disappeared... It's the same girl that Jamie and I tried to save at Stephanie's party!