This short story is for an entry in #lastsummer2020 and #lastsummercollabs conducted by Romance team of Wattpad with the prompt provided under FreeThePOC category.

"You can rest now Paula, you have helped me enough," mom said clearing the work table.

"Okay," I replied and proceeded cleaning my hands covered in different paint flecks.

"I'll just be out by the shore. Call me if you need anymore help, mom," I told my mom and went out to the beach.

The perks of having a lovely home by the ocean is that I could enjoy the cool and refreshing evening breeze and be peaceful here for a while to clear out my thoughts and calm my mind. I can never get enough of this beautiful scenery no matter how many times I witness the sunrises, sunsets, the ocean birds chirping and the soothing harmony of the waves.

Tomorrow is the day of one year disappearance of my best friend, Gemma. I still remember that clearly as if it happened yesterday. It was during last summer after we met at our favorite diner. It has been in my mind since morning and whatever I do or think, my chain of thoughts ultimately lead to her.

We have been so close since we were four, and practically we were like sisters. In order to distract myself, I chose to work with my mom, with her handcraft products today. She must have sensed my inner turmoil and didn't question me. Helping my mom did suppress those thoughts for a while, and now here I am again thinking of her.

The police and the detectives did everything in their power to find her but all their efforts were in vain. I gave them all the information I remember because I was the who saw her last before her disappearance. It's like she vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind.

Her parents gave up hope on their only child. It's extremely sad that Gemma's father thinks of holding a funeral presuming her daughter to be dead and he asked me my opinion on this matter. Of course, I wasn't okay with it. I believe she is still somewhere out there, and I don't want to give up on that flicker of hope. I trust my gut feeling. Yes, she is alive.

My thoughts were cut short when I heard a group of seagulls making loud tones at a particular spot by the rocks. Curiosity got the best of me and I stepped that way. A giant red crab was gripping onto a what seemed like an old-fashioned glass bottle with a cork at the opening.

I would have ignored it if it weren't for a piece of paper inside the bottle. So I scanned for a stick nearby and once I spotted one, I tried to make the giant crab loosen its hold on the bottle with the stick. After struggling for a good five minutes, I succeeded and carefully got hold of the glass bottle.

I strolled back a little and sat down on the cool beach sand. I examined the bottle exterior. It didn't appear that old. I then tried to pull out the cork, but it wouldn't budge. Finding no other alternative, I took it back home and dropped it on the floor.

Amidst the shattered glass pieces, I picked up the folded piece of paper. It stated, "I'm sorry but I have to do this." The moment I looked up, thinking what it was, I was sitting at my favorite diner.

I was shaken up at how this transpired. I glanced around trying to figure out anything that would make sense but all I saw was people eating and chattering, waiters moving around taking and serving the orders.

"Have you decided what to order?" asked someone, sitting across me.

I gasped, looking at her.

"Gemma?" I called out her not believing my eyes. She was here wearing black T-shirt and rough jeans. The exact clothes she wore last summer before she disappeared.

Wait. Am I dreaming?

"Yeah?" she replied while going through the menu.

When I didn't react she looked up and asked, "You look pale. Do you feel sick?" She put her right palm on my forehead checking temperature.

I can feel her touch. So I am definitely not dreaming.

"Is that really you?"

"Yes, who else?" she chuckled.

"Nothing." I tried to act natural and faced down to not let her see the tears pooling in my eyes. It felt like déjà vu, experiencing all of this again.

"I lost the track of time. What time is it?" I asked her.

"Its 7:30 pm," Gemma replied. "You are acting weird. Is something going on with you?" she asked worried.

"No no. That's nothing," I said, hiding my trembling hands below the table.

One hour till she goes missing. I have to be with her till 8:30 pm

"I am starving. Let's order already," Gemma said.

"Yeah."

I purposely took so much time to place my order and then we both gave our orders.

A million questions ran in my mind.

How did I get here?

Did I just travel back in time?

Was I sent back to save Gemma?

Should I drop her home instead of letting her travel alone back home like the last time?

"Paula. Paula?" Gemma called me, cutting short my conclusions.

"Yeah," I replied, struggling to sound normal when I was feeling extremely anxious inside.

"You are scaring me. Is something the matter?"

"Nothing important. Just that our summer break is going to end soon and I was just thinking how to spend the rest of the days."

"Hmm, I see."

"After going home, what are you gonna do?" I asked the same question just like I did the last time. She would reply that she'll watch Friends.

"Binge watch Friends," she replied smiling.

"I'll join you too. Its time that I watch that show that people hype about so much."

I'm not letting her out of my sight.

"Really?! Yay! Finally!" Gemma squealed with glee. People around gave us looks because of her squeal.

I stared around to determine if anyone looked suspicious that gave kidnapper vibes, but I found no one like that.

Maybe I am thinking so far about it.

A waiter arrived and served our orders, which we devoured enthusiastically for its taste and chit chat a little in between. The same conversation we had last time.

"I'll be back in a minute," I told Gemma and stood up to walk as though I was going to the bathroom, but I changed my direction to the parking lot and punctured my car's front wheel by the driver's door. Satisfied with my work, I came back to the diner.

"Took you so long. Let's get going," Gemma said and stood up.

We paid the bill and made way to our respective cars.

"I'll get changed and come to your home," I spoke while reaching my car.

"Okay, I'll set up everything by the time you show up," Gemma replied.

Time to act again.

"Oh, no! I've got a flat tyre here," I said loud enough for her to hear.

"What? How did it happen?" Gemma said coming to check it.

"Donno."

"Its all right. Let's go to my home directly. You could change into my clothes. It is not the first time for you anyway," Gemma said exactly what I wanted her to say.

"Okay. I'll text my mom about sleeping at your place tonight and about the flat tyre."

Gemma nodded as a response and we both got in her car. I looked at the car time display and that glowed showing 8:30 pm.

It was the time of her missing. So, I succeeded in saving my best friend. I don't know what miracle took place, but I am genuinely thankful for that magic. I'll be forever grateful for it.

Her parents wouldn't have to experience the grief of their only child going missing. I wouldn't have to be sad over my best friend going missing.

I had a strong and a strange gut feeling that all of this had to do with that glass bottle and that piece of paper. But what did, 'I'm sorry but I have to do this,' mean?

Maybe some things are better not to be discovered after all.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Gemma asked.

I didn't realize I was smiling. "Nothing. I am just happy right now," I replied.

"You certainly are acting very, very weird today," Gemma said, confused.

I laughed at her response. We continued talking till we reached her home.

I saved my friend. I did it!

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