Chapter 2: Happiness
As the lecturer stepped out of the classroom after his lecture, Lydia and Melissa began to discuss how the case they had witnessed was covered in the news. Melissa expressed how strange she felt when the news came on that morning. She mentioned telling her mother that she had been at the crime scene yesterday, as it wasn't far from Lydia's house.
"I can't believe what we experienced is on the news. The girl who died was so pretty; she also looked a bit familiar, but I can't remember where I had seen her," Melissa said, shaking her head in disbelief.
Lydia responded, "My mom also said that the deceased girl looked familiar. It’s unsettling how things like this can happen so close to home."
Melissa added, "I just pray to God that He keeps protecting us."
Lydia then mentioned, "I heard on the news that Mr. Mark, the murderer, is refusing to admit to his crimes."
Melissa replied, "That's why they are called criminals; they never admit to what they've done."
Lydia concluded, "I pray God keeps watching over us."
With that, they ended the conversation, but the eerie feeling lingered in the air as they walked through the campus, their thoughts still clouded by the news report.
Later, as they sat on a bench near the school's fountain, Melissa asked Lydia, "So, are you and your love interest finally officially a couple?" Her voice was filled with curiosity and a touch of excitement.
Lydia smiled, a soft blush appearing on her cheeks. "Yes, we’re officially dating. It’s still all so new, but I’m happy."
Melissa grinned. "Well, congratulations! But now I’m going to be all alone in the world of singles." She sighed dramatically, but then her tone lightened. "So, what’s his name? How old is he?"
Lydia chuckled at her friend's antics. "His name is Dennis. He’s 23 years old, and he's an art student in his final year. He specialises in acting."
Melissa raised an eyebrow teasingly. "So, my girl is dating a James Bond!" She burst into laughter, and Lydia couldn't help but join in.
After the laughter died down, Lydia said, "You can meet him today, actually. He’s picking me up after school."
When their classes for the day had ended, Lydia checked her phone and saw several messages from Dennis. She smiled and turned to Melissa. "He’s outside, in the school’s garden. Let’s go meet him."
The girls grabbed their bags and walked out of the classroom, heading towards the garden. "I’m a bit nervous," Melissa admitted, her voice betraying her excitement.
Lydia smiled reassuringly. "There’s no need to be tense. He’s really sweet and calm. You’ll see."
When they reached the garden, Lydia spotted Dennis standing under the shade of a large tree. She waved, and he waved back enthusiastically. She gestured for Melissa to follow her, and together, they walked up to him.
Lydia introduced Melissa to Dennis, saying, "Dennis, this is my best friend, Melissa. We’ve been friends since elementary school."
Melissa extended her hand, and Dennis shook it with a warm smile. "It’s great to meet you, Melissa," he said. "Lydia talks about you all the time."
They all headed to the school’s cafeteria together, and Dennis led the way, holding the door open for the girls. Once inside, he asked them to choose what they wanted to eat from the menu. After making their selections, Dennis went to the counter to place their order.
While he was away, Melissa turned to Lydia, her eyes wide. "He’s so handsome! I now understand why you’re so deeply in love with him."
Lydia smiled fondly. "I told you so, right?"
Melissa nodded, her eyes still sparkling. "He’s also very gentle. He’s the embodiment of the term 'perfect gentleman.' He held the door for us, pulled out our seats, cleaned them, and even placed our order for us. Honestly, who raised this guy? He’s perfect!"
Lydia laughed, feeling a little shy but proud at the same time. "He’s just a good person. I’m lucky."
Melissa leaned in closer. "When do you think I’ll meet my own perfect gentleman? I mean, he has to be just as handsome as Dennis, right?"
Dennis, who had just returned with their orders, overheard Melissa’s comment and smiled. "Did you call me?" he asked with a lighthearted tone.
The two girls exchanged glances and laughed. "No, we didn’t," they replied in unison.
Dennis placed the trays of food in front of each of them and took a seat. He then asked Melissa a few questions about herself and her friendship with Lydia. They had a pleasant conversation, and as they were about to leave the cafeteria, Dennis handed both girls an invitation to his upcoming play at his school. "It would mean a lot to me if you could come," he said. "I’d love for you to see me perform."
The girls promised they would attend his show before they all left the cafeteria together.
When Melissa arrived home, she was greeted by her father sitting in the living room. Overcome with excitement, she jumped into his arms and gave him a tight hug. "I’ve missed you so much, Dad! You’re home two days earlier than planned!"
Her mother, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes playfully. "Are you blind? Didn’t you see me sitting here too? You didn’t even greet me."
Melissa quickly apologised and explained that she was overly excited to see her father. Her mom laughed and said, "Well, at least she’s honest."
Her dad smiled and said, "I wanted to surprise my babies."
Melissa then asked, "Dad, did you get me anything from your trip?"
He chuckled and replied, "Did you have to ask such a question?" He stood up and went to one of the boxes he had brought back from his trip. Opening it, he took out the latest laptop Melissa had been eyeing for a while. "Here you go."
Her mom teased him, saying, "That’s how you keep spoiling her! She has a laptop that’s working just fine, and it’s not even a year old yet. And you got her another one?"
Melissa’s dad shrugged, grinning. "What can I say? She deserves it."
While they were talking, he opened another box and revealed a stunning diamond jewellery set for her mom. "I thought you might like this," he said with a smile.
Melissa couldn’t help but laugh. "Dad, you keep spoiling Mom! She already has a big box filled with gold, silver, and diamond jewellery. And now this?"
Her mom grinned playfully and retorted, "You, this child, are not serious. Are you mimicking me?"
Her dad chuckled and said, "Well, she does take after her mother, so there’s no surprise here." They all burst out laughing.
Her dad smiled warmly. "Oh, it feels so good to be home again. I missed your beautiful faces, and I certainly missed my wife’s cooking."
Her mom replied, "I’m sure you did."
She then called Melissa to help her set up the dining table, and the three of them chatted over dinner. Melissa mentioned that mealtime had been quiet while her dad was away.
Her dad inquired if her brother had visited while he was gone, and Melissa told him he came over. "And guess what? He finally got a girlfriend," she added with a teasing smile.
Her dad laughed. "At 28? He’s such a shy and reserved boy."
Melissa laughed and then asked, "Dad, at what age did you have your first girlfriend?"
Her dad looked at his wife with a bit of apprehension, not sure how she would react. Her mom encouraged him, saying, "I’m also curious to know."
He finally admitted, "Well, I had my first girlfriend at 17; she was the prettiest girl in my school. We broke up after we graduated. But her beauty is nothing compared to my lovely wife," he quickly added, hoping to avoid any tension.
Lisa noticed her mom staring at her dad and burst out laughing. "Dad, it seems Mom is already jealous."
Her mother quickly defended herself. "I’m not jealous. I had dated someone else before meeting your father."
Her dad then asked, "What about my baby girl? Do you have a boyfriend?"
Lisa smiled and replied, "Not yet."
Her dad shook his head. "Oh, there isn’t a boy in the world who deserves my little princess."
Lisa laughed. "Your princess isn’t so little anymore. She’s a 21-year-old woman now."
Her dad chuckled. "I know, I know. Where did all that time go?" They all shared a laugh before Melissa cleared the dining table, and they retired to bed for the night.
Lisa, I can feel someone following me. I think it's him. Lisa, I'm scared," Lydia said shakily over the phone.
"Lydia, where are you? I’ll come over right now. Hello? Hello, Lydia, are you there? Lydia, say something!" screamed Melissa, her heart pounding in fear. "Lydia, say something!"
The next thing she heard was a loud thud before the line went dead.