Page 7 of The Moments You Miss
I’m just a tad too deep in thought when I think I hear something; a whisper of a sound that doesn’t fully register but I look up from my laptop. When I finally pull my gaze from the screen, my face pales. On the table, sitting in front of me, is a single red rose.
“Hey, Callie?” I call out, looking at the woman who is working at the counter. “Did you see where this would have come from?”
I bite my lower lip nervously while picking at loose skin on my nails as I look at the barista. She shakes her head and shrugs, “No, sorry, girlie pop. I didn’t see anyone else in here but us. And youknow I love you, but that ain’t from me. Looks like you got a secret admirer. I’m so jealous, hah!” Callie continues her duties, unaware of the total tailspin I’ve initiated.
My heart races. This isn’t the first time that this has happened to me. It happensevery yeararound the anniversary of my parents’ passing. These red roses randomly appear, no matter where I am or what I’m doing, and no one ever seems to know where they’re coming from. I pack up my backpack making sure I grab everything as quickly as I can, I need to get out of here.
I run out the door to look around, desperately seeking any sort of strange figure that would finally put an end to this creepy mystery that plagues me every fall. Down the street there is a tall figure walking east, but they’re so far down it couldn’t be them. Then again, I don’t really know when they dropped off the rose…
I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, it’sjusta flower, it’s harmless. If I keep telling myself this, maybe only the thorns can hurt me this time.
Chapter 5
One More Time
Leyla - A Few Days Later
I’ve been sitting in the local diner counter for at least an hour or two working on my essay before I’m distracted by the notification banner at the top of my phone’s screen. My stomach flips in nauseating somersaults and my pulse quickens for several beats.
Shit. There is no reason I should be so upset over seeing that notification. Yet, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, reminding me how just three days ago, I had mentioned needing to give this same person a call.
One Missed Call - Detective Alexandra
This is the last thing I need right now.The detective working on my family’s murder case had taken a liking to me all those yearsago and constantly tries to keep in touch beyond the scope of their cold case. And that’s in spite of my best efforts to assure her that I am doing just fine on my own and absolutely do not need a babysitter. Afterall, I’m twenty-four now. But that hasn’t deterred the persistent detective from checking in at least once or twice a month. Though, I suppose lately things have dwindled down. I haven’t actually heard from her in a while, and I wonder if I’m not annoyed at the call, but at the absence of them lately. She’s not Hazel, but she is another semblance of normalcy in my distorted life.
Honestly, she has done so much for me growing up that I really do owe her more than just a couple of phone calls a month. Alexandra is like a second mom to me she’s the person who always checks in, makes sure I’m doing okay. I guess I don’t realize all the things she’s truly done for me and I really need to be better about keeping in touch with her. Just, not right now. Not today.
If I was smart, I would’ve told her about the roses and gifts I’ve been receiving. But, it’s harmless. No one’s ever done anything about it anyway.
I put my phone to the side after clearing away the call notification and turn my focus back to my computer, pulling up the syllabus for my Criminal Psychology class to double-check the due date. I groan inwardly at the sight. It’s likely that I won’t meet the deadline for my thesis, but I am lucky that my professors are understanding.
Even though I desperately tried to keep it to myself, it was only so long that I could hold it in and pretend like life is normal. So, my professors know about the police possibly finding my parents’ killer and are more than willing to give me extra time.
Typing away on my computer, I am in a daze when the petite waitress, who looks like the crypt keeper’s wife, startles me out of my stupor. “Anything else I can get ya, dear?” Her pronounced Midwestern accent drips over every word. Her rosy cheeks are bright and she chuckles as I nearly fall off of the chair from the suddenness of her appearance.
Once I calm my panicking heart, I plaster a sweet smile on my face and nod. “Yeah, I’ll take another Coke…” I speak softly, almost to the point it would’ve been missed if someone wasn’t paying attention. “Actually, I’ll take an order of french fries too.” I hadn’t realized how long I have really been sitting here and don’t want to come across as wasting the poor waitress’ time. She jots it down and walks off.
My phone buzzes on the Formica countertop and lights up with another notification.
Det. Alexandra: Hey Kiddo, just checking in. Haven’t heard from you in a few weeks. I know the last time we talked I gave you some news that you didn’t like. Wanted to make sure you’re getting along fine in town and that no one’s giving you any issues. OR ELSE!... Kidding! Ha ha. Sorry, my kids say I shouldn’t use this—voice to text—well anyway. You have my number, Leyla, please reach out if you need anything. Have a good day!
Det. Alexandra:Oh! Before I forget, I wanted to ask a small favor from you kiddo! I’m trying to start up a small program, kinda like you used to go to as a kid. I’m being promoted to Director ofProgram Outreach here in town, and I know you really benefited from something like that, and the ceremony is later today. I know it’s last minute, but it’s at Lebauer Park at 5! I’d love it if you would be interested in helping out with it! Let me know if you can make it, and if you’d want to volunteer with the start up! Talk soon!
A rush of pain runs through my chest as I read the message over and over again, my heart clenching. Just another stark reminder of how alone in all of this wild world I truly am. A burning begins to form in the back of my eyes that I push against, not wanting to fall apart in public.
The waitress returns, placing my pop on the counter. “There ya go, sweetie! One pop for ya! Fries will be out shortly.” A curt nod from me sends her bustling off. I adjust my hair in my ponytail, turning back to my laptop and typing away. I’ll handle reality later; all that matters right now is getting this stupid paper finished.
After several hours working away at the diner, I pack up my belongings and throw my backpack on. I wave goodbye to the waitress, named Winnie, which I had discovered through no want of my own. I’m a little exasperated after she’d decided to tell me her entire life’s story with her sixty-eight grandchildren. But honestly, as much as it annoyed me… A little distraction had been nice, as well as a little human interaction. Even if I didn’t get more than a couple of words in here and there.
The weather is abnormally warm for mid-October in Upstate Michigan. A cool wind blows as I walk towards my new apartment, sending a chill through my entire body. There is just something off about this week; gooseflesh blossoms over my skin, and I feel an unsettling sensation that someone is watching me, that I am not alone. I spin around quickly, the ever-present feeling gnawing at me.
No one.
It is just me.
I think about it all, I think of what has happened in my life and I can’t help but think maybe it would be a good idea to meet up with Alex, that maybe this ceremony for her outreach group would be a great place for me to start figuring out who I am again. I lost myself somewhere here in Maplewood, and I’ll try anything to findmeagain.
I pull out my phone and send off a quick text that I’ll be there to Detective Alex, and head home to change and clean up a bit.
