Methis' POV
I woke up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest. I had been dreaming of him again, the man I had met at the party last night. He was tall and dark, with piercing blue eyes and a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts. I had never felt such an instant connection with someone before, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to him than met the eye.
I got out of bed and went to the bathroom to splash some water on my face. As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but notice the dark circles under my eyes. I hadn't been sleeping well lately, ever since I met him. I was constantly thinking about him, wondering what he was doing and if he was thinking about me too.
I got dressed and headed downstairs to make breakfast. As I was cooking, I thought about the bar again. I had been so nervous when I first arrived, but he had immediately put me at ease. We had talked for hours, and I felt like I had known him forever.
I finished making breakfast and sat down to eat. I tried to focus on my food, but I couldn't help but think about him again. I wondered if he would call me today. I hoped he would.
After breakfast, I cleaned up the kitchen and then went upstairs to continue my enforced bed rest. I kept replaying our conversation in my mind, and I couldn't stop smiling.
I got through the day somehow, but I was counting down the minutes until I could get home and call him. I knew it was crazy, but I couldn't help myself.
I got home as fast as I could and dialed his number. My heart was pounding in my chest as I waited for him to answer.
"Hello?" he said.
His voice was even more beautiful than I remembered.
"Hi," I said. "This is Methis."
"Oh, hi, how are you?"
"I'm good, I just wanted to thank you again for a great time last night."
"It was fun," he said. "I enjoyed talking to you."
"Me too," I said. "I was wondering if you'd like to get together again sometime."
"I'd like that what are you doing tomorrow night?"
"I'm free," I said. "How about we meet up for dinner?"
"Sounds good," he said. "Where would you like to go?"
"I don't know, what are you in the mood for?"
"I'm open to suggestions," he said.
"How about we go to that new Italian place that just opened up?"
"I've heard good things about it," he laughed. "Sure, let's go."
"Great," I said. "I'll call you when I'm on my way."
I hung up the phone and I couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't believe that I was actually going on a date with him. I was so excited.
I spent the rest of the day getting ready for our date. I picked out the perfect outfit, and I even got a manicure and pedicure.
I couldn't wait to see him again.
"Had fun last night didn't you?"
I nearly jumped, turning around to face my Dad who leaned at the arch of the stair way, watching me intently.
"Dad," I said clutching my chest and chuckling nervously, "What the hell? You scared the shit out of me."
"You seem to be going somewhere." He said walking into the room, his voice taking a serious tone. It reminded me of my teenage years, when I had just started dating boys he disapproved of.
"It's just a guy I met last night at the bar Dad, nothing serious."
He chuckled, striding into the room, his hands in his pockets, "I didn't send you there to meet another guy you know?"
"I know, I just... " I teetered off, unsure of what to say.
"You are a great kid who had been dealt a bad hand Methis." He said softly, "Just, don't get caught up with another asshole, okay? There is a whole world for you out there."
He was right. Chris was a nice guy and all it seemed, but I realized he was an escape. I already had my hands full with drama, I didn't need more. I was going to have to ghost.
I nodded as he bent over to plant a gentle kiss on my cheek, "Thanks Dad."
Jamal's POV
My heart pounded in my chest as I approached Methis' apartment building. I had been debating whether or not to come here, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
I reached her apartment door and knocked firmly. I waited for a response, but there was nothing but silence. I knocked again, harder this time, but still no answer.
I felt a surge of panic rising up inside of me. Where could Methis be?
I turned to leave, but then I saw her neighbor standing in the doorway of her apartment.
"Excuse me," I said. "Have you seen the lady that lives across the hall lately?"
The woman shook her head. "No, not since yesterday, she came home locked the door and left again, and since then, she hasn't been home."
My heart sank. I knew where Methis had to be. She had gone back to her father's house.
I stood there for a moment, debating with myself what to do. Should I go to her father's house? Should I try to contact her on her phone?
I knew that going to her father's house would be a mistake. It would only make things worse. And I didn't want to risk calling her phone, in case her father was listening.
I decided to wait until it was dark, and then I would try to sneak into her father's house and see her.
I spent the rest of the day trying to distract myself, but I couldn't shake the worry that was gnawing at me. I kept thinking about Methis, and I wondered if she was okay.
As soon as it was dark, I drove to her father's house. I parked my car a few blocks away and walked the rest of the way.
I crept up to the back of the house and peered through the window. I saw Methis sitting in the living room, reading a book. She looked lost and alone.
I felt a pang of guilt in my stomach. I had promised Methis that I would never let her father hurt her again, and I had failed her.
I knew that I couldn't just stand there and watch her suffer. I had to do something.
I took a deep breath and walked into the house, but as I approached the driveway, I stopped.
Yeah, this was a bad idea. I had to give her space. If she was here, it meant she had come hear to find peace, at the very least hide away from all the mess that was her life outside. Me coming here would completely ruin that, and I didn't want it to happen, she had suffered enough already.
I turned around and walked back to my car.