Chapter 42

6 months later.

"The total number of missing people has now risen to forty. Our sources tell us the police have no information as of yet on who is behind all the disappearances. All that the alleged victims have in common is that they were heard talking about someone new they met, a prince charming in their words. We urge everyone to be on alert of everyone new you meet whether at school, a bar, or even through a friend. You never know who will be taken next and why. We hope all these people are found safely. Moving on to the next topic…"

Helen groaned having even enough of hearing the newswoman talk. "Why are you on so early in the morning?" She groggily spoke stretching her body. Why does Eli have to watch the news first thing in the morning? "Turn it off Eli," Her voiced sounded muffled due to her face still covered by a pillow.

"Eli?" She called again when he didn't answer the first time. Helen removed the pillow from her face and slowly sat up to look for Eli who she now noticed wasn't in bed with her.

She checked the time and it was even seven yet. Had he gone to his office already? This month it seemed like Eli had been working more which is why she spent more time at his home if not she wouldn't see him often.

She was almost certain he claimed last night he wouldn't be busy anymore so where was he right now? It was possible he went down to the gym.

Helen yawned and reached for the remote to turn off the television. She was tired of hearing the police failing to find the people who had disappeared. 

Wearing one of Eli's shirts she got up off the bed to go look for Eli. She had to make sure he wasn't taken too.

She left the master bedroom in search of where Eli might've gone. Helen ran her fingers against the smooth railings of the stairs leading down into the kitchen. She was about to pass the main entrance and walk into the kitchen when the door popped open and in walked Noah.

"Good morning," Noah greeted as he entered but once he took note she was only wearing Eli's shirt he looked elsewhere.

"Good morning Noah. As always you're such a gentleman. I am not naked under here. I have on tights, Eli's shirt is just too long," Helen explained so the man wouldn't feel so awkward. "I don't understand why the shirt is so big. It reminds me of when I first visited his home and asked if he had NBA players here."

Helen eyed Noah suspiciously since he would know more than her and asked him, "Is there a room I missed?"

"Of course not! Why would Eli have basketball players when he doesn't enjoy the sport?"

"Hmmm. Well, I have no idea where Eli is and I haven't passed any of his workers to ask them. Would you like some coffee in the meantime?" She offered Noah who accepted the invite.

Helen walked into the kitchen followed by Noah and went straight to start the coffee machine.

"So, you and Eli seemed to be doing good. Is it getting serious?" Noah asked simply wanting to start a conversation.

"We're just having fun."

Noah ran his finger against the counter to make sure it was clean and unconsciously commented out loud, "Yes, people who are just having fun spend as much time as you two do together. Sleepover at each other's home. You're even wearing his for crying out loud- ah!"

He jumped when Helen slammed her hand on the counter startling him. Was she planning on giving him a heart attack? His ears were too sensitive for this. 

"I'm sorry. I couldn't hear what you were saying about me and Eli," She apologized folding her arms and leaned against the counter. She looked Noah dead in the eye and said, "Say it again."

Noah straighten up himself and apologized, "I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry for?" Eli questioned when he entered the kitchen. He had gone back to his bedroom to check on Helen when he found her missing but heard her voice along with Noah's in the kitchen. 

"Nothing. I was just messing with Noah," Helen said smiling and unfolded her arms to check on the coffee. "You were right Eli, Noah is fun to tease."

'Someone help me. I can't survive these two,' Noah cried on the inside. Why did Eli's newfound romance have to involve teasing him? When would his suffering end? Wasn't dealing with Eli enough? Now he had to throw Helen's personality into the mix.

"Where were you?" Helen asked Eli who seemed to come from upstairs.

"In the gym then I went outside and back to the bedroom," Eli answered.

"The gym was going to be the first place I looked after getting myself a cup of coffee. I figure you haven't had any yet?" Questioned Helen as she took out three cups to pour coffee into. 

"No," replied Eli who wanted to kiss Helen good morning afterward but when he caught sight of Noah who was glaring at him, Eli refrained from doing so."Why are you here so early Noah? Normally you don't come over when you know Helen spent the night.

"Oh yes I forgot but it's um…" Noah trailed off looking in Helen's direction who had started pouring out the coffee.

"Oh don't mind me. I'll take my leave knowing when I'm not wanted. I'll rest a bit more before going to my restaurant," Helen told Eli. She left the two in the kitchen to discuss whatever was important. 

Once Helen was out of sight Eli asked for Noah to notify him what was so important for the visit.

"One of our own was killed, tore apart, and left for dead in his home. Chase Mathews. He wasn't necessarily the best person but the circle is shaken up about this. First, the humans are disappearing and now our own is being killed. What is happening Eli?" Noah wondered.