4

My hands searched my phone as I opened my eyes. Finally, my hands clutched my phone, which was vibrating and playing a loud tune. I squinted to adjust my eyes and prepared them for the startling brightness. The time drew my attention before I could notice the caller ID. 4:15 a.m. Then it dawned on me that it was the same girl.

I responded without hesitation, "Hello I'm sorry for calling at this hour. Can you please just stay." I knew she was having difficulties sleeping because she sobbed. "Don't worry, love, I'll be right there with you." I said, my voice drowsy. I could hear her shuffling but she didn't respond.

•••

As the sun beamed in my room, the morning light shot across my face. As I stretched my hands in the sunshine, something fell to the floor as I tried to adjust my sight. To see what had fallen, I swung my feet across the bed. As the memories of receiving a phone call earlier this morning enveloped my head. My phone was still connected when I reached for it. It was 7:45 a.m. at the time. I pressed the phone against my ear to see whether she was awake. I assumed she was asleep because all I could hear on the other end was a very faint but continuous sound of someone breathing. It made me smile just thinking about it. My phone's battery was going low, so I disconnected it and plugged it in to charge.

I moved slowly towards the kitchen, not wanting to wake up any of the lads. "Whatever you're getting, can you care to share?" a voice asked out as I opened the fridge to fetch something to eat or drink, the sudden voice send chills down my spine. Valentino's morning voice jingled in my ears as he raised his hand to adjust his curls and rubbed the back of his neck. "Wow. How did you manage to get up so early?" With sarcasm, I asked. "Ah! I'm not sure! What about you?" As he took a seat on the couch, he questioned. "Yesterday, to be precise. No... Wasn't it yesterday morning? Naah! This morning? No.." As I tried to phase the call I received from her, I tripped over my words. "Dan, what exactly are you trying to say? You're in desperate need of a good night's sleep! Return to your bed!" He laughed. "No. 4:30 a.m., what do you name it? That's accurate, it was early this morning." I felt like I was conversing with myself more. "Yeah...? What went wrong...?" Valentino inquired, apparently concerned.

"Well, she gave me a call." I responded. "Did she? What went wrong? Was she honest with you about what happened 'that night'?" He bombarded me with questions. "Val, hold your horses! She did, in fact. She also didn't say anything about 'that night.' Regrettably, that remains a mystery." I poured the milk into two cups as I exaggeratedly sighed.

"She simply told me to just stay quite.We both slept with our phones in our ears. The phone was still going on when I woke up, and I could hear her steadily breathing on the other end, but I disconnected it." I went on to say.

"Doesn't it bother you? What happened to make her so weak, sad, and, most importantly, lonely?" I completely understood what he was saying.

"I understand. That's why I'm so anxious for her to call. I sincerely hope that I will be able to help her." I mostly said it to myself. I was lost in thinking when the microwave alaram pulled me back to reality.

I took a seat next to Valentino and handed him his cup of coffee.

"Valentino.." I mumbled, starring out of the window.

"Hmm" he asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

"What if, what if she asks me my name? Or my age, or my occupation?" I asked, still wondering in my own thoughts. "It's alright mate, sometimes you have to lie for good. Maybe if you gain her trust by being someone else, she'll let you in and tell you what is going on in her life." Valentino said, sounding more like Landon.

"I guess you're right, if this is the only way to get her to talk, then so be it," I replied as I sipped my coffee.

"I'm always correct!" He grinned, his goofy side showing through once more. I chuckled. He patted on my shoulder and stood up.

"Hello there, people! I didn't think you'd both be awake!" Dominique's morning voice echoed around the space. "Morning." I gave him a warm welcome.

"Are there any plans for today?" Valentino questioned as Landon entered the room.

"No, we don't, as far as I can tell." Landon grinned and replied as he took a seat next to me. I returned the smile.

"Can you tell me where Lawrence is?" Dominique questioned, addressing no one in particular. "He went to meet Aysel last night because she was in town. For a few days, he'll be staying with her." We were informed by Valentino.

"Well, lucky guy." Dominique muttered, having not seen Anna in a long time.

"It's all right, mate! You'll see her soon." I tried to calm him down, despite the fact that I had no idea who my mystery girl was.

"Anyway! To change the subject, do you have any plans for today?" Landon asked, his expression smiling.

"How about going to the mall?" Valentino asked.

"Of course!" I said, attempting to hide my excitement at the same time as Landon.

"All right, guys, get ready, and I'll make us breakfast!" Valentino made an offer. While Valentino made the breakfast, we all went to our rooms to get ready. I tried to get her out of my head, but it seemed impossible. I figured that as time passed, I'd learn more about her. After all, isn't every day a new day?