Chapter 0090
When he returned, he handed her a white piece of paper with one number written on it. "That's the chief of police's number. You can give him a call and whatever you want." Amara glanced from the paper to Elijah, before collecting it and smiling. "Thank you, Elijah."
"You're welcome, Amara."
It was the second time he had called her name and Amara truly wondered how he knew. Just as her lips parted, the familiar sound of her ringtone echoed.
Her brows creased.
Hadn't she left that in her car?
Elijah walked and retrieved the phone before she could.
She thanked him silently as she collected it and took a glance at the screen.
It was Melanie Calling.
"Mel," She pressed the phone to her ear after answering.
"Amara!" Melanie near screamed her best friend ears out. "Where are you? I'm in front of your house and your car's window...where are you, Amara?"
She glanced at Elijah who was now cleaning up the table before answering. "I'm fine, Melanie. I'm at a friend's place."
There was a pause. "You're not lying, are you?"
"No. Ignore the car damage and go on in, I'll explain when I get home."
Melanie was hesitant but eventually agreed. "Alright. I'm waiting."
And like that, the line went dead.
"I have to go." Amara stood up, thankfully, the effect of the drug had lessened and she could stand normally.
Elijah, who was now loading the dish washer, dried his hand and fetched another piece of paper.
It was the drug description Lyle had left.
"Here," He offered it to her and Amara took it, thanking him. "Let me walk you home."
"Elijah-"
"It's just a few blocks, it's not too much of a bother."
Amara hesitated, but eventually accepted his offer.
The walk was short and the cool breeze made her feel good, erasing whatever trace of the drug was left.
Rather than waiting inside like she had been told, Melanie had been pacing her front gate when Amara arrived.
She gave Elijah a suspicious look as they drew near, but quickly focused her attention on Amara.
The first thing she noticed was the red side of her cheek, not where Tobias had hit her, but the side of her face where her attacker had slapped her.
Her stomach sank and without needing to be told, Melanie knew something had happened. She pulled her friend into her arms, hugging her as tightly as possible.
"I'm sorry," She apologized.
Amara chuckled. "For what?"
"I shouldn't have left you alone after everything. I should have insisted in taking you home." Parting from the hug, she scanned Amara's face once more and became angry. "Where's the fucker who did this, I'll beat him to a pulp." "He's currently being questioned at the police station." Elijah spoke.
"And you are?" Melanie questioned.
With dazzling smile, he answered. "Elijah," He casted a look at Amara before adding. "Amara's friend."
If not for the situation, Melanie would have teased Amara and shamelessly eye fucked the piece of candy in front of her, but now wasn't the time for it.
"I take it you sent him there? Helped her out with the situation?"
He nodded.
"Thank you," She said, flashing him a smile that showed her gratitude.
"You're welcome. I'll take my leave now." Turning to Amara, he pointed at his cheek and said. "Ice that."
Amara nodded. "Thanks, Elijah."
"No problem." And like that, he was gone and Melanie led Amara into her house.
"What happened?" She asked.
"I was attacked by some crazy dude." Amara was blunt.
"Why?"
Now, that she couldn't answer. The small part of her that still believed in Tobias was holding her back.
She shrugged. "Not sure."
Melanie knew that she was hiding something, but chose not to push. Their friendship has always been like that.
Amara seemed to have plenty secrets, ones she didn't even share with Melanie, but that was okay.
Because what mattered to Melanie wasn't the things Amara didn't want her to know, but rather, the things she let her know. Like her likes and dislikes.
Her favorite food.
Her favorite color.
Her hobbies.
Those were the things that mattered, the little things, and Melanie
knew her friend well enough
to know that when the time is right, she'd reveal all her secrets.
Returning from the kitchen with an ice pack, Melanie gently placed it on Amara's face and used her free hand to soothingly massage her hair.
"So," Melanie broke the silence after a while. "What now?"
"I'm gonna follow up on the case, get to the bottom of it."
"And then what?"
Melanie's question had her biting her lower lip.
And then what? Even she wasn't sure of the answer. But that small part of her, whatever shard of love for Tobias that still remained, hopes that it wasn't him who organized the attack.
Because if it is, then...
"I'm going to do the right thing." She said, determination flashing in her eyes. "I teach whoever's behind this a lesson they'd never forget.”