UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER (EDITED VERSION)

CHAPTER THREE: The Break

-Shelley-

It's the 22nd of December, and since my unit is on a Christmas break, I've decided to take the opportunity to visit my folks. I moved to the capital after school for work and haven't visited home since. Avoiding my Dad is one reason for that, as I can't stand the man and hate him for breaking our family apart. Nevertheless, I've been away for far too long and must return, even if it's just for a few days.

As I picked up my travel bag to pack my things, I pondered: what else do I need for this journey? I need to pack light; it's just for a few days, and then I make my way back to my life. I believe I can survive that with my dad around.

As I move to the wardrobe, I draw out a few clothes and place them in my bag.

I made sure all my things were packed before closing my suitcase. As I was about to leave, I realized I couldn't find my phone. I tapped my back pocket but it wasn't there. I began searching through my suitcase and looked all around the house, from the bedroom to the kitchen and even the bathroom.

"Urrr!" In what place is it?" I moved back and forth. Pulling clothes all over the floor.

'Tring, Tring,' the phone rings. "Where could it be?" Upon retrieving the sheet from the bed, I discovered its presence.

On the screen, it flashes the caller ID to be an unknown number. You must be kidding me. I picked it up and said, "Hello! Who is this?"

"Good morning. Am I speaking to Miss Dickson?" Said the voice on the line.

"Morning, and yes, you are. Who am I speaking to?"

"How have you been?" The voice asks.

"Fine," I replied with a hint of annoyance in my voice.

'It's Adam.'

As soon as I heard his name, my jaw dropped, and my eyes widened in disbelief. I stood up abruptly. "How on earth did you acquire my number? What have you been up to? And why are you calling me?" All I could do was mumble anything that came to mind.

"It doesn't matter how I got your number, he says, but I am glad I did. This past month has been challenging, and to answer your question about how I am doing, I would say that I am not doing well."

"You see, I long to speak with you, but since you refused to give me your number, I couldn't do so, and please don't say I knew where you work. If I had shown up, you would have accused me of stalking you."

Sitting back down at the edge of my bed for the first time, I was speechless. "I am so sorry you had a rough month. I hope this month will be different."

"It will be if only you agree to meet me, he says."

"You mean now?"

He began by saying, "I would be happy if you could do so today, but if not, how about tomorrow?"

"I am sorry, I cannot. I am travelling. As a matter of fact, I was on my way out when you called. I am going to visit my parents in my hometown."

"When will you be back? he asked."

"'On the 25th of this month.'" I replied.

"I cannot believe I am losing you again." He says disappointedly.

Smirking, I reply, saying, "You say it as if you had me."

"Chuckling, he says, funny Miss Dickson."

'Shelley,' call me 'Shelley,' please.

"I will do so if only you call me by my first name as well." He states.

"I have to go, Mr, Have a good day."