Once In A Lifetime

Chapter 24: The Call

"The people who are meant to be in your life will always gravitate back towards you, no matter how far they wander."
-------

Caroline

"Hello Dad. Is there any news about her?" I was expecting him to call me for an update regarding Denise. It's been almost two months since she left. Until now, I could not believe she just disappeared that way. I've been wondering if she went to another school. Maines View University was her priority, but she's not enrolled there.

"I'm not sure if you want to hear this one, darling."

"Is there anything wrong with her?" I asked worriedly.

"Oh, there's nothing wrong, only something unusual."

"What do you mean, Dad?"

"Her Dad knows from the start where Denise is. Only, I can't understand why he seems unperturbed."

"Her Dad? Are you serious Daddy?"

"What made you think I am not serious?"

"I mean, if her Dad knows where Denise is,  Lola Soledad must be aware of it too. And she promised to give a word if she has clues about Denise's whereabout. Lola knows I've been dead crazy looking for Denise this entire summer.  How come she won't tell me?"

"Hey, you're concluding now, Princess. Why don't you go and visit her to know the score, while I'll arrange a meeting with Pastor Romano."

"Can I be there too, Dad?"

"I understand you're worried about Denise, but I got other business in meeting her Dad.  Just give Lola Soledad a ring now and visit her later, okay."

"As you said, Dad."

"I have to go now, dear," he said hurriedly.

"Will you be home for dinner, Dad?"

"Of course, Princess. Besides, I need to have some catching with you before leaving me for university."

"I love you Dad." I thought of the Hong Kong trip he promised before the school opening.

"I love you more, Princess." The line went dead. Daddy has his ways of letting me feel how important I am to him.

I dialled Lola Soledad's number but the line was busy. After attempting to contact the old woman for several times, I got impatient and placed the receiver down.
I was heading towards the kitchen to check what's for dinner when the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi, pretty face..."

My heart skipped a beat when I heard a familiar voice, throwing everything I was holding into the air down on the floor, creating a banging sound while my heartbeat was struggling to have a normal pace. I noticed that my hand gripped the receiver possessively hurting my palm.

"Oh my God! Denise it's you! Where are you? How are you? Can..." Unable to finish my words, I broke into uncontrollable tears, unleashing all the mixed emotions I never knew I had the past weeks.  All I knew, I was thankful for a moment that finally Denise called.

"Hey, why are you crying? Aren't you happy with your resurrected friend?" She bemused.

"I would be happy to hang you upside down for causing the hell out of me. Damn you, Denise." I retorted sharply in between sobs.

"Yeah, I know and I'm really very sorry, pretty face. Please forgive me, will you?" She said softly. Her sincerity never escaped me, but my heart was searching for something more than that.