HAMERTON Chapter 4 episode 3

HAMERTON 2

Thank you God for this opportunity.

Hamerton. A large school offering the finest Education to the students of the state and overseas. Natalie joins this school arriving from Brooklyn and she has grief over her lost friends who were murdered in Hamerton. She teams up with Ingrid and their fellow seniors against the House of Representatives to prevent a bomb blast that could cause a large massacre.

Hallow viewers!

previously on Hamerton; Natalie resigned from being President and resolved to leave Hamerton for good.

  

“A good mathematician must be able to solve any mathematical equation through any and all of the mathematical ways possible.” Mr. Gram said inside the senior class, class D, in response to Fred’s challenge question.

“Oh.” Fred said, standing at one end of the board and opposite Mr. Gram. He was attempting to solve a calculus equation and ended halfway. “I was used to this method.”

Mr. Gram shook her head with disappointment. “Mr. Fred Fergusson, I just taught you-” he begun reprimanding Fred, before the classroom door was opened.

The whole class turned to the entrance.

A guy from the S class, held the door knob, looking around the room. “Excuse me Mr. Gram, the principal’s secretary is in need of Natalie Bradley.”

Mr. Gram frowned. “Can’t she see Natalie at another time?” he asked.

“I don’t know.” The boy replied bluntly.

Before Mr. Gram snapped at him, Natalie rose from her desk. “May I go and see her sir?”

Mr. Gram sighed. “Okay.”

Natalie thanked him and followed the boy out.

Seated beside Natalie’s empty desk, Ingrid’s mind begun to fill with worry. She wondered what Archibald needed with Natalie.

Mr. Gram’s voice drew the rest of the class’ attention. “Anyone else here, who can solve this equation with my method?”

“Natalie Bradley.” Someone called out from the back of the class.

Mr. Gram was furious. “Can’t you do anything on your own? What will happen if Natalie shifts or something?”

Fred raised her eyebrows. “They are shifting her?”

With Fred’s question, the class begun to murmur.

“What are you all whispering about? I just said that, you have to stand on your own feet. Someday, Natalie will not be around to solve your questions.” Mr. Gram said.

There was were no replies.

Just then, the electric bell rang outside the room, signifying the end of class.

Fred relinquished the chalk on the teacher’s desk. “Times up.”

The rest of the class begun packing their books and moving their seats.

“You have to study a lot for your A-level exams.” Mr. Gram instructed, picking up his Clear bag from his desk. “But, I hope that, before the exams, you will already have your teacher back.”

Fred had taken his camera from his bag and he turned to Mr. Gram with it, capturing him. “Can you tell HTV about, Natalie shifting classes?”

Mr. stretched his hands in front of his face, to evade the camera. “Mr. Fergusson. I will discipline you for this.” He warned.

“But, we are on recess, sir.”

Mr. Gram withdrew his hands, snapping at him. “I am the discipline teacher, I could have you, suspended for shooting me against my will.” He bawled.

Some of the kids who were still in class started laughing.

“Aarrg.” Mr. Gram growled and stormed out.

Natalie and the boy parted when he retired to his own class. She walked to the principal’s office and met the secretary behind her desk.

“Oh Natalie.” The lady said first and shuffled through some files for a printed paper.

“Good evening Miss Ester.” Natalie greeted, watching the secretary’s movements.

“You are lucky that he signed it.” Ms. Ester said, waving the paper to her. She drew it back before Natalie took it. “Wait, I haven’t put in here the reason yet.” She said, fetching a pen from her coat pocket. “Archibald is very strict these days about pupils leaving the school compound. Especially those who, in their records, have no residency or relationship in England.”

“Oh.” Natalie said, with a little worry building up in her.

“So, why are you leaving Hamerton?” Ms. Ester asked, getting ready to note down.

“For medical reasons.” Natalie replied.

“Alright. A check-up maybe?”

“Yeah…” Natalie agreed and darted her gaze inside the room, looking for an excuse. “Eye checkup!” she added excitedly.

“Alright.” Ms. Ester agreed and noted. She then turned back to Natalie. “But, I advise you not to use glasses. Ask them for contact lenses, glasses will not look good on you.”

Natalie nodded with her eyebrows raised.

Ester turned back to the gate-pass. “So, to which clinic will you go to?”

“Amh… I’ve heard of this hospital in London.”

At the city’s name, Ester turned to Natalie with shock on her face. “Natalie? You are going to London? Why?”

Natalie blinked quickly in self-defense. “Eye check-up.”

“Yes but, why London? You will get lost in the city you pretty girl.”

“Amh… I survived New York, I think that I can take this.”

Ester arched an eyebrow. “Mmh. So, you are going sightseeing?”

Natalie laughed at the way Ester put it. “No. For an eye checkup. But, I can’t deny that, I've always longed to be in London. For a longer time than, dropping at Heathrow. You understand, right?”

Ms. Ester nodded. “Yeah. So, how long will you take…‘sightseeing’?”

“Two days.”

“Mh. Where will you sleep?”

“I have my Aunt who is also waiting for me.”

Ms. Ester noted that, down. “Okay.” She said and gave the gate-pass to Natalie.

“Already signed?” Natalie asked, receiving it.

“Yes. There was only the stamp that I had to give after writing your details.” Ester said, assuring her. “Stay safe dear. London is a very big city. Don’t get lost on your way there, okay?”

Natalie nodded, folding the pass. “Right. Thank you.”

Ms. Ester smiled at her. “Welcome. And do consider being our President again.”

Natalie did not reply. She could not lie to Ester but, neither could she tell her the truth. She offered Ester a broad grin and turned around, leaving.

What happened next? Stay tuned to find out!

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kindly don't forget to drop your comments on the story Hamerton, wherever on the net with the hashtag #creativewritingHamerton .IG: @mult_talented_p

Ahsante, Thank you, Merci, Tack, Dank, Obrigado, Salamat, Spasibo, Grazie, Gracias...

HAMERTON Chapter 2 episode 5

HAMERTON 2

Thank you God for this opportunity.
Hallo new viewers and Happy and Peaceful elections Tanzania!

Hamerton. A large school offering the finest Education to the students of the state and overseas. Natalie joins this school arriving from Brooklyn and she has grief over her lost friends who were murdered in Hamerton. She teams up with Ingrid and their fellow seniors against the House of Representatives to prevent a bomb blast that could cause a large massacre.

Previously on Hamerton; Natalie and Ingrid utilized the new email that Ester provided them to send Caitlin a message. Natalie tells Caitlin, in her message that, she knows that Caitlin is alive and that Natalie misses her a lot. 

Corny shows Trevor CCTV photos of him and Natalie when they met in the leaders' quarters earlier that day. They agree to leave Hamerton so that, Trevor's father will not find out that, Trevor lied to him and Corny partook in breaching Trevor's security. 

Continue;

Back in Canada, Caitlin sat behind her working desk, staring at her laptop’s screen. She was writing a report about her visit in Africa and somewhere along the way, she paused, resting her chin on her palm, drowning into thoughts.

She had been aware of the things happening in Hamerton and consequently with her best friend, Natalie. Until now, she had not thought that it was safe to reach Natalie but, a long time had passed already. Natalie was the school President, Hamerton was calmer than ever and though it already lost seven of its prominent senior students since Caitlin’s arrival, everyone had forgotten the bad things.

Maybe I should contact her. She thought.

Yes. It was a good idea as she told herself. She would only inform Natalie that she is fine and that she misses Natalie a lot. She would send kisses to Natalie’s friends too and to Trevor because, the last that Caitlin heard was that, the two were going out.

Possessed with the excitement, Caitlin opened a new window of a web browser and logged on to her Gmail account. She waited as her emails loaded and begun moving her cursor to the ‘Compose new’ tab on the screen. She then noticed a new email from her usual informer.

She smiled a little hoping that there was good news about Natalie and reclined from composing a new message to open her unread mail.

Hallo Caitlin. How have you been doing? You told me that you were going to visit Africa, how did you find it? Are you back home? Did you have a safe journey friend?

I hope you are great.

Well, I have news for you from Hamerton and your best friend Natalie but, I don’t know if you will like it.

Do you know Ivan? I hope you do. Well, I have heard a lot about him. And of course about the history between you two.

It happens that, Ivan Hook, your boyfriend till you left Brimstone, is going out with your best friend, Natalie!

Sorry for that news but, it is a fact. I also heard that, Ivan was never as interested in you as he was or still is, with Natalie Bradley.

She broke up with Trevor when Ivan shifted to study in Hamerton, to  join her.

I don’t mean to be rude Caitlin or bad mouthing your friend but, I’ll give you my honest opinion, she is bad. She has no morals. She doesn't even care that Ivan was your boyfriend and that you were her best friend.

There are a lot more evil said against her. Oh my friend, it would be hideous to write them.

(Sighing) I wish that you don’t think too much about the evil that Natalie has done to you and focus on your journalism career.

All the best dear. I’ll write to you more if I find out or hear anything.

Yours truly,

Ester.

Caitlin’s eyes tingled with tears after reading the mail. She felt heart broken by the ill news about Natalie.

She could not believe that Natalie could betray her by going out with Ivan. What hurt Caitlin the most was that, from the letter, Natalie broke up from a sincere relationship with Trevor to be with Ivan.

How could they have done such things in Caitlin’s absence? Why?

She tried swallowing a lump of tears that was stuck in her throat, feeling very upset.

Natalie? Really? She asked herself, crying. So, Natalie never thought about her? Was Natalie so bad in school? Why did her habit change?

“Why Natalie? Why?” Caitlin whispered.

But, there was no reply, there was just Ester’s gruesome report, staring at her from the laptop screen.

Caitlin felt wretched, suddenly recalling the times that she was with Natalie and Ivan. Suddenly, meaningless gestures in their encounters, oriented to the anonymous feelings between Natalie and Ivan.

Caitlin frowned at this, feeling very angry at her old friends who, hidden from Caitlin’s knowledge, hardly knew that she was alive.

She sent Ester a short thank you text and told her that she was fine and back in Canada.

Ester did not respond and Caitlin signed out from her Gmail account then locked her computer in rage. 

What will follow next? Stay tuned to find in the next Chapter of Hamerton; SOHOT/ SOHOR??.

©All rights reserved

kindly don't forget to drop your comments on the story Hamerton, wherever on the net with the hashtag #creativewritingHamerton . 

Ahsante, Thank you, Merci, Tack, Dank, Obrigado, Salamat, Spasibo, Grazie...

HAMERTON 2 Chapter 2 episode 4

HAMERTON 2

Thank you God for this opportunity.
Hallo new viewers and Happy and Peaceful elections Tanzania!

Hamerton. A large school offering the finest Education to the students of the state and overseas. Natalie joins this school arriving from Brooklyn and she has grief over her lost friends who were murdered in Hamerton. She teams up with Ingrid and their fellow seniors against the House of Representatives to prevent a bomb blast that could cause a large massacre.

Previously on Hamerton; Trevor, Natalie and Ingrid follows Hamerton's bus to where it drops Ralph Brooks. They end up at Mr. Dickson's house who tells them that Caitlin is really alive and explains the circumstances in which he had to care for her and her brother until they recently parted. When Natalie requests for it, Ester, Mr. Dickson's wife provides her with Caitlin's contact information which happens to be a new email that Caitlin is using. 

Ingrid doubts their visit there.

Please continue;

They arrived the school campus and Trevor dropped them there.

Natalie rushed to the computer lab in the chief building with Ingrid to contact Caitlin through her email.

They sat in their usual spot behind a desktop computer and Natalie switched it on then connected to the Local Area Network.

“You know,” Natalie begun, telling Ingrid when she opened a web browser. “We found Caitlin logged in to this same computer, a year ago.”

“I remember that.” Ingrid said.

Natalie opened Gmail and added her account.

Ingrid watched her. “If only the computers weren't flashed every semester, we could still access Caitlin’s original mail.”

“Yes. But, there is no need for that, Caitlin has a new email now.” Natalie said composing a new mail.

Ingrid was silent.

Natalie murmured as she typed. “Hallo Caitlin. What’s up?” she laughed. “I really miss you my friend. I know that you are still alive and I want you to respond as soon as you get this email. I love you so much my dear friend… we have a lot to catch up.” She paused continuing to type silently and after confirming it, she sent it.

“That was a nice letter.” Ingrid said afterward.

Natalie laughed with excitement. “She usually replies her mails quickly. If she is with her phone now, she’ll tell me something.”

“She must be older now.”

“Yeah.”

“I miss her too, though, we were very young when we parted.”

“Didn't you see her when she came to Hamerton?”

“I think that she went to class S.”

“Oh. Okay.”

Ingrid glanced at the monitor then back at Natalie. “Did you two have similar passwords?”

“No, no.” Natalie said.

“Alright.”

“But, why do you ask?”

“I still wanted us to check her Gmail.”

“Ingrid c’mon? The teacher already told us that, Caitlin was not herself after the attack so she must have forgotten her Gmail password and couldn't have possibly be using it.”

“Okay.” Ingrid accepted.

Natalie turned to the screen and seeing no response from Caitlin, she said. “Let me send Trevor this email. He asked for it.”

“Sure.”

Ingrid waited as Natalie tapped the keyboard, thinking on how to recover the President’s badge. “You should pretend to have lost your badge.”

“Send.” Natalie said to the computer and turned to Ingrid. “Yes. I think so too. Otherwise, there would be no explanation as to why I have a spare badge.”

“Okay. Are you done?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you waiting for Caitlin’s reply?”

“I don’t know. Should I?”

“Maybe she is far from her phone. We can come back and check another time.”

Natalie nodded and signed out, read to leave.

**

That night, Trevor stood on the roof of a tall building which also served as the parking lot for their helicopter.

He embraced himself in the cold, though he was clad in a heavy white jacket. The temperature at that height was very low but, he did not hesitate to go up there, to enjoy the glamorous view, of the colorful lit town, under the 9:00pm sky.

“I should take Natalie here someday.” He thought aloud, stepping close to the edge of the giant building.

“I don’t think so.” Corny’s voice disagreed with Trevor in his ear.

Trevor frowned. “I told you not to pick in my head.”

“I am not.”

“Yes you are. Now, turn off your speakers.”

“Where are you?” Corny asked instead.

Trevor sighed with impatience. “I’m on the roof.”

“Okay. We are coming.”

“We? You and who?” Trevor asked in queer.

There was no reply.

He turned around to watch the elevator cubicle some yards from him on the roof.

In at least a minute, the elevator doors parted and Corny and Henry walked out, approaching Trevor who was still standing at the edge of the roof.

“Are you gonna jump?” Henry called.

Trevor shook his head, waiting for them.

They halted a few feet from Trevor and Corny had one of his hands buried in his overcoat pocket and the other, holding an envelope.

“So,” Trevor begun. “What is the meaning of this rude invasion of privacy?”

“Trevor. You are the only one being rude here.” Corny informed him. “Considering the fact that I let you come back to Hamerton.”

Trevor gave Corny a fearful expression. But, of course, Corny would have found out in the end that, Trevor took his friends around the streets of Hamerton, earlier that day. “Okay. I am sorry that I left with the girls this afternoon. I had to. Nonetheless we discovered a lot of things.”

“Yes. You might have but, now your inconsiderate actions has led to this,” he said and waved to Trevor the envelope.

Trevor took it reluctantly. “What’s inside?”

“Something to blackmail me.” Corny replied.

Trevor furrowed his eyebrows in queer and opened the envelope hastily and took out a couple of pictures.

He checked them. “Howls, these are photos of me and Natalie in the school leaders’ quarters.”

“So, you also went to Hamerton.” Corny reckoned.

Trevor glanced at him and sighed. “I meant to tell you that.” At this, Corny shook his head in disappointment but, before he could say anything, Trevor added, “I don’t understand Howls. How’s this meant to hurt you and not me?”

“Because, Trevor, I am your father’s employee meant to protect you from danger and sending you back to Hamerton is no way near protecting you from danger.” Corny explained complainingly.

“You mean, someone is blackmailing you with these photos so that dad can fire you?” Trevor asked. “Why?”

“I can’t know that.”

“You have to. What should these photos mean? What are their implications?”

“That I am not doing my job.”

“But, I am not hurt.” Trevor said in defense.

“Not yet. At least that is what your father will think.”

Trevor sighed deeply, realizing the truth. “They want me out of Hamerton.”

“That’s what I assume as well.” Corny agreed.

“Have these pics reached my father?” Trevor asked.

“I hope not but, just in case they have, we will have to say that Henry went to trick Natalie that he was you and that you have always been in Paris with your brother’s family.”

Trevor looked at Henry and nodded to Corny. “Okay.”

“Good.” Corny said.

“How did they take these photos? There were only two of us in that room.” Trevor inquired. Clearly his mind was still worried about the photos.

“There is a CCTV imprint at the bottom of the pics.” Henry helped. “I guess your school’s security has improved.”

Trevor sighed. “How could I have missed that?”

“It has already happened, Trevor. Now, you have to call Natalie and tell her that you may not see her again.” Corny said.

“Not, not again, Howls. I will find a way to see her.”

“Until things cool down perhaps.” Corny added not wanting to give Trevor much hope.

“Can’t I just face father and tell him that I love Natalie? Maybe, he’ll give me a chance.”

“Trevor. I thought that you know your dad more than I do. You want him to keep you in isolation? Trust me, he won’t hesitate to do that if you insist on coming to Hamerton or seeing Natalie Bradley.” Corny said.

Trevor glanced at Henry and developed an idea. “I will pretend that I’m him. Yes!. Henry can take my place in college and be the boyfriend of Kehlan while I can see Natalie and help her save Hamerton.”

“It’s impossible, Trevor. Get that out of your head.” Corny said.

Trevor drew a deep sigh.

Corny looked at Trevor and feeling pitiful, tried to comfort him. “Maybe I will think of something but, later not anytime soon okay?”

Trevor nodded a little. He was unsatisfied.

Henry darted his gaze around the roof, checking the security then turned back to his company. “Let’s get out of here. Howls, will you fly or, I will?”

What will follow next? Stay tuned to find.

©All rights reserved

kindly don't forget to drop your comments on the story Hamerton, wherever on the net with the hashtag #creativewritingHamerton . 

Ahsante, Thank you, Merci, Tack, Dank, Obrigado, Salamat, Spasibo, Grazie...

HAMERTON Chapter 2 episode 3

HAMERTON 2

Thank you God for this opportunity.
Hallo new viewers and Happy and Peaceful elections Tanzania!

Hamerton. A large school offering the finest Education to the students of the state and overseas. Natalie joins this school arriving from Brooklyn and she has grief over her lost friends who were murdered in Hamerton. She teams up with Ingrid and their fellow seniors against the House of Representatives to prevent a bomb blast that could cause a large massacre.

Previously, Natalie is in anguish to see Caitlin again, after the hope of Caitlin being alive revives in her. She wakes feeling drowsy and thinking about Caitlin. When she least expect it, Trevor shows up and shares her burden with comforting words. He explains himself about Ingrid's confession but, Natalie just wants no secrets between them.  They both agree to leave later to see Ralph Brooks along with Ingrid. 
Kenneth met Mr. Dickson in a mental hospital  and mentioned to Trevor that he had his worries on Mr. Dickson's sudden discharge

Continue;

Later that day, Trevor paused his car a little off a driveway, watching as the Hamerton school bus arrive a silent street.

He sat on the driver’s seat with his hands on the wheels. Natalie sat next to him while Ingrid sat in the back seat of the hatchback Mercedes.

“That’s him, right?” Natalie asked as the bus stopped outside a small gate of a two-story building and dropped off a boy with dark hair and wearing red uniforms.

“I can’t say I’m sure. I don’t remember the last time that I saw Ralph.” Trevor replied.

“He surely looks like him.” Natalie said.

“Dark hair… like Caitlin, right?” Ingrid asked, peeping out of the window to watch the boy step on the patio below the door of his house.

The door opened and Trevor furrowed his eyebrows in queer of the person behind it.

“Isn't that Mr. Dickson?” Trevor asked.

“Who is Mr. Dickson?” Natalie inquired.

Ingrid narrowed her eyes, looking outside.

The boy ran in as the host checked outside and thereafter, closed the door.

“Yes it is.” Ingrid affirmed.

Trevor released his seatbelt and undid the door lockers. “C’mon. Let’s go.” He said.

The girls walked out of the car and shut the doors after them.

Natalie joined Trevor, stretching her polo shirt which she had on, along with khaki trousers. Ingrid was also out of the school uniforms, wearing a white T-shirt and denim knee-length pants. They both agreed to wear casual clothes so that the SOHOT will not be able to trace them.

“Who is Mr. Dickson?” Natalie asked again.

“Ralph, my brother’s class teacher. I don’t understand how he could live with Caitlin’s brother.” Trevor said and took Natalie’s hand, crossing the road with her.

Ingrid followed them. “Erin told me that, after Caitlin’s death, Ralph moved to Canada with his father.”

“Well. Maybe Erin lied.” Trevor said who was so sure that Caitlin was alive.

They halted on the patio in front of the house’ front door. Trevor knocked thrice and waited. At the time, he could feel Natalie’s palm vibrating in his clutch. He turned to her, offering a reassuring smile.

Shortly, there were footsteps to the door and as the three expected, Mr. Dickson appeared behind it on opening.

Mr. Dickson’s face was a bit shocked. “Trevor?”

Trevor smiled. “Yes sir.”

The teacher glanced at him and his company. “Ingrid. How are_” he begun before a voice sounded from inside the house.

“Honey, who’s at the door?”

Mr. Dickson turned around opening the door wide simultaneously. He revealed a woman probably in her early thirties, wearing an apron over a brown suit. She stood at the doorway of a kitchen that faced the living room of the house.

“Ester, they are my old students of Hamerton.” Mr. Dickson explained.

“Hallow?” Trevor greeted for all.

“We are also Caitlin’s friend.” Natalie pointed out.

At that, Mr. Dickson turned his head to face her. He was clearly caught off guard by the statement.

Natalie stared at him bluntly, Trevor had to say something. “Yes sir. We would like to know what happened to our friend. I reckon that you disappeared at around the same time that Caitlin was allegedly murdered in the bomb blast that claimed the lives of five of the school senior students.”

Mr. Dickson swallowed attempting to steel himself to say something that could please them but, before he could, Ester came to the entrance and put her hand over his shoulder. “Maybe it is about time that we tell them, Dickson.” She said.

Natalie glanced at the woman, feeling confused. “Tell us what?” she asked.

Mr. Dickson sighed and said, “Come in, please?”

The three followed the couple inside the house and were welcomed into the cozy living room. There they sat on one long sofa, opposite the older couple who occupied a love-seat.

“Can we know each other first?” Ester asked, opening the conversation.

“Honey, he is Trevor Tommy, the son of a business tycoon in the US. The other one is Ingrid, she is Trevor’s friend and I taught her too. Amh…” Mr. Dickson introduced and paused, glancing at Natalie.

“Natalie. Natalie Bradley. I’m their friend.” Natalie helped.

“She is also the current President of Hamerton, sir.” Trevor added proudly.

Natalie blushed.

“Oh nice.” Ester said and rose. “What drinks would you like?”

“A glass of water will do, please. Thank you.” Trevor said first.

“I’m okay.” Ingrid excused herself.

“Maybe water.” Natalie said.

Ester smiled at Ingrid and said to the rest. “Okay.”

She left and Ingrid noticed Mr. Dickson watching her go as if, he was uncomfortable without his wife. A very unique discomfort. 

“Mr. Dickson?” Ingrid called.

He turned to her. “Yes Ingrid? Which grade are you now?”

“I am a senior student.” She replied generally.

“That’s nice, nice. And you Trevor? I suppose that you have already joined university.”

Natalie turned to Trevor at this, awaiting his reply. It occurred to her that, ever since he returned, Trevor did not inform Natalie of his academic progress.

Trevor was not ready to answer the question yet, especially when Natalie was focusing on him. Luckily, Ester returned with two glasses of water and offered it to him and Natalie.

Trevor cleared his throat after Ester sat. “Mr. Dickson, so, what happened to Caitlin?”

Mr. Dickson took a few seconds to reply then revealed. “Caitlin is alive.”

Natalie gasped. “What?”

Mr. Dickson glanced at her and nodded. “Yes.”

“How?” Trevor asked.

“Where is she?” Ingrid added.

Mr. Dickson looked at them in turns then answered. “When the school was blown up, Caitlin didn't die. She was barely injured, only in shock. Erin saved her life because Caitlin was a target of some bad people in the school. I took both her and her brother in and left far away with them. We spent a whole year there and when things cooled down, I returned Ralph to study here under my care.”

They were all silent for a while, digesting the revelation.

“What about their father? Does he know what happened to Caitlin and that you accommodate his children for all that time?” Natalie asked letting out her doubts.

“There was no way to reach him.” Mr. Dickson said.

Ingrid frowned. “How come? Didn't you have any phone number? Or, tried Google searching him?”

“No.” he replied.

“Why?” Trevor asked.

“Because, as I told you, Caitlin was in shock. She barely remembered herself. But, now, she is with her father and he confidently entrusted me with his son.” Mr. Dickson explained.

Ingrid was silent.

“Can we contact her? Does she have a phone number or something?” Natalie asked.

“She does have an email.” Ester spoke for the first time since the conversation started and rose. “I’ll get it.”

Natalie turned to Trevor who sat next to her, grabbing his hand. “Trevor?” she whispered. “She is alive Trevor, I was right.”

Trevor who was not as shocked, pulled her closer and hugged her.

Mr. Dickson watched them then rose. “Please excuse me.” He said and disappeared into a corridor that led to a staircase to the upper rooms.

Natalie and Trevor parted. “I don’t know what I’ll do if I see Caitlin again. She was more than a friend. Like a sister. We grew so attached to each other.”

“I understand.” Trevor said.

Natalie snuggled on his chest again and cuddled his fingers as they patiently waited for the couple to return.

Ingrid leaned on the sofa’s arm and looked around the room. She thought as she did. “Where is Ralph?”

“Maybe in his room.” Trevor suggested.

Silence prevailed afterward as they all waited. About ten minutes later, footsteps sounded close to the room and Natalie parted with Trevor, readying herself to receive the incomer.

Ester entered with a piece of paper in her hand. She walked to Natalie and gave it to her. “Here is Caitlin’s new email.”

Natalie received it with a trembling hand. “Thank you.”

The lady offered a warm smile. “Sure. You are welcome.”

Trevor looked at the girls. “I think that, we are done here. Is that right?”

Ingrid nodded on behalf of Natalie.

He turned to Ester, rising. “Thanks again. Mrs. Dickson, right?”

“Yeah.” She said in a giggle.

“Can we say goodbye to Mr. Dickson?” Ingrid asked.

“Ooh… no. He has things to take care of. He is replacing a light bulb. In Ralph’s room.” She replied, pausing after each sentence.

Natalie nodded. “Please greet Ralph. Maybe we will see him again in school.”

“The badge!” Trevor snapped.

“Yes, the badge.” Natalie said, remembering what they were missing.

“Can Ralph bring it to us ma’am?” Ingrid asked.

Ester smiled. Surprisingly, she seemed very aware about the issue. “Oh, I saw Ralph with that badge this morning before he went to school and I asked him to return it to the owner.”

“You mean, me?” Natalie asked.

“I don’t think he knew that but, this afternoon, he told me that, he retrieved it to your principal’s office.” Ester said.

Natalie sighed.

Ingrid was silent.

Trevor took a moment and said. “Okay. Thank you Mrs. Dickson. We hope to see you again.”

Ester nodded. “You are very welcome in this house.”

They all thanked and she escorted them out.

Back in the car, Natalie took out the paper with Natalie’s email and stared gracefully at it. “I finally have this. I can’t believe it. Caitlin is alive. My Caitlin.”

Trevor smiled, seeing his girlfriend happy as he rolled out of the street. He glanced at the rear-view mirror and saw Ingrid having a serious look. It was like, Ingrid was not satisfied with their visit there.

She stared bluntly on the car floor, pulling her lips together in a frown.

“You know,” Trevor said loudly, catching Ingrid’s attention. “That face reminds me of someone.”

Ingrid checked him on the mirror. “Who?”

“Erin.” He replied.

Ingrid glanced away, remembering Erin then looked back at him, remaining silent.

“She was usually upset.” Trevor went on.

“I am just wondering how on earth we would recover the badge.” Ingrid explained herself.

“We will. One way or the other.” He said.

Ingrid smiled a little and frowned again. The badge was the least of her concern. 

What will follow next? Stay tuned to find.

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