Chapter 24: Raphael

The next day at school, I couldn't help but notice that Julliette was nowhere to be found. It was unlike her to be absent, especially without any prior notice. I glanced outside the window from my favorite sitting spot in the classroom, hoping to catch a glimpse of her car in the parking lot, but it was conspicuously absent.

I tried not to let my concern show, but I found myself glancing around the room, hoping she would walk through the door at any moment. As the minutes ticked by, my worry only grew. It was already 10:45, and class had started without her. Something wasn't right.

I turned around again, scanning the room to see if she had come in late, but my eyes caught Selena instead. The sight of her made my blood boil, and she had the audacity to wink at me

I recoil. Disgusted, "What the fuck is she doing here?"I muttered under my breath

How did she even figure out my class?

I shift that to the back of my mind

She wasn't important right now

The class dragged on, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't focus on the lecture, my thoughts consumed by Julliette's absence. It was more than just concern; I felt an inexplicable worry for her, something that went beyond our complicated history. I didn't want to admit it, but I cared about her, even if it was against my better judgment.

As the minutes turned into an hour, I grew increasingly restless. I knew I had to find out what happened to her. Unable to wait any longer, I decided to take matters into my own hands. When the class finally ended, I made my way out quickly, barely acknowledging my classmates.

I tried her on her social media since I don't exactly have her number, but there was no answer.

Glance at the messages every now and then but it's still unread

She'd usually cuss me out at least but today it was like as if she was wiped out of the face of the earth

My worry deepened, and I decided to check her usual spots around campus, hoping to find some clue to her whereabouts. But everywhere I looked, she was nowhere to be found.

A knot formed in my stomach as the worst scenarios played out in my mind. What if something had happened to her? What if those stalkers had managed to get to her? The mere thought sent a surge of panic through me.

I should probably find her,maybe she's around the premises hiding.

I'm not learning anything anyway

I stormed out of the class, my mind still consumed by worry for Julliette. Selena's irritating presence only added to my frustration. As I walked away, I heard her annoying voice calling out to me, "Ralphy pooo."

I stopped in my tracks, tempted to give her a piece of my mind, but I knew she wasn't worth my time or energy. Taking a deep breath, I turned to face her, my expression cold and uninterested. "What do you want, Selena?" I asked, trying to keep my annoyance in check. "I'm kind of busy right now. And why were you even in my class?"

A smug smile played on her lips as she replied, "What do you mean? I came to see you, of course."

I rolled my eyes, not buying her act for a second. "Cut the act, Selena. We both know you didn't come here for me. You just love causing drama wherever you go."

Her smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, come on, Ralphy. You know you still have feelings for me," she said, trying to flirtatiously sway her hips. "Let's go somewhere and catch up."

I could feel my patience wearing thin, and I had no interest in entertaining her delusions. "I don't have time for this right now," I said firmly, trying to walk away.

But she persisted, grabbing my arm to stop me. "Why are you being like this? We used to have so much fun together," she pouted.

This girl

I sighed, pulling my arm away from her grip. "That was a long time ago, Selena. Things have changed, and I have other priorities now."

Her face turned sour, and I could see the anger flicker in her eyes. "Is it that stupid girl, Julliette?" she spat out, clearly jealous. "You always had a thing for innocent little girls like her." "I can't believe you're going back to her, she's supposed to be your ex"

"And so are you"I spat and her expression goes from jealousy to shock in an instant

I hope now she can get my words through her thick skull

I couldn't believe her audacity, but I refused to let her get under my skin. "Julliette is none of your business," I said sternly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important things to attend to."

With that, I turned and walked away, leaving Selena standing there in frustration. I had no time for her petty games, especially not now when Julliette's safety was my top concern.

I've already wasted enough time talking to her

As I continued my search for Julliette, I couldn't help but feel a mix of worry and frustration. I needed to find her and make sure she was safe. The thought of her in danger haunted me, and I couldn't bear the idea of anything happening to her.

Some how I feel some sort of guilt for not knowing where she is

I should have taken her number the day before

I'm so stupid

I pushed through the crowded hallways, my mind racing with possibilities. I checked all her usual hangout spots, but she was nowhere to be found. The worry gnawed at me, and I knew I had to find her before it was too late.

I feel my phone vibrate and I rush to it I pulled out my phone with a mix of hope and trepidation, my heart pounding in my chest. I had been anxiously waiting for Julliette's reply, hoping to hear from her and ensure that she was safe. But to my dismay, the notification on my screen showed it was a message from my brother, and the content was just memes, something he would usually send me on any regular day.

"Seriously?" I muttered under my breath, feeling a pang of disappointment. Today was anything but a normal day, and I couldn't find it in me to be thrilled by silly memes right now.

I took a deep breath, trying to push aside my frustration. It wasn't my brother's fault that I was on edge, but I couldn't help feeling annoyed at the timing of his messages. I wanted to hear from Julliette, to know that she was okay, but it seemed like the universe was playing with my emotions.

Despite my disappointment, I forced a small smile and replied to my brother's messages with a casual "Haha, nice one." I didn't want him to sense my unease, so I played it off as if everything was normal.

Where are you?