CHAPTER FIVE

A consistent bang on the Bennetts’ door at 6.20 am made Marisa hasten to open the door. She saw Ruby, breathing heavily with her dishevelled goldilocks curls.

“Mrs Bennett!” Ruby called out of breath. Before Marisa could ask what was wrong, she continued, “I am so sorry! I searched for her! with Mason...,” counting with her fingers, “and Davina and Chase! All night!” she said on the verge of tears, “but we couldn’t find her. At first, I thought she had left without a word again but she promised not to leave without me and you know she keeps her promises, right?”

“Huh? Ruby, who—”

Ruby ignored her, unrelenting in her explanation. “Mason said she ran after some guy but didn’t see where they went. Then I thought okay, she was with someone. I didn’t know what to do so I went home to wait for her, but she never came back and her phone is switched off!” she short-winded.

“Ruby, who are you looking for?” Marisa asked confusedly.

“Nora!” Ruby screamed, breaking into tears.