Chapter 23: THIEF

The event kicked off few minutes after Stacey walked away. I was too engrossed in staring at my screen to notice her leaving. Something about her leaves an eerie feeling, it was probably just all in my head but I wouldn't be taking chances. The seminar just I had expected was rather boring and uninteresting. Sam must have intended to bore me out. I glanced around and noticed few people paying attention to the speaker. Some were chatting and others had their gaze fixed on the person talking yet looked as though they were miles away. I could have sworn, I heard some yawning. I was tempted to fall asleep myself, it was honestly too boring to endure. The guy that ended up sitting beside me was chatting with someone I presumed to be his girlfriend and blushed constantly. Sometimes he'll look around to make sure no one was watching and continue. Mentally, I facepalmed. How did I live through this seminar, the first time I attended? I was young and energetic, hoping I had enough potential to survive in this industry. Also, Hannah was probably by my side to keep me company. Hannah... I hadn't thought of her for a while. That was because, I was keeping myself busy, too busy to think about anything. I found myself forgetting about her gradually, but I guess it wasn't that easy. Any free time I had to myself and drifted into my thoughts, she was on my mind. It took every ounce of dignity to stop me from calling back after that day. I wouldn't lie to myself by saying I haven't been stalking her on social media. She frequently posted pictures on Instagram and Facebook. S. A was doing good for her skin, her natural tanned skin glistened daily. I didn't like any of her pictures, nor comment fearing that she might just block me. It's been 3 months and she seems to have moved on. I had been dating Hannah, since our final year in High school. We were 18 then, young and in love. It's been 10 years since then. Worse, 20 years since I've known her. Yup... I confirmed doing quick calculations in my head, I was to turn 28 this year. She threw all that away. Why?.... Guess I'll never get an answer to that. It sucked, Hannah was a major part of my life, every decision I made revolved around her since I was 8. I curled my hands into a fist and gritted my teeth. Thinking about her was pisssing me off. I don't want to be upset.

Looking at my screen, nothing seemed interesting at the moment. I went through the saved contacts and stopped when I saw Natasha's. I've never collected her number before, none of our conversations has been normal enough to end with exchanged numbers. I doubted Natasha would pick up my phone and add her no, so it must have been Lucy. Well.... I was bored... Her number was here... She didn't have mine so... I thought to have some fun.

Me: YOU THOUGHT, I WOULDN'T FIND YOU?

I sent a text and smirked to myself, time to wait for some minutes. She might be listening and not paying attention to her phone but the chances were slim. Her response came in sooner than I had expected.

Natasha: UMMM, HI. PLEASE WHO IS THIS?

Me: WAIT! YOU DELETED MY NUMBER, YOU BLOODY THIEF!

Natasha: WHAT DID I DO? I THINK YOU HAVE THE WRONG NUMBER SIR/MA.

Me: ISN'T THIS NATASHA? THOUGHT I WOULD FORGET?

Natasha: WELL, THIS IS NATASHA. BUT YOU MIGHT BE SPEAKING TO THE WRONG ONE.

Me: SO YOU AREN'T LUCY'S MOTHER? GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY OR I'LL TRACK YOU DOWN AND MAKE YOU PAY BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY.

I didn't get a response after that. I guess I scared her away by mentioning Lucy. I couldn't help but feel excited, awaiting her reaction later.

The seminar ended and everyone scurried towards various doors. I struggled and pushed my way through the crowd. Luckily, Natasha was already waiting and I didn't have to waste any more time here. I turned on the ignition and drove out of the parking lot. Natasha didn't say anything and sat still staring into space.

' Why was she so quiet? ' I asked myself inwardly. Oh.... The messages. It must have bothered her more than I thought.

" Natasha, why are you so quiet? Was the seminar that boring?" I gulped, awaiting an answer. She muttered under her breath and I didn't understand what she said.

" That was barely inaudible"

" Pay attention to the road and try not to get us killed" What with her and getting us killed. It's like she knows she'll die in an accident or something.

" I'll pull over and refuse to move until you speak"

" You wouldn't dare" She challenged and narrowed her eyes. So I dared. I immediately pulled over and turned off the engine. We were at the side of the road and other cars sped by quickly.

" Want to talk now?" I wasn't planning on starting the car until she said something. I knew what she was about to say but the silence was scaring me. Did I break her?

" Why do you care?" Natasha asked, feeling irritated.

" You are creeping me out" I prefer when she's arguing than when she's silent.

" I got a text"

" So? You don't like texts?"

" The person said I am a Thief who owed money. He even mentioned Lucy. I didn't collect a loan or anything like that. He said he'll find me and I'll have to pay by any means necessary" She looked weary. I felt a pang of guilt. She'll most definitely kill me.

" I wanted to text you, so you'll be able to save my number" The best way to tell her? Most definitely not. But it wasn't like we would be having this conversation during tea time either.

Realization dawned on her " IT WAS YOU! JEREMY THAT WAS AN EXPENSIVE JOKE"

" Umm.."

" OPEN THE DOOR"

" Natasha hold up."

" OPEN THE DOOR YOU IDIOT OR I'LL SCREAM AND TELL EVERYONE THAT YOU ARE HOLDING ME AGAINST MY WILL" She yelled loudly, her eyes filled with rage. I simply complied with her request, she was incredibly upset. I watched her get down and hail a taxi. It wasn't like I intended to scare her or anything. I just wanted her to have my number, honestly.