Will Time Take Us Apart?
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that you recognize in this fanfic… (Too Bad!) Hanna Barbara creates Scooby Doo and all other characters… not me…
A/N: Hullo again! Didn't update for a very long time… exams coming one after another… anyway, I have always forgot to thank my reviewers! Forgetful me! Well, thanks to all my reviewers and hope you all continue to read this story!
Chapter 4: Missing!
After the news of Henry Kinsman's escape, everyone at the studio is on high security, looking out for each and every female working there. What is unsettling is that everywhere I was at the studio, the crew would be talking at one moment, then they would stop talking the moment I stepped in.
I don't need to ask anybody to get the answer.
I was the one who got Kinsman into jail, and now that he's out, the first person he would look for is me. It was strange to be the center of attention, and the topic of discussion during lunch. However, I do not find it pleasant at all.
Fred was the only one who didn't went around gossiping with other people, and has been really gentle and caring to me these past few weeks. But the thing is, I still haven't figured out the secret of Annabelle Harkins yet, so I have been pretty cold to him. But after a few weeks, I have started to feel warm and passionate towards him again. Fred is one guy that you could never be really mad at.
A few weeks went by, I had almost forgotten about Henry Kinsman. No letters from Annabelle Harkins were seen in the mailbox lately either. I think that she finally realized that she could not snatch Fred from me. Good thinking! At least for this time.
Just when I thought nothing could ruin the moment of peacefulness. Disaster struck. Fred has been to sent on an assignment in Germany, and they won't be back for 5 months! I was absolutely devastated.
"Is this confirmed? Why can't I go with you? I am scared… I don't know how to cope with this… I know I am supposed to support you in everything you do but… 5 months! We have never been separated this long! Please Fred…" I cried.
"Daph… this is a very rare chance! I might never get a chance like this again! Please let me go and I will come back in one piece in five months." Fred reasoned.
Somehow, the way the had said, "I will come back in one piece in five months" really made me worried. To tell the truth, I am really, really scared that something might happen to Fred. The countryside of Germany! What if they are robbed? What if they are captured, or murdered, even? What if…
I practically broke down. I know this is quite childish for me, to cry over this matter. I mean, this is a great chance for Fred to make a name in the industry! He could be famous and all, and am I going to ruin this chance for him?
"I'm sorry Fred. I know how much you want to take on this assignment, and I have been such a cow. I will support you in whatever you do, just do your best and make a name for yourself." I said, feeling better every second.
"Thanks Honey! Thank you for everything… I love you…" he said, and starting kissing me tenderly. I admit, that feels really good now that we have come in terms. It seemed to me that he didn't have anything to Annabelle at all. Stupid me, I should have trusted him.
As I thought of this, I feel a surge of guilt and passion for this man in front of me. His kisses are still so tender, and just so romantic… I just had to melt. I probably never felt as loving towards Fred Jones as I did right then. Even at the time before we married.
"I still wish you didn't have to go. Promise me you will come back safely." I said. "Of course, I will protect myself." Fred said, and kissed me again.
That night was the most memorable night that I had ever had in years.
For the next few weeks after that night, Fred and I went around the malls, searching around for anything that might be useful for his assignment. We bought some camera stuff for him, and some thick sweaters in case it gets cold. Fred never liked to wear fur, he says that is cruel.
"Killing all those poor animals just to drape it all over yourself?" he once said. Fred just absolutely love animals, but he never had the time to get a pet or something. That is one thing I liked about Fred, his kind and caring nature.
Finally, the last night in the States. I felt really depressed when I woke up in the morning, thinking that I would be deprived of Fred for the next few months. For the rest of the day, I put on a brave front, laughing and joking with Shaggy and Velma, whom I had invited for the going-away feast, knowing that Fred would want to see me happy, even with him around.
Really, pretending wears you out. Soon after, I went all quiet, with the rest of them all talking animatedly. "Like Fred, you don't suppose Germany have those special mysterious flavored Scooby Snacks?" Shaggy was asking Fred, hoping that he would get some good out of his assignment trip.
"No prob Shaggy! Scooby too?" Fred asked Scooby. Scooby, who was dozing on the rug, immediately woke up with a start and said, "Rcooby Rnacks? Rhere? Rhere?" All of us laughed. It is just like the good old days.
I really missed those days. I never had to worry about anything, well except getting my hair dirty and all. But I had grown out of it. Last time, all four of us were so carefree, never had to make any big decisions that popped up in our lives. Now… Fred is going to some foreign country, and I am really worried about him.
"Childish, aren't you?" I asked myself.
Somehow, I know I am.
"Fred, are you ready, you are not going to catch the plane if you're late!" I yelled up the stairs. Fred came down a few minutes later. We all went outside to the mystery machine, and Shaggy, Velma, and Scooby were already on it. They had some to see Fred off.
"Woo Fred, you are taking as much luggage as Daphne, except yours is a few months trip while Daphne's only for a day!" Shaggy joked, and Velma and Scooby snickered. I put on a look of mock-rage, and plunked myself in the driver's seat in front. I am driving today.
When everyone is settled, I started the engine and drove off. "Daphne, why are there so many crows in your porch?" Velma asked. I looked. Big, black crows were striding in the porch, cawing madly.
Is this a bad omen?
These few weeks without Fred have been a killer. I always feel lonely, and even waking up at nights, calling out his name. Velma they all have come over on some night, to help me with the loneliness, and I was grateful for that. "Like, That's what friends are for!" Shaggy had exclaimed. I laughed at that.
One morning, when I turned on the news, a report was going on about some missing cat when someone intercepted it. I froze.
"Breaking news! The filming crew sent to Germany has met with an accident in the countryside, and the van the crew was riding was flung off course and had fallen into the mass of trees below and still wasn't found. It is believed that famous writer and cameraman Fred Jones, was on the van and went down with it. For more updates, stay tuned!"
No… this can't be happening… It can't be…
I remembered what Fred had said jokingly, and the crows, and…
The phone rang. I shakily picked it up. It was some investigator from Germany.
"Is this Mrs. Jones? We are from the investigation crew from Germany, in charge of the accident that involved your husband. We have called to tell you…"