Can You Fight Fate?
Chapter Five
Mara sat alone in her room contemplating her agreement to go on a date with Tyler. Sure she liked Tyler. He was nice, definitely adorable, but she had kissed Reid last night.
After arguing with herself for almost an hour, Mara decided there was no harm in going on one date with Tyler. If they didn't mesh, then they didn't mesh. Plus, he would have talked about this with Reid, they told each other everything, and if he didn't want him to go out with me he would've told him. Right?
Hopping up from her bed she reached for her cell phone.
RING
"Hello?"
"Sarah, it's Mara."
"Hey, What's up?"
"I was hoping you'd like to go shopping with me."
"Sure, what for?"
"I'll tell you when we meet up. Okay?"
"Very covert. Is Kate welcome?"
"Of course. I can use all the advice I can get."
"Awesome. We're in our room, so how 'bout we meet downstairs. I'll drive."
"That's perfect. Thanks so much."
"Hey, any excuse to shop."
"Haha..bye."
"Bye."
I headed to dresser and exchanged my pajama bottoms for a pair of faded jeans. I pulled on socks and slipped my feet in to a pair of flats sitting by the door. After grabbing my jean jacket and purse I left my room, pausing to lock the door.
As I headed toward the stairs I realized I had no idea what the date was. This made it nearly impossible for me to choose an appropriate outfit.
So I stopped and knocked on Reid and Tyler's door.
It was Tyler who opened it. "Hey Mara."
"Hey. I just realized I don't know what we're doing tomorrow, so I came by to ask what I should wear."
"Something pretty, nothing super fancy."
"Okay. Are you gonna tell me what we're doing?"
"Nope. Surprise."
"Okay...well, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," he returned with a grin.
Turning away, I managed to keep my own grin under control until he closed the door, but God he was so adorable.
I met Kate and Sarah downstairs and we decided that, since we were hungry (me for food and them for information), we would eat first then shop.
Sarah drove to the nearest mall, still 30 or so minutes away and we headed for the food court. After separating and purchasing our respective food choices we regrouped and began eating.
"Alright. I can't take the suspense anymore. What's the big secret?" Kate practically exploded.
"Tyler asked me out on a date."
"So you need a new outfit," querried Sarah.
"Yes," I replied
"What are you doing," questioned Kate.
"He wouldn't say. Apparently it's a surprise. But he did say that I should wear something pretty, but nothing fancy."
"Well, that's... almost helpful," Sarah said. "But I felt like there was more to this story when you called me on the phone."
"Well...," I stalled." There kind of is."
"Oooh. Now that's news. Spill," demanded Kate.
"I kissed Reid."
"You kissed Reid, but you're going on a date with Tyler." Kate said. "Why?"
"Reid kissed me last night, after we left Nicky's. This morning Tyler asked me out. If Reid wanted me, he would have said something to Tyler right?" The girl's nodded. "Right, so this leads me to believe that Reid kissed me because he wanted to, but has no real designs on me and is fine with me going out with Tyler."
"Makes sense." said Kate. "Whenever Reid's into a girl he lets everyone know. And they talk about everything, those four. Reid definitely would have spoke up if he wanted to call dibs, and Tyler definitely would have said something to Reid before asking you out. It's the way they work."
"I agree," Sarah injected.
"Okay. So, Reid was a fluke and I am going out with Tyler tomorrow."
"Yep. Now let's get to shopping," Kate said as she stood.
We all picked up our empty trays and threw out our trash before heading to the closest clothing store while debating what kind of look I should go for.
After several stores and no purchases, we found ourselves at a vintage clothing store. I had to admit, this was more my style.
We raided the racks, which were not organized at all beyond being separated into men's and women's. We then brought our chosen items to the back where the fitting rooms were located.
I tried on my five outfits, modelled them for Kate and Sarah and the choice was pared down to three. A yellow sundress, a blue floral dress, and a red sheath.
The final vote was unanimous for the blue floral, the red was too fancy and the yellow was more of a day look, though it would be purchased also. I also found a pair of blue feather earrings at the register and added them to my purchase.
After finding the dress I knew I had all the accessories I could possibly need back at my dorm so I invited the girls over tomorrow to help me complete the look.
On the ride home, we talked mostly about my visions. The girls were very interested in how they started and whatnot. This is common and I answered most of the questions on autopilot. That converation segued into the visions regarding the Sons and eventually moved to 'How could Chase still be alive?' I had been considering that question more and more. We needed to find him. The faster the better. And I had an idea.
The girls and I parted ways and headed to our respective rooms. I entered mine and closed and locked the door. I didn't want to be disturbed.
Picking up my phone I placed a call to a friend back home. Kind of a computer wiz. His name was Charlie. He used to help my with my tech homework back home. But he was so knowledgable with computers he should have been teaching that class not taking it.
"Yello?"
"Charlie. Mara."
"Hey Red. How goes it up there in the great white north?"
"Good. I have a favor to ask you."
"Well ask away darlin'. You know I'm always happy to help."
"I need to find someone. He's gone under the radar and is probably going by a different name by now, but he seems to be the kind of guy who would follow up on his old life."
"Okay, so what do you need?"
"I need you to post an online ad. Everywhere you can. I'll send you a pic to use. The guys name is Chase Collins. I need it to say that his life is in danger. Have the ad refer them to my email. Can you do that?"
"It could be pricey."
"Just give me total when your done. In the mean time I'll wire you a couple hundred to start."
"Alright, consider it done. I'll start setting up the basics now. Get me that pic asap."
"I'll send it now. And Charlie, I really appreciate this."
"Anything for you Red. Bye."
"Bye."
I hung up my new purchases and fired up my laptop before changing back into my pajama pants. I found Chase's picture on the school website and sent it to Charlie.
After placing my laptop on my desk I reclined back on my bed. In my head I was torn between focusing on my date with Tyler and figuring out how Chase survived. The divided thoughts led to a headache so I downed a Tylenol PM and fell into a drug-induced, but still fitful sleep.
"Baby, you okay," my wife, Abigail, asked.
"I found something online today. While I was surfing around."
She crossed the living room to stand behind me at my desk. There on the screen was a picture of my face and a plea that someone was looking for me, and it was urgent.
Abby wrapped her arms over my shoulders. "Do you think it's a trap?"
"No. Something tells me it's real."
"So you're gonna answer it."
I stood. Wrapping my arms around her waist and guiding her back toward our bedroom.
"Not tonight," I whispered as we paused to check on our sleeping daughter lying in her bed.
I flipped off the switch on the hall light as we continued towards our bedroom. I turned Abby in my arms, my mouth finding hers.
"I love you Hunter."
"I love you too Abby."
Well there you go. Chapter Five. I hope you enjoyed it. Reviews are greatly appreciated.