The next morning, I arrived at the school on time, but Ahmed wasn't there. At first, I thought he was sick. But after three days of his absence, I started to get suspicious. So, I decided to find out why! Luckily, the principal had a file that contains the address of Ahmed's house. Once I had the address, I used a computer to get directions.
However, when I got to Ahmed's house, I got a shocking surprise. The house was empty! There were no furniture and no people.
Neil: (gasps) Ahmed's gone? Where did he go?
I can't believe he left town without telling me. Then, I saw a note on the door. It was addressed to me!
Neil: (reading) To Neil, if you find this note, that means I had moved away to a new home. My dad got a new job far away, so it was time to move on. I know we haven't known each other very long, but us seeing the movie together was something I'll never forget. But we can still communicate with each other. I wrote my new address on the back of the note, that way we can stay in touch. Hope to hear from you soon! From, Ahmed.
I was disappointed that Ahmed had moved away, even though I haven't known him long.
The next day, I told the principal what I discovered. And soon, the news spread throughout the school. But I was more concerned about Cindy's feelings.
Neil: Oh dear! If Cindy hears of this, it would make her sad.
And it did! When Cindy heard the news, she burst into tears.
Cindy: My chance to be with Ahmed at the school dance and he moves away.
Poor Cindy! I felt sorry for her. She was looking forward to being at the school dance. But what can be done?
Neil: If only there was something I can do to make her feel better. But what?
During outdoor time, I sat alone on a bench thinking of what to do to cheer Cindy up. Just then, Tom came by.
Tom: Oh, sorry! I was just looking for somewhere to think about something.
Neil: Oh no, it's okay! I was doing some thinking myself. By the way, my name is Neil! I moved into the neighborhood a few days ago.
Tom: So, you're Neil! Cindy told me you were going to talk with Ahmed. I'm her brother, Tom! Did you talk to him?
Neil: I did, but he told me he would never go out with her. When I went to his house, I found a note saying he moved away. And now, Cindy is sad, because now, she has no one to go with her to the school dance.
Tom: Knowing my sister, she is always flirting with different boys. I can't believe she actually believes in that cheesy junk!
Flirting with other boys, huh? When Tom told me that, I thought that maybe, just maybe, Cindy hasn't found the right boy for her. Then suddenly, an idea flew into my head.
Neil: Ahmed can't take Cindy to the school dance since he moved away. But I can! Yes! Yes, that could work! All I have to do is impress her with things she likes and when the moment is right, I can ask her if she can go with me.
Before I can put my plan into action, I needed to know what Cindy likes. According to Tom, Cindy likes calling and texting her friends on the phone, reading magazines, romantic comedies and shopping. With all this knowledge, I now know I have a chance to show Cindy how I felt about her. With that, I left the bench to work on my plan. Tom was confused!
Tom: Was it something I said?
Later before leaving school, I asked the principal for Cindy's phone number. Once I had the number, I saved it into my phone's contact list.
Meanwhile at the Fairiksen family's house, Cindy was still sad that Ahmed was gone for good. Gregore and Willow were worried about her sadness.
Gregore: I should see what's wrong. Sometimes, a young girl needs her father.
Willow: Maybe I should go! It can call for some sensitivity.
But Cindy was even too sad to talk to Gregore or Willow.
Cindy: I've made a total fool of myself. I can't help it if I meet a charming boy!
But then, the text alert on her phone went off. When Cindy checked her text messages, she was surprised to see that a new one was from me.
Cindy: (reading) I'm sorry about Ahmed moving away, Cindy. I'm sad about this too! I didn't want this to happen, either! Do you want to go for a walk in the park with me tomorrow?
At that moment, Cindy wiped the tears from her eyes and texted "Yes". I had received the message and smiled. At least, Cindy and I will get to talk!
But that night, I was tossing and turning in my sleep. I was having a terrible dream from my memories! In my dream, people were chasing after me and my family in an angry fury. They blamed us for terrible destruction with fire and terror we didn't cause. And a mysterious cloaked person that laughed evilly at us. The dream was so scary that it woke me up! I woke up, wide-eyed and shaking, the next morning.
Neil: I hope that whoever caused the destruction didn't follow us.
Little did I know that it did!