" Call him up "

"Can't you see ? I am doing just that "

" Please can you guys stop it ! It's irritating "

" Shhhh... Oh Hey Eric, how are you ? No, everything is fine, can you come down to the café ? Yeah, it's urgent, hurry up "

"Did he buy it ? "

"Yes he did , he is on way "

"That's great "

                  °°°°°

" Hey , you sounded very serious over the phone "

" Good afternoon Mr Eric , I am Samuel , I will be your Psychologist "

" my Psycho..  What ! What is happening here ? Can someone please tell me  "

" Well , Eric , we think that you went through some things in the past and thus, resulting in you hating Christmas ,  so we thought that we can help you out "to

" Help me out by calling a psychologist ! So ,  you all think I am a lunatic or something ! "

" No, you are misunderstanding , we did it for your well being "

" Do you even know what you are saying Jasmine ? "

" Yes  I do , who in his right senses will hate Christmas ? There is got to be a reason . Why you hate Christmas so much ? "

"I think we all need to calm down "

"Tell us right now Eric ? Why ? "

"You want to know ! "

"Yes !!! "

" Christmas took away my family, my parents, everything "

" What ? "

" It happened 9 years ago  , at the early hours of Christmas  two men dressed as Santa Claus broke in to the house and gave me a Christmas present and that was the death of my parents , they killed my parents !! They took away my joy , my happiness , my peace of mind , Christmas took everything from me ! "

" I am sorry Eric , why didn't you tell us ? "

" Of what use is it if I do , it will only increase the pain "

"Eric ! Please , don't go , Eric ! "

" Let him be Cassie , Mr Samuel , sorry  for wasting your time "

" It is alright , do you know what I think ? Eric is having a hard time letting the past go , he doesn't need a psychologist , he needs care, love and support from loved ones . Excuse me , I have a meeting to attend "

"Thank you Mr Samuel , sorry for the trouble "

" Oh My God ! "

" Well at least we know what really happened to him "

" It must  have been very painful for Eric  loosing his parents "

" Yes it still is "

" What next ? What are we going to do now ? "

                     °°°°

" Uhmmm Guys ! Eric has gone missing !! "

" I went to check whether he was at home but he isn't , his uncle hasn't seen him either "

" I tried calling him on his cell phone but it isn't reachable "

" Relax guys , maybe he went for a walk or something , I think he will resurface . Let's all go home , it's getting late . We will check up on him  tomorrow "

" Who could blame him anyway ? I just hope that he is safe anywhere he might be "

                     °°°°°

  " What do you mean you can't do anything  about it ? "

" It hasn't been 24 hours yet to declare him missing , you have to wait "

"So you can't help me in anyway ! Eric might be in great danger officer "

" I am sorry but this is a procedure I have to follow . I am afraid I can't do anything just yet "

" Jasmine just calm down , don't you think you're overreacting ? "

" Overreacting ? Kelvin , Eric's gone , we don't know where he is , we don't know whether he is safe "

" You heard the officer ,they can't do anything till after 24 hours "

                 °°°°

" Good morning guys "

" What is good about the morning Cassandra ? Were you able to reach him "

" I am afraid not , his phone is switched "

" We went over to his house again after reporting the police , Eric's uncle said that Eric didn't come back home . This is really getting me more anxious . "

" We can't just sit down , arms folded and wait till after 24 hours "

" Yes , you are right , we really need to find him as soon as possible "

" We asked the neighbours and they confirmed that Eric did come back home "

" Are you sure of what you are saying ? "

" Yes Officer "

" We will have to confirm and thoroughly investigate this issue "

" Please do everything you can to find him "

" I assure you that we would do just that , We will bring Eric back safely "

                       °°°°

" Wait ! If Eric did come back home , then why did his uncle tell us that he didn't return "

" That is true "

" Officer ! "

" We confirmed the story , Eric did actually come back home at exactly 6:06 pm but no one saw him leave the vicinity "

" Eric's uncle told us that he didn't return home . Does it mean that he lied to us  ? "

" But why would he lie ? "

" Maybe he is hiding something "

" Something smells fishy "

" Well , it could be possible that his uncle is involved in his disappearance but we can't just come to a conclusion just yet . Everyone is a suspect , so it's possible but we will have to find out . Thank you for your time and cooperation "

" Thank you officer "

                      °°°°

" I still don't get why  Eric's uncle lied "

" You heard the officer  , everyone is a suspect "

" But even if it's true that he is involved in Eric's disappearance , why would he do that to his nephew ? Eric is his nephew for Christ sake ! "

" Maybe he has a grudge "

" Or maybe he knows what happened exactly but he is been threatened by the mastermind to keep his mouth shut "

" Guys ! Stop making up stories ! We have no evidence whatsoever to back it up "

" But there are possibilities "

" Let's not get to a conclusion , allow the police to do their job . All we need now is to pray that we get to the bottom of this "

                      °°°°

" Hey guys "

" Any update ? "

" Eric's uncle was invited to the police station for question and of course he denied having a hand in the disappearance of Eric . They let him go anyways "

" What are we going to do now ? It has been a week since Eric was last seen "

" I have been doing my own investigation . I have found out from his neighbours that Mr Lewis has been going out quite often this past few days , that is suspicious "

" So what do we do now "

" We are going to spy on Eric's uncle and found out where he has been going "

" It is dangerous ! "

" We need to do this Cassandra ! It is the only we can find out who abducted Eric "

                     °°°°

" Why are you kids sneaking around my compound "

" We were not sneaking , we were actually spying on you "

" You call that spying ! And next time , Try to hide your entire body if you don't want to be seen Kelvin , I could see your head from afar . I can sue you for trespassing , you know that right "

" Listen Mr Lewis , we need you to tell  us the truth , do you have anything to do with Eric's disappearance ? "

" You trespassed on private property and invaded my privacy and now you are accusing me of kidnapping my own nephew ! I am calling the police "

" Come on Uncle Lewis , we are not saying that you kidnapped Eric , you will never do that . We thought that , maybe you have some information about Eric's abductors , that is what we are trying to find out . Please tell us the truth Uncle , we are really concerned , we want Eric back "

" We can't talk out here , get in "

                       °°°°

" Would you like some juice ? I baked some cookies too "

" Thank you "

" Eric was a sweet and cheerful child , he and his parents were one happy family , even though his parents were not always at home with him , they still find time to be with him and I was always the one to baby sit , he was such a trouble maker , he still is , it was so difficult baby sitting him . His parents were detectives , we all know that's a risky job . After the death of his parents on Christmas , a part of him died . From that day on , he was determined to find out who killed his parents . It was just recently that he finally got a lead , he was so close to finding the culprits then this happened , he got kidnapped . "

"Do you know the identities of the killers ? "

" I have no idea but his kidnappers called me up "

" Did you inform the police about this ? "

" No , I couldn't , they threatened to kill him off if I say anything to the police.  I don't want anything to happen to my nephew "

" I understand but you have to inform the police so that they can be brought to justice , they need to pay . Please do this for Eric , he needs you "

                      °°°°

" Well thank you Mr Lewis for informing the police "

" Don't let anything happen to him "

" I assure you that nothing would happen to him , leave it to the police "

 " Wait , where is Cassandra ? "

" She left , she said something urgent came up that she had to attend to "

" Did you notice ? Cassandra has been acting weird and strange since Eric's disappearance "

" Yes but I didn't take it seriously , I thought she was agitated because of Eric's disappearance "

" Could it be that she knows something about... "

" She is our friend Kelvin , she won't keep anything from us "

" How well do you know her Jasmine ? We have been friends with her for 2 months . We don't know everything about her , she can be hiding something . "

" I really don't want to believe that she knows something but you are right we don't know her that well "

"They know it now , they are fully convinced that Eric was kidnapped and they will soon find out were you are keeping Eric . Lewis is helping them out "

" Is that so ? Then , we have to act fast Cassandra before they catch up with us . "

" I feel so guilty , they did nothing wrong , please don't drag them into this , you have got what you wanted , you have Eric "

" Are you getting soft on me Cassandra ? Remember what would happen if you don't do what I say , it's almost over and you are backing out now . They are the ones dragging themselves into this and I have to do something about those pests  and you will have to help me out or else "

                     °°°°

" Where are you coming from Cassandra ? "

" How could you do this to me Cassie ? I thought we were best friends "

" We are ! "

" Then why are you keeping secrets from me , where have you been ? "

" You have been acting strangely Cassandra , are you hiding something ? "

" Come on , tell us "

" I am not hiding anything "

" Why are you lying ? "

" Do you have something to do with Eric's abduction ? Answer me "

" Tell us the truth , crying won't save you "

" Alright , I didn't want to do it , I swear , I was forced , I am sorry "

" What didn't you want to do ? "

" I helped them kidnapped Eric but I didn't want to do it . They have my mother and if I don't do what they say, they will kill her . "

" How ? "

" I was asked to keep tabs on the Eric and to watch his every move , he was so obsessed with finding his parents killers . It was all planned to prevent Eric from reporting him to the police "

" Whose is he ? "

" His name is Marcus , he is responsible for the death of Eric's parents and his abduction as well "

" What ! "

" Is there anything else ? Something you have not told us yet "

                       °°°°

" So what you are saying is that the person behind the murder of Eric's parent is the same person who abducted Eric "

" Yes Officer "

" And he is laying a trap for you ? Is that so Cassandra ? "

" Yes , he wanted me to trick you to follow me to a place where Eric is supposedly being held , he wanted me to confess that I am involved in the kidnapping and make you believe that I know where Eric is "

" I see , If he really want to do that ...

You all need to play along to avoid raising any suspicion , let him think that he is still in control . He has laid a trap but he doesn't know that he will be the one to fall into It . Just do exactly what I say and everything will turn out fine "

                     °°°°

" Cassandra , are you sure this is the place ? "

" Your hands over your head ! Now ! on your knees ! "

" What do we have here ? Very good Cassandra , you have done well "

" As agreed , give me back my mother , I have done what you asked , where is my mother ? "

" Do you really think you can get off the hook that easily ? Get down ! On your knees ! "

" I did what you asked ! Give me back my mother "

" You are not in any position to give me orders . I decide whether you will live to see the next day . In life , you don't always get what you want , do you think I am fool ? I was never planning to release your mom "

" I did everything you asked me for "

" Oh shut up ! Well , let me not leave the others in the dark . We were meeting for the first time , pardon my manners , my name is Marcus . You are Jasmine and you , your name is Kelvin , right ?  Since , you are all  going to die , I might as well tell you everything anyway. Some years ago , some detectives couldn't mind their own business , they were too curious for their good . They were getting on my nerves so I had to ... "

" Then you killed them ! "

"Exactly ! Just like what am I going to do to you , you all are going to die . Aidios ! It's Spanish for goodbye "

" We know ! Everyone knows what it means , geez, Marcus ! "

"That was rude "

" Aidios and  Hola are the most popular Spanish words "

" Nobody cares Kelvin ! "

" Will you all shut up ! Do you realise that this is no child's play ? You will all die right here , right now "

   "But before that , let me finish the story . Just like his parents , Eric is too curious and stubborn for his own good . He found out everything about me , he is a threat and has to be eliminated ! And that's why I arranged for his abduction "

" Where is Eric ? ! "

" Don't worry he is fine . That gives me an idea , why don't I kill him and his friends at thie same time , bring him here Jim "

" Eric ! Oh my God "

" Thank God ! You're still alive "

" Enjoying your little reunion ? Not for long though . Now , you all know the truth about me . Do you know what I do to people like you ? I make sure they do not see the next sunrise and do not live to tell the story  .

Say your last prayers children , night night ! "

" No , please "

" Don't do this Marcus ! "

" Please ! "

" Alright , since it's Christmas season , I am going to be nice enough to allow each of you to say your last words . "

" Okay , I just want to say , Jasmine,     I was the one that stole your lunch in 5th grade  I was so hungry that day "

" Seriously Kelvin ! It was pancakes and bacon ! "

" So those are your last words ! By the way , stealing someone's lunch ! That is just pure evil "

" I am sorry , I was desperate "

" Enough ! who is going first ? "

" This is the police ! Drop your weapons ! "

" This is not possible , no way ! "

" Yes way "

" How ? "

" Well , Cassandra told us everything and then we knew we have to get proof that you are the mastermind. "

" It was all planned "

" Everything you said , your confession was recorded . You have fallen into your own trap Marcus , it's over ! "

" No , it can't be "

" Nice work guys and merry Christmas "

" About what I said Jasmine ,sorry for taking your lunch in 5th grade "

" If you want to be forgiven , you will have to prepare pancakes and bacon everyday for a week "

"Come on ! "

" It's not over ! You ! You're the cause of all this Eric ! You will have to die first "

" No ! Eric ! Watch out ! "

" Cassandra !!!! "

" Oh my God ! Cassandra ! You shot her ! You are monster ! "

" Drop the weapon Marcus ! You're under arrest for the death of Eric's parents , the abduction of Eric Peterson and for trying to kill Cassandra . Anything you say or do will be used in the court of law "

                     °°°°°

" Cassandra is out of danger ! She is safe "

" I am glad it's all over , we can now live a normal life once again "

" Eric ... "

" Before you say anything , I am tired of living in the past , now that my parents killer has been apprehended , I can now move on and be at peace because my late parents have attained the justice they deserve . I am sorry for dragging you into this mess . "

" I am the one that is supposed to be asking for forgiveness , I was not a good friend to you , I didn't know what you were going through all this time "

" But you were always there for me , you never gave up on me and I know you were trying to help me to forget the past and that is what friends are for .

                       °°°°

" Cassie ! You are awake ! "

" What happened ? "

" You got shot while trying to save Eric's life "

" Why did you do that Cassie ? You almost died "

" I was the reason you were kidnapped at the first place Eric ,I couldn't let anything happen to you because of me . I'm sorry ... Please forgive me , I had no choice "

" Relax , I understand , anyone in your shoes will have done the same thing you did "

" Marcus and his gang were arrested , it's over ! They will appear in court for the hearing in February "

" And mom ? "

" Oh yes , the police have rescued her , thanks to Marcus's confession to the police , she is at home  waiting . "

" The doctor said you can go home but before  that ... "

" Merry Christmas !!!!! "

" Come on , open your presents ! "

" I got freshly baked brownies here to ! "

" I want some ! "

                  (ADIÓS)

    MERRY

           CHRISTMAS !