LAURA'S POV

I sat there, my eyes fixed on my phone, surfing from one website to another, trying to pass the time. The lively atmosphere of Gabrielle's Gourmet Grill, was a welcome change from the chaos I had left behind in Maple Ridge. My business, my passion, my everything still reeled from the effects of the crime wave that had hit the city. I had been robbed twice, then the imposed curfew made it impossible for small business owners like me. Thanks to Aunt Olivia, who offered me a fresh start here in Pearlville. I sniffed in the cool air alongside the aroma of freshly baked cookies.

While I waited for Sophie, time ticked. My mind wandered back to our past. Remembering the time she lost her job at the bank, how devastated and distraught she was. I tried to convince her to take a trip with me, to get her out of her slump. It took a while before I could convince her. And on the day of our journey, Sophie had shown up late, looking disheveled and lost. I hope nothing was wrong with her. But I had this unsettling feeling that all wasn't well with her. I shook my head. "Laura, don't jinx her life" I muttered to myself.

I sighed. Sophie was fond of loosing track of time and that's just it. People don't really change, I thought to myself, shaking my head. I had thought that Sophie would have learned to be more punctual, more responsible, but it seemed like some things never changed.

As my gaze filtered on the TV screen, a popular commercial displayed. One that Sophie had always been so proud of. It was a commercial she worked on. A reminder of her hard work and dedication. It filled me with a sense of warmth. But my attention was suddenly disrupted by a voice behind me.

"Laura, right?" the voice asked, followed by a excited "It's been a while, it's me Mitchell Cameron!"

I turned around, and my eyes widened in surprise as I took in Mitchell's transformed appearance. She had been an ugly duckling in college, with spots all over her face, but now she was a stunning beauty.

"Mitchell!" I exclaimed, my face lighting up with a smile. "It's been ages!"

We exchanged warm greetings, and Mitchell introduced me to Ava Jordan, another coursemate from Wilcox College. As we chatted, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. It was like a mini-reunion, and I was thrilled to see my old friends doing well.

But as we talked, the conversation took a surprising turn. Ava mentioned Mr. Lucas Reynolds, a name that I couldn't quite put a face to. According to Ava, he was a former admission officer who had been accused of sexual assault by a student. I wasn't much surprised because that has been one of the challenges female students face in school. But why bring up that during our lunch? I wondered. It must be a story she wished to tell.

As I listened to her, sense of unease washed over me when Mitchell speculated about Sophie's involvement with Mr. Reynolds. She believed Sophie was one of his victims. "Since when? How did that happen?!" I blurted out.
But then, Sophie would never keep something like that from me, would she? I wondered. "Maybe after you left Wilcox" Ava replied. "I'm sure she wouldn't want to talk about that" Mitchell added.

As we continued to chat, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Could all they said be true? Until I hear from Sophie, I wouldn't make any conclusions.

The lunch was filled with laughter and reminiscing, but my mind was elsewhere. I was lost in thought, wondering what was going on with Sophie, and what secrets she might be hiding.

After the lunch, we bade goodbye to one another, hoping we would see again. The lunch with Mitchell and Ava left me with more questions than answers. As I gazed around the restaurant, I realized that Sophie was unlikely to show up, and I decided to satisfy my curiosity.

I made my way to Wilcox College, a place that held so many memories for me. As I walked through the familiar gates, curiosity, and concern etched on my face. The buildings and environment still looked the same as eight years ago. But I met unfamiliar faces. The admin block buzzed with people. What could be happening? I only came with the intention of knowing more about Mr Reynolds. I hoped to hear a different story from what the ladies had told me earlier. Let it all be lies, I wished.

Moving close to the crowd, I spotted a woman in her early fifties, quietly distributing cards to the crowd. When I approached her, she introduced herself as Dr. Rachel, a psychologist and artist, eager to help the victims of sexual molestation. "So that was true?" I asked in disbelief. She handed me her card. Looked me straight in the eyes, "Promise me you would visit" She said. I gave her a smile, which I'm sure would assure her that I would visit. My thoughts went to Sophie. What on earth had she passed through?

The card in my hand gave me a sense of purpose. I was determined to uncover the truth about Sophie's past and help her in any way I could. As I walked out of the admin block, I felt a sense of resolve. I would get to the bottom of this, no matter what it took.