1:30 AM TALKS

Chapter 5

MINERVA'S P.O.V

"Morning." I waved at Paul.

"Hey girl. Too early, isn't it?"

"Yeah my sister has to drop me off early because morning class." I smiled. "You're alone?"

"No, Todd's at the back but he's just about to come home."

"Alright. I'm gonna change first."

I walked to the changing room and got ready. It's a chill day in Philly. Possibly rainy today. I wish I could just stay all day in my bed after that long thoughtful night with Elena last night. But yeah work is work.

"I haven't seen Shireen." Paul checked me at the counter.

"Exactly. I have texted her but no reply."

"That's weird... She usually has arrived at this time." He checked his phone. "I haven't received anything yet as well."

"Something's wrong." I murmured.

"Would you like to call her mom, please?" Paul suggested.

"Oh right. Yes. Dialing now..."

First dial, no luck. Second dial, still no answer. I bit my nails. This was wrong. If this world has only one person who's always on-time and arranged, Shireen would be it. Otherwise she would beep me. Now's 5 more minutes before our shift. Todd and Joshua has been ready to leave the store but Paul made them waiting. If Shireen didn't come to work today, means I would be alone handling this store to the next 6 hours.

"No luck." I whispered at them all. "Oh! Thank goodness. Good morning Mrs. Olson, this is Minerva speaking."

"Minerva..."

"Yes ma'am. I'm, uh, truly sorry for waking you up this early, I just want to check on Shir..."

"She's in hospital..."

"HOSPITAL?!" I almost dropped my phone. "What happened?"

"I'm in hospital right now. Could you please come here?" Mrs. Olson's voice was getting lower. I could hear her anxiety.

"Alright please stay where you are. I'll be there in 10." I dropped off the call.  "Paul she's in hospital."

"Something's really not right." He shook his head.

"You guys just go. We'll take care of this." Todd spoke.

"Really? Is it okay? That would be no fair guys. I'll stay, you go with Paul." I walked back to my station.

"With no focus? No way. Don't worry about the shift." Todd smiled at me. "Cmon boss don't be too stiff."

"Thank you guys so much." I hugged them both.

"No problem Mirv, let us know how it's going over there." Joshua hugged back.

"Will do." I nodded. "Okay I'll change again."

I changed back to my normal dress quickly and hopped into Paul's car, he's been waiting for me. The hospital wasn't too far from store but really at this moment of busy morning, everyone with their car, it's a crazy traffic. I couldn't think straight. Really hope I could go out and just run but Paul stopped me.

"Take a  deep breath, Minerva. It's going to be okay. We don't know anything yet."

"Can't believe I missed it this morning. Checking on her earlier. Like should've known if text didn't work then something must happened."

"Stop blaming yourself..." Paul grabbed my hand.

"I'm trying." I sighed.

"Mirv, I really..." He sounded different. Oh not now. "When will you give me a yes?"