The Mystery Note

   “One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, three….” Yeah, I started counting like Ross, from the FRIENDS series, ever since I watched that tanning episode. And this was AFTER I had finished counting all the hundreds of dots that adorned Thalia’s shirt, who was sitting in front of me. Seriously, do all the clocks in the school run at a snail’s pace?? Ugh, I couldn’t wait for Ms. Pink to complete sermonizing about random dudes who did not-so-random stuff and then leave the classroom.

 I can imagine what all of you are thinking. You might be wondering what is so important that I just couldn’t wait for my classes to get over. Do I have some secret life after school, where I run off to a different dimension and be a hero? Go on quests and save innocent people? Spying on the bad guys?

 Well, I hate to disappoint all of you, but the truth is, I suffer from ADHD and I’m like this in almost all my classes! (I know, I know…I hyped the situation a bit too much. Sorry!)

 After surviving yet another day of class, I was on my way to home, when I spied my crush, Jason near his bike.

I don't know why it happens to me, but I somehow manage to make a fool of myself in front of him every single time! Once, I stumbled over a rock when he turned my way. Another time I accidentally spilled paint on my skirt when he smiled at me in the art class (And guess what color the paint was? Yep, it was red!). Yet another time, he heard my mom calling me using my nickname at home, "Piggy"! (Don't even ask me how I earned that nickname).

Ugh, I tried to act all cute and smart around him so many times, but surprise, surprise, he never turned his head in my direction during those times!

That day, I decided not to give the universe yet another chance to humiliate me in front of him, so I put my head down and walked to my bike, when I heard him call out my name! I was so surprised and startled that, in my haste I dropped my bag pack and all my books came spilling out. (Thank you, universe! Please note my sarcastic tone)

By then, he had reached my side and helped me put all my books in my bag. My face was all shades of awkward red, when I finally looked up at him, only to find him stifling his smile. I had wanted to initiate the conversation in a flirty tone, but the words that came out was a squeaky "Hi!".

It seemed he had wanted to borrow my history notes as he had been on leave for the previous class. After a few minutes of casual conversation, he thanked me for the notes and went on his way, while I went near my bike, thinking of all the things I could have spoken and made him fall for me! For the next time, I planned on preparing a script before talking to him!

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Finally, I reached my street and then checked the letterbox to pick up the letters for my parents before entering my home, when I noticed that there was letter addressed to me!

 I was a bit shocked, as hardly anyone sends me personal letters! With all the different types of social media available, people of our generation rarely send letters, right? Once, I received a similar letter, only to realize later that it was sent to the wrong address by mistake!

 The envelope was white in color. I opened it to find a very bizarre letter inside.

 The letter carried brief instructions: 'Meet me at the corner of the street at five in the evening today', it read. (That’s all! Nothing else! Sounds shady as hell, right? Who in their right mind would even consider going to that location?...........Um, the answer is, ME!)

 I was bursting with questions. Who was it from? Also, why were the letters cut and taken from some old magazines? Was it because the sender is someone familiar to me and didn't want me to identify his/her handwriting, or was it because the sender was involved in something shady and didn't want it to be traced back to him/her. I knew reading too many mystery novels was going to mess with my head someday! (sigh)

 Now, the million dollar question....Should I meet this stranger, or not?? Immediately my mind came up with numerous crazy ideas. What if I have some secret twin who had finally tracked me and wanted to get to know me? (Wait…that would mean I was adopted! Oh my God, does that mean my elder sister Maya was actually telling the truth when we were kids?!!) Or what if someone had planned on kidnapping me and sending a similar note to my parents later to ask for a ransom? Or what if...it was a serial killer who takes strange pleasure in freaking out poor teens and getting on their nerves, before finally hunting them down and killing them!!!! Oh God, if that was the case, then no worries, as the killer had achieved his goal, at least partially!

 "Alright, no use freaking out, just think of something to solve this issue, Clara" I said to myself. Yes, I know, talking to myself is the first symptom of losing my mind!

 Finally, once I'd gathered my thoughts, I called my best friends, Alexa and Eric to come over. I showed them the note...and no surprise, both of them freaked out just like I did.

 Initially, they tried to convince me not go, etcetera etcetera, but honestly, they were also as curious as I was, and dropped that thought within a few minutes. Instead, we brainstormed for ideas on how to go on this mission, and come back safe and sound, and also catch the criminals and become the town’s heroes. (Did I tell you that I like reading mystery novels a lot? I think I did)

 Finally, we came up with an idea. I told them that I was going to go and meet this person, and asked Eric to follow me at a safe distance while Alexa was to wait near the police station.

  In case it really was a kidnapper, then Eric would immediately call Alexa and let her know the situation. She would then alert the police about the kidnappers and provide them all the details and come to my rescue! There, easy and simple!

 Of course, I could very well ignore the note and continue to carry on with my work, but I had to admit, the situation was too intriguing to let it go! Yeah, yeah, I know what they say about curiosity and the cat, but…meh! So, after the thorough planning, I set off to my brave mission, fully equipped with a can of pepper spray, and wearing my converse shoes (in case I had to run!).

 Mustering up all my courage, I went to the spot.......only to find Jason grinning at me sheepishly, and waiting with a bouquet of flowers in his hand!! I couldn't believe my eyes!

 He approached me and confirmed that it was he who had sent the note. He told me that he knew I loved a good mystery and so he thought of asking me out in that manner, hoping I would be impressed.

  I was speechless for minute. When he realized that I still hadn't said a word, he started shuffling around awkwardly and asked me, " So, Clara....would you like to go out with me on a date now?" Only then did I come back to my senses and replied a bit too enthusiastically that I'd love to.

 After explaining to him the reason for my momentary surprise and told him (and my friends who were still waiting for my distress call!) the entire story, we had a good laugh and then proceeded to go on for our date. 

 Thinking back about that day, which occurred ten years ago, I recalled that it was such an amazing and memorable one, as it was the day I went on my first date with my husband!