The blender whirred on the counter, mixing the watermelon and green apples into one. As I wait for it to finish, I readied a slice of vanilla cake on a plate. The cake had a black coating on its body with white cream frosting. To complete its look, I added two wafer rolls on top.

"Titanic looks so delicious," July commented, she leaned on the side of the wall next to me with a grin. "Take it to table 5," she added.

After a quick nod, I poured the requested juice into two glass mug and placed it on the tray with the waiting dessert. I patted my overall before making my way towards the cafe's dining area.

Noticing me coming, the women sitting on table 5 looked up from their devices. A smile sprawled instantly on my lips to greet them. "Here are your orders, ladies--" I set down each of the juice on top of their side of table mats and the cake on the middle "--If you need anything else, don't be shy to call, " I finished with a simple bow and twirl.

In most times, the customers were pleased after seeing the bow and twirl signature. So it was quite awkward when the two sitting women on table 5 just looked at me blankly.

Before I walked further, one of them suddenly called. "You must be new. We have been a regular for months now. What's your name?" She asked. Her voice seemed to appease the situation, but her eyes said otherwise.

When she gave me a once-over, I couldn't help but feel unease.

"Yes, I am. My name is Charis, " I answered graciously, pushing aside my wrong thoughts. She was probably conservative, I told myself.

However, the screen of her phone captured my attention more. Standing close to her permitted me a clear view of what was on it. My eyes bulged up when I saw what was playing; it was a visual of a man strangling a redhead on a bed. I was so disturbed with it that I didn't realise what the woman I was conversing with was saying; her voice sounded muffled to my ears.

"Are you okay?"

Only when I felt a gentle nudge on my back that I managed to break out of the reverie. When I spun, a worried July engulfed my sight. Table 5 occupants also looked perturbed.

"I was saying... If you are interested, give me a call." The woman held out a piece of card to me; it probably had something to do with whatever she was talking about while I was delved in the video.

Trying my hardest to control my shaking hand, I reached for the card and placed it into my pocket. July curled a hand on my arm and helped me to the back of the cafe. As soon as we reached the lounge area, she pulled out a seat for me.

"What happened? Did they say or do something bad to you?" She started.

I shook my head impassively, still in shocked.

"Then, what is wrong? You are making me worry."

I gulped, the knot in my stomach kept tightening as if ready to tear apart if I didn't release the matter. "She was watching a video, in it, it was a man, it was--" I staggered.

"You mean that viral CCTV footage of that redhead girl?" July put one and one together. She scooted near me and pulled out her phone.

"Yes, who is she?" I impatiently asked.

"Wait, I'll show you."

I fidgeted with my fingers while July scrolled on her phone. The moment she showed me the photo of the girl, a heavy gasp jumped out of my mouth. The fact that I knew her sent shivers down my spine.

"The girl's name is Amy. She and her mom were murdered two weeks ago. I didn't know how the footage leaked, but it was all over the internet since day one. They are pretty famous since the mom is Amry, she reprogrammed the internet."

The air around me suddenly felt thick. And it was remarkable that my consciousness was still intact at the time. But my curiosity had the better of me; I needed to see the video once more for a clear perception of the man.

Was he my Alfie? Did Alfie lie to me?

"I want to see it again, " I requested.

"Are you sure? You looked pale. But if you insist, I've worked with your phone settings. You can watch it anytime you want."

Minutes were spent on learning how to open the internet and searching the video. It was under a site name Lave. With forced bravery, I clicked play. The scene started with what looked like an argument, the man stood facing the other way throughout, and he had his shirt off. The height, the bulky muscles were a distinct resemblance of my Alfie. Amy was prodding him before he suddenly gripped her neck. The struggle pushed on until they reached the bed.

I couldn't let myself to watch more of the horrific recording and switched off the phone. A drop of tear broke free from my eye, which I briskly wiped away. As if understanding, July pulled me in and hugged me. For some unknown reason, she didn't ask me why.

The rest of the day at work was bothered by the dilemma about the whole ordeal. Although I wanted so much to trust my Alfie, the clues were all leading towards him.

A demanding hurt clung to me, tearing my heart to pieces.

***

The house was quiet when I arrived. I pushed the door as gently as I could to avoid it from making any noise. The living room was empty to my slight relief. I tiptoed to the kitchen where the knife was located. Unfortunately, my luck ran out when the shelve clank upon contact with the metal blade.

As I predicted, Alfie heard me. It only took him seconds to find me after the sound manifested.

"Charis, I miss--"

I spun abruptly, reversing a couple of steps away from him. "Don't come any closer!" I gushed, pointing my weapon to him with trembling hand.

"What's wrong? I don't understand." He put both his hands up, but he continued to come closer, audacious towards my warnings.

"You lied to me, Alfie! You killed her!" I screamed. Tears were already running down my cheeks before the last word departed. I felt betrayed, assuming he was only using me as a lifeboat from the crime he had committed; that he came to me because he had nowhere else to go. I was so in love with him that I couldn't hold back my anger.

"No, listen... Listen to me," he hushed.

When he tried to grab the knife, I slashed. I didn't look back and started running towards my room. After locking myself inside, I sat on my bed, bawling my eyes out.

A moment later, I perceive a rustling sound from the other side of the door. A few soft knocks came in between.

"Charis, believe me. Please."

I stared towards the direction of his voice as if I was looking at him. Tears continued to run down from my eyes. I was scared of him for real this time.

"Just leave, Alfie. Go."

"I swear it's not me, Charis. How can I make you believe me? The world won't believe me, no one would, and now you. I am alone."

The words bore deep into my soul; the reality of it was evidently with my action. I put away the knife I was clutching for my dear life and got up. When I came close to the door, I heard a light sob.

He was crying.

"Is your love not enough for you to trust me? Because I love you so much to think that you wouldn't hurt me. Yet you did--" he stopped, a faint sound of grunt arose.

When I looked below the gap of the door, there was a run in liquid, and the colour was red. Only then I realised my hasty conclusion, the aftermath of what I thought to be defending myself.

I flung the door open and dived down to him, instantly hugging his prominent structure. The sudden action made him cringe at first, but he eventually rested in my arms.

"God, what have I done!" I cried.

Gently I took his hand, inspecting the cut; blood was gushing out heavily. But he ignored his wounds and pulled me in and deepened the embrace. He held me like the world was depending on it.

"I'm so sorry, Alfie. I'm so sorry."

To be continued...

***

Thank you for reading and I'm sorry this episode is a bit late. I hope you enjoy this part and don't forget to vote.