The Hangout

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Rachel runs down the stairs with a long smile on her face, to join her family for breakfast. Her dad, Mr. Henrik, was surprised to see Racheal smiling. It's been weeks since she's been on sad mode. Her younger brother Drake says jokingly, "Who's the boy, that's got you in such a good mood this morning?"

Anita, Rachel's aunty quickly told Drake to stop cracking jokes like that saying, "Rachel is only 16 years old, and she shouldn't be thinking of boys at this age, but books and her future." Just when they wanted to start having breakfast, they heard a heavy knock on the door. Mr. Henrik was shocked by the loud sound of the knock, so he rushed to see who's at the door.

It was the police at the door. Mr. Henrik asked, "Sorry, how can I help you officer?" Officer Jack replied, "I'll like to see your daughter Rachel, I have questions for her." Mr. Henrik was confused for a moment, as he was thinking in his head, "What could Rachel possibly have done, that's bringing the police to my doorstep?"

Mr. Henrik then told officer Jack to come in. Officer Jack walks in, and walks straight to Rachel who was standing frozen, and wondering what's her business with the police. Officer Jack brought out Rachel's purse, and asked, "Your purse was found in a house under investigation. Where were you last night?"

Rachel's face turned red, her heart was pounding, she knew that she had to speak the truth. Rachel turned to her dad, and said, "I'm sorry dad, I went out late last night." Mr. Henrik, eager to hear all she has to say, replied, "Okay. Speak on..." Rachel continued, "Since I lost my best friend 3 weeks ago, I've been very sad. So Agnes, also my good friend, told me about a hangout."

Officer Jack, and everyone else was quiet listening to Rachel, and she continued, "It was a hangout of 4. Me, Agnes, and 2 boys Matt and Jerry." She paused, Mr. Henrik - who was already infuriated, because he has always warned Rachel not to go out late at night - shouted, "Speak on Rachel...What happened?"

Rachel continued, "Matt hosted the hangout in his dad's mansion. We were all having a good time, then suddenly we heard a noise from his dad's office, like someone had bumped into something". Rachel continued, "We all went to see what caused the sound, and shockingly when Matt opened his dad's office, there was a man in black scattering through his dad's files."

"On seeing us. The man in black jumped out, through the window. At that point, Matt had to call his dad, and told all of us that the hangout was over and that we should all go home immediately." "It was in that rush and tension that I left his house and forgot to get my purse. That's all I know officer Jack," Rachel said.

Mr. Henrik started scolding Rachel, and said, "Why will you leave this house in the night, without my consent. I'm angry with you Rachel." Rachel was about apologizing to her father Mr. Henrik, when another heavy knock came from the door. Again, Mr. Henrik went to open the door, and it was Matt and his father.

When Matt's father heard that Rachel was going to be questioned by the police for having her purse in the investigation, he decided to pay Mr. Henrik a visit. Mr. Henrik invited Matt and his dad in. Then Matt's father explained, "Sorry Mr. Henrik, that your daughter has been dragged into this. As you know Mr. Henrik, I'm a lawyer, and recently I've been working on a very delicate case concerning dangerous people. The man in black that your daughter Rachel and her friends saw at my house yesterday night, has been caught, and has exposed the people who sent him. Thus the case is currently been resolved."

Matt's dad continued, "I also came to speak to you about our kids. Ever since they lost their friend Betty, they've been all sad. Their hangout was only a way to support each other, so they can overcome the pain of the loss. We've all lost loved ones, and we know how painful it could be." Mr. Henrik was thankful to Matt's dad for taking time to come to talk to him.

Few minutes later - officer Jack, Matt and his father left. And Rachel apologized to her dad, "I'm sorry dad, for sneaking out last night without your permission." Mr. Henrik walked closer to her and said, "Ever since I lost your mother, you're the most beautiful reminder of her. I only want you to be safe. Next time, if you ever need to go out or do something like that -make sure you let me know." Rachel said, "Yes dad." And she nodded. Mr. Henrik then hugged her tightly, and called Anita and Drake to join in the hug.