Who’s lying?

**Chrissy** 

The party had ended about thirty minutes ago and Dayle had not replied to my texts or calls which is very unlikely. 
Dayle doesn't purposefully not reply to my calls or texts. 
Besides, he already texted that he would be a bit late. I guess he should be busy!
He's such a workaholic these days. 

‘Hey baby, I've been trying to reach you. Are you okay? I'm just going to take an Uber! Love you!!!’

I hit send and heaved a heavy sigh. 
Unfortunately, Ken had left the house because everything had turned badly.
Ana called off the wedding since she realized that Ken had a thing for Matt. 
News flash? Matt was Ana’s senior in high school. 
I had to let Ken leave so that he could cool off, at least. And at the same time, I'm very worried about him. And now, Dayle too. 

I peeked at my cell phone in the hope that Dayle would call or text but there was nothing. 
Some minutes later, the Uber arrived and I slipped into the car, sad as fuck. 

…
When we arrived, I managed to drag myself out of the car, making my way into the house. 
It was quiet and lonely with Dayle around. I headed upstairs. I didn't bother to check in on Egan because it was kinda not necessary. He likes to keep to himself and Dayle got caught in a very terrible situation that almost cost me a lot. 
Walking past his room, I heard the shower running. 
My thoughts flew back to that time in college. Egan and I almost had a thing before be left the country. He was having a bad day and Dayle traveled to see Dad. 
So we got talking and I tried to hear him out, he was frustrated about an argument with his parents and things got heated. 
He was very much in the mood, he stripped and I almost fell for it.
I looked away and told Egan that I would never cheat on him. 

He has always shown his undying love for me and how much he could never move on unless I agreed to get back with him. 
It was a situation I swore never to experience again. 

Egan and I are nothing to each other and the short-lived romance in high school was merely nothing that wouldn't amount to anything. But then, Egan used to cling to that. 
One 
When the shower stopped, I snapped out of my thoughts and walked away. 

It would have been embarrassing if he had caught me there. 
I entered our bedroom and dropped on the bed like a plank, my thoughts all over the place. Exhausted from the eventful night and frustrated about not hearing from Dayle. 
I grabbed my phone and dialed Steve but Steve didn't respond. I could have called Mom and Dad but I didn't want to create tension since I wasn't sure and the night was barely unfolding. 
I quickly showered, passing the time.
I changed into PJs and grabbed my phone. Even if I didn't want to talk to Egan, I needed to tell him just in case he had Amber’s contact. 

…
I heard light noises from the living room downstairs. Egan was seeing a movie while he was on a call. 
I paused my steps, my ears capturing bits of his conversation. 
 “You know what, Nova? Just don't bother calling. I wasn't interested in the first place,” he said, his voice laced with slight anger. “I don't care, okay? I don't care who or what you are, just don't waste your time. Ify parents are your concern, I bet you to quit. I gotta go, bye!” he vaguely hung up. 
I scoffed lightly, my curiosity piqued. Was that his girlfriend? I asked myself as I proceeded down the stairs. 
He rubbed his face, utterly frustrated as he gulped the beer in his free hand. 

I cleared my throat to capture his attention as he looked over his shoulder, and a small, weak smile danced on his lips. 
 “Are you good?” I asked as I stood a foot next to him. 
 “Ye-yeah, I'm good. Totally. What's up? When did you get back?” he asked and before I could answer, he went ahead again. 
 “Where’s Dayle? Is he in bed already?” he tried to mask his frustration.
 “Um,” my fingers fiddled for a second. “I think Dayle is… I don't know. He's not answering, I tried to call him though,” I said as my voice dropped while Egan put the beer away, looking shocked. 
 “Are you kidding me? Dayle is not careless with his phone,” he casually let out as he began to dial Dayle and it kept going to voicemail. 
 “See? I'm gonna fucking kill him,” I said pacing around, as my fingers slid into my hair. “I'm confused, should we call the cops?” I opted and paused. 
 “That’s not a good idea right now,” he snapped as he rose, his lips pursing as he adjusted his tank top. “It's barely twenty-four hours,” he added as his jaw tightened. 
 “Fuck!” My frustration spilled over. 
 “Did he tell you where he went?” he asked. 
 “Yeah. Amber’s Dad texted him for some… business stuff that couldn't wait until freaking Monday,” I explained. The thought of Amber being around makes me sick. 

I don't trust her one bit! 

Egan nodded swiftly as he instantly dialed Amber. Thankfully, he had her contact. 
 “Thanks, I was gonna ask you to dial her in case you had her contact,” I admitted. He gave a small smile that quickly faded into a blank expression. 
After a few seconds, it connected. Fucking bitch. I groaned inwardly. 
 “Hey Amber, is Dayle with your Dad?…. Okay! We’ll be right there thanks!” he hung up, lifting his gaze to meet mine.
 “What did she say?” I impatiently asked. 
 “He’s at the house, it seemed like he passed out or something…” he explained briefly. 
 “Let's go, I'll drive you…” He said before I could utter a word. “Are you changing?” he asked to clarify. 
 “Oh no, no time, E!” I snapped my head back outside as he followed from behind after two minutes. 

…
The drive was silent, no word interrupted our thoughts. I was just concerned about Dayle and what could have made him pass out. I know my boyfriend very well, he is not a reckless drinker. 
In fact, he cut down from drinking and smoking entirely and I appreciated his efforts over the years. 
 “Would you like some music?” was the only thing Egan asked me and I respectfully declined. 

As soon as we pulled into Amber’s premises, I stepped out of the car when ot stopped. 
Meanwhile, Amber was standing on the porch, dressed as if she had just returned from an outing with her purse hanging on her shoulder. 
 “Oh my gosh, Egan. Is this you in the flesh?! Long time?!” she said as they hugged while I forcefully waved at her. 
She pulled me in for a quick hug, knowing fully that I wasn't down for it. 

I fucking don't trust her. I just know so. 

“Please come in, guys. As soon as you called asking for Dayle, I waited right here…” she explained, leading us into the house. 
It was fancy and big. And totally not my business. 
 “Where is Dayle?” I asked sharply. 
 “Easy, girl. I just got back from a function, okay? Some of us have to work out pretty asses,” her eyes rolled teasingly, plastering a smile. 
I ignored it, I only wanted to grab my boyfriend and leave. 
 “Hold on,” Amber called out. “Cynthia?” she called out. 
A maid around her midforties approached from the kitchen I guess. 
 “Get my guests something chill—”
 “Thanks, no need for that. Just take us to Dayle, okay?” I forced a smile as Amber paused for some seconds and continued. 
 “Where exactly is Dayle?” Amber asked Cynthia. 
 “You asked me to—”
 “Cynthia?” Amber interrupted angrily. “Say what you told me when I asked you. Where is Mr. Theodore?” Amber asked. Something was awry. 
 “Upstairs! I'm afraid, he passed out. Come with me, I’ll show you,” she said as she led us upstairs. 

We entered a living room and we met Dayle lying wantonly on the sofa. 
His blazer was on the arm of the sofa and his cell phone was on the rug.
I rushed over to him, tapping his face but Dayle was deeply asleep. 
 “Argh, Chriss!” he let out and continued sleeping.
Egan drew closer, staring closer at Dayle splitting his gaze between us. 
 “Oh my fucking gosh, what happened to him?” Amber asked, dramatically putting her hand on her forehead. 
 “I- I-I have no idea, ma’am!” 
 “Of course, you have to. He's not looking good! What is this, did they drink with Dad or something?” Amber asked, exactly what I would have asked Cynthia to.
 “No, Mr. Hart traveled this evening! I don't know what happened to him—”
 “Hold it right there, you are about to lose your fucking job. There is no way he drank himself without someone giving him the drink,” Amber flared. 
I don't know why but I can't believe anything she says.
 “Don’t worry Chriss, I’ll take it from here. Just give me a hand to lift him,” Egan interrupted the bickering.

Egan managed to lift Dayle up, and it was harder since Dayle was unresponsive. Egan wrapped Dayle’s arm around his neck, aiding Dayle while I took the other arm. My strength is barely making an impact. 
When Egan dragged Dayle out, I grabbed Dayle’s cell phone and suit top. 
 “I'm sorry about everything, I had no idea that… he drank too much…” Amber said to me, gently dragging my arm. 
 “But… It's unlike him. Anyway, if your Father traveled earlier, why did he text Dayle? And... You weren't home, right?” I asked.
 “Of course. I wasn't. I'll get to the bottom of things, there must be some… misunderstanding. My bad, Chriss,” she assured as though I needed it. 
My gut doesn't lie, she's just as corny as she looks. 
 “Please do,” I said with a slight nod. 

I left the room, making my way downstairs. 
By then, Egan has taken Dayle to the car. 
All I need is for Dayle to wake up so that he can properly explain things to me. One of them has to be lying. It was either Dayle or Amber. It's certainly not my boyfriend.