Scars Of A Broken Bond

After school, Jennie followed her teacher out and spotted the family driver waiting. This only added to her frustration. Had Tyrone not reconciled with Sabrina yet? Or perhaps Sabrina didn't want her around, causing her to stay in Wanda's place indefinitely? Jennie decided to take matters into her own hands!

Seeing that the driver hadn't noticed her, Jennie ran back into the school, claiming she had diarrhea.

By six o'clock, Sabrina received a distressing call about Jennie's disappearance.

The principal had intended to contact Jennie's parents immediately upon noticing Jennie was missing. However, without Keilani's contact and unable to reach Tyrone, she had no choice but to call Sabrina.

Sabrina was shocked. She quickly set aside her cooking, wiped her hands on her apron, turned off the stove, and hurried to the living room while asking, "What's going on? Jennie is usually so smart and sensible. How could she just vanish?"

"I'm not sure. The teacher mentioned she was present when roll call was done after school. But later, Jennie complained of a stomachache and went to the restroom, never to return. When her absence was noticed, a search was conducted, only to find she was missing. And we couldn't reach her father."

At that time, teachers had all the children gather at the school gate, waiting for their parents to arrive. Jennie made her way back to the restroom by herself. Believing she was in no danger, the teacher chose not to follow. Little did the teacher know what would unfold.

"Are you certain she's gone missing within the kindergarten?"

"I can't be sure. We're currently reviewing the security footage," the principal hesitated, admitting uncertainty.

"I'll be right over there."

"Understood."

After ending the call, Sabrina removed her apron, swapped her footwear, grabbed her car keys, and headed out.

During her drive, Sabrina got another call from the principal, who informed her that Jennie had slipped out through a back exit.

The kindergarten's cafeteria required a steady supply of fresh ingredients daily. Situated near the kitchen, this rear door was typically kept locked to control access for deliveries and staff.

Before making her escape, Jennie had cleverly distracted the kitchen staff.

The surveillance footage captured Jennie's departure, but her destination remained a mystery after she left the kindergarten's premises.

"Have the authorities been notified?" Sabrina inquired.  "Yes, they have."

Sabrina then redirected her route toward the local police station.

Upon her arrival, Sabrina found the principal and the family driver already there, briefing the officers. The police were in the process of obtaining and reviewing the security tapes.

In the footage, they saw a young girl, identifiable by her dress and schoolbag, walking alone.

"That's her," the principal identified Jennie immediately.

The police nodded their heads and continued to trace Jennie's movements. They observed her walking to a station and boarding a bus.

The police turned their attention to the bus, reviewing the video footage from every station.

After the bus made a few stops, Jennie alighted. A few minutes later, she boarded another bus.

"Wondering where she might be heading?" the principal mused aloud, eyes glued to the monitor.

A sense of relief washed over the principal upon realizing Jennie had left the kindergarten of her own volition.

Sabrina watched the screen intently. She traced Jennie's journey until she saw Jennie enter a residential area.

"This area is Starry Apartment," one of the officers said. "Why is she there? Does she have family there? Is that how she knows her way?"

Sabrina was momentarily speechless. "That's where I live," she revealed.

Sabrina made her way home quickly. Stepping out of the elevator, her eyes immediately found a small figure crouched by her front door. A wave of relief washed over her.

With Bettie away on business, the house stood empty. The sight of Jennie in front of Sabrina's place brought a sense of calm to both the principal and the family driver.

Jennie lifted her gaze upon hearing Sabrina's approach. She gradually stood up, looked at Sabrina with a timid expression and whispered, "Sabrina."

Noticing the family driver a short distance behind, Jennie bit her lip.

Sabrina approached Jennie and, with a hint of frustration, said, "Jennie, do you know the trouble you've caused? Sneaking off like that. What if something terrible had happened to you?"

"Does this mean you're worried about me?" Jennie asked, her eyes wide with hope.

Sabrina didn't reply directly but instead instructed, "It's time to go back with the driver."

"I don't want to go back!" Jennie's eyes brimmed with tears as she clung to Sabrina's leg.

Sabrina felt a pang of helplessness.

"Please, go back with the driver," Sabrina urged, attempting to disentangle herself.

"No! I don't want to!" Jennie's grip tightened, and her cries grew louder.

The driver exchanged a look of discomfort with Sabrina.

Realizing the situation was beyond her initial plan, Sabrina finally relented, "Alright, come inside."

Sabrina turned to the driver. "You can head back. Let Wanda know Jennie will stay with me for now."

"Understood." With that, the driver and the principal departed.