Lana: voice shaking I-it's... his. He's coming back and I... I can't deal with this shit alone.
LaoJide
he sits down next to her
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Look, I know this is a lot to take in, but I need your help. I can't handle this on my own.
LaoJide
what is it exactly?
stutters and sighs heavily Okay, okay... so, remember that night when we went to Prague for my birthday?
LaoJide
yeah
pauses, takes a deep breath Well, that night... I did something I shouldn't have. I had a one-night stand with my best friend's sister.
LaoJide
oh
runs her fingers through her hair, visibly distressed No, you don't understand. This wasn't just some random one-night stand. It was with Mia. Mia Langford.
LaoJide
oh!
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth Yeah, oh! That's great, isn't it? Just fucking great!
LaoJide
what do you mean?
stops pacing, voice filled with frustration What I mean is, I didn't know at the time, but Mia was staying at my hotel room for the weekend.
LaoJide
how did you not know?
throws her hands up in exasperation Because we were both drunk out of our minds! And you know how I get when I'm drunk.
LaoJide
yeah, you’re pretty open and expressive
sighs heavily Yeah, well, guess what? My drunken ass didn't realize until three fucking years later when I found out I was pregnant.
LaoJide
wait… you’re pregnant?
Lana breaks down in tears, revealing that she had an abortion after discovering she was pregnant
LaoJide
I’m sorry
wipes away her tears, trying to compose herself Look, I didn't keep this from you because I wanted to hide it.
LaoJide
I understand
takes a deep breath, looking determined I kept it a secret because I needed time to figure out how to handle this mess.
LaoJide
you didn’t want to tell me
pauses, her voice softening It's not that I didn't want to tell you, LaoJide. It's just...
LaoJide
what?
takes a shaky breath It's just that I was scared, okay? Scared of how you'd react, scared of what this would mean for our friendship.
LaoJide
I wouldn’t judge you
stuttering and wiping away fresh tears I-I know, I know you wouldn't... but it's hard for me to open up, you know? I'm so fucking vulnerable right now and I...
LaoJide
shhh… it’s ok
sniffs, trying to regain composure Look, I appreciate your support, but I need more than just understanding right now. I need your help.
LaoJide
what can I do?
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage I need you to help me find Mia. She disappeared after that night, and I can't do this alone.
LaoJide
alright
grabs a notebook and pen, flipping through the pages Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We'll start by tracing Mia's last known whereabouts.
LaoJide
sounds good
starts searching online for any information on Mia's whereabouts, typing furiously Okay, let's see... last I heard, she was staying at the Hotel De Paris.
LaoJide
well, she still may be there
jumps up from her seat, determination in her eyes Yeah, you're right. We should start by checking out that hotel.
LaoJide
yea
quickly grabs her coat and heads towards the door Come on, LaoJide, we don't have time to waste.
LaoJide
smiling Let's go then, detective Lana.
grinning mischievously Detective Lana, huh? Well, get ready for a wild ride, my friend. We're about to uncover some secrets.
LaoJide
yea, but secrets of what?
As Lana and LaoJide arrive at the Hotel De Paris, they receive a call from Mia's phone number. When Lana answers, she hears Mia's voice, sounding desperate and pleading for help.
LaoJide
who is this?
listening intently, her expression growing more concerned Wait... something's wrong. pauses Mia... is okay.
LaoJide
oh okay
grabs LaoJide's arm, pulling him along We need to get to her, LaoJide! There might be someone threatening her! Stay close and keep your guard up!