Chapter 2 Lysandra's Brother

Calista

"Hey, Calista. What happened? You're making me worried." Her message lit up my screen, and I clutched my phone tightly, standing on the street, ready to spill everything.

"Lysandra... I got kicked out of the apartment I was staying in because of my stupidity. I got scammed by a guy I met on the plane- the guy I thought of had feelings for me. I know, I know, it's my fault for trusting him so easily, for getting too attached. I stayed at his place and gave him my last bit of money to buy supplies and for the rent for his apartment for this month. But instead... he vanished, completely ghosting me." I typed with shaking hands, sending the message and bracing myself for her response.

I knew I deserved her scolding. My phone rang almost immediately. It was Lysandra. With trembling fingers, I answered, already anticipating her reaction.

"What the hell?" Lysandra's voice comes through the line, filled with disbelief and anger. "How could you fall for that stupid scam, Calista!? Oh God..." Her words sting, confirming my fears that she'd be furious. She's always been cautious, and I should have been too.

"I-I'm sorry," I stutter, feeling tears welling up in my eyes. "I was just excited for the university, and he made me trust him. How was I supposed to know? I can't even contact him anymore," I explain, my heart racing and my breath coming in gasps.

"Alright, Calista, I'm sorry for being a bit impatient and sounding harsh. I didn't mean to yell at you... I'm just really worried about you. Anyways, have you told your parents about this? Or have you called the police first?" She cuts me off.

"No! Lysandra, I can't tell my parents. They were already uneasy about me coming to Boston alone... I can't just ask for their help right now..."

"Oh my, okay then, go to the police first. Maybe they can locate that con artist, and you can get everything back. I'll also think and see if there's anything I can do to help you," she advises, and I nod in agreement.

"O-Okay, thank you, Lysandra, it means a lot. I know I can always trust you..." I mutter.

I finally reached the police station, my heart pounding as I approached the front desk. The tired-looking man behind it glanced up from his paperwork.

"How can I help you, miss?" he asked politely, though his voice lacked energy.

I gulped, feeling embarrassed. "I am here to report a scam," I stated, but he didn't seem to pay much attention, his focus still on his paperwork.

Finally, he looked up at me. "Take a seat," he commanded. I nodded, feeling a sense of unease settling over me as I sat down, my hand nervously fidgeting with the empty contents of my sling bag.

"Tell me what happened," he ordered, his tone serious.

"So, I am an exchange student from Florida," I began, my voice trembling with nerves. "I met a guy here, and I trusted him because he helped me a lot, and I don't know, but we're sort of in a relationship. He let me stay at his place, and one day, basically yesterday, he offered to help me buy my supplies for university because I wasn't familiar with the area, and I was grateful. I gave him money and included the money for the rent as a thankful gesture..."

"And also I know that he's in a tough spot when it comes to finances these days," I added.

"I gave him my money, a decent amount," I continued, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "But that was the last time I saw him, and... and the worst part is, I found out he didn't give the money to the landlord for the rent. Now the landlady is demanding the money from me, but I just don't know how to handle it, and his contact number isn't reachable," I explained, my voice faltering with emotion. The officer's expression tightened as he listened.

"How much money did he scam from you in total?" he asked, his tone businesslike.

"$4,000 for my supplies and the rent, and now the landlady wants another $2,000 for the rent," I whispered, feeling overwhelmed. "I know I was stupid, but I just didn't expect it-"

"Tell me everything you know about that man. His name, and any other information," he interrupted me, his patience wearing thin.

I gulped, feeling a surge of panic rising within me. "Caleb Beaufort, 19 years old, born in"

"There's no Caleb Beaufort, 19 years old, registered in this city. Is he from here?" The officer's words hit me like a ton of bricks, and my eyes widened in shock.

"Yes, he even guided me here. He told me everything about him. I am confident I know everything about him-"

"I'm sorry, young lady, but we cannot track down that scam artist, and you mentioned that his phone is unreachable, right?" He interrupted me again, his tone firm.

"What? Is there anything else you can do? Yes, I can't reach him anymore," I replied, trying to maintain my composure despite the trembling in my legs beneath the desk.

"Give me the number," he commanded.

I quickly read out the phone number. I watched as he typed it into his computer, and then he looked up at me with a sigh, and I felt like my world was crumbling around me.

"It's not registered," he stated confidently, his gaze making me feel like I was wasting his time.

I shook my head, desperation creeping into my voice. "Is there no other way to track down that con artist?" I asked, my voice trembling with frustration.

He sighed. "I'm sorry, miss. Without sufficient evidence, we're unable to track down the scammer. And it seems he deceived you with false information. You'll need to be more cautious in the future," he informed me, his tone final.

I kept shaking my head in disbelief, but another person approached behind me.

"How can I help you?" the woman asked.

"I'm here to report a-" A woman's voice trailed off as I rose from the chair and walked past her, feeling humiliated, leaving the police station behind me.

As disappointment courses through my body, I fight back tears and suppress the urge to scream in frustration. I feel utterly stupid and wonder if I even deserve to be a student in this country with my current attitude.

Outside the police station, I poured out the whole story to Lysandra, bracing myself for her inevitable blame, knowing deep down it was my fault.

Then, a text from Lysandra popped up. Despite anticipating another lecture, I couldn't resist checking it.

"Hey, I know the most important thing right now is to find you a temporary place to stay, and maybe it's time to ease up on blaming yourself. I just confirmed with my brother while you went to the police station. Lucky for you, my brother has a spare room in this city. You can crash at his place for a while. He's in the South End. Let me know if you still need help. E."

Reading her message left me stunned. I had no idea Lysandra had a brother in the city. Now, standing there, I didn't know how to respond. Embarrassment burned through me as the police admitted they couldn't track down Caleb's whereabouts.

I feel defeated and with no other options left, I reluctantly accept Lysandra's offer, realizing that I have no choice but to rely on her kindness. With my luggage trailing behind me, I reply to her message, thanking her and confirming that I'll take her up on her offer.

As I look up at the sky, contemplating my life choices, it unleashes a torrential downpour, mirroring the storm of emotions raging inside me.

I stand outside the apartment Lysandra directed me to, I knock on the door repeatedly, but there's no response. Doubt creeps in as I wonder if I got the wrong address.

While I prepare to knock for the last time, I hesitate as the door suddenly swings open, revealing a man with a physique that leaves me feeling flustered and embarrassed.

He's not wearing a shirt, showing off his muscular body. It looks like he's sweating.

His stomach muscles are eye-catching. There are six clear, strong lines across his stomach, making a perfect grid. His skin is tight over his side muscles, framing his body like a statue.

I couldn't help but notice the V-shaped lines going from his hips down into his swim trunks. The light makes his skin look smooth and symmetrical. I could even see the faint outline of veins under his skin.

I can't help but imagine running my fingers over his chest and abs.