I had given the bathroom a proper clean and was about to start on the bedroom when I heard the door knock.
"Hi. It's me Jake." I stopped right in my tracks and half a mind to backpedal back to the bathroom. I begrudgingly chose not to.
It was kinda awkward just watching Jake watching me. "Why'd you come?"
"I don't know."
"Shouldn't you still be at work?"
"I'm on my lunch break."
"Why'd you come?"
"I don't know."
"Well, then I don't know either."
"I miss you, Sarah, okay? Is that what you wanted to hear? I'm tired of this awkwardness and it's time to clear the air."
"I've started using Lily's humidifier. The air here is as clear as it gets."
Jake laughed. "That was a very sad attempt at a joke."
I couldn't help but laugh too. That was a very sad attempt at a joke.
"Jake," I sighed, I'm not angry with you if that's what you think. It's okay. All of it's okay. And if it isn't, it will be okay."
"You'll be okay?"
"I'll be okay. Tommy and the Jafins have been a huge support to me. They've even let me help plan Mariam's funeral. It's giving me a sense of purpose."
"And what about the rent?"
"Don't worry about that. I got my final salary today and I'll definitely find a job by next month. If anything, Hannah should be our top priority."
"Still no news?"
"No. The police say they were driving in the opposite direction of their house. After that, they don't really know."
We sat in silence for a minute.
"You should be getting back to work."
"Yeah, you're right, I should."
Jake left and felt a pang of regret hit my chest. Something tells me this conversation wasn't yet over. There was more to be said.
I ran out onto the apartment corridor and got his attention before he went in the elevator.
"Jake!"
He turned around shocked. "Yeah?"
"You're my best friend, you know that, right? You'll always have been and always will be, no matter what and I'll love you no matter what. Please remember that."
"Same here." The elevator dinged.
I watched him go and felt the weight lift of my chest.
Now it feels over.
YOU ARE READING
Lily
Mystery / ThrillerJake is naive. Sarah is suffering from unrequited love. Hannah is hiding a secret. Lily is new to the town. A fire breaks out and someone dies. Did I mention, there's a serial killer? Somehow this all goes very wrong, very quickly.
