The phone on Jenn's nightstand rang several times before it woke her from her dreamless sleep. Her eyes opened slowly as she picked her head up to face her alarm clock. Three forty seven. 'Great.' She thought. She reached over and picked up her phone.
"Hello." She could barely breathe out the word.
"Jennifer. It's Lisa. Listen, its mom she's in the hospital." Jenn could hear the concern in her sisters' voice. Jenn sat up quickly, no longer feeling asleep.
"Why? What happened?"
"I don't know exactly. I moved back last week and everything was fine. She was fine. She was doing her everyday routines, except for today. She told me she thought she was getting a cold but left it at that." Lisa's voice started to quiver. "About thirty minutes ago something woke me up and I heard her gasping for air in the bathroom. I called 911 and now we're here." Lisa stopped talking. Jenn could here her sister making slight noises over the phone, squeaking, as if fighting back tears. "They have her on oxygen and she swears she's fine. She asked me to leave the room while she talked to her doctor that just showed up. I think there's something she isn't telling me. Her doctor came here awfully fast."
"I'm going to go pack. I'll be there soon. I'll take the first flight out." She hung up with her sister and started to fill her suit cases. At four thirty she called her boss and left a message to call her back. She explained the situation and knew she would be able to take off from work as long as she needed. She finished getting ready and headed to her car. She headed to the airport with thoughts flying through her head. What was wrong with her mother? Maybe her mother really didn't know and Lisa was being paranoid.
Jenn arrived at the airport and bought her ticket. Earliest flight was 9:30 am. She would have to wait a couple of hours. Jenn sorted out hidden thoughts that began to peak through her head. She was going back home. A place she hadn't been in nine years. A part of her past that she never planned to visit again. She had seen her mother every holiday and almost ever summer. She had gone to college and landed a good job as an editor at a big publishing company, so she was able to pay for her mothers frequent visits and even for her best friend Emily's scarce ones. How long was she planning on staying in Boston? I guess until ma's better. Jenn looked down at her cell phone. She set the alarm for nine o'clock. Jenn didn't want to think about going home anymore. She put her phone in her pants pocket and shut her eyes. She needed the images of him to leave her mind.
Jenn arrived at the airport in Boston at ten fifty. Her sister was waiting for her at the baggage terminal. They drove to her mother's in silence. Jenn wasn't one for small talk with Lisa. She was very opposite from Jenn. She lived a good life and had many good things, material things which made her very happy. Happy enough to stay with a cheating husband for ten years. But now she had moved back home. Her husband liked his girlfriends much more than Lisa and finally decided to divorce her.
They pulled up to her mothers' house. The home she had made so many memories in. She was born in this house and grew up a happy kid. She walked slowly to the front door. It was cold. She hugged herself and fixed the luggage strap on her shoulder. Jenn took a deep breath before entering the house.
"Ma?" Jenn said softly. She didn't know if she was sleeping. The hospital had done some tests and drew some blood then sent Mrs. Henley on her way. Lisa had told her at the airport that she went to her room when they arrived home at eight that morning and she went straight to sleep. Jenn walked in the house and heard her sister shut the front door behind them.
"She's probably still sleeping. The doctor gave her a few prescriptions and we put them in before we came home. She didn't hesitate on taking the pain medication he gave her." Lisa walked into the kitchen and Jenn put her luggage down than followed.
"Why did he give her pain medication?" Jenn sat at the table. Lisa poured Jenn and herself coffee and heated them in the microwave. After they were heated she sat across from her sister.
"Jenn, we need to talk." Lisa said with concern in her eyes.
"What? What did you find out?"
"Ma, well ma's really sick."
"What kind of sick Lisa?" Jenn's eyebrows raised.
"Cancer." Jenn's eyes grew wide and her mouth opened to say something, but nothing came out.
"Jenn, you need to stay for awhile. As long as you possibly can actually."
"How can you know its cancer when you weren't even in the hospital that long?" Jenn's head began to hurt.
"That's why her doctor showed up as fast as he did. She's known about this for months and never told us." Lisa put her head down. "This whole time I'm bitching to mom about my stupid marriage, and she's dying. How selfish am I?" Lisa's eyes began to water and she wiped away a tear that fell down her cheek.
"You're not selfish Lisa. Mom didn't tell you. You know how she is." Jenn drank her coffee. She could tell it was from the day before. It was still good.
"I'll stay as long as I'm needed. My boss called me while I was waiting at the airport and she told me that it was fine. I brought my laptop so I can work from here." Jenn said. She looked up at her sister. She looked older than the last time she had seen her. Her hair was still beautiful and her face was still smooth. But her eyes, they looked older, tired and sad. Jenn wished her and her sister were closer, but they just could never be.
"Good, because I got a job and I start next week. I can't be here with her as much as she needs." Lisa got out of her seat. She placed her cup in the sink and walked back over to Jenn. She stood behind her for a couple of seconds. She leaned down and hesitated before she kissed Jenn's head and told her she had to run to the store. Lisa hadn't kissed her like that in years. Jenn washed the two cups and grabbed her luggage and went to her bedroom. She stood in front of the closed door. Remembering the last moments she spent in that room, and with whom.
Jenn laid back on her bed and let out an aggravated sigh. Why was he being so difficult? Why was everything so complicated with him? Billy came from a complicated family, but he always tried to be different, more tolerable. Some would say they would never know who his father was unless they were told. He was opposite from every inch of his father. Bones Darley was an abusive, controlling asshole that treated his sons like mistakes, which he let them know they were almost on a daily basis. Billy was good in school, played high school football and kept himself out of trouble. He did everything in his power to get out of the life that he felt was destined for him. Billy was in a grade above her, but they shared mutual friends. When Jenn reached high school Billy asked her to be his girl and then they were inseparable. Jenn kept him on track and Billy loved her in ways she never thought possible. Once graduation came Jenn knew she was getting out of this hell whole town. She applied for NYU and was accepted. Billy hadn't applied anywhere after he graduated so he spent Jenn's senior year working in his father's chop shop. They decided to go to New York together and start their futures. Billy was great with engines and knew everything you needed to know about cars. One good thing his father did, teaching him about cars. Billy figured he could go to some trade school to learn more and maybe someday open up his own shop. Everything was set, their tickets were bought and the time was here. Instead of her smiling on the day she was leaving for New York, she was fighting. Fighting with the only person she ever truly loved. He called her to tell her they needed to talk. She was waiting for him to come and spend the day with her mother before they left. Instead she was by herself most of the day with knots in her stomach. He was on his way and she knew something was wrong. Jenn sat up quickly as someone knocked on her bedroom door. She ran across the room and pulled the door open. Billy stood there, looking back at her with sadness in his eyes. She grabbed his arm and pulled him in the room, shutting the door behind him. "What are you doing Billy?" Jenn asked impatiently. "There's a problem. You have to listen to me before you start flippin' out on me." He put his hands on her arms and pulled his face close to hers. His face was flushed and he was breathing heavy. Small sweat beads formed on his forehead. His blonde hair was sticking out all over under his baseball cap. She almost wanted to laugh at him. "Billy, our plane leaves in just a few hours. There's no room for problems." "It's my brother." Billy looked away from her and walked to her bed, slowly sitting on the edge. Jenn walked to him, sitting next to him. She put her hand on his back and began to rub. "What happened? Is Joe alright?" "My father caught him in his office taking a gun. The bastard beat him unconscious." Billy's eyes began to water. Something else that differed Billy from his father, Billy had a heart. "Oh my God Billy, is he ok?" "He's fine. But Jenn, I can't leave him." Billy looked up into Jenn's eyes. He looked as if he was pleading with her. "Well…what are you going to do?" Jenn asked slowly. She almost didn't want him to answer. She knew he cared for his brother. Billy was the only father figure Joe had in his life. Billy would die for him and not think twice. Jenn's stomach began to feel sick. She knew what he was going to say and nothing was going to change his mind. "Maybe…maybe we can leave later. Give me time to figure something out." He put his hand on her face. His eyes were so innocent, so beautiful and full of life. It was hard for Jenn to ever say no to him. But this time was different. She didn't have later; she was already pushing the envelope leaving when she was. "You know I can't go any later than this. We pushed it till' last minute for your brother, I go any later I'll miss the first week of school." "Jenn, but you don't understand. I leave he will kill him. He will fucking kill him." Billy stood up and started pacing her bedroom floor. She had seen him like this once before. Joe had stolen money from Bones and disappeared for two days. He went to a hotel with some friends on Bones' tab and drank himself witless. Billy thought he was dead and couldn't sleep. Billy gave Joe a harsh beating when he finally did grace them with his presence. "Billy, I have to go. I have so many things to do this week to prepare for next weeks classes. This isn't fair Billy. Your brother fucks up again and it affects us. Why do you let him do this?" Billy stopped suddenly and with wide eyes looked at Jenn. She was thrown back by his expression. He looked angry at her. "You know I'm all he's got. I leave he has no one or nothing. Bones will eat him alive, he'll be sending him on errands and making his deals for him. By the end of the month Bones will have him a full blown drug dealer." Billy came closer to her, his eyes piercing angrily into Jenn's. He spoke threw grinded teeth. "You will not make me choose between you and him. You won't like the choice one bit if you try." His eyes challenged her, but Jenn wasn't one to back down. He was different from his father, he was nice and charming. But one thing his father did pass on to him was his temper. Billy would fly off the handle at any little thing. Breaking things or even some noses if they were close enough. "I'm leaving with, or without you. I have no choice." Jenn didn't want to fight, but she didn't want him to ruin this for them either. "This is our future we are talking about and if you push it away for your brother, who obviously thinks only of himself, then the past four years have been nothing but a lie." Billy's eyes widened more. His jaw was tightening and his nostrils began to flare. He walked in one quick stride, inches away from her face. "A lie? You can sit here and look me in the eyes and tell me this…us was all a lie?" "We have been planning this for over a year, ever since I decided to go to NYU. You knew this day was coming and you wait until the day of to back out. Well I can't back out Billy. I want out of this God forsaken place. I want to make something of myself. We wanted a family and I won't have one here." Jenn was screaming. Billy's eyes began to water and were turning red. His hard expression began to soften and Jenn thought he was going to hold her and tell he was sorry. Instead he kissed her on her lips than put his lips to her ear. "If you leave today, I swear on everything I love I'm done with you." He whispered. Those words felt like knives stabbing her in her heart. She loved Billy more than any one else ever could love someone. The thought of not being with him made her physically ill. She wasn't angry anymore. Fear had run down her spine like ice water. He kept his face close to hers. He could see her eyes swell up with tears and start to slowly fall out down her cheeks. He watched one as it reached her chin and fell on his hand that he had placed on Jenn's shoulder. He looked back up at her and kissed her cheek. He walked away and opened her bedroom door. Without so much as a glace back to his crying girlfriend he disappeared out of her bedroom door. She could hear his heavy footsteps walking down the long hallway and then going quickly down the stairs. She stood there paralyzed by his words. Jenn had never heard that tone from him before. She slowly walked to her bedroom door and closed it. He couldn't be serious. He wouldn't leave her for following her dreams. She couldn't stay and wouldn't stay. He could always come to New York after he figured out what to do with his brother. Jenn reached for her phone and dialed Billy's cell phone. It rang twice before Billy picked up. "I'm leaving." Was all she could say. "Good bye Jenn. I love you but I can't go with you." There was silence which felt like eternity to Jenn. She didn't believe him. He was just mad. "I will never love anyone the way I love you." Jenn looked at her phone realizing Billy had hung up. She dialed his number again, but it went straight to voicemail. For the next five hours Jenn called him constantly, leaving him a message every time. "Come on, Ma's waiting in the car." Lisa came into the kitchen to check the stove one last time before they left. She looked over to Jenn who was sitting at the table holding the cordless phone and staring at the wall. "Do you think he's serious?" Jenn asked. "I think he's mad. But I know how much you mean to him, so just give him time." Lisa headed towards the front door. "Jenn, seriously your going to miss your flight than it won't matter if he's serious or not because you'll be here with him." "One more time. Let me try him one more time." Jenn pressed redial on the phone and listened. His voicemail again. "Billy, it's me…again. I have to go before I miss my flight. I can't wait for you to decide what you want to do, and I can't…no I won't believe those words you said. I know you love me and I love you just the same. I will wait for you to come to New York. I will wait forever if I have to. Just know I love you and I'm not leaving to spite you, I'm leaving because my future is there. I left all my information with my mother so when you're ready call me. When you're done here, come be with me. I love you Billy. Always and forever." Jenn hung up the phone and placed it slowly on the table. She got up and grabbed her bag. She walked out of the house and never looked back.
"Hello."
"Hey Em. It's me."
"Jenn, hey sweetie. How are you? How's New York?" Emily laughed.
"I wouldn't know."
"Why not? Where are you?"
"At my mom's."
"Oh my God you're in town?" Emily screamed. It had been over a year since she had seen Emily.
"Yeah, not by choice though. My sister called me early this morning telling me my mother is really sick, so I took the first plane in." Jenn missed her friend. Their friendship began the first day of kindergarten. Emily fell at lunch and Jenn helped her to the nurse's office. The nurse had told her to go back to lunch but Emily had started to cry asking if she could stay with her. When Emily's mother came to pick her up she told her that Jenn was her best friend.
"Jenn, I had no idea. I see your mom all the time. She always looks fine. It must be bad if you came back." Emily knew Jenn had never had intensions of coming back to Boston. Not ever.
"Well, I'm really not sure yet." Jenn lied. No need to get Emily worried when she wasn't even sure of what was happening yet.
"I'm sure you're busy, but do you think we can get together before you leave?" Emily asked.
"Of course! You think I would come back and not see my best friend. We'll plan something later. I just wanted to call you to let you know I'm here. I'm gonna go unpack and see how my mother is. I'll give you a call tonight."
"I'm working tonight, but I go in late, so try to call me before nine."
"Where are you working that you're going in that late?
"You're never gonna believe it. I started working at The Four Roses about a month ago. The pharmacy started laying people off so I needed a job A.S.A.P. The new bar tender Sammy, he was in need for a new waitress, so I figured what the hell. Pays pretty well. Not as good as the pharmacy, but there are nights where I make pretty good tips." Jenn started to laugh. She couldn't believe Emily was working at the place they had their first drinks. The one place they all hung out and had the most fun. Their friend Bodie's uncle had owned the place and as long as they kept their mouths shut about ever being there, they could drink under age all they wanted.
"Hey, it's a job."
"Just for now. When I'm done with school I'll get a better job."
"Ok, I'm gonna go. I love you and I'll call you tonight." Jenn and Emily said good bye and Jenn hung up the phone. She took her jacket off and walked out of her room down the hall to her mother's room. She slowly opened the door and looked in. Her mother was no longer sleeping. She was sitting up on her bed reading a book. Jenn looked at her mother and smiled. She was the most beautiful person she ever knew. She was kind and full of love.
"How are you feeling?" Jenn asked as she walked to her mother's bed. Mrs. Henley was a tall woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She was thin and beautiful and had a smile filled with perfect white teeth. Jenn was her mother spitting image.
"Jennifer. Sweet heart, come sit." Mrs. Henley moved over to middle of the bed to make room for her daughter.
"Hi mom." Jenn sat down close to her mother. She looked into her eyes. "Why didn't you tell us?" Jenn's eyes began to water. "It should have been easy to tell us."
"Oh, Jennifer, that question is more complicated to answer than you know." Mrs. Henley grabbed her daughter's chin and pulled her face close to hers. "You moved away a long time ago and haven't been back. You never wanted to come back and trust me I remember why. I didn't want you to know and come back here, especially when I wasn't sure what was happening yet." Jenn's eyebrows narrowed and she pulled her face away from her mother.
"You didn't tell me you were dying so I didn't have to come back here and see Billy?" Her voice was raised.
"That's not entirely it. I just didn't see the point of you getting upset about something I wasn't sure about yet, and then seeing Billy on top of that."
"I'm a big girl mom, I can handle seeing Billy, but this," she pointed at her mother. "This is just so stupid. For once in your life think of yourself. Stop trying to protect us all the time." Jenn's stomach was in knots. Her mother had, there whole lives been trying to shield them from the horrible things the world brings. She would suffer to make sure they didn't feel an ounce of pain. But this time it was too much.
"I'm sorry, your right. I should have told you girls sooner." Jenn grabbed her mother into a tight hug.
"We will get through this together. I will make sure you get better." Jenn's eyes watered but she couldn't let her mother see. She held her close until the wetness in her eyes dried.
Jenn climbed out of bed and headed into her mother's room. She opened the door slowly and peaked her head in. She watched for a few seconds as her mother slept. Slowly she closed the door and headed down the stairs. Coffee was the only thing on her mind. She could smell the freshly brewed drug she needed every morning to function. Jenn had called Emily before nine like planned. They talked for awhile before Emily had to leave for work. The Four Roses was on her mind all night making her dream of the past fun they had there. She grabbed her coffee and walked out the front door. The cold air wrapped around her like an ice blanket. She had taken up smoking a few years back and tried to quick ever since.
"Those things are gross." Lisa said as she walked up the walkway.
"Yes," Jenn said before inhaling a deep drag from her cigarette. "Yes, they are." she smiled as she blew the white smoke in the air. Her sister laughed as she shook her head and walked into the house. Jenn finished her cigarette and joined her sister at the kitchen table.
"So where were you?" Jenn asked after drinking some of her coffee.
"Had to see my new boss. Had some paper work to fill out. How's mom?" Lisa asked.
"Sleeping."
"Good. So, what are you plans for today?" Jenn hadn't really thought of what she would be doing to pass her time now that she was back. She wanted to stay with her mother as much as possible but she knew her mother wouldn't have that. She was set in her ways with certain things and doing things on her own was one of them.
"Well, actually I thought maybe I would go see Emily."
"That's good. I'm taking mom to her friends house today to tell her "the news". Want to come with us?" Lisa asked almost hoping she would say yes.
"Ah, no. I really don't need to see that emotional moment when mom tells someone what's going on. Your better at that shit." Lisa was better. When their father died when they were both young, Lisa 12 and Jenn 9, she had went with their mother to her friends house to tell them the bad news, while Jenn sat home with their grandmother trying to ignore the entire situation.
"Fine," She said as she climbed to her feet. "I'm going to wake mom." Jenn smiled as she watched her sister pout her way down the hall. Going to see Emily wasn't really something she wanted to do. Being out in public, chancing herself to bump into Billy was something she wanted to avoid. It had been a long time since she had seen him or even spoken to him. After she moved to New York she tried to call him for weeks. He never answered his phone leaving Jenn depressed and unfocused. Finally she gave up trying thinking eventually he would come around. Eventually he would realize he was making a mistake. Every phone call she would get or knock at the door for years would send that excited nervous bolt through her stomach, every time thinking it was Billy. But not once was it him. He had thrown away their relationship, their future together to protect his brother.
She had asked Emily several times throughout the years how Billy was doing. Emily each time would tell her not to do this to herself. Let him go, he wasn't worth it. But he was worth it to her. Every inch of her wanted to get on a plane and run back into the arms of the only man she ever loved. But after awhile the saying 'out of sight, out of mind' had been true with her. She always thought of him, even up until recently. But it didn't hurt anymore. The pain had stopped. Now back in Boston, the one place she vowed never to return to, she knew seeing him would most likely be inevitable. Even going to the local convenient store would raise the chances of their meeting. Emily was her best friend and she needed to see a familiar face. One she wouldn't have an ounce of hatred for.
Jenn rose to her feet and headed to her room. She needed a shower. As she passed her mothers room she could hear her sister pleading with her mother not to go break any news to anyone until they knew more about her condition. Jenn's mother told Lisa to stay home and leave her be. Jenn smiled again knowing her sister must be pouting again.
After a really long shower and a blow dry Jenn went back to her room to get dressed. She was naturally pretty and didn't need makeup. Her long brown hair fell down her back in thick waves. Her every day attire mainly consisted of dress pants and sweaters. But now that work was over 200 miles away she could relax and dress a little more comfortably. She threw on a pair of jeans and a fitted t-shirt that read Harley Davidson across the chest. She slipped on a pair of shoes and grabbed her denim jacket then headed downstairs. Her sister was putting her jacket on at the front door when she spotted Jenn coming down the stairs.
"Last chance," Her sister said smiling at Jenn. "Come on, it'll be fun watching mom and her friend cry together. Then they'll whip out the photo albums from past 20 years and then cry some more."
"I told you to stay home. I am perfectly capable of going to see my friend on my own." Mrs. Henley said as she grabbed her purse. She looked up at Jenn who had stopped on the last step. "Where are you headed dear?"
"I thought I would drop by Emily's. Maybe go get something to eat. Go to the mall. Anything really."
"You have no car, how are you getting around?" Jenn smiled her same smile she used every time she needed her mothers car. Mrs. Henley gave her a big smile back.
"Of course Hun, take mommy's car. Your sister is driving anyway." Mrs. Henley grabbed a set of keys off the key hook and handed them to Jenn. Lisa walked out into the chilly air, their mother and Jenn following. "Are you sure you want to roam around Jennifer?"
"Mom, I have said this already. I'm a big girl. If I bump into him I can handle it." Jenn sighed as she opened the drivers side door. She looked over at her mother and sister. "It's been almost 10 years. I'm sure he's happy and married somewhere. Maybe even with a few kids. I'll be home later." Jenn jumped in the car and started it. She pulled out of the driveway waving to her mother and sister as they stood watching her.
"You didn't tell her?" Lisa asked her mother, still watching Jenn as she drove down the block.
"No. She'll find out on her own soon enough." Mrs. Henley sighed as she also watched Jenn.
"Well lets hope she finds out from a distance." Lisa said worry now flowing through her stomach. They climbed into the car and drove off.
Jenn drove into the city where she knew Emily's new apartment was. After losing her job she had told her that bills had become too overwhelming and she had to move out of the house she rented. When money was becoming more of an issue she moved into the apartment buildings not far from The Four Roses. They were cheap and close to work. Jenn grabbed her bag, her hand fumbling through it trying to find the new pack of cigarettes she threw in before she left. Once she found it she packed the on the steering wheel. A song she hadn't heard in forever played on the radio. She turned it up bobbing her head singing to the words as placed a cigarette in her mouth. She hated these things but couldn't part with them. Not yet anyway. Twenty minutes later she was parking her car in the rundown parking lot in front of Emily's building. It was getting even more weird being back.
It didn't take long to find her door. She knocked several times before someone finally answered. A guy half naked with tattoos on his neck and a badly done Mohawk was looking back at her. His eyes looked her up and down as he leaned his arm against the open door. A sly smile crept on his lips.
"And what can I do you for?" He asked. Jenn wasn't one to get nervous around guys like these. He was confident, that she could tell, but he seemed like one of those bad ass guys that robbed or sold drugs. Leave it to Emily to be sharing her bed with him.
"Is Emily here?' Jenn asked smirking back at the man. His eyes were heavy and he looked like he was high. He just stared at her, that same smile on his face. Jenn crossed her arms over her chest as her patience was wearing thin. "Is she here or not?" Jenn's tone clearly showed her annoyance.
"Maybe she is," he started. "And, maybe she isn't." he leaned a bit closer to her. She could smell the booze jumping from his mouth. She waved her fingers in front of her nose trying to weaken the smell. He saw this and that grin he wore so well had faded. He looked annoyed himself.
"Who is it Baggy?" She could hear Emily yell. Jenn smiled at the man.
"Baggy?" She gave a chuckle. "What kind of name is Baggy?" This Baggy just stared at her. The door Baggy was leaning on was now pushed completely open. Emily pushed him out of the way, a big smile across her face as she looked back at Jenn.
"Jennifer!" She yelled. She grabbed Jenn hugging her tight. "What are you doing here?" Jenn pulled away and smiled at her friend.
"Well, I just wanted to see you." Emily smiled and grabbed Jenn's arm dragging her into the apartment. She didn't mean to but she couldn't help looking around as she was being pulled to a couch. It wasn't like Emily to live in a place like this. She used to be very girly and even more clean. This place was in simple terms, a dump. It was almost like a studio apartment except there was a small hall off the living room that from what she could tell had a bathroom and a bedroom off of it. The tiny kitchen area, if you could even call it that was filled with open boxes of different foods. A small refrigerator that hadn't been cleaned in months stood in the middle. A few cabinets that were falling apart were on either side. The living room had a small broken couch that Jenn was almost afraid to sit on. She didn't want to be the one that ended it's life. A small old tv sat across from the couch on a crate. A beat up old coffee table that she is certain she must have found in the trash sat in between. Jenn slowly sat down next to Emily and smiled.
"Sorry about how this place looks. I could imagine what your thinking." As if she read her mind.
"No," she shook her head. "The place is fine." She lied. Jenn looked at her friend. She looked the same from the last time she had seen her. Her blond hair grew a bit but she was still the same. Her blue eyes gleamed just as they always did. Her cute perfect smile flashed beautifully at her. Jenn was so happy to be close to her again. She missed her more then she even knew.
'I know your lying, its ok. This is just temporary like I told you." Baggy cleared his throat as he pulled a folding chair over to the couch. Emily rolled her eyes knowing he was looking for some kind of attention.
"I believe you've met Baggy." Jenn looked behind her and smiled. This baggy guy wasn't half bad looking. He just had no clue how to act. Or how to get his hair cut.
"Yes I have." Jenn said as she looked back a Emily. "Is he your," Jenn widened her eyes trying not to finish the sentence. Emily narrowed her eyes until she realized what Jenn was asking.
"Oh God no!" Emily said with exaggeration. "He needed a place to crash so I let him stay here," She looked over at Baggy who was still eyeing Jenn. "But he was just leaving." Baggy huffed as he rose to his feet. He grabbed his clothes that were thrown on the floor. He dressed in front of them quickly.
"Later Em," Baggy said as he looked down at Jenn. "And you, definitely hope to see you later." He winked before he walked out of the apartment.
"Ew." Jenn said as she looked back at Emily. Emily busted out laughing as she rose to her feet.
"He's got his eyes on you." She grabbed her coat and headed for the door, Jenn following.
"Great. Where did you meet him?" Jenn walked out of the apartment and waited for Emily to lock up. Why she bothered to lock the door was a mystery to her. Nothing of value was in that apartment. Something else that was so not like Emily. She loved to shop and have more then she needed.
"The Four Roses." Emily smiled. She wrapped her arm around Jenn's as they walked out of the apartment building. "A new bread has taken over the place. You wouldn't believe it even if you seen it." As they reached the parking lot Emily looked at the entrance seeing a black mustang make a sharp right onto the street. She sighed with relief to herself.
"So what are we doing?" Jenn asked as she opened her car doors. The two girls climbed in.
"Anything you want to do. I'm off tonight so I'm free all day." Jenn started the car and drove out of the parking lot. There was only one place she really wanted to be. Something her and Emily made a point to do every Saturday when they were in high school. Shopping.
"Well I think we should do our old routine." Emily smiled knowing exactly what she meant.
"Good, then we can go out to eat after." Emily said. For the first time since she arrived back she felt content. Comfortable with even being back. She knew that Emily would be the one to make that happen. Unfortunately, no matter how hard she tried Billy's face kept popping up in her head. Apart of her was hoping to see him while another part didn't want to know anything. She just hoped that he was happy.