"Neela,"
She turned to face the redhead, whose concern was clear in her eyes. Jenny had been her best friend, her only friend, in the last 5 years and was certainly the only one who knew anywhere close to the full story outside of County ER.
"Yeah?"
Mina stood quietly behind her mother's leg, still sleepy from being roused. Jenny shifted her weight nervously before speaking again.
"Are you sure?"
Neela tilted her head curiously at her friend, trying hard to smile.
"I have to go,"
She affirmed again. Jenny looked unconvinced. The tone was less than sincere.
"What if he's there?"
Jenny asked, her tone necessarily cryptic. Neela just shrugged. The thought had crossed her mind, but she had been trying to avoid analysing it. This wasn't about him, it was about Abby. With that, the bus arrived, the doors opening with a loud hiss. She pulled Jenny to her in a swift but genuine hug.
"Don't worry, Jenny, I'll be fine,"
She whispered in her friend's ear.
"Good luck,"
Jenny added, reaching one hand down to affectionately ruffle her goddaughters hair. Neela turned and got on the bus, her daughter firmly by the hand. She settled into a seat by the window, fussing over Mina, fastening her seatbelt and straightening her clothes.
"Mommy,"
Mina was growing up Americanised, which couldn't be helped she guessed, but it still shocked her to hear it.
"Yes honey?"
"Where are we going?"
"Chicago,"
She answered simply. Mina looked puzzled.
"Will I like it there?"
"I hope so,"
Mina seemed placated by this answer. She turned her head back to the window and watched the streetlights of her comfort zone recede into the distance, until all she could see was the black unknown all around her.