[chapter twenty-eight]
Disclaimer: If you've heard of them, I don't own them. Everything else is mine, so no stealing, pretty please. ;-)
This story is gonna be darker, and deal with serious, sometimes disturbing
issues. Just so everyone knows. Okay? Okay.
**
~Jimmie's POV~
"Hello!" I call out, wandering into the family room as I empty my pockets of keys, wallets and spare change. The house is eerily quiet as I walk through it, looking for Faye.
Maybe she's sleeping, I muse as I walk up the stairs quietly, peeking into the bedrooms. Nothing.
I head for the kitchen, the game room, the back porch…no Faye.
Scratching my head, I spy the note on the table. I race over and pick it up, my hands shaking slightly as I read her hastily written words.
Jimmie -
Thank you for everything you've done. But I had to get away for a while. Just be alone, figure things out. I'm so sorry for not telling you face to face, but it's easier this way. I'm fine, I promise. I'll be in touch."
Thank you,
Faye
Oh my god.
**
I swore to Faye I wouldn't tell, but I had to talk to someone or I'd tear myself apart with fear and worry.
"You have my word, man. I won't tell a soul…but I think you should tell Jeff." Chad says gently.
"I can't!" I exclaim. "Matt's on his team!"
"Which is why you should tell him. We've both been worried about you, bud. Worried about this 'private, personal issue'." Chad explains. "If you tell him what's going on, he can…"
"He can what?" I ask, my voice rising.
"I don't know." Chad admits with a shrug. "He can talk to him, or fire him, or something. This isn't right, bud. This isn't right at all."
"No." I say, shaking my head. "I can't do that to her. I shouldn't even be telling you."
"I'm glad you did. I've been worried as hell for you." Chad says sympathetically. "And now that I know about Faye…damn. Poor kid. I can't imagine…"
No, you really can't.
"Thanks, man." I say quietly, picturing her body in that hospital bed. "What do I do? Where should I look for her?"
"I don't think she wants to be found. Not yet, anyway." Chad answers. "She'll find you when she's ready."
What if she never is?
What if I've lost her before she was even…
Mine?
I try to answer, but find myself unable to. I bite my lip nervously and stare out the window instead.
"She will." Chad says, as though answering my thoughts. "Listen, man…if there's anything, I mean anything, I can do for you, or for Faye, just shout, okay?"
I nod and Chad pulls me into a quick hug.
"She'll find her way. So will you."
"Thanks, man."
"You're in love with this girl, aren't you?"
Yeah.
But until she was gone, I had no
idea how much.