It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 30: Lake

Three months later

"What's on your mind?" Emani asked, nudging my leg.

"I'm just going to miss you. New York is so far away, " I replied with a sigh. We'd spent all summer hanging out at her family's cabin, going biking, and getting matching tattoos. I'll never forget the look on Mrs. Jefferson's face when she saw our king and queen tattoos.

"Same. I wish you could come with me, but I'm happy you got into an excellent school here. We will have holidays to see each other, but I know it won't be the same. We definitely need to facetime every day no matter how busy the other person gets," Emani said. A single tear slid down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away.

We were on our way to the airport for Emani's flight. I told myself I wouldn't get sad but here I was, acting like a little bitch. I held back my tears and focused on the road. Emani reached for my hand and kissed the back of it. I forced a smile on my face as I turned into the parking lot. I unbuckled my seat belt and stepped into the bright sun. Grabbing Emani's luggage, we headed inside the airport.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a gold necklace with an E pendant. "I bought this for you a few days ago. When you wear it, I hope you'll think of me."

"Lake, it's so beautiful," Emani said as I clasped it on her neck. "Thank you so much."

I leaned down and kissed her soft lips. She tasted like strawberries. "Well, I see they are lining up at your gate."

Emani looked behind me. "I'll text you when I land. God, I really don't want to leave. Say something to make me stay."

I wanted to take her in my arms and make her stay. However, I knew that wasn't the right thing to do. She needed to go on this new journey, and I didn't want to hold her back.

I shook my head and pulled her into my arms. "E, you're getting your cute little ass on that plane and going to New York. I'll be fine."

Emani pulled back and gave me a weak smile. "I guess this is goodbye. Bye, babe. I love you."

"I love you too, E."

I watched her hand the attendant her ticket, and she was gone. I turned and walked back to my car. I would miss her, but I didn't want her to resent me in the long run by staying here.

I pulled out my phone and texted Jason.

Me: Just dropped E off at the airport. Wyd??

Jason: Damn! I'm with Sasha at the mall. She is addicted to Bath & Body Works. I swear she has 50 candles at home and insists on buying more.

I couldn't help but laugh.

Me: Emani is the same way. Well, enjoy your shopping.

Jason: I'll try. Most of these people don't know the meaning of six feet. I'm ready to square up in here, lol.

I chuckled and rolled my eyes as I set my phone down in the cupholder. It vibrated, and a picture of Emani sitting on the plane came through. I was grinning from ear to ear and sent her a bunch of heart emojis back. She looked sexy in her black and white striped romper. My baby was the baddest chick in Chicago...well, New York now.

***
"Table for two? Follow me, please." I took the elderly couple to their table and handed them two menus. They smiled, and I went back to the front of the restaurant.

"Lake, the customers love you," Tiffany, my coworker said. She trained me when I first started, and we have become good friends.

"Yeah, the people are nice here. I haven't had to deal with a rude person yet."

I started working at Olive Garden earlier this week, and it's a decent job. My goal is to have enough money for college and to see Emani in December. School starts next week, and I won't be able to work as much overtime anymore. I signed up for 18 credit hours and will need all the study time.

Two hours later, Tiffany and I clocked out, and I walked her to her red impala. It was something I did every night. The girl was barely 5ft tall, and I would feel like shit if something happened to her.

"Thanks for walking me to my car. I'll see you tomorrow Lake," she said.

"Get home safe, bye." She sped out of the parking lot, banging her rap music.

Fifteen minutes later, I pulled onto my street and parked. Jordan already had the door open and the porch light on. When I got inside, his eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands together. I had the chef make his favorite chicken Asiago tortellini pasta and gnocchi soup.

"That shit smells good, bro," Jordan said. I'm so glad you work at Olive Garden now."

"Yeah, it has its perks. I'm salty I'll have to go part-time when school starts," I complained.

"Your degree will be worth it, Lake."

I nodded. "Yeah, you're right."

I set the bags down on the kitchen table and took a seat. Jordan sat beside me and dug into his food. We ate in silence for a while until he spoke up.

"I got a call from the hospital today. It isn't looking good for Larry, " Jordan began. "They believe he only has a few days."

I shook my head. "Karma is a bitch."

Jordan nodded. "Yep. To make matters worse, Larry wants to speak to you. I think he wants to apologize."

My eyes widened, and I almost choked on my noodle. "Wow. I really don't have shit to say to him. He made our childhood a living hell."

"Yeah, I don't really feel sorry for him. I wish he hadn't listed me as his emergency contact but whatever. I respect your decision to move on with your life."

"Thanks, bro."

***

A few days later, Larry passed away in his hospital bed. The nurses believe he died in his sleep. It was all over the news, and people reached out to me, offering their condolences. For me, his death meant only one thing: I could finally move on with my life. I was glad he was gone.

When I got home from work, Emani facetimed me from her dorm. I could see a small desk and twin-sized bed behind her. I hadn't spoken to her since the airport, and I missed her.

"Lake, how are you holding up?" She asked, legs pressed against her chest.

"It's crazy he's gone, but I'm glad. Larry was an asshole that made my life a living hell. At least I know now he can't hurt anyone else."

"That's true! I'm glad you're finally free of him. How is work going?"

My mood shifted for the better. "I love it. It's nice having my own money and meeting new people. I made a friend at work. Her name is Tiffany."

Emani wrapped her arms tightly around her legs. "That's great, Lake. Um, I have to go. I'm about to go out. I'll talk to you later."

My face fell, and I nodded. "Alright, have fun and be safe. Love you."

"Thanks, bye."

I sucked in a deep breath as the call ended. I wasn't sure what to make of our conversation. The mention of Tiffany seemed to put a damper on Emani's mood. It was the first time she ever hung up and didn't say love you back.

Women.

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Hey guys! If you've made it to this point, you've finished book one. I appreciate the people that gave this story a chance. It motivates me to keep writing. Book two will be posted chapter by chapter. ❤️❤️❤️