Broken

1.

Bea: Hi Jake, all set for tomorrow? I'm really looking forward to see you 😳

Jake: Hi Bea.
Jake: I don't know, I have a weird feeling about this.
Jake: Maybe I should wait a few more days.

Bea: You promised! You said you'll be there!
Bea: It's been 2 months, Jake. For God's sake!

Jake: I want to keep that promise but it can still be dangerous. I don't know...

Bea: What? You told me they were no longer after you since you helped on Hannah and Amy's case!
Bea: Is there anything you're not telling me?!

Jake: No, I told you everything. It's just that I don't trust them...

Bea: Fine, I'm not gonna force you. Do as you wish.

Jake: Thanks Bea, for understanding :)
Jake: Wait. Are you mad?

Bea is offline

Jake: Bea... please. Try to understand.

In reality, Jake was scared of meeting her. He often though that once Hannah was found and the man without a face captured things would be easier, he could handle his situation and meet Bea.
The situation worked even better than expected, Jake was finally free from his pursuers, he could live a normal life again instead of being on the run. So why did he feel the weight of a thousand bricks holding him back.
Deep down he knew the answer.

"What if she doesn't like me?
What if I'm not what she's expecting?
What if things doesn't work out for us?
If she doesn't love me? If she rejects me?"

The thought of Bea not wanting to be with him was enough to make Jake cry profusely. He knew he had to face this soon, he had already cancelled on her two times. This time it was even worse, he promised Bea that he would go to Duskwood with her for Dan's birthday to meet her and everyone else, and he was breaking his promise.

Bea had already gone to Duskwood before and met everyone, since the man without a face was caught, there was no more danger.

Bea tried so many times to meet Jake and he was always pushing her back. It didn't made sense, she felt rejected which was ironic given the situation.
She had spent the last few weeks looking forward to meeting him before Dan's party, so for him to cancel on her made her sad. But that sadness quickly transformed into anger. She had enough of chasing him, Bea was going to that party and have fun, with or without Jake.

The next day, Bea woke up late with the sound of her phone buzzing.

Jessy: Hi Bea! I'm really excited for today 🥰
Jessy: What time are you arriving??

Bea: Hi Jessy 💓
Bea: Me too! I'm really looking forward to seeing you guys again!
Bea: I'm not sure yet, Jake is not coming so I'll grab the train.

Jessy: What?! He's not coming? 😡

Bea: Yeah... I don't even want to talk about it

Jessy: I'll pick you up Bea, no way you're grabbing the train. It's a one hour drive, nothing much

Bea: Oh don't worry Jessy, it's ok really ☺️

Jessy: No! I'll be there at 3pm 😊
Jessy: See you soon!

Bea: Thanks Jessy, you're the best! 🥰

Bea packed her bag, she decided she was going to have fun and not think of Jake, even if just for one day. She deserved to be happy!

She took a shower and made some lunch, it was already 2pm when she sat on the couch eating. Her phone buzzed again.

Jake: Please don't be mad at me. I can't bare it :(

She pondered not responding to him, but she knew she had to in order to not think about it the rest of the day.

Bea: I'm not mad Jake.
Bea: I'm not going to ask you to go anymore.
Bea: Let me know when you really want to meet me and I'll see if I find the time.
Bea: Jessy will pick me up in a bit so I don't have time to talk.

Bea is offline

Bea tried to push that conversation to the back of her mind as she finished eating and got dressed.
Jessy arrived and they drove to Duskwood, talking, singing, and laughing the whole drive. Two best friends enjoying each other's company.

Bea had rented a small two bedroom apartment for her and Jake, since they planned to stay for a few days it was cheaper than staying in the motel.
After they arrived to Duskwood Bea picked up the apartment keys and dropped some bags. They went to Jessy's house to get ready for Dan's party. The plan was to have some dinner at Lilly's house and then go to Aurora for some drinks.

Jake: Hi Bea.
Jake: I can see that you're in Duskwood. Did you arrive safely?
Jake: I'm sorry, can you please reply?

Bea heard the messages but ignored the phone. Jake was tracking her and she didn't want to desl with that.

The pair got ready and went to Lilly's.

"Bea! I'm so glad to see you! How have you been?
Hi Jessy! You arrived together?" Lilly said with a huge smile.

"Hi Lilly! I'm doing good, how are you?" Bea said.

"I'm alright, getting the house ready for the mess" Lilly laughed.

"I picked Bea up, Jake is not coming" Jessy mentioned making a face to Lilly.

"Really, Jake's not coming? Oh.." she was sad but she didn't wanted to discuss it with Bea.

"Yeah, he bailed again. Whatever... at this point I don't know if I care" Bea's sighed.

"Please, come inside!" Lilly said as she grabbed her phone.

Lilly: I can't believe you're doing this again. Bea doesn't deserve this. And what about us? We are your family, Jake!
Lilly: She's clearly upset that you left her hanging.
Lilly: I know we didn't have the best start but Bea trusted you the whole time, she is tired of this Jake, she won't wait forever.

Jake saw the messages but didn't reply, he was drowning in his thoughts, dwelling on the idea of going to see her or not. How much time would he need?