Do Us Part

22. "What are friends for?"

Chapter 22

Natalie

I smiled in gratitude as the driver pulled in front of the building.

The moment the team and I got back from the retreat, we went to work because Sam asked for an emergency meeting to work on some cool ideas that were suggested by Clyde while we were on air.

 It took hours as everyone started working and giving ideas on how we can add those new features to our work.

And now, roughly ten hours later, all I want to do is soak myself in a hot bubble bath.

Once I was in the elevator, I clicked on the 'PH' button and began internally debating what to order for dinner.

Once the elevators opened, I walked out, feeling excited at the thought of my bed and pillows but halted in my steps as I noticed someone sitting on the ground by my door.

"Zoey?" I called out, still unsure as she kept her hands on her face... Immediately I said those words, she stood up. I was stunned by what I saw.

Zoey was looking nothing like herself -- Her eyes were red, her eyeliner was smudged all over her face and her white skin was pink as though she had been crying for a long time. My heart instantly tightened at the sight of my best friend. It brought back really terrible memories.

"Natalie, you've got to help me." She cries out.

"What happened, Zoey? Please stop crying." I said and tried to hold her in my arms but she pulled back, away from me.

"Ben...he...they took him. They just took him away and he's in trouble and I can't.." She broke down crying on the ground and I joined her and kept my arms around her.

I felt disheartened seeing my best friend this way. Ever since we reunited, I have only ever seen her happy and making mean jokes. So, seeing her just reminds me of some dark time in her life.

I finally got Zoey to calm down and tell me what happened.

Two FBI-looking guys came to arrest Ben. Something having to do with fraud and for some reason, when he was going away, he told her not to get in touch with anyone, that he will be back soon but ofcourse, she couldn't do something.

She was so distressed and tried calling me but my phone has been on silent mode all day so I didn't receive her calls.

As I collected the now empty glass that Zoey drank, from her, I asked her where her baby was.

"She's at my neighbor's." She replies, her voice cracking.

"Ok...We'll get her."

"And Ben?"

"Zoey, I want to help but I don't know how."

"Oh please, Natalie... I'm sure you know someone..anyone that can help. Your family is very influential. I'm sure they can make some calls or something. Please get him out of there."

"Will is not around..and my uncle is out of town and I.." I heaved a sigh as I remembered someone and I picked up my phone to call him.

"Hey. I'm sorry to call this late but I need a favor."
____

"Zoey."

"Hmm.." She moaned into the pillow.

"Zoey, wake up. Ben is here." It only took that statement to open her eyes widely.

"Really?" She asks weakly and I moved aside so she could get a proper view of her husband.

"Hey, baby." He beckoned with a smile gracing his lips as he opened his arms which Zoey eagerly ran into.