Amy's Purpose (Final Draft)

Chapter Fourteen

Iris went first, shrugging her jacket off by the coat rack. Reed stopped before he crossed the threshold. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and looked at Jay.

"I know you're scared, but you shouldn't ever have to go through life alone," he said quietly.

Jay's hand tightened on the doorknob. Reed nudged his shoulder with Jay's and gave him a small smile.

"You're doing better than you think you are," he continued. "Healing takes time. It doesn't happen all at once."

Jay nodded. He had no words to say, so he gestured for Reed to go inside, and shut the door behind him.

"Jay?" His mothers voice met his ears. "Is that you?"

Two pairs of eyes settled on him. He swallowed, trying to ease the dryness in his throat.

"Yeah," he replied.

He stepped out of the hallway and peered around the wall into the kitchen. His mom was behind the island, ingredients laid out for a sandwich in front of her. She smiled when she saw him, and he returned it with a small one of his own.

She was in her scrubs, probably about to leave for work.

"What's up, honey? You're up early today. Where did you go?"

Jay cleared his throat and looked over his shoulder. Iris and Reed stepped up beside him. Jay turned to look back at his mother.

Her face went from shocked to delighted in a split second. She broke out into a smile.

"Hello!" She said brightly. She wiped her hands on a towel and moved from behind the island. Her smile was outrageously cheerful. Jay nearly cringed.

His mom stopped a few feet away from them, her hopeful eyes turned to him. He realized that he was supposed to introduce his friends, and quickly straightened up.

"Um-mom this is Reed and Iris. My friends."

She smiled at them and reached out to shake their hands. "It's so nice to meet you guys! Jay told me about you, Iris."

Iris grinned back at his mom. He could tell that it made her giddy to know he talked about her to his mom. Jay wanted the awkwardness to end, so he cleared his throat.

"Mom, we wanted to go on a trip, just until Saturday. Is that okay?"

She stepped away from them and went back to making her sandwich.

"Where were you guys going?"

Jay looked to his friends, and then back to his mom.

"Just to Seattle. To get away for a day or two. Explore."

She paused for a moment, then shrugged. "Seattle is very pretty. Just keep your location on so that I know you are safe. And let me know when you get there. I'll send you some money so you aren't stranded without gas and so you can eat."

Jay nodded. "Thanks, mom."

She smiled. "Anytime, honey."

Jay moved away from the kitchen and towards the staircase. He stopped at the bottom step.

"You guys can stay here while I grab some stuff. Or wait in the car."

"Or..." Iris drawled. "You can show me your murder room."