Duskwood After Story

New Beginnings, Part 2

Jake took me to the church once we were done getting ready together. We briefly parted ways and I drove my car back to the motel. As I'd just arrived yesterday, just a few pieces of clothing were unpacked while I was contemplating what to wear for my date with Jake. It didn't take long for me to gather up all of my things and load them into the trunk of my vehicle. One item checked on my list.

I opened my phone to send a text message to Jessy.

"Hey Jessy. 😄"

"Hey Bailey. 😄 How's everything?"

"Everything's great. How are you?"

"I'm good too. On my way to work now."

"Alright. Can I pass by during your lunch to chat?"

"Yes! Please come! It's been so boring here with just me and Richy's dad."

"Haha, gotcha. Want me to grab you anything to eat?"

"It's alright. I packed my lunch. 😊"

"Ok ok, I'll see you at noon then?"

"See you soon!"

A trip to see the Aurora was out of the question at this point in time. At 9 a.m., I was confident Phil wouldn't open the bar for business. As a result, I took advantage of the additional time to stop at a grocery shop in order to stock up on some necessities for Jake and me. I drove to the market square and walked from there since I was still unfamiliar with the area. My name was mentioned in the local media after Hannah's case was settled. As a token of appreciation for my role in the investigation, the Duskwood Police Department opted to use my photo on their news release, despite my requests to Alan not to do so. Some people recognized me on my walk. They came up to me and started small talk, one of which was Mrs. Sully, the infamous rumor mill. I was cautious not to divulge too many details about my time in Duskwood to her throughout our conversation. Only the tiniest of particulars, like the time and place of my arrival. I told her I was staying at that motel by the edge of the Duskwood town exit tunnel, which was technically still true on paper.

I bought as much as I could for food: fresh vegetables, meat, fruits, eggs, milk and some pantry items. I thought it would be good to stock up on snacks that Jake could just eat quickly while working.

Thanks to Nymos, my phone still had directions to Jake's apartment. As I entered, he was in the middle of something else when he decided to come aid me. We prepared some food together. I whipped up a big batch of chocolate pancakes, some fresh fruit for breakfast and a one-pan chicken stir-fry for our meals later. In spite of his claims that he wasn't hungry, Jake scarfed down the pancakes and fruit. That was another thing off my checklist.

When the clock neared 12pm, I packed a lunch for myself. I showed Jake that I was wearing his hoodie, we kissed goodbye, and I left again while he went back to work. Everything was still a little unreal to my mind. We just spent the first few hours of our new life together as a true couple. Just the day before, I was still so unsure of what would have become of us. And today, I was there with him, cooking and eating together as if there was no imminent threat in our life. I hummed a happy song on my way to Jessy, allowing myself to savor this newfound peace, at least for the moment.

As soon as lunch started, Jessy asked what had happened last night. I gave her the short version that today, I officially moved in with Jake.

"What?? So fast!" - She exclaimed in shock, shaking my wrist in her grip.

"I know, I was surprised too. But it was his idea." – I took a bite from my lunchbox, chuckling at her reaction.

"Wow. I still can't believe it. But I am happy for you both, Bailey. You deserve happiness."

"Thank you." – I replied with gratitude in my eyes – "So, can you catch me up on what you guys are planning for me?"

"Oh, I guess you haven't had time to read the group chat. We're planning to hold it at the Aurora this Saturday at 5pm."

"Oh cool. Finally, it's time for me to have the Aurora experience."

"Yeah! Phil said he would just close the bar early that day and let us have the whole place for ourselves."

"Aw that's very nice of him."

"On one condition that he will also be joining as guests. Normally he would just let his staff handle everything but for some reason, he wants to be there that day." – Jessy added, pausing to gauge my reaction.

"Oh, I see." - I thought over this deal for a minute – "Hm, I think that should be fine. After all, he's closing the bar for us."

"Yay! I'll let him know." - Jessy clapped her hands together in excitement.

"Actually, I'm planning to go see him after we're done. I didn't have time to stop by yesterday. I can let him know."

"That'd be great. Thank you." – She said, gleefully taking another bite from her sandwich – "Ah I forgot to tell you another thing. I haven't told anyone Jake is here in Duskwood yet. Figured you would be the right one to tell them."

"Mmh, I will tell everyone soon. He said it'd be okay as long as only our group knew."

"Then that settles it!"

We finished our meal and parted ways. My phone buzzed as I walked to my car. It was a text from Hannah and Lilly.

"Hey Bailey" - Lilly started the conversation.

"Hi" - Hannah followed, with a smiley face.

"Jake just told us he is here in Duskwood and that he is staying with you, right?" - Lilly continued.

"Hi girls. Hope you're well. And yup, that's correct." - I texted back.

"Oh that's great! Do you think he would come to your welcome party? We haven't seen him for a long time" - Lilly added. I could feel the excitement in her words.

"I don't know yet. Let me ask him later and then I will let you both know. Okay?"

"Yes, that's a good idea. Thank you, Bailey." - Lilly wrote.

"Thank you, Bailey." - Hannah said the last words and they both logged off.

After a little pause, my phone began to ring once again. It was just Hannah this time. We'd never had a private conversation before. This would be the first time. My curiosity was piqued as I pondered what she had to say.

"Hi again, Bailey."

"Hi Hannah."

"I realized I have never officially thanked you for saving me. I'm sorry I'm so late but please accept my deepest gratitude."

"Don't mention it. I'm just glad that you are here and okay. And actually, Jake did a lot more than me."

"Yes, I also gave him my thanks when we spoke. I'm glad my brother has found someone he can rely on."

"In a weird, twisted way, I guess we also have to thank you. You brought us together, Hannah."

She didn't say anything but instead, replied with a smiley face. I pondered for a moment and continued.

"Hannah, I wanted to ask you how you are doing with the treatment. You don't have to answer if you don't feel comfortable. I'd understand."

"Oh no, it's fine. I don't mind you asking... Everything is going ok. I'm taking one step at a time. Some days are harder than others but thanks to Thomas, Lilly and everyone else, it's all getting easier."

"I see. I'm truly glad to hear that. Let me know if you need my help with anything. I'll be here."

"Thank you, Bailey. I'll remember that. Talk to you later."

"Talk to you later, Hannah."

I logged off and put the phone back in my (Jake's) hoodie's pocket. My mind wandered off to thoughts about Hannah. I realized we actually never knew why she texted Thomas my number in the first place. And now that thought wouldn't leave my mind anymore.