Second Arrangement

CHAPTER 19 - GIVE A LITTLE PUSH

ELLIE

I barely made it through the day. It didn't get better after I found out that he went back to Korea without telling me. And things that Jasper told me earlier made me sure that I was the reason he ran away to Korea. I stopped trying to call and text him when he didn't give any reply at all, even after hours had passed. I didn't want to bother Jinyoung any further as I knew that if he knew that I was the reason he was back to Korea again, Jinyoung wouldn't mind killing me for hurting his feelings again. I paced in my apartment as I didn't know what to do. Should I go after him back to Korea? But I had a contract that I couldn't leave right now. I grabbed my phone again, scrolling mindlessly over my contacts, before hovering over one particular name. Henry. Should I call him? Would he know what was going on with Jackson and what to do about it? Would he help me? I knew for sure that he wasn't fond of me. Especially after I divorced Jackson.. But right now, he was the only one that probably knew where Jackson was and hopefully could give me some suggestions about what to do with him.

I saw the time and it was late already. If I called him now, it wouldn't just be him that pissed at me, but his wife as well. I decided to text him and when he didn't reply right away, I tried to put it behind and get ready to sleep. I was about to turn off the light when my phone display was lit. I grabbed it and saw that it was Henry replying to my message.

Let's meet up tomorrow. I'll explain everything. Lunch at the hospital, okay?

I replied okay and went back to sleep. At least Henry knew something and he would tell me about it tomorrow. I tried telling myself that everything would be okay, but I was nervous. Usually Jackson would be coming up front about it, but he chose to run away this time. It was very unusual of him. I used to be the one who chose to run and he often scolded me about it. But now?

As expected for being Jackson's colleague, Henry came right on time like a dot. Luckily my surgery also finished on time so I arrived at the cafeteria just in time when Henry came in as well. Since he wasn't a hospital worker, I had to use my card to pay for his food before we sat down and ate. I kept glancing at Henry but he kept on eating and I didn't dare to interrupt him. I was worried about taking the wrong steps.

"You can ask and stop looking at me," he raised an eyebrow and caught me when I glanced at him for the umpteenth time.

"Um.., is everything okay with Jackson?" I croaked.

"Yes, he's fine," he answered curtly.

"Do you know where he is?" I continued.

"Yes," I wanted to roll my eyes. He answered in Mark-mode. I wanted to shake his head and give him more information.

"Can you elaborate more?" I prodded while trying to sound calm.

"Well, he's in Korea right now. I don't know what's going on in that head of his, but I can assure you that it's not your fault. In fact, I'm here to convey his message, that he needs some time off to clear his mind. He will contact you when his head is a bit clearer."

I frowned, "If it wasn't my fault, then why does he need to run away to Korea?"

Now it was his turn to exhale out loud, "That's what I've said to him. But maybe, you have some idea, what caused him to run away?"

I gulped, "Well, I can't say that I'm sure, but I have my suspicion. There's this guy, Jasper..," I started to tell Henry everything about Jasper. From the moment he decided to meddle in our relationship, to his last attempt. His last meeting with Jackson that I didn't know about. "I didn't know that Jackson met him again. I pestered Jasper about it, but he just said that he put some sense into Jackson's brain. He kept repeating that Jackson wasn't the right person for me. Last time, we decided that we won't let him dictate our relationship, so I thought, Jackson won't get affected by it again," I paused to gauge his reaction, but his face remained flat. "Did he tell you anything?"