Together

06.

06.

"Why are you leaving already? Chris asked. Lizzie got lost in Chris's blue eyes. She hadn't seen Chris for over three years but he hadn't changed a bit. He was wearing a simple white T-shirt and a black cap. Lizzie couldn't do anything but stare at him.

'Lizzie, are you all right? You're shaking on your feet.' Concerned, Chris looked at her. 'Yes, yes I'm fine. I really have to go now.' Stammered Lizzie. 'Lizzie, wait. Are you leaving because of me? Chris asked. Lizzie shrugged her shoulders. 'I don't know. There are so many people and everyone is talking to each other. I don't know where to go.' Stuttered she. 'Come with me. We'll go get some drinks for a while.'

Chris grabbed Lizzie's hand and he escorted her to the kitchen. Standing in the kitchen was Scarlett. She poured a glass of wine for herself. 'Look who I found.' Quickly Chris released Lizzie and Scarlett looked up. 'Lizzie! Scarlett put her glass of wine on the table and then she walked over to Lizzie. Scarlett gave Lizzie a hug. Lizzie just let it all out. She was completely lost.

'Lizzie, sit down for a minute.' Chris realized Lizzie had lost her way and he set her down on a chair at the kitchen table. Scarlett saw that things weren't going quite right and she sent everyone out of the kitchen. Chris grabbed a clean cup from the table. He poured some water for her in it. "Chris, what's going on? Asked Scarlett softly. 'Panic attack.' Whispered Chris.

He walked over to Lizzie with the glass of water. 'Here, I have something to drink for you.' Chris handed the glass to Lizzie. 'Thank you.' Lizzie accepted the glass and she took a sip. 'Are you okay again?' Scarlett asked, "I think so. The crowds overwhelmed me a little.' Explained Lizzie. 'No worries. It happens to everyone from time to time.' Chris smiled at her and quickly Lizzie looked away.

'I'll leave you guys alone for a while. I'm sure you guys have a lot to catch up on.' Scarlett left the kitchen and surprised Chris and Lizzie looked after her. Chris and Lizzie both managed to curse her. 'I have no idea why she's running away now.' Said Chris directly. 'Neither do I. Typical Scarlett.' 

Lizzie knew Scarlett very well. When she was still in a relationship with Chris they regularly visited each other but that too had diminished after her break-up with Chris. Unconsciously, something had changed in their friendship. From seeing each other every week to once a month. And after six months, it was little to no contact.

Lizzie had been very sad about it but she knew it was no one's fault. Scarlett and she were both busy at work and Scarlett had always been Chris's best friend. It made sense that they had grown apart. After all, that was part of life.

An awkward silence fell. Both of them didn't know what to say. 'I saw you pass by on the news this week.' Lizzie began the conversation. 'Um yes. Scarlett thought attention should be paid to the case again. She placed that call on my behalf.' Narrated Chris. 'Sweet of der.' Lizzie smiled weakly.

'I hope it leads to something. Maybe a clue or something.' Mumbled Chris. 'You better not get your hopes up too much.' Replied Lizzie. 'I know.' Another silence fell. Lizzie stared at the ground. It remained a difficult subject to talk about. She preferred not to talk about it at all and pretend it never happened. By pretending it had never happened she didn't have to think about it and therefore she didn't have any pain.

'I'm sorry I haven't sent you a message or anything in the past three years.' Said Chris suddenly out of nowhere. 'Now that I see you like this I do feel guilty about that.' Lizzie looked up. 'I'm sorry too that I haven't heard from you.' She smiled weakly. 'It's okay. I understand.

'By the way, I watched Wandavision. You acted really great.' Chris complimented her. Lizzie blushed. 'Thank you. Did you like the series? Questioningly, she looked at him. 'Fantastic! I liked the different styles and sitcoms so much! It reminded me of Full House, The Dick van Dyke show, Family Ties and it even had some similarities to Modern Family.' Chris couldn't stop talking about how great he thought the show was.

'I saw that you voiced Buzz Lightyear.' Said Lizzie. 'Yes, I did! The movie came out two months ago.' Narrated Chris enthusiastically. 'Nice. Remember those nights we used to watch Toy Story on the couch at night?' Lizzie smiled as she thought back to her memories of that movie. Chris chuckled. 'Those were good times. Watching a Disney movie on the couch late at night after work. I still can't believe we did that every day.'

'Shall we go check on everyone else? We've occupied the kitchen long enough now.' Said Lizzie looking at the kitchen door which was still closed. 'That seems like a good idea. Everyone must be wondering what's keeping us.' Replied Chris. Lizzie got up and together with Chris she walked outside.