Against the Law

Chapter 22: Reconnections

TRIGGER WARNING!!!

James' POV:

As I sat at my desk, surrounded by stacks of paperwork, my throbbing headache intensified with every passing moment. The dim fluorescent lights in the police station only made matters worse. I winced as I reached for yet another file, my hand trembling slightly. My hangover was making it difficult for me to work.

The paperwork seemed to multiply before my eyes, each document becoming a more difficult task than the last. I rubbed my temples, trying to alleviate the pounding pain. I could feel my stomach churn as I remember all my mistakes from the last couple of nights. I was a complete dick to Mark because of all alcohol in my system. I hope he accepts my apology. I'll find him at lunch. It's going to be a long day...

___

As I finally got my lunch break, I couldn't shake off the guilt that had been gnawing at me since yesterday. I know I had acted like a complete jerk towards Mark. So, determined to make amends, I set out to find him.

I spotted Mark sitting alone in the small cafe across the street, nursing his cup of coffee. I took a long, deep breath and approached his table, my heart pounding with nervous anticipation. I mustered up the courage to speak.

"Hey, Mark." I spoke, my voice laced with sincerity. "Mind if I join you for a moment?"

Mark looked up, surprised to see me standing in front of him. He seemed to hesitate for a moment before gesturing to the empty seat across from him. "Sure, James. What's up?"

As I sat down, I could feel the weight of the apology building inside of me. I cleared my throat, trying to find the right words. "Listen, Mark, I wanted to apologize. I was a complete ass towards you, and I shouldn't have acted that way at all. I let my anger get the best of me and I'm truly sorry..."

Mark seemed to study me for a second, his expression guarded. "I forgive you, James. But this anger is building up inside of you and you're letting it control you. You need to let others help you. Let me help you, okay?"

"Mark," I began hesitantly, "there's something else I want to talk about. It's about Emily."

Mark nodded towards me, silently telling me to continue. "I know it hasn't been easy for you, James. You've been carrying that sorrow with you, and it's evident in your eyes. And I am here to listen."

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "I miss her, man. I miss her so much it hurts. Every day, I wake up hoping to see her next to me only to remember that she's gone. I can't shake off this feeling of loss."

Mark leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "James, I can't imagine what you're going through. It's clear that Emily meant a lot to you. Losing someone you love is never easy, and it takes time to heal."

As I'm about to speak again, I get a phone call. I look at the caller ID, and almost fall out of my seat before answering the call, "Emily?"

"J-James..." There was a long pause before she spoke again, "it's so good to hear your voice." she whispers, her voice cracking.

"It's good to hear your voice too, Em." I answered back, trying to remain calm. "It's been a while. How are you?"

There were soft sniffles from the other end of the phone, "You know, James, I think this is where I'm supposed to be in life."

I furrowed my brows in confusion. "Em? You're making no sense, what's going on? Talk to me."

"I just... why can't I keep anything good in my life? I had you, and now you're gone. I had the bakery, probably gone. And now, he thinks I'm worthless... I just-" Emily sniffled harder as I heard shuffling from the other end.

"Emily. Listen to me. You will ALWAYS have me. Never think otherwise because I am always here. As for the bakery, we'll figure it out. I can help you. And who thinks you're worthless? Em?" There was only silence on the other end. "Emily? C'mon, speak." Then I heard the words that almost stopped my heart.

"Goodbye, James..." then the line went dead.

I hope you liked this chapter. It's short, I know.