AROUND THE HEART IN 80 DAYS

Forty Six

She could have sworn she was going to laugh her heart out when she saw the joy fade on Jackie's face on answering the door. Her friend was wearing the apron she previously mentioned the last time they had a gathering. The one with the 'Kiss the Cook'.

"I mean, I know we're close but I didn't think you'd love me this much."

Jacqueline retreated ever so slightly, leaving the door open for Martha to invite herself in. She didn't even mind the frost that blew in in the process.

"Good day to you too, Jackie. It's not everytime you call me over on an emergency call just to leave me unwelcomed at the door," Martha started unwinding her scarf, making sure to shut the door behind her.

Jacqueline tore off the apron and flung it to a corner. It was evident she had been wearing it for a long time and the celebrant had no hopes of showing up to this party. The time was almost 5:00pm. Sadly, the hopes of him coming home tonight would be another void. Still, Martha was simply glad that finally, she had been welcomed into Edrei Rideau's own home. 

His home was just like she had expected it to be. Neat, organised, spacious. As Jacqueline went on to unpack the dining setting, Martha caught a full glimpse of the very holy pictorial bust of Mariana.

She was indeed glorious. No wonder-

"Five days. I haven't seen him in five days. I should be worried, right? I'm not overthinking it." Jackie lamented from the kitchen.

Eyes still on the portrait, Martha tilted her head and asked. "Have you tried to ask his sister? He could be at the family house."

"I most definitely can NOT do that. Becca will kill me. It's like I messed this up."

"What exactly did you say happened between you and your... your boyfriend?"

"It's too embarrassing to tell."

"What's in it that's too embarrassing? It's me, don't you dare forget." Martha was really itching to feel the texture of the spotless image. Jackie must be so dedicated to still dust the picture of her partner's first love. It wasn't very fair. She finally turned around to find that Jackie was behind her, behind the couch, also staring deep at the photo.

"Let's just say I'm at the point where I think it's high time I just came clean about the diabetes. I want to stop shying away from him."

Martha assimilated and stared at the floor beneath her. "Jackie, is there a reason you asked to see me? Cause if you need someone to vent to, I'm all ears and arms." 

Jacqueline came around the couch to stand before her. "Martha, you're a banker. You can tell the activities of a person's bank account, can't you?"

"Yeah?..."

"Thank God. I need to know if Edrei has made any transactions lately. If he's gone to Germany or something... ."

"Do you know how crazy you're sounding Jack? First, that's not how it works. Second, you know you'll need his exact bank and bank account to follow up and to do that, you'll need approved access. I'm a banker of another bank yes, not a general banking superhero. Third, Jack that's super crazy! Why do you suspect he's gone already? What happened with you two?"

Her friend swept her fingers through her hair. Martha noticed Jacqueline looked terribly exhausted. "Jack are you alright? You look really awful. You should calm yourself down. I'm sure he hasn't run away-"

"You don't know that! I don't even know that. I just-" another groan.

"Call him again."

"I call and I call. God, I know he mentioned he would be busy this period but still, he should come home. It's the least he can do. I wronged him, I regret it all and he can stay mad at me for as long as he wants but I just need to know he's alright. I think we really need to talk."