Fragments of Us

30: Jema

Five days have passed, but there is still no sign of Ella. I don't know exactly what to think. If I should be worried, call the police and file a missing person, or I don't know. I'm still staying at her house. Of course, I will always want to make sure she's got someone to come home to.

I miss her voice, her twisted logic, her witty answers, and even her naughty side. I miss arguing with her, hiding the butterflies I feel in my stomach whenever she's around, and losing myself while admiring her.

"Ky, you think I should let her mom know now?"

I called my best friend because my mind's really in a mess right now.

"That you should never do."

She said it as if she were warning me.

"Then what should I do? I'm now losing my mind."

I absentmindedly said this to Kyla.

"What? Why would you be?"

She intriguedly asked.

"Well, she's my boss. I was the last person seen with her. What if she's dead?"

I defended, almost in a panic.

"Stop torturing yourself. She was gone absolutely for two years and then sprouted out of nowhere more powerful than she ever was. You don't need to worry about her. Trust me."

Wow, that was a lot of detail.

"And you knew about that, how?"

I questioned Kyla's source of information.

"Rumor has it."

She plainly said on the line.

"Cut yourself some slack. She's going to go back."

Kyla said this, reassuring me.

"Okay. Thank you."

"Take care of yourself, Jem."

Just as Kyla ended the call, I heard the front door open, and Ella emerged from it.

"And where exactly have you been?"

I immediately scolded Ella.

"I don't think it's any of your business."

She said that carelessly and started chugging down a bottle of water.

"Of all the trouble you put me and the company through, I at least deserve a fucking explanation."

I firmly said that to her.

"About that. Thank you, by the way. For saving my ass and the company."

She even bowed and waved her hand at me.

"Are you really trying to get on my nerve, De Jesus?"

I sure was already fuming.

"Watch your mouth."

She laughed at me. Was that even a threat?

"Do I look like I care, Jema?"

Fuck, the way she always remains so calm while I am infuriated makes me really fold.

"It's Sunday, Jema. Go pray the rosary."

Sometimes I don't really know if she's being serious. Her replies always render me speechless.

I just really hate the way I'm clueless about where she was. I hope someday you'll let me into your world, De Jesus.