I arrived in Duskwood early in the morning, Jessy had come to pick me up at the bus station. It had been a long journey to get there. I was exhausted but antsy to see my friends. It took me a while to decide to go meet them. I wanted to let them settle back into their lives again after everything that had happened and for months I had hoped, every day, that Jake would text me to say he was still alive. The hope dwindled slowly as days then weeks then months passed without a word. I would also text Lilly once a week to ask if she had heard anything then every two weeks then once a month and that was when I decided it was time to meet them. I also did not want them to think I went there just to meet with him.
Jessy saw me getting off the bus and pushed the other passengers to then jump into my arms. I stumbled a bit and laughed, hugging her close to me. "Hello to you too, Jessy." She looked back at me and smiled. I could see her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You are finally here!" I chuckled and hugged her tighter. I tried to remember this moment, the pure happiness emanating from the red-haired girl was so overwhelming, it caught my breath. We stayed embraced while the passengers were trickling down around us, avoiding us, some of them cursing at us but we did not care. Finally, we pulled away, I went to grab my bag then I followed her to her car. The bus stop wasn't far from her flat but walking with my luggage would have been a trek especially after the long trip. We hadn't said a word yet, we were just content with the silence between us. We had talked a lot over the phone the last few months, we were just glad to be in each other's presence.
Jessy's flat was like her personality, bright and colourful. I felt at ease, she showed me quietly her spare bedroom and I put my bag on the floor. "Thank you Jessy for having me." I sat down on the bed and she did the same. She grabbed my hand and sighed. I looked at her, she looked nervous. I squeezed her hand. "What's wrong?" She sighed again and looked away, avoiding my gaze. "I need to warn you. Jake is here." My grip loosened and I stood up. "Wait... What?!" She nodded, looking down at the floor. I scoffed. "Okay, everyone knows?" She nodded again. I rubbed my face with my hands and I sat down again. "I had a long trip, I am exhausted. Do you mind if I go to bed?" She shook her head and left the room. I was still wearing a jacket so I took it off then my shoes. I plopped down on the bed. It was very comfy and I realised how tired I was. I was really mad at Jake, at my friends too but I guessed that he had asked them to not say anything and as usual he decided for me. I heard a knock at the door and it opened on Jessy. "Sorry to bother you, I forgot to tell you that we are all going to the Aurora tonight. That's why I told you about him because he is going to be there and he actually has a girlfriend." I hummed too tired to be upset. She was about to close the door. "Wait, come here." She approached the bed. I pulled her towards me and hugged her. "I am sorry about my reaction earlier, I know it's not your fault."
I must have fallen asleep right away because when I woke up, Jessy was gone and I had no recollection of her leaving. I looked at the time. I slept all day. I heard a soft knock and the door opened quietly. "Hey, we're leaving in an hour." I hummed and stretched. "Yes, sorry I slept that much. I was tired apparently." I heard her giggle and I smiled. I stood up from the bed and started rummaging in my bag to get some clothes nice enough for a night out. I asked Jessy if I could use her bathroom and she showed me where it was and where the towels were. I thanked her and I showered. The warm water felt nice, I wished I had a shower before falling asleep but well... As I was washing my body, I remembered what Jessy had told me. I couldn't believe Jake was here, in Duskwood. I was getting excited but then my heart sank when I remembered more. He had a girlfriend. I scoffed to myself. My initial excitement morphed into anger. I tried to calm down as there was no point in getting angry. It was what it was. I left the shower and finished getting ready.
We arrived at the bar. It was already crowded but I could already see some familiar faces. I smiled fondly at the sight. I grabbed Jessy's hand to give myself some courage. We entered the bar and headed towards the bar where Jessy's brother, Phil, saw us. We ordered some drinks and while he was getting them I watched the group. Thomas and Hannah were already there. They were still together, even though when she came back it was rocky for a while but they talked it through and it was getting better. I did ask what would happen to her after the investigations but no one wanted to tell me so I let it go after a while. Lilly was also present, she was talking to a couple I didn't know. I looked at the girl. She was beautiful, a real model and well dressed then my gaze fell on the man. He was tall with black hair. I frowned. Was it Jake? He looked bored, barely listening to the two women. I saw him checking his phone discreetly then he smirked. He lifted his head to look around the bar and he looked straight at me as if he knew me. My heart skipped a beat as I realised who it was. I blushed under his intense gaze and I cleared my throat. I avoided his gaze and turned my attention back to Jessy. I smiled at her, still feeling my cheeks going hot. The young woman looked at me and giggled. I ignored her and grabbed my drink. Phil came around the bar and finally hugged me. I was surprised by the gesture but I welcomed it.
