my LDR gone wrong

chapter 17 (MEETING)

Sarah fidgeted with her fork, pushing the last bits of her pasta around her plate. Across from her, Jake was engrossed in a story about his day at work. She watched him, nodding her head from time to time, but her mind was elsewhere.

Sarah, you okay?
Jake's voice broke through her thoughts. He looked at her with concern, setting down his glass of water.

Yeah, I'm fine, just tired.
she replied quickly, forcing a smile.

You sure? You seem a bit off.
Says Jake and reached her hand.

Sarah looked at his direction and took a deep breath.

Actually, there's something i need to talk to you about.
Sarah says

What's up?
Jake's eyebrows furrowed.

It's about my visa, you know I've been worried about getting it extended.
Says Sarah hesitating at her words

Yeah, it's been stressing you out, don't worry im already talking to someone about it.
He said, squeezing her hand.

Well, yesterday when i was in Astoria with a friend, I run into Dillan there, and he learned about the status of my visa. and he offered to help.
Sarah said, watching Jake's reaction closely.

Jake's expression shifted, surprise flickering across his face.

Dillan? Really? How come you didn't tell me sooner?

I wasn't sure how you'd feel about it, I didn't want to make things awkward between you two.
Sarah says admitted her hesitation.

Jake leaned back in his chair, thinking
for a moment

Dillan is a good guy. If he can help, then that's great. I'm just surprised that's all.
Jake said full of understanding.

Sarah exhaled, relief wash over her.
Thank you boyfriend, I didn't want to keep it from you, but I also didn't want to cause any tension.

Don't worry, well figure this out together. And if Dillan can help, then I'll talk to him and thank him.

For the first time in days, Sarah felt a genuine smile spread across her face. She knew things weren't completely resolved, but just being able to share some of her worries with Jake made all the difference.

In the dimly light office, the soft hum of computer was the only sound that broke the silence. Papers and files where scattered across the desk, evidence of the long hours spent working late into the night.

Dillan sat in his leather chair, leaning forward, his face illuminated by the blue glow screen. His eyes were fixed intently in Sarah's facebook profile. Her pictures and post filled the screen, each one scrutinized with an intensity that suggested a deeper connection or a mystery waiting to be unraveled.

It's been three days since their strolled in Astoria. It's the day that he will forever cherish in his life, an unexpected encounter that level his status in her life from someone she knows , to an acquaintance. and he hopes it doesn't end there.

Dillan has been waiting for her, to message him. about his offer to help her to extend her visa. But its been three days and he still hasn't received any massage from her. these finally made him worried, wondering if he would not have any more reason to know her more.

He sat at his desk, fingers steepled as he thought deeply, wandered the complexities of this situation.

The sudden ring of his phone broke the silence, jolting him from his thoughts. He glanced at the caller ID, he saw that it was Jake. Taking a deep breath, he answered, his voice is steady but hopeful.