BIPOLAR

Chapter Eighteen: They Meet.

     The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as Sarah and Mai sat at a small table by the window in the cozy cafe. The soft hum of conversation and the gentle clinking of cups created a soothing background noise.

     Sarah's hands trembled slightly as she wrapped them around her cup, the warmth seeping into her skin. Mai noticed and reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Sarah's arm.

   "Sarah, what's going on?" Mai asked, her voice low and gentle. "Sarah I need you to relax. "

    Sarah took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the cafe as if searching for an escape route. Mai's grip on her arm tightened, urging her to continue.

    "It's about Juke," Sarah said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I remember what happened now."

     Mai's expression turned serious, her eyes locking onto Sarah's. "What do you mean? What happened to Juke?"

     Sarah's eyes dropped, her gaze fixed on the coffee cup in front of her. "I was cleaning the garage, and I accidentally left the bleach on the kitchen sink. I asked Jamin to add chlorine to the water dispenser, but he added the bleach instead. They looked similar and they weren't in their respective containers."

    Mai's eyes widened, her face pale. "Oh no, Sarah. What happened next?"

    Sarah's voice cracked as she continued. "Juke was the only one who drank from the dispenser. He woke up in the middle of the night with stomach pains and realized what had happened. He woke up Jamin and asked if anyone else had drunk the water, but Jamin said no. Juke was the only one who did."

    Mai's grip on Sarah's arm tightened, her eyes filled with compassion.

    Sarah took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I saw Juke leaving the house, and I followed him. He threw away the bottle of bleach, and I hid in the bushes. But he saw me, and... and he knocked me out. Then I woke up to his lifeless body next to me."

   The cafe's background noise seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of Sarah's ragged breathing. Mai's face was a mask of shock and horror, her eyes fixed on Sarah's.

    "SARAH, OH MY GOD..." Mai whispered, her voice barely audible.

    Sarah's eyes welled up with tears, her voice cracking. "I was so scared, Mai. I didn't know what to do. Juke was the love of my life and I couldn't bear the thought of losing him. And then... and then there was Jamin. He is my son and I didn't want him to be blamed for what happened."

    Mai reached out and wrapped her arms around Sarah, holding her close as she sobbed. The cafe's patrons began to stare, but Mai didn't care. She held Sarah, rocking her gently as the truth finally came to light.

     Sarah smiled weakly, just as her phone rang. She hesitated for a moment before answering.

     "Hello?" Sarah said, her voice cautious.

    Mai watched as Sarah's expression changed from wariness to alarm.

    "Jake, what's wrong?" Sarah asked, her voice rising. Mai's eyes narrowed, her grip on Sarah's hand tightening.

    Sarah's eyes went wide, her face pale. "What do you mean? Jake, slow down... you're scaring me."

    Sarah's voice was shaking. "I'm listening, Jake. What is it?"

    There was a pause, and then Jake's voice came through the phone, loud and urgent.

    "SARAH I NEED YOU TO LISTEN TO ME. STOP TAKING THOSE BLOODY PILLS."

   "Jake I don't understand. What are you saying?", Sarah asked confused.

   " SARAH YOU ARE BEING LIED TO. YOU HAVE ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER, THEY ARE FORCING YOU TO HAVE IT."

   Sarah's eyes went wide, her face pale. Mai's grip on her hand tightened.

   But before Jake could reveal who was behind the sinister plot, a loud screeching sound came through the phone, followed by a crashing noise.

   Sarah's eyes went wide, her face frozen in horror. "JAKE! JAKE, ANSWER ME!"

    Jamin walked down the sterile hallway, guided by the guards Detective Blaine appointed, the smell of disinfectant filling his nostrils.

    Finally, he arrived at the door to room 314. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.

    Jamin pushed open the door and stepped inside. The room was small, with a single bed and a small desk in the corner. A figure sat on the bed, dressed in a simple white robe.

    As Jamin approached, the figure looked up. It was Dostoevsky, his eyes sunken, his skin pale and the hideous burn mark on his face.

    "Who the hell are you?," Dostoevsky asked, his voice low and gravelly.

    Jamin felt a shiver run down his spine as he sat down in the chair beside the bed. "It has been a while since we've seen each other Dostoevsky." Jamin asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

    "We've met before boy?

    Jamin's eyes narrowed. "Look at me you'll see. "

   Dostoevsky turned and looked  to him, he instantly remembered who's face that was. "You have a lot of balls coming here after what your father did, Juke's boy."

    Jamin felt a chill run down his spine. "I know what my dad did. But I want to know what you did.  "

    Dostoevsky smiled. "Have you come to kill me for placing a hit on father boy? He didn't even die what are you so upset about?"

    Jamin's heart became heavy. " Dads  dead, I killed him."

    Dostoevsky smiled. "You dog. You killed your father, that is some nasty work!"

    Jamin felt a wave of anger wash over him. "Who is it?" he demanded. "Who is the person who put a hit on my mother? They used the same person you used. Now tell me, who is it?"

    Dostoevsky's smile grew wider. "Ah boy, that would be telling. But rest assured, I will reveal the truth to you... in time."

    Jamin's eyes narrowed. "I don't have time," he said. "I need to know now."

    Dostoevsky chuckled. "Patience, boy. I'll tell you everything I know because you are the one who finally put down that dog."

    Jamin's face twisted in frustration.