Think Of Me

Chapter Sixteen

A/N: I’m sorry that there was a delay for this and that is is shorter than usual. I found out that one of my old high school friends committed suicide on Halloween. She was truly the most beautiful, sweet, kind, amazingly talented, smartest person I’ve ever met. She had what everyone wanted and was what everyone wanted to be. She was first in our graduating class and was pre-med at her university, achieving outstanding marks and was involved in almost all aspects of university life. She was an outstanding musician and unbelievably gorgeous. She was all around the sweetest and kindest person anyone could know. She truly cared for all people and loved everyone. She was the first friend I made when I moved to the US. She hid the depression she struggled with really well, and it pains me to know that no one could see she was hurting. Her passing has grieved me, and I honestly cannot believe she is gone. Rest in peace, Darling. You will always be in our hearts. XOXO

If you’re thinking about suicide, please seek help. Even if you think you’re not able to be saved. I self-harmed and thought often of suicide for years. I thought no one could save me, but I ended up confiding in my best friend a few years ago, and he helped save me. If there’s anything I can do, whether it’s just to listen or to help you find help, let me know. Your life is worth so much and you are so precious.

~*~

Jeanna didn't know what to do. She looked up at the ceiling fan as she laid on her bed, watching the blades go round and round. Things had been going so well that they had nearly forgotten about Jacqui. Jeanna and Aaron had wanted nothing more than to start over, but with Jacqui's news, that was going to be impossible.

Aaron had dropped Risa off the day after the atrocious visit to his parents house, as promised, but he didn't stay long or speak to Jeanna at all. He knew better than that. Instead of talking like he wanted to, he gave her space and simply walked away. Jeanna didn't blame Aaron for wanting to be a part of his other child's life, but she knew that meant he would have to see Jacqui, too. She bit her lip. Could she trust him with her?

Her cell phone ringing on her bedside table brought her out of her thoughts. Lazily, she flung her arm over and searched blindly for the rectangular object. Once she grasped it, she checked the caller ID before answering. It was Cruella.

“Hello?” Jeanna immediately answered.

“Martin. I have a proposition for you,” Cruella started, calling Jeanna by her last name.

“Okay...”

“We have a guy coming in Friday afternoon for an interview and Van der Hurdt bailed. He has the flu or something.” Jeanna could hear her boss roll her eyes. “Would you take it?”

“Of course.” The response was second nature. No matter what her plans were, she would have to cancel them. Cruella was not the kind of person you could say no to and leave the conversation unscathed.

“Good.” Without warning, the line clicked, ending the conversation.

Why is everyone a bitch lately? Jeanna wondered as she stood up. She pulled her hair up in a ponytail as she made her way towards Risa's bedroom. Quietly, she opened the door a crack to check on her napping. The sound of soft snores made her smile. Whatever happens, it has to be in Risa's best interest. Even if things don't work out with Aaron, she thought as she shut the door soundlessly.