Locum Tenens

PART THREE: "Non Progredi Est Regredi"

~ To not go forward is to go backward. ~ 

DISCLAIMER: Pretty Little Liars and all its characters is the intellectual property of others. Some characters used in the writing of this fic belong to PLL. Events that transpire, will transpire and have transpired in this story are entirely of my own creation.

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CHAPTER THREE

"We'll be there." Jai repeated, cradling her phone in the crook of her neck to free her hands and open another box that was sitting on the floor. "Kayla, will you relax? We're going to be there in time." She promised while glumly staring at the contents of the box. "I know because it's still early. I have a few hours left. I'm just picking up Emily from her house, then we're heading straight to you."

"Well... not exactly. I'm here at Darby so I have to go back to Rosewood first." Jai told her sister as she rubbed an eye blearily. "Because. I have to swing by the house anyway so I figured I'd give her a ride." She explained. "I'm... still figuring that one out." Jai admitted. "I know. But it's not like I have a choice. He's coming home today."

"I'm trying, Kayla." Jai answered with a sigh. "But he's not taking any of my calls. Maybe he's still at the conference. Don't worry. I'll try again later." She promised the girl. "Look, I have to go. If you want me and Em to get there on time, I need to finish unpacking first. Yeah. Yeah, I'll call you later. I'll tell her you said hello. Okay. Bye."

Jai blankly stared at the phone in her hand after the call ended, the bitter taste of having told another lie to her sister lingering in her mouth. She hated lying but she didn't have a choice this time. She didn't want Kayla to worry. Not today.

"What did you tell her?" A soft voice asked, making Jai look up.

"That I couldn't reach my dad." Jai replied before pocketing her phone. "I thought it's better than telling her that the answer is still no."

"You have to tell her sooner or later." The girl reminded Jai as she leaned against the door frame, her long, black hair cascading on her shoulder when she inclined her head.

"I know. I'll tell her tomorrow or later depending on how things go. She already has too much on her mind right now." Jai explained. "She says hello by the way." She added, managing to smile.

"I really wish I could go with you and Emily to support her." The girl admitted. "But I have babysitting duties for my brother so tell Kayla we'll catch up some other time."

"Will do." Jai promised. "Don't worry. I'm sure she'll completely understand. What time are you going to Daniel's?"

"Um, not for another hour or so." The girl answered after checking the time on her watch. "I can still help you unpack." She offered when she saw the state of their room.

Jai shook her head. "You've already done enough." She reassured the girl. "Listen. I know I said it before but... thanks. For letting me stay here. I'm sorry for the intrusion. And the clutter." Jai added, embarrassed. "I'll sort out my things before I head out. I swear I'll be the perfect guest. You won't even know I'm here."

"I doubt that. We're sharing a room." The girl reminded Jai wryly. "But Jazz, come on. You don't need to be perfect. Not around me. And I don't mind letting you stay here. I told you I could use the roommate." She added, her genuine smile showing off her perfect set of teeth.

"Thanks. Um, did you need something from me?" Jai asked, her brows creased.

"Oh. Yeah. Uh, I just got off the phone with Cesca. She said she was trying to call you earlier but your phone was busy." The girl explained, waving a cordless phone in her hand.