Phases Eight

Phase 16 Departure

Ethan's dinner became heavier in his stomach. His watch reminded that he had only an hour to see his dread transform itself to life. That morning he received a text from Amy telling that he had to travel with her to Manhattan for giving attestation at the D.R.E.A.M. Mixed emotions of guilt, anger and fear seethed in his brain at varied proportions. More of guilt for not taking care of Amelia like he did before, lesser anger at Amelia for distancing herself from him heaven knows for what reason, and a pinch of fear for losing Amelia who was the only alive person of Kate's, his late wife's family.

Ethan waited in his car for Amy to bid her farewell to her friends. The borough's renown attorney began his analysis using his hawk of an eye. His eyes were laid first on a woman with blue hair, who always had a smile plastered to her face which was surprisingly genuine. She gave a warm hug to Amy which was brief as Amy pulled away shortly. Ethan's scanning eyes didn't move to the next person as it was Hayden. He had known the Clark's for a long time so he neither had the intention nor necessity to have an eye on him. It was the person standing beside Hayden was Ethan worried about. A tall and handsome figure with sparkling green eyes, colored black hair and well built muscles.

Amidst his incredibly hectic schedule, Ethan made enough time to research on Jake. His lawyerish brain was intrigued to dig deeper and deeper. He discovered few concealed facts about the relationship shared by Jake's brother William and Hayden Clark. Ethan mentally set aside a day from his busy schedule to meet Will Turner for a coffee or lunch so that they could get a glimpse of each other's endless pit of desolation.

Jake grimaced perpetually as his eyes were glued to Amy. He couldn't tolerate Amy's decision of leaving along with Ethan to the D.R.E.A.M's headquarters at Manhattan. Jake never denied the fact that Ethan knew more about Amy than he did, but he felt his presence with Amy was more important than Ethan's.

What if the dream or whatever executed a unexpected assault at Amy? What Ethan could possibly do to save her? Conduct a trial after Amelia was murdered?  Jake gritted his teeth as Amy finally stopped next to him to do with the goodbyes.

Amy reassuringly squeezed Jake's shoulder which was unlike herself. Her touch sent currents of electricity down his bloodstream. He was petrified in the place where he stood. Jake lost his sense of cognition for awhile where he stood like a mule. Slowly he gained the pieces of senses that he lost.

She's playing with my feelings. I can't fall in love once again. I won't stand a chance against the fall this time.

Jake curtly shrugged away Amy's hand from his shoulder. He cold-shouldered her. All she wanted was just a word of warmth from her well-wishers. She was mistaken. She built her expectations over people who never gave a damn about her and ended up fucking disappointed.

Amy cleared her throat, "Try not to burn down the house while I'm away"

Jake nodded," Are you sure you don't want me to come along?" He already felt the emptiness forming at the bottom of his heart. He couldn't imagine a complete day without Amy in the mansion.

"Hmm.. I think I told you already. Only the legal guardian is allowed with the patient so.."

"Yeah, I'm completely fine with it. I can take care of things here, so get going without worrying about anything. Take care of yourself" said Jake. He had a feeling that he might regret in future if he had not uttered those words. A smile of satisfaction glowed in Amy's pale countenance.

Jake held Amy's wrist, placed his valuable treasure, the key of his bike on her palm and closed her fist. Amy looked up at Jake in awe. In a poised manner she slightly tilted Jake's forearm. If her vision wasn't deceptive, she was sure there was a tattoo at the back of his forearm.