Giving Up

Chapter 8

"We were having a really hard time running this place with both you and Lillie gone for almost three weeks, but I understand why you weren't here and I found people that work here to fill in on their days off. Next time, you may not get so lucky James, but this time I will excuse you. You're lucky that you've had near perfect attendance during your time here, and you have plenty of personal time and sick time to cover your time off. I do, however have to give you a warning for being out, because although the two of you are in a relationship, she's not family and not covered under the family medical leave act. You still have a job, and it is time for you to go do it." James heaved a sigh of relief and quickly ran to his office.

Lillie sat at her desk watching the clock tick with every second that passed. She was so afraid that Jamie was going to lose his job and that she wouldn't have him there with her every day. She loved him more than anything, and she needed him like fish need the water. She couldn't survive without her sweet Jamie by her side. She was getting really worried and started to panic thinking that she would have to face each day without him smiling at her. She knew that she would blame herself if he lost his job because he took time off to be with her while she was in the hospital and recovering.

James walked into the office and saw Lillie sitting there with her eyes closed breathing erratically and holding her chest. "Lilly Pad, what's the matter baby? Are you okay? Can you breathe?" He rushed to her side as she dropped her hands and opened her eyes. She looked at him and smiled. He knew right then that she was worrying about him. "It is okay baby, I am here. I still have my job and you are stuck with me every day." Lillie grinned wide and kissed him.

James had scheduled an interview between his brother and Kay, and she had impressed him. She was starting her new job and had moved into Lillie's apartment. Lillie had been staying with James, because no one wanted her to be alone, and she had a hard time going into her apartment without having flashbacks. She was so glad that Kay was going to be there with her so she could give James a little space once in a while. They all decided to go out to eat to celebrate Kay's new job, so James set everything up with his brother and they had a small welcoming gathering for Kay. Seth, Kay, Lillie, and James all went to the restaurant for dinner together. It was the first time that Lillie had been out since everything had happened.

James was excited because he had a surprise for Lillie. She had never met his family before besides a quick hello to his brother, so he planned on introducing them at the restaurant. His family knew what had happened, but he made them promise not to mention anything to her. He wanted the night to go perfect. He wanted his girl to have the best life he could possibly give her, and he wanted her to be included in his family because he hoped to be able to include her in his family without waiting too much longer. He already knew that she was the one for him, and he didn't think that they needed to wait years before making it official.

Lillie held onto Jamie's hand as they walked into the restaurant. She had been having troubles being in large crowds of people ever since her attack, but she wanted to relax and enjoy her night. She hated that everyone insisted that she go out and enjoy herself, because she never planned on drinking again, and going to a restaurant was hard for her because she barely ate anything. Ever since that horrifying night, she hadn't had much of an appetite.

Kay was so excited for her new job, and she had to say that Jamie's brother was very good looking, she wouldn't mind working for him and having to see him on a daily basis. James had let it slip that Jackson was single, and Kay couldn't get it out of her head. If he was half as sweet as his brother, he would be a great boyfriend. She couldn't wait to meet her coworkers and celebrate the beginning of her new life. The best part was that she could see Lillie practically any time she wanted to and get out of the small town that she had outgrown.