Lost Time

7

(2816 words)

" Now son no one is making anyone choose anything . You need to apologize to your sister and Jasmine you need to apologize to Chase and to Lexi . Also your father and I think it is about time you get a job . You are old enough . Until then your allowance has been cut from five thousand to a thousand a month . Also you need to make your own car payments and insurance from now on . Maybe then you will see how it truly feels to be a little like Lexi and the rest of the world who have little to live on ." My mom says to the both of us .

I exhale " I will not be making any apologies to anyone until Lexi comes home . " I say running a hand through my hair exasperated . " I am sorry mom but I have to go .I got to be at work for a very important meeting in two hours . I will meet with you and dad later . " I tell her kissing her on her cheek . " Jake pull the care around " I ask him ." Yes sir " he says before turning to gather the car .

" If Lexi doesn't talk to me or take me back whether mom has said it or not I will not talk to you ever again Jasmine . Do you understand ?" I say to Jasmine in my serious tone so she knows I am not playing with her . Jasmine just nods her head tears still rolling down her face . I walk out of my parents house just as Jake has pulled the car around . As soon as I get in the car I take out the piece of paper with Jenes number on it and dial her number .

She answers on the second ring " hello " She says in a cheerful voice . " Mrs. Jene this is Chase , you told me to call when I left my parents place . " I tell her . " Oh ! Hi dear listen I am going to send you an address meet me there in fifteen minutes if you can . " She says hanging up before giving me the address or a chance to speak . In no time at all her text comes through with an address . I hand my phone to Jake " Take us to this address please " I ask him . He takes my phone and puts the address in his map and we begin to follow the path it's taking us .

Fifteen minutes later we pull up outside a tiny house . " I will be back in a few minutes Jake . I will text you if I need you . " I tell him as I open the door to the car . Before I step on the first step Mrs. Jene meets me on the third step . " Now before I let you in my house young man I need you to do something for me . " She says to me .

"Ma'me I am not even sure why I am here . I have a few things I need to do and then I need to see if I can get a flight to at least go try and talk to Lexi . " I tell her in a serious voice . " Well young man if you would let me finish I will tell you why you are here . " She says clearing her throat . " Lexi isn't overseas yet . She leaves tomorrow . " She says " Please tell me where she is " I say but she raises her hand to silence me .

" I need you to promise me that you will take care of Lexi no matter what . I need you to always put her first . I need you from now on to be vigilant in watching Lexis moods as well as her body language . She may tell you she is fine but you have to know her well enough to know her signs . " She says to me . " Yes ma'me I promise you . I kick my own ass for not paying attention last night . I am usually better at watching her sudden cues , but I was so happy and wrapped up in her visiting and meeting my parents I missed it. She should have felt safe at my parents place . I should have protected her . " I say to Mrs. Jene

" Lexi is in my house . She is in the second room on the left . All she has done today is cried . " She says to me . I start to take a step but she stops me by putting her hand on my chest . " I am heading into town . I will be gone for about two hours . I have a lot of errands to run when I get back I expect a note on my counter from Lexi letting me know she left with you. I also expect all the movers to have her stuff at your place and not here or a storage facility . I told the movers to await your call before they move her stuff to storage . I am not playing Chase you make this work " She says handing me another sheet of paper . I hug her " Thank you so very much for this I promise I wont let you down .I love Lexi so very much . " I tell her . " I knew you was a good man if not I am sure our little angel wouldn't be with you . Now I want an invite to dinner at that big house of yours . Lexi has told me all about it . "She says walking down the stairs .