Between The Lines [Janet & Aja]

23

Janet
January 29th

I woke up to my phone ringing off the hook. It was my house phone, so I didn't look before I answered.

"Hello?" I asked as I moved some of my hair out of my face.

"J?" A voice shot out and it caused me to go silent. "Are you there?"

Mariah's voice made me sit up completely. "Yeah, I'm here. What's wrong?"

She seemed to be distraught and it made me worry about her. She rarely ever showed emotions.

"Can you come over? I know it's early but I need your help with something." She begged me softly.

I looked at my clock and saw it was 8 in the morning. My thoughts ran to Aja and how we said we would go to breakfast this morning to discuss something she wanted to talk about.

Me not answering caused her to retract. "Never mind J, I don't know why I called. I am probably making your life harder. It's alright."

"No." I stopped her as I sighed. "I'll be there in 10. Just let me get dressed."

"Thanks J. The door will be unlocked."

The line disconnected and I huffed in frustration as I put my house phone back and picked up my cell phone.

To: Aja ❤️
I know you really wanted to talk, but I forgot I had made plans this morning. Catch up soon?

Dots popped up almost as soon as I sent it, but they disappeared, leaving me on read. I knew she was disappointed, especially since the talk we had in the kitchen but Mariah sounded really hurt.

I got up from my bed and hopped in the shower, brushed my teeth, did my hair, and got dressed in 20 minutes.

Even though I told Mariah 10, everyone knows that I am late to most things. Especially since I am really not a morning person at all.

Grabbing my things quickly, I headed to Mariah's house.

On the way there, Aja finally texted me back. Maybe she had to find the words to say or something.

I looked at it as I stopped at a red light.

Aja ❤️
That's fine. We will talk later. Tonight?

To: Aja ❤️
That'll work. Come to my place around 7.

Aja ❤️
Kk. See you then, baby.

The light finally turned green as I continued my journey to Mariah's home. I always disliked the fact that she lived so far away but she didn't care about my dislikes.

She only cared about her peace and serenity, which she could only find up in the hills apparently.

When I made it to her home, I put my window down so Tim, the guard, could see me, he buzzed me in but his voice stopped me. "Ms.Jackson, she's been acting weird for a while now. She hasn't left this house in a few days. I'm worried. Let me know she's okay. Will ya?"

I nodded. "Of course, Tim."

For Tim to be worried, worried me even more. My foot hit my gas pedal as I drove up to her home.

I got out of my car after putting it in park and walked to her door. I was about to knock, but I remembered that she told me the door would be unlocked.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and found no Mariah anywhere in sight. I shut the door behind me and walked into the kitchen.

"Mariah?" My eyes found hers as she looked up at me.