I Will Be There For You

by Priyal Jain

CHAPTER 13

  Emma and I talk for another half an hour or so, then she finally hung up. She is so awesome. I am all set for tomorrow. She told me everything I needed to know. Now I feel quite confident. Bring it on I am ready. I have decided on black Louis Vitton jeans. (This says I am cool and sexy of course.) With it I am wearing a red high neck top. (This says I am breezy.). I have looked for a great pair of red stilettos (this says I have got heels higher than your standards.). Yippee! That is my complete outfit. Emma said that I should keep my makeup and hair-do simple so I don’t look over for just a cup of coffee. I think she is right I should not look too fancy.

  The next morning I woke up to my mom’s shout and am still half-asleep. I really slept late last night and I had to wake up early. Uhgggg! I hate waking up early. I went downstairs, all dressed, the way I planned last night. I look really subtle but mom still notices. Very typical of her, she notices everything. Every teeny-weeny thing.

  “Someone looks really nice today!” mom said.

  “Well, I guess that someone is me.” I said innocently.

  “Darling, you look really beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” I replied twirling.

  I kissed mom goodbye and left the house, adrenaline rushing within me. Jake would be here any minute to pick me up. Please not let him notice that I look any different and just as I am praying I see his pulling up in front of me.

  “You look……. Nice.” He said straight away, getting out of his car.

  “Hello Jake and thank you.”

  “Oh! Sorry, hi Ashley.”

  “No problems.”

  “Let’s go.” He said pointing towards the car.

  “Sure.” I said, rushing for the passenger’s seat’s handle.

  “Are you all dressed up because of our date…… I mean coffee?”

  Shoot!

  “I……I just wanted to ……. to look different. I wanted look good.” I lied. He knows me so well.

  “Oh. FYI you always look good, whatever you wear.”

  “Awwww, Jake that was so sweet. Somebody is being impressive.”

  “I am always impressive.” He replied. We both started to laugh at his statement.

  As the restaurant came we both went to our duties. He went to the stage for the set-ups and I went inside the kitchen.

  “Hey Em. How are you?” I said, excitedly.

  “Fine!” she replied not even looking me in the eye. She had lost her charm. Her mascara was smudged and her eyes all swollen up and red. She didn’t look excited seeing me and didn’t even tease me about Jake. This proves she is definitely not okay. That is why she sounded off yesterday too.

  “What’s wrong Emma? You look miserable.”

  “Everything is fine. You relax, and by the way how’s your coffee thing coming?”

  “You can’t change the topic. Tell me what it is that is bothering you?”

  “Nothing, leave it. It’s a long story.”

  “I am listening.”

  “You concentrate on your coffee with Jake. I don’t want to spoil your day.”

  “If you are not telling me, I am not going.”

  “Why don’t you understand, I can’t explain because I don’t want too?” She said getting agitated

  “Okay don’t tell me, but I am not leaving you today. I will cancel the coffee with Jake. I am sure he will understand.”

  “No please, please don’t bail out on Jake because of me.” Tears coming out of her eyes.

  “It is okay, I am sure he’ll understand.” I left her, and went to find Jake. He was adjusting the mic and the other band members were discussing something. I went up to him and he flashed me a smile.

  “Hey Jake, can I talk to you for a sec alone please?” I decided to be straight forward or else it would be just more difficult. I crossed my fingers at my back.

  “Way to go Jakey boy.” His band members shouted and teased him from behind. He ignored the comments and hoped down the stage.

  “What’s up?”

  “Jake I …….. I can’t go today for our ……… co…coffee.” I said apologetically. His smile froze and he seemed very disappointed.

  “Why? What happened?” he asked casually but I knew he was not at all happy.

  “I guess I have to stay back and be here with Emma she is really not well. I am so sorry Jake I know you were really excited so was I... but…”

  “It is okay Ashley. No problems we could hang out some other time. It is all okay.” He replied smiling. He is the best.

  “Thank you so much for understanding.” I said and he just smiled and showed me thumbs-up and climbed back to the stage. I smiled too and was about to leave when Justin showed up. He didn’t look in a good mood.

  “I guess you don’t just want a three day break but a permanent one. You are never serious about work. Either you are with Emma or Jake or lost in your own little world.” He screamed at me in front everyone. I have never felt so humiliated in my whole damn life. He is so rude. Damn him.

  “I am so sorry Justin….. I was just….” I gave up explaining. A big lump formed in my throat. I can’t speak or tears will follow my words.

  “Now you listen to me, as a punishment all your leaves are canceled and you have to work extra shifts as well.” He demanded and left.

  What the hell am I going to do? Becky would be so mad at me. I am totally pissed off.

  “Why were you taking a three day leave?” Jake asked confused.

  Shit.

  “I…..I had to go somewhere.” I lied and returned to the kitchen. Emma followed behind me.

  “I am so sorry Ashley, it happened all because of me.” Emma said apologizing.

  “No, don’t be silly. I guess I better get to work.” I said and took my apron and diary.

  Justin said I have to work an extra shift today too. Today was a big bummer. I would have to go to home alone too as his shift will be over an hour before mine. It is my break going on and I am sitting in the balcony all by myself. The weather is great. The breeze touching my face is so refreshing as if releasing me from all my troubles. And once again I am struck with the thought of Becky, she is gonna get really upset and we haven’t really spent much time, just we both, every time now we only discuss Jake’s party. This day is such a bummer. I buried my head in my hands.

  “Hey! What are you doing here?” Emma asked.

  “Where else to go?” I answered her by asking her a question.

  “You know, there are people out there who have a lot worst days than you.” She tried to comfort me.

  “Ya! Of course. Can you name one?” I taunted.

  “Well me.” She replied sadly. “My family was small but sweet. My parents, Emmet me big bro and me. But, last year my parents died in a car accident. Since then Emmet and I had to live all by ourselves. Our relatives bailed on us. Emmet was so caring; he was always like a father to me. He started working and left his studies so that at least we could sustain. Then two months ago my brother was diagnosed with brain tumor” she paused, tears flowing out of her eyes.

  “I am so sorry Emma.” I hugged her.

  “I was devastated when I heard it. For the first time I missed my parents so much, I cried for the whole night. Bro’s health worsened and he was no longer allowed to work. So that is how I landed here. I had to step up and take responsibility. That is why I work here, do extra shifts so that I could make money and save my brother’s life.” She cried even more.

  “I am sure he’ll get alright and all your hard work will pay off.” I said rubbing her arms lightly

  “Thank you, I really feel light after talking to you.”

  “Anytime, darling.” We hugged and then it was time to start my extra shift.