Just after I left the group chat, Lucas called.
“Jennifer, come over right now.”
“Where to?”
“You know. The usual place.”
“Is there something going on?”
“Apologize to Lydia”
“Why should I apologize?”
“Because you suddenly left the group chat. Do you know what our friends might think of her because of that?” Lucas’s tone was harsh and demanding.
“I don’t want anyone to smear Lydia’s name. I’m the one who loves her and wants to give her a proper status. She’s innocent and doesn’t deserve to be branded as a third party because of your impulsive actions.”
I thought I had long since stopped letting his words or actions affect me. But right now, I felt an aching pressure in my chest, seething with anger. My fingers gripped the phone, trembling slightly.
When I finally spoke, my voice shook too. “Lucas, you can’t treat people like this.”
“Why d
do you think it’s okay to treat me this way?”
“You were the one who betrayed me first. I haven’t done anything I even congratulated you two–isn’t that enough?”
I held back my tears with all my strength, but my voice still cracked with emotion.
There was a pause on the other end of the line.
“Jennifer.”
“This time, I’ll let it go. But I hope you remember, Lydia is innocent. Don’t take your anger out on her or hurt her.”
The call ended.
I sank onto the carpet, trembling all over. The photo on my bedside table showed my mother’s gentle, loving gaze. Suddenly, I broke down, clutching the
frame close.
Through the cold glass, I pressed my face against hers, letting my tears fall. It felt like she, too, was heartbroken for her daughter.
I didn’t want to cry anymore. I didn’t want Mom to know my pain, even from her resting place.
After her memorial day has passed, I’ll take the things she left me, and I’ll leave New York forever. I won’t come back.
