CALLING HIS FRIEND
Jack had stopped crying but he didn't clean his eyes or make any attempt to make himself presentable, he was lost in the past. Suddenly, his phone started buzzing, interrupting his thoughts. He answered without looking at the caller ID, assuming it was just a casual call.
"Hey, what's up?" Jack said, trying to sound casual despite the tension in his shoulders.
"Jack, it's Alan. I wanted to ask, how are you man? I just heard from my old dad that your mom is planning Debbie's memorial while your dad is still in coma ," Alan's voice was calm, he was genuinely concern for his friend.
"I didn't see it that way, Debbie is her daughter man, she can plan it whenever she likes" Jack answered grimacing when he mentioned Debbie's name, the name was making him emotional.
"I know your mom planned it like this so that you can attend, the other memorial she planned for Debbie, you refused to show up ," Alan said, his voice quiet but firm.
"Yeah, she did. You know why I can't come Alan, I have a hand in the death of Debbie if I had told someone that day she sneaked out," Jack said, his voice shaking slightly. "Maybe she wouldn't have become a drug addict and she wouldn't have..." He bursted out in tears.
"I'm sorry, man. I know how much your sister meant to you but you shouldn't blame yourself for your sister's action," Alan said, trying to comfort him.
They talked for a few minutes about the memorial, and Jack told Alan that he was going to pay his respects to her.
Finally, Alan asked him about something that had been on his mind for a while.
"Has Timothy made any moves to make you the boss yet?" he asked.
Jack sighed. 'No, I think he is waiting for my dad to wake up or something".
" You know how I feel about this mafia business, I don't want anything to do with it. I only came to Mexico to check on my dad and I am staying longer because of Debbie's memorial," Jack said, his voice heavy with frustration.
"Well, for your sake, I pray your dad wakes up if not, you will be forced to take over the seat as the first son of the boss," Alan said, his voice firm.
Jack scoffed "I won't take it not even for anyone, I will hand it over to Timothy since he knows better than me."
"Easier said than done, so how about the deal with the Easter Brothers company, is it still ongoing?" Alan asked, he couldn't hide his curiosity.
"It is still ongoing, beside I am sure the media outlets must have mentioned about my trip with Lily in their gossips." Jack said.
"Yeah they did, I think." Alan said, he was unsure.
"I got a call from Mr Bronx but I missed his call but I will call him later beside who will they give the contract to, who else but me." He said with pride evident in his voice.
"Whatever, just take care and don't blame yourself for what you did not do Jack, I mean it." Alan said sternly.
"I'll keep that in mind, Alan. Thanks for your advice," Jack said, feeling grateful for his friend's support.
They said goodbye, and the call ended. Jack sat in his car for a few moments, staring out the windshield and trying to gather his thoughts.
Taking a deep breath, he started the engine and pulled away from the curb. It was time to face his internal demons and put them to rest.