I opened my eyes slowly, a gentle thrill rushing through me as the memories of last night washed over me, stirring a tender smile. Sunlight streamed through the small window, casting a soft glow over the room. Judging by the brightness, it must have been close to 11 a.m. We had drifted to sleep together, after the moment shared.
I turned, reaching for him instinctively, but my hand met only the empty sheets beside me, the space beside me was empty. A pang of disappointment bloomed in my chest as I sat up, scanning the room for any sign of him. There was no one, no sound, no soft footsteps. My eyes fell on a small piece of paper placed delicately on the bedside table, a note in his handwriting.
With a slight hesitation, I reached over and picked it up.
"I have so much to apologize for, but first, I'm sorry for slipping out so early without getting to tell you in person just how beautiful you looked this morning. There are unfinished business I need to handle at the moment, that's why I left so early, but I promise I'll be back soon. Please I need you to stay safe, I know you'll do well in your finals. I love you Jane"
I sat there for what felt like ages, holding the note, reading and rereading each word, not knowing what to do or think. It was his first time saying those three words which made me smile but, yes, I had exams coming up, and yes, he was caught up in a difficult, dangerous world. But couldn't he have waited? Just a little longer, until I woke? I pressed the note to my chest, aching for his presence and wishing more than anything that he were still here to wrap me in his embrace.
Just then, a sharp knock sounded at the door, pulling me from my thoughts. My heart leapt with a rush of hope, and I jumped up, hurrying across the room, rushing to open the door only to find myself staring at Lisa.
"Lisa?" I said, my surprise evident.
She crossed her arms, giving me a mock-serious look as she shook her head. "You're in so much trouble, Jane. So, so dead."
* * *
"Where is he?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as I sat beside Lisa on the bed.
Instead of answering, Lisa looked at me intently, then shook her head. "What on earth were you thinking?" she nearly shouted, though I could tell it was more out of concern than anger. "And why on earth are you smiling when you should be in a panic by now?" she added, eyeing me with curiosity.
"Oh, it's nothing," I said, laughing softly, but the smile wouldn't leave my face.
"Don't tell me you…!" She raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in her eye.
"I'm not telling you a thing," I said teasingly, raising my hands in mock surrender.
"You bad girl!" she teased, laughing and I couldn't help but join her laughter. It felt wonderful to have her here.
"So!" She leaned in, eyes twinkling. "How was it?"
I held up a finger. "First things first, where is he?"
Lisa shrugged, leaning back with a sigh. "I have no idea. He just called me, gave me an address, and arranged for some ridiculously hot guy to pick me up and bring me here."
"You mean Phil?"
"Oh yeah" she smiled
I let out a disappointed sigh, falling back onto the bed. "I just... I just wish I knew where he was."
"Get a grip, Jane! Your parents have been worried sick, they even called the cops until his call came in this morning, letting them know you were okay" she chided
I sat back up, a guilty smile on my face. "I know, Lisa. I'm sorry for putting everyone through this."
"Tell that to your parents, girl," she said firmly, folding her arms. But I could see her eyes softening a little.
I looked at her pleadingly. "You're going to help me through this, right?"
She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Absolutely not. In fact, I'm taking the first flight home tonight. I need to get out of here before you get me into even more trouble!"
I laughed at her dramatic tone, reaching over to pull her into a hug. "I'm so sorry,"
After a moment, Lisa pulled back, grinning mischievously. "So… back to last night. How was your first… you know…" She gave me a playful nudge, her curiosity evident.
"Oh, go away!" I laughed, grabbing a pillow and playfully tossing it at her, my cheeks burning. I got up walking over to the mirror as I started to get ready.
"How on earth did you guys end up here? This place is practically on the outskirts of Sydney!" she asked with curiosity
"Actually, you won't believe the night we had Lisa. It was straight out of a movie! We were literally running for our lives. It felt like I was in some kind of action movie, dodging bullets and trying to escape!"
Lisa gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "You're kidding!"
"I'm completely serious!" I exclaimed, gesturing wildly. "We barely made it out. I don't think I've ever been that terrified, or that alive. It was like a whole new side of life… dangerous, yes, but you know, exhilarating."
"You really went through all that?"
"Every bit of it," I said, nodding as memories flashed through my mind.
"Damn! I'm sorry" she said "Thank God for life" she gently whispered
"Yeah" I nodded
"Well, who knows, maybe that was just training for the trouble you're in now. Because trust me, your parents aren't going to make this easy on you."
I chuckled, though I knew she was right. My stomach twisted a little at the thought. The brief happiness I'd felt began to dissolve into reality, and I felt a pang of regret for the worry I'd caused.
Lisa and I continued chatting for nearly an hour as I showered and got dressed. My mind drifting between excitement and anxiety as I prepared to face the real world again.
Before leaving, I grabbed the piece of paper and placed a small note on the table, hoping he'd return and find it.