40

I was struck with sheer silence upon my entry into the space of the apartment. So it had been for the past days, with Tara nowhere to be seen, I feared she had decided to stay away from home.

Perhaps, from me.

A hundred messages I had left for her, a hundred messages she ignored.

All I wanted was every assurance that she was in fact okay, at least to get the aches off my chest. But I knew so well who my friend was. If the girl had been angered by whatsoever, it would take a lot of time to return to that cheerful girl l'd known.

I should have gotten used to her absence by now, but part of me only hoped I would come home and find her sat on the couch, warm eyes holding onto mine, with arms outstretched to welcome me.

I've missed her. A lot.

Tossing my bag onto the couch, I was ready to crash on there, prepped to ward my mind off every storm of thoughts when an intent aroma drifted past my nostrils, snapping my attention immediately.

Nose had caught the savour of baked treats. Only then could I tell the tang coming from the kitchen.

That most was disturbing, seeing as to how, I've been the only one in this apartment for seventy two hours straight, so why then was I coming back to a home filled with an air of heaven's treats.

And then came the footsteps.

"Who's there?!"

Oh, go on being dumb, Jane, especially if your home's been invaded by a stranger. It's never wise to give up your location, all because one wouldn't keep quiet.

"I swear, I'm armed" My voice yet again, went on.

"I'm familiar with burglaries...I won't hesitate to call the cops"

Even the girl in me would crack up at my utterances.

"Sweet little Jane, armed?"

"What have I missed?"

I watched the profile of mother come into view, figure sauntering into the space.

Her eyes beheld mine with every warmth, a weak smile tugging at her lips.

"Now, now—she had pulled a finger up at once, pointed my way—I want no protests as to my being here" She followed.

"I received a call from Tara" She finally revealed.

"What's been going on sweetie?"

"I'm sorry" My voice was low, body giving no resists, as she pulled me into her embrace.

"I've fucked up real bad, Mom" I felt the tears burn my cheeks, heart warming up at her pull on me.

"That's alright" Her hands went stroking my hair, arms wrapped tightly around me. She soon went pulling me over to the couch, sitting me there.

"What's happened?"

"She lost her job..... I've had my own share of pains, and I've been too caught up, I swear I didn't notice she was hurt"

"It must have been a lot for her, cause she flared up one night and left" My words came rushing out.

"She misses you, Jane"

My gaze had at once snapped up at her utterance, eyes searching through hers.

"She really does" She stated.

"She made mention of returning home, but for the time being, it would be best to get herself"

"You both are just too close to go quarreling over flimsy things now" She let out.

"But there was no quarrel to begin with" I interjected.

"She called me selfish!"

"Well do you think you are?"

I fell quiet at her statement, body relaxing back into the chair.

"I don't know.....maybe"

A weak sigh poured out my lips, eyes shut tight.

"Listen— mother's voice soon went pouring into my ears, arms holding onto mine.

"Whatever this is, you both better get it settled"

"Tara's more than a friend to you" She followed.

"I'd hate for her to wallow out there in pains all because of some pride you both are keeping up with"

Her hands were soft on my skin, eyes beaming on at me.

"I made something for you to eat. Your face says you're out"

"I am mom, I am" I followed in a low voice, slipping into the night.