Two years later...

I took a whiff of my cigarette, feeling the burning sensation going down my throat and lungs. I then blew the white smoke and watched it rise in the air and fade away. It was still early in the morning and the streets of Colville were not yet crowded. I loved walking on the street before starting work, it has become a morning routine since I moved to this city. I felt the sun of this soft spring day warmed my face. I lifted up my head and looked at the deep blue sky contrasting with the gloomy gray of the skyscrapers. I smiled, I was in a good day, far from my usual dark thoughts and I intended to enjoy it as long as it would last.

As I was still looking up at the sky, I felt something suddenly pulling my right arm, "Naya! Please calm down," the young golden retriever started to run as we approached the coffee shop; she knew that Kathy, the waitress, would spoil her with the usual dog treat.

Since we've moved together in Colville, Jessy and I agreed I would be the one walking her dog as I loved early walking and she preferred lazing in her bed before work. I remembered how relieved I was when Jessy and I decided to be roommates. My job allowed me to work from wherever I was, so I took the opportunity to leave everything behind me and start a new life in Colville. This is true that I had first in mind another purpose for this change of life, but even if it didn't happen as I expected, I never regretted my choice.

I arrived at the small coffee shop and took a seat on the terrace so I could enjoy the sunlight. I crashed my cigarette in the ashtray and took another one from the pack in my purse. It was a bad habit I used to have when I was in high school. I stopped smoking long ago but after Jake's trial I started again. I knew it was a bad idea, and I knew it wasn't good for my health but it was the only thing I found to calm my nerves.

Kathy approached my table carrying a tray with a huge mug of tea and treats for Naya. "The same as usual?" she said with a smile. I nodded and took the mug she handed me. "Naya! Look what I've got for you!" the young girl said with enthusiasm. I watched her giving the treat to Naya as I took a sip of my tea. The dog seemed so happy that she started to jump in place waiting for her reward. I giggled at this sight and finished my cigarette.

While Naya was eagerly eating next to me, I took my phone from my pocket and opened the dating app. As I swiped left every profile I saw, I heard my mother's voice in my head. 'MC, you're almost thirty, maybe it's time for you to settle down instead of getting into unstable relationships.' I rolled my eyes and tried to chase this thought from my mind. But instead of focusing on the app, I let my thoughts get caught into the memory of Jake.

When I moved to Colville it wasn't only to get a fresh new start but also because I wanted to be closer to Jake. He was at the Maydol penitentiary which wasn't in Colville but in a city less than one hour away. I tried to contact him, to visit him, but each time I had the same answer. Jake didn't want any visitors. Lilly also tried but ended up with the same answer as mine.

So I tried to move on and started dating other men. But none of them were enough for me. Of course, I sometimes ended up in bed with a guy I just met but it meant nothing. And each time I woke in an unknown bed, I felt guilty. I started to massage the stinging spot in the middle of my chest, trying to make the guilt sensation go away. It had become a new habit and I wasn't even aware I was doing this when I thought about Jake.

I mechanically kept on swiping left on the dating app while I drank my tea. I wasn't paying too much attention to the men's photography until one caught my eye. The picture of a brown haired man with shiny green eyes was now on my screen, Matt. The man sent good vibes and without noticing it I swiped right. I bit my lip. Why did I do this? A soft noise rose in the air and I felt my phone buzzing in my hand. He was fast and had already sent me a message.

I rolled my eyes. Slow down Matt, you look too desperate by acting like that. Fortunately I received simultaneously a message from Lilly. I took the excuse of answering my friend to delay the moment when I should text that Matt.

Lilly: Hey MC! Good news, Hannah's psychiatrist has just called me. This is official, she can leave this institute next week. I'm so excited! Chloe suggested we make a surprise party for her return. Please tell me Jessy and you will come!

A huge grin appeared on my face. Hannah was finally free, I felt so happy for Lilly! After Jake's trial Lilly had bad days, she had withdrawn into herself, cutting herself from her friends and family. Her relationship with her father was still a little tense, but thanks to Chloe she now felt better. The two women started dating a few months after Lilly's brother went to jail. At first, Chloe only tried to cheer Lilly up, but weeks passed and the women became closer. It was quite obvious for the group and I that Chloe and Lilly had a bond, but it took a little time for Lilly to realize it. They had just moved together in an apartment next to the police station in Duskwood and I've never seen my friend this happy.

MC: Hi Lilly, this is great news! Of course we will be there. I don't want to miss it 😁

While I sent the message, I checked the time on my phone, realizing I had to go home and start working. I took my mug and finished my tea in one go. I waved at Kathy before walking back home.

I arrived in front of my apartment building. It was a 6 floors building, mostly made with brick, in the historic district of the city. I liked that place, it looked cozy and warm with a mixt of old and new materials. I removed Naya's leash, letting her run up the stairs and I followed her close behind. I let my hand slide on the wooden rail and inhaled the familiar parfum that floated in the air: it felt like home.

When I arrived on the 4th floor, Naya was already scratching against the front door impatiently waiting to see Jessy again. As soon as I opened the door, the golden dog ran toward Jessy and jumped on her, almost making her fall. "Naya!" the red-haired woman called. I entered the apartment and smiled at my friend. Then, I went to the living room and sat on the couch next to a young man scrolling on his phone.

The man's brown eyes lifted up a bit to cross mine and he greeted me with a light smile, "Hi MC!"

"Hi Colin, she's late again for work," I stated while we watched Jessy running all over the apartment to gather her stuff before going to work.

"Yep!" he simply answered. Colin and Jessy started dating a year ago when we moved to Colville. Naya had escaped Jessy's sight and when he saw her distress he helped her looking for her dog. They've never left each other since that day. A true love story. Colin was such a nice guy, it didn't take long for us to be friends. He lived in an apartment a few blocks from here but always stayed with us. It didn't bother me, I liked this shiny couple's good vibes.

"OK, I'm leaving now!" We heard Jessy say from her room. She came to us and kissed Colin deeply before planting a quick kiss on my forehead. "Bye!" She was about to leave when she suddenly turned back and walked to Naya. "Oh my sweet Naya I'm so sorry I forgot you!" Both Colin and I shook our heads before such a show of love.

A few seconds later, we heard the front door slammed, indicating Jessy was now gone for work. "Well, I also have to work!" I said while getting up.

"Oh MC, wait!" Colin was looking at me nervously and I started to frown. "I wanted to show you something." The young man put his hand in his jacket pocket and took a small square box. Inside of it, was a silver ring with a single sapphire in the middle of it. It was minimalist but undoubtedly beautiful. Jessy would love it!

I bit the inside of my cheek trying to keep a serious face, "No Colin, I'm flattered but I cannot accept. You're my best friend's boyfriend!"

The man rolled his eyes with annoyance, "Please MC... Can you be serious?"

"I didn't know you planned to propose," I said seriously this time. Colin looked again at the ring in awe, his eyes lost somewhere in his dream of marrying Jessy.

"I bought it a few weeks ago.. But I'm not sure," he started "I mean. I want it, but will she say yes? We're dating for only a year and..."

"I've never seen her this happy with someone," I cut him off. Colin raised his head with a slight hint of pink on his cheeks. He looked at me, searching for any sign that could confirm he made the right decision. I smiled and patted his shoulder, "Don't worry Romeo, I'm sure she'll say yes." I headed to my bedroom while my friend mouthed a silent 'thank you'.

Once in my room, I sat behind my desk and opened my laptop ready to work. I leaned back in my seat rubbing my face. I felt genuinely happy for my friend but my throat tightened. I was the only one in the group who remained single. Jessy had Colin, Lilly was with Chloe. Thomas and Hannah never broke up even if they went through difficult days. Thomas has never stopped visiting Hannah at the hospital and now they were even more in love than before her abduction. Even Phil found a girlfriend! A girl named Charlotte once showed up at the Aurora, she ended up in Duskwood by luck and now she was stuck with the charming bartender who had only eyes for her. But the most surprising couple had two names : Cleo and Dan. At first they tried to hide they were dating, but Dan finally spilled the beans to Lilly. We were worried it could split the group because Dan and Jessy dated for a few weeks before we moved to Colville, but on the contrary she was really happy for both of her friends and everything was fine.

I wasn't jealous, though. But some part of me felt empty and sad by seeing them moving on with their life. It wasn't because I was single, but because I couldn't be with the man I loved. They took him away from me, leaving me with no hope to see him ever again.

I shook my head and tried to focus on my work. Fortunately I got a lot of things to do, so the morning passed very quickly. During my lunch break, I thought it was a good time to answer Matt. He texted me back very quickly and to be honest I found him very nice and friendly. We talked most of the afternoon and agreed to meet each other that evening. There was a small group playing in town and it turned out he liked it too so we decided to go to the concert together. I was relieved because it looked more like an outing with a friend than a date.

After work, I rummaged through my closet looking for comfortable clothes for the evening. I chose a green flared dress with small pink flowers printed on it and heel boots. Jessy chose this moment to knock on the door of my room. And as usual, she opened it before I told her she could come in. "Oh! A dress? You're going out tonight?" she asked with a mischievous smile.

"Yep! I talked to a man and we agreed to go to a concert tonight!"

"Is it a date? I thought you didn't want to date anyone anymore, " she mused. "Can I see him?" she asked curious.

"It's not really a date. We hit it off and I think we could be friends," I answered while handing her my phone with Matt's profil so Jessy could see his photo.

"He's cute!" she smiled.

I shrugged, taking my phone back, "Yes, he is quite handsome." Jessy was looking at me intensely, she bit her lip and I could say she wanted to tell me something. I sighed, "What is it, Jessy?"

The redhead averted her eyes, "It's just that..," Jessy seemed really uncomfortable, "It's been two years, MC! Maybe it's time for you to move on. I mean, you dated several men but you never allowed yourself to really love again."

I looked down with teary eyes. I was sad and pissed but I knew she was right, "I feel like I can't. I feel like I'm betraying him."

"But you're not!" she cut me off, "Please, give this man a chance, or at least try. Maybe you will just be friends, but don't close the door to something more if it happens. Jake made his choices, and even if it hurts, you deserve happiness."

I nodded, still looking down. Jessy stepped toward me and wrapped her arms around me. I put my head on her shoulder letting my best friend rubbing my back to comfort me, a soft sob just left my mouth."Yes, you're probably right Jessy, "I pulled away and wiped my tears with my sleeve, "Let's just see what happens tonight."

___

We had a good time. The concert was in the middle of a park so there was enough space for people to dance. As the music band wasn't really famous, the place wasn't too crowded.

At some point we decided to take a walk in the park and talked for hours. It was undeniable that Matt was an attractive man, he had a small mole next to his right eye that made him even cuter. On top of that, the young man was funny and we spent much of our evening laughing about everything.

After a while Matt finally asked, "I live around the corner, we could go to my place if you want. Drink a coffee or something...?" I frowned which made him a bit nervous, "No pressure though. It's still early and I don't feel like going to one of those crowded bars, this is why I asked. But if it's too soon for you, I understand. "

I breathed, remembering what Jessy told me, 'Give him a chance.' After all, it wasn't the first time I went to some almost unknown guy's place for the night. I tried to relax and nodded.

The weather started to cool down and as I hugged myself to get a little warmer, Matt wrapped his arm around my shoulder and I let him do it resting my head against his chest.

"We're here." He said while he removed his arm from me. I looked at him as he headed to a building. I thought he would open the front door but instead, he got down a small stair leading to a basement.

"What the..." I started to feel totally uncomfortable. "I'm not going in there!" I yelled letting the panic take over me.

"MC, this is not what you think," he stated. But I didn't listen to him and started to walk away.

I felt so confused. I thought Matt was a nice guy, not some kind of creepy man living in a gloomy basement! I walked faster, my steps echoing in the empty street."MC, wait!" he yelled, but I ignored him and kept walking.

I heard him running behind me. And before I realized it, he grabbed me by my shoulder and turned me toward him. I gasped as I saw his face getting closer to me. Then, with a desperate voice he told me, "Please MC, you need to come with me. You're the only one who can help me get Jake out of jail."

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