Jasen

              A couple days later, thankfully, we were cleared to see Ariana. The night before, Elizabeth, Rylan Chase, and I had gone back to the buses to get cleaned up and some rest. My concerts had been postponed for now. There was no way I could perform while my friend's life was in jeopardy. I made that very clear. Chase had insisted on staying put. Elizabeth had put her foot down, pointing out that Ariana wouldn't want anyone of us neglecting ourselves when we were powerless to do anything.

               Chase wasn't himself, and I felt responsible. He cared about Ariana more than I realized. It made me feel like shit because I was now keeping a secret that I wished hadn't resurfaced. I had treated her horribly, and there wasn't a guarantee that she'd even want anything to do with me after leaving her before the storm. . .

              When we all arrived back at the hospital, Chase wasted no time in being able to see Ariana. There was only one at a time allowed in the room. The rest of us waited in the waiting room. At some point, Rylan offered to find us all some coffee and stood up in search of the cafeteria. That left me and my sister by ourselves. She was gazing at me, and I was trying to avoid eye contact. She knew me like no other and could tell something was up.

             "Jasen..."

             Saying my name in that compassionate and caring way was all it took. Tears started streaming down my face. My sister quickly stood up and sat down next to me. She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tightly. I just sobbed quietly into her shoulder for a bit. When I was able to talk, I pulled back to meet her worried eyes.

               "Lizzy." I used that name that was reserved for the most hard of times. "I don't know what to do."

            "What does that mean?" She inquired, rubbing my back. "Don't know what to do about what?"

           "I think I still am in love with Ari," I choked out.

            My sister pulled away from me and looked at me with huge eyes. She stood up from her seat and started pacing around in front of the space in front of us. I just stared at her, nervous for what could even be going through her head. I knew this wasn't the best time to bring all this up. Elizabeth took a deep breath and sat back down across from me. She opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by the cry of a woman.

            Out came from the elevator doors a tall, long blond haired woman with blue eyes. Her eyes were bloodshot and her face was puffy. She stalked over to us. Now I was more nervous than ever. I knew for a fact it wouldn't be long before she knew the whole truth.

            "Elizabeth!" she called running up to her. Rylan, who had just gotten back as well, went up as well to greet her.

            I just assumed she didn't even recognize me. She hadn't seen me since I was a young teenager. She threw her arms around both of them, hugging tightly before demanding information.

             "How is Ariana?!" She croaked. "Is she okay? What even happened?"

              Elizabeth made eye contact with me quickly before looking back at Ari's mom. She opened her mouth to respond, but Chase, who had just come from down the hall, beat her to it.

             "It was Jason's fault," Chase offered monotone. "He left her out in the snow storm, and she probably couldn't find her way back, is what it seemed."

            Jessica turned to me with wide eyes. But my sister cut in before she could say anything.

             "It was an unfortunate miscommunication," she explained, giving Chase a hard look. "Jasen is actually the one who went back out into the storm as well and was able to find her and bring her to safety."

            Much to all of our shock, Jessica threw her hands around my neck and hugged me. I stood non responsive for a few moments before gently patting her back in return. I hadn't seen this woman in years. But after my parents had passed away, she had been there for me as best as she could as well. She became like a mother figure of sorts. I suddenly felt so ashamed for losing contact with her as well.

             "Thank you Jasen," she breathed out, voice crackling, pulling away from me. "You have grown so much. It's good to see you doing well now."

             Without any other words, she turned away from me and made her way down the hall in search of her daughter, I was sure. Elizabeth and I just looked at each other. Chase was not one bit pleased with how the events turned out. I just groaned softly and ran my hands through my hair. I wanted to go in and see Ariana as well, but I wanted to give her mother time with her first without interrupting. Elizabeth was now giving Chase warning look. Probably not appreciating how Chase outright just placed all blame unto me. Rylan was just staying silent. Probably wanting no parts in any of this drama.

            Even though it was bothersome, if I were in Chase's shoes, I'd probably be acting the same way. Plus, I was being hard on myself more than anyone. Deep down, I knew I should have followed after Ariana. It didn't help how I had treated her like crap the past few weeks. Every time I thought back to it all, it made me feel sick to my stomach.

            I sat back down and just sighed. Elizabeth, Rylan and Chase followed the same action. There was nothing but an awkward silence for a long while. It was like in the moment we were a stranger to each other. Soon Rylan and Elizabeth got up to go and get something to eat. I wasn't hungry, and unfortunately, neither was Chase. I had been hoping he'd follow them. Elizabeth gave me a look that was asking, 'Are you going to be okay?" I nodded ever so slightly.

            When Chase and I were finally alone, I could feel his eyes boring into mine. I avoided eye contact for the longest time. At some point, I had to look up and face him. His expression was blank, and his eyes hard. I just stared back at him just as emotionlessly. I missed the bubbly Chase, who never used to look so serious.

            "What are you even doing?" he asked in a bitter whisper. "Why didn't you follow after Celestial?"

            I clenched my hands together. Hearing Cel's name was still a soft spot for me. She had only left a few days ago. And honestly, a part of me was noticing her absents. I rubbed my hands over my face. I narrowed my eyes.

             "She had promotions and also needed her space since the concert has been postponed." I shrugged my shoulders. "And that's what I am giving her."

            I could barely eat, sleep or think. There was no chance of me performing anything anytime soon. My team was disappointed but understood. Scott was more put off by it all than any of them. But he had grown to like Ariana as well and was concerned too.

            "You think I'm stupid?" Chase glared at me. "You don't think I can see what is really going on here?"

              I just started at him silently.

            "You're now a 'free man," he hissed. "And are after exploring something you have no business to."

              "I'm being here for my friend," I responded monotone.

            "You better watch yourself," Chase growled. "I am not going to let you take her from me after all this time."

            I smiled. "I think that decision would be up to Ariana. . ."