The Missing Piece

[SUNDAY APRIL 2ND]
[10AM]
Jana’s POV.
We had already woke up that morning together. Bailee and me were completely fine. We were sober from last night and it was the best sleeps of my life. Caroline was okay too. She only felt a little lightheaded but took some medicine before starting her day. Payton only had three shots but she felt like she died from consuming all of the alcohol last night. We took turns going into the bathroom and getting ready.

Bailee wore a graphic t-shirt tucked into a button down navy skirt to her knees, green plaid long coat, black leather ankle boots, ankle socks, a nice watch, and her shoulder purse.

Caroline wore a black and white stripe long sleeve, skinny black jeans, black suede denim jacket, black leather high rise tennis shoes, black beanie, and with her black leather backpack.

Payton wore a white t-shirt tucked into a black flowy skirt, tan leather jacket, black leather ankle boots, with her Michael Kors handbag.

And I wore a burgundy loose t-shirt, dark blue skinny jeans, grey fleece long cardigan, with tan suede boots.

We all headed out to brunch at this new place we saw on the yelp app. It was about a 10 minute walk in the city. It was one of the best brunches we had in years together.

Alex’s POV.
I just got back from getting mine and Janas mail downstairs. I headed to Jana’s apartment to put her mail on the counter. As I was doing so, I saw a bulky yellow envelope on the counter next to her mail. It was from a school in England. I took a peek inside of the envelope and saw so many flyers relating a nonprofit school in London. I read the letter and it said that Jana was being recommended from the board to come there to teach kids. I was so happy for her but at the same time, I was devastated. Then I heard the doorbell ring. I put the envelope back in its place and went to get the door. I opened it to see Janas mom standing there with bags in her hands.

“Miss Lily.” Alex says in shock to see her there.

“Oh Alex. Is Jana home or did she go somewhere?” Jana’s mom greets and asks curiously.

Alex says, “Jana went out of town with her friends for a week.”

Alex asks, “she didn't mention it to you?”

Jana’s mom says, “she didn't tell me anything.”

“Please, come in.” Alex offers Jana’s mom to come in.

“I was on my way to the market and wanted to stop by to give her some food”, Jana’s mom said while walking into the apartment.

Alex says, “you can leave it in her fridge and I'll tell her once she gets back.”

Jana’s mom says, “okay. I'll do that then.”

Jana’s mom walks to the fridge and puts the container food in there neatly. After that she says..

“Well, I'm going to get going now.” Jana’s mom said.

“Is it okay if I join you? I love to go grocery shopping and it seems like you need help carrying the bags.” Alex asks and says.

Jana’s mom says with a smile, “I would love the company.”

I left Janas apartment. I walked down to garage with Janas mom. I drove her with my car to the market that was a 10 minute drive. During the car ride there, we talked like we were closed.

“It's been a long time since someone had drive me somewhere”, Jana’s mom says.

“You normally drive yourself?”, Alex asks while driving.

Jana’s mom says, “when Jana and her brother used to live with me, they would drive me places.”

Jana’s mom continues to say, “Now that they moved out, I have to drive myself places so thank you Alex.”

Alex says with a smile, “it's nothing really. I enjoy doing things like this when I can.”

Alex continues to say, “to be honest, I needed a break from grading all of those papers and tests.”

“Then I will make good use of you today”, Jana’s mom says with a smile on her face.

“Jana's a good and passionate girl. You can learn to love her someday”, Jana’s mom says without any hesitation.

“What if that someday has been the day we've met?”, Alex asks.

Jana’s mom says, “it's good that you love her. I always wanted you to.”

Alex says, “but she loves Max.”

“Don't tell her this but I never liked him”, Jana’s mom says honestly with her heart.

“Why not?”, Alex asks curiously.

Jana’s mom says, “he never shows up to the dinners I invited him and it seems like he cares more for his work than for Jana.”

Jana’s mom was surprised and turned her head to ask Alex, “don't you think so too?”

Alex agrees, “very but I can't say anything because she loves him. I just want her to be happy. That's all.”

“You're a good guy Alex. You deserve someone who really needs you and love you for your kindness”, Jana’s mom says honestly.

“Thank you Miss Lily”, Alex thanks Jana’s mom.

Jana’s POV.
An hour later. Each of us took turns paying for our meals. Since I was the first one out, I stayed outside waiting for them. While doing so, I called Alex to check up on things.

“Hello?”, Alex picks up the phone while putting the grocery bags in the trunk of the car.

“Hey Alex. How's everything going?”, Jana says and asks over the phone.

“Everything's okay and you do know that it's only been a day since we last talked, right?”, Alex sense Jana was worried and asks.

“I know and I wanted to hear that my apartment is still in good shape”, Jana says.

“Don't worry, it hasn't burned down yet”, Alex says jokingly over the phone. He finished putting the groceries in the trunk and closes it.

“Did any important mail come in for me?”, Jana asks.

“Just some bills that need to be paid after you get back. Oh and your mom came by your apartment to put food in your fridge”, Alex says while standing there waiting for Jana’s mom to come out of the supermarket.

“Well, did you tell her that I was going out of town for the week?”, Jana asks.

“I told her and she insisted on restocking your fridge with food”, Alex repeatedly says.

“Why didn't you tell her that you were going on vacation for the week?”, Alex continues to ask.

“I didn't think she would visit because she never does”, Jana says with a low tone.

“Is she still there at my apartment?”, Jana asks.

“No. I took her to the supermarket and helped her out”, Alex says with confidence.

“Wow. Thank you for keeping her company.”, Jana thanks Alex over the phone.

“Your mom's coming, I got to go. Have fun, we’ll talk later.” Alex says quickly.

“Alright, bye”, Jana says quickly.

Notes