The Missing Piece

[WEDNESDAY APRIL 5TH]
[10:00AM]

Alex’s POV.
I woke up early that morning to make some breakfast and fed the cats. I had some errands to run too. After finishing everything i had to do that day, i headed over to Jana’s apartment to water her plants. Since she lived next door to me in the same apartment, it was an easy access to get to her house. As i walked into her apartment, i went straight to work. I grabbed the bottle and walked around the apartment to spray the plants. Jana had so many lying around her apartment. She loved taking care of her plants and growing them to bulky and large. That's the one thing i liked about her. When i reached the bathroom, i watered the plants on the counter. Once i sprayed it, i put the bottle down and turned around. When i did, my elbow knocked the bottle on the ground and water spilled everywhere. I quickly looked everywhere in Jana’s room to find some towels and i found some in her closet. They were lying on top of the closet. I reached for it and a yellow envelope dropped on the floor. I held the towel on one hand and the envelope on the other. I went over to her bed to sit down. I looked at the outside of the envelope and it was from “Hamilton, Girls Academy”. I took a look at the address and it was from England. My mind was all over the place and wondered what it's doing in Jana’s closet. I was intrigued and interested so i opened it up. It was a contract to work at an all girls school in England as the new English and Math Teacher. Jana was being offered to work in England as a teacher there. The sign part was empty so i assumed she is thinking about it. I quickly close the yellow envelope up and placed it back where it was originally. I pretend i didn't know anything and continued on watering the plants around Jana’s apartment.

Bailey’s POV.
I had such a nice sleep and i think all of the girls did too. We woke up getting ready to go out to a pool party. I believe it's a club that hosts pool party in the day time. Jana saw parties around Vegas so she invited us to go together. So Jana put our names on the VIP Guest List at Marquee Club in The Cosmopolitan hotel.

I wore a halter top black see through one piece bikini with a black cardigan. I wore my strappy sandals with it.

Payton wore a black style cut off one piece bikini with her black style loose cardigan.

Caroline also wore a black see through one piece bikini with her camo loose short sleeve cardigan.

Lastly, Jana wore a black two piece bikini with a black lace long sleeve dress over it.

We definitely had a black bikini theme going on and we didn't know it until we all got dressed. You already know we were best friends because of the outfits we put together. We headed out to the hotel and party it up at the pools. We stayed there until 12 and got back to the hotel. We took turns shower and got ready to go out for lunch.

[1PM]

Since it was a really hot day, I wore a light blue high waisted skinny jean shorts that cover my butt & rolled up at the bottom, loose white t-shirt, long style chain necklace, white pattern colorful kimono with fringe at the bottom & sleeves. Red low top converse with white laces, with my leather bag, hair curled down.

Then it was Jana’s turn to get ready in the bathroom. After a while of being in there, she put together her pretty outfit. She wore a white short skirt with black checkered lines, navy blue arm sleeve shirt with white design at the top of the shirt, my brown bag, and hair braided on the side, brown loafers.

After that was Caroline. She wore army green casual shorts, black halter top, white light weight cardigan with feather designs on it, brown shoe lace loafers, with a long stacked style necklace, with her hair straight down.

Lastly, Payton was next. She wore a white short sleeve color shirt, light blue high waisted skirt, grey cardigan, all white adidas, grey knee high socks, with her black leather bag, round black sunglasses, hair curled down.

After getting ready, we took an uber to Chinatown to get something to eat.

We wanted to eat there because it was cheaper than what we spent compared to yesterday. I wanted to pay for lunch this afternoon so the girls understood. As we got to the chinese restaurant, there was a huge line so we waited roughly around 15 minutes. Right when we were called to go inside to our table, Jana got a phone call from someone back home. She told us to go inside first and ordered for her a bowl of wonton noodle soup.

Jana picks up her cellphone outside, “hello?”

Nathan (Jana mom’s boyfriend) said over the phone, “hey Jana. its me Nathan.”

“Oh Hi Nathan. Is there anything wrong?” Jana greets & asks.

“Your mom told me you were on vacation. I was hoping to talk to you about something.” Nathan says over the phone.

Jana says, “i am on vacation and i can talk quickly right now.”

Nathan says, “me and your mom have been together since you were in high school. She and i came to a decision to remarry to each other.”

Nathan continues to say, “i wanted to get your permission to marry your mom.”

“Why would you ask me? What about my brother?” Jana asks a question after another.

“I had talked to your brother already and he gave me his blessing.” Nathan clarifies.

Jana says, “well, i have to know that you will take good care of my mom until the day she dies.”

Nathan promises & says, “of course i will.”

“And it's not just the words you say, it's the action that you do.” Jana clarifies to Nathan.

“I promise that i’d do it.” Nathan promises.

Jana says, “then you have my blessing on marrying my mom.”

Nathan says, “thank you Jana. you don't know how much it means to me to hear from you.”

“I just want her to be happy. We lost so much already.” Jana says.

“She will be happy.” Nathan says.

Jana asks, “how is she these past couple of days?”

Nathan says, “better than most days. She really misses you and wants to hear from you Jana. you should give her a call some time when you're available.”

“I will when i have the time. There is so much going on now.” Jana says.

“Just don't forget about her.” Nathan reminds Jana & says.

Jana says, “of course, i won't.”

Nathan says, “i better let you get back to your vacation now. See you.”

“Okay. bye Nathan.” Jana says & hangs up the phone.

Payton’s POV.
We ordered and waited for our order to come out. Jana came back from talking on the phone with someone outside. She took a seat next to Caroline and we began to question her.

Payton asks, “who was that on the phone?”

Jana says, “it was my mom’s boyfriend.”

Caroline asks, “what did he want from you?”

“He wanted to ask for my permission on marrying my mom.” Jana says.

“He honestly asked for your permission?” Bailee asks curiously.

“Yeah. and i gave him permission to marry my mom.” Jana says.

Payton asks shockingly, “why would you give him permission to marry your mom?”

Caroline asks, “didn't you say that your mom never wanted to remarry again?”

Jana says, “she said that before i entered college. Its years later and everything has changed.”

Jana continues to say, “besides, we have lost my grandma not too long ago. I think it's time for my mom to be happy again.”

“Change is good Jana. i know i was once scared about my mom remarrying Keith, but i knew it made her happy so i was there for her.” Bailee says with words of comfort.

“Nathan was always there for my mom and i think it's good they will be closer than ever. I'm happy for her and i should be.” Jana says.

“Everything will be okay Jana.” Caroline says.

Jana asks, “will you girls be there with me for my mom’s wedding?”

Payton says, “you know we wouldn't miss it.”

Bailee says, “i will fly across the world to see you girls again if i could.”

We smiled and laughed together. Then our food came out and we ate. It was so delicious. Bailee paid for the lunch today like she promised. After lunch, we took an uber back to the Vegas Strip. We walked the entire strip together and casino hopping. Bailee learned how to play professional blackjack and won about $300 on her first time playing blackjack. I played Russian Roulette and won $200 on my first try. I had never played in my life and there were people there to teach me how. Jana learned and played poker for the first time. At first she lost $200, but won back $300. Caroline went to each hotel casino and played a variety of slot machines. I think she enjoys it because she has never played in her life before. Then again, i think we all enjoyed it for our first time.

We casino hopped for the entire day.

[6PM]

Caroline’s POV.
Since we were out all day, it was only right to go back to the hotel to rest up for tonight. What's happening tonight you may ask? We are gonna grab some late dinner and go clubbing. We thought we take advantage of it while we’re here in Vegas. So me and Bailee laid on the bed looking through our phones. Payton were sitting her back against the bed board watching TV. Jana was on the floor charging her phone. I think Jana was thinking about something or someone that made her get up grabbing her things and leaving the room. Payton calls her back saying…

Payton asks & says to Jana who’s already getting her things, “where are you going? We just got back from outside.”

Jana says, “i just need some air. I’ll be back.”

“You can't tell us where you're going right now? What are we, not your best friends?” Payton curiously asks.

“It's okay Payton. Jana just needs time to herself, we can let her.” Bailee says to comfort Payton knowing Payton will explode any minute now.

Payton says with Jana in the room still, “No. Jana never tells us where she’s going or what she’s doing. Everything to her is a secret.”

Payton continues to ramble on and on saying, “we have known each other for years now and this has happened a lot. I know it, you guys know it. We’re best friends since day one. We tell each other everything.”

“I'm sure Alex knows more than we do. When it comes to us, your girlfriends, your quiet as ever. What are the secrets Jana?” Payton says & asks Jana.

“There are just some things i can't tell you girls right now.” Jana says.

Jana continues to say in her tone, “so what i can't tell you girls everything. You girls dont tell each other everything too.”

Me and Bailee stopped what we were doing and stood up from our position. We were all ears to Jana and Payton who were arguing with each other.

Jana throws shade at Payton & says, “you are having problems with kevin who is a million miles away. And yet you are flirting with a guy named Tim on Tinder. What the hell is that? Maybe that's why Kevin broke up with you.”

Jana continues with Caroline saying, “and you Caroline. You think you're happy with Gary but you're not. You are both pure miserable about where your relationship is going. Do you even know where it's going?”

Jana says to Bailee, “Bailee. You are thinking of moving to NYC to live with Marcel and live happily ever after with him because you two know you are the ones for each other. In reality, you aren't. You are in your honeymoon phase and you know it.”

Caroline tells Jana with in her tone, “just tell them about Max.”

Payton asks, “what's wrong with Max?”

“You had to bring that up right now?” Jana asks Caroline in her angry tone.

“They need to know now!” Caroline says furiously.

Jana takes a breathe & says, “a couple of days before we went on this vacation, Max proposed to me. He wanted us to move to England once we were married. He would work there and i would find a job teaching there too. We were going to have the happy life together.”

Jana continues to say, “when i thought things were better, it was worse. Alex confessed that he liked me, actually loves me since we known each other. He wanted to be in a relationship with me.”

“Are you girls happy now that i spilled the secrets? There, you’ve gotten your answer.” Jana says & walked out of the hotel room.

Jana was upset and sad when she walked out of the hotel room. We looked at each other worried in our eyes.

Caroline says, “i'm sorry guys. I knew about this when we were at Jana’s house the night before we left to the airport. I didn't know it was this serious.”

Payton asks Caroline, “you knew and you didn't tell anybody?”

Bailee says, “that's not important right now Payton.”

Bailee says to Caroline patting Caroline’s back, “it's not your fault Caroline.”

“It's totally her fault! She should said something from the beginning!” Payton says furiously.

“Stop it Payton!” Bailee raises her voice for the first time & says to Payton.

Bailee says to Payton & Caroline, “its nobody’s fault here. The important thing is that our friend is lost somewhere in Vegas and who knows something might go wrong. We have to find Jana, talk to her, and bring her back.”

Caroline says, “she won't come back even if we talk to her. I know her too well.”

Payton says, “right. She’s going to solve this on her own like she always has.”

“Well, we can't let her do that. She needs us. We’re her girl gang, remember?” Bailee says.

Jana’s POV.
I was so upset and needed some fresh air. So i walked all the way to Venetian Hotel and stood watching the people rowing the boats around the river. It was so refreshing, wind was blowing my hair back cooly. Everything was where i wanted it to be, nothing to worry. I really missed my mom (Tammy), so i called her on my phone. She picked up and i was happy to hear her voice.

Tammy says over the phone, “Jana. it's so great to hear from you again.”

Jana smiles & says, “i'm so happy i called you.”

“Is everything alright Jana?” Tammy asks knowing what's wrong with her daughter.

“I just really miss you mom. I wish you were here with us.” Jana says.

Tammy says, “you know i will always be there with you no matter what.”

Jana says, “that's good to know.”

“There is something i've been wanting to let you know.” Tammy says happily over the phone.

“What is that you're happy about?” Jana asks with a smile.

Tammy says, “me and Nathan are getting marry in the middle of January of next year.”

Jana asks, “in January?”

“Yeah. i want to do it when everyone is available.” Tammy says.

“Oh.” Jana says in her low tone.

Tammy realizes the tone in Jana & says, “it's alright if you can't come.”

Jana says, “of course i can make it mom. It's your special wedding day.”

Jana continues on asking, “where is it going to be?”

“At the beach house.” Tammy clarifies.

“Sounds good. I will definitely be there.” Jana says promising her mom.

Tammy says excitedly, “i can't wait for you to try on the bridesmaid dresses i picked out. I think you would look beautiful in it.”

Jana smiles through the phone & says, “i can't wait. I'm thinking of coming this Christmas season to celebrate the holidays there.”

“That's great. Nathan and I were thinking to have both of our families at the beach house this Christmas and spend the holidays together there.” Tammy says.

“Will there be enough for everyone at the beach house?” Jana asks.

Tammy says, “if not, we can make room for everyone.”

Jana says, “okay. Sounds like a good plan then.”

“I can't wait for you to come home Jana.” Tammy says happily.

“Me too mom.” Jana says happily too.

Tammy says, “i better let you get back to your vacation with your friends.”

Jana says, “alright. We’ll talk next time then.”

Mom and i hung up the phone. I stood there looking out again and everything felt okay until i heard someone ask me…

Bailee asks Jana from behind, “how was your mom?”

I turned around and saw the girls standing there behind me. Then they walked towards me to stand next to me to talk.

Caroline asks, “how is your mom doing?”

Jana says, “she’s fine. She told me about getting marry to Nathan. She was really excited and happy about it.”

“That's good.” Bailee says to Jana.

“Look Jana. I’m sorry of the way i talked to you earlier. i didn't know that it was this serious of the way you felt.” Payton apologizes to Jana.

Jana says, “i didn't expect you guys to know. I hid it for so long and i'm sorry. I should've said something or talked about it with you girls. You girls are really my girlfriends.”

Caroline says, “we are always here for each other no matter what or where we are.”

“You are really the best girlfriends i have and i couldn't ask for more.” Jana appreciates & says.

“We’re the sister pact. Once a sister pact, always a sister pact.” Payton says.

Bailee says, “we’re assuming you didn't say anything to Max or Alex yet.”

Jana says, “when i was with Max, i was caught up in the moment that i didn't even know what to say to him. He was already planning out our future for me.”

Jana continues to say, “for Alex. he confessed that he loves me. He actually wants to be with me.”

“You once told me that you never wanted to leave LA. you love it here and you wouldn't move.” Caroline says reminding Jana.

“I love living in California, especially LA. it's not easy to find a teaching job elsewhere.” Jana says.

Bailee says, “then you know what you should do. Stay and continue on what you're doing. You're better than all of that.”

Jana says & asks, “i don't know what to do. One person i'm not even sure that he loves me or my job. The other is someone who loves me and wants to be with me. Why does it have to be this complicated?”

“Alex has always been there for me since my college days. He cares about me so much and i care about him too. I'm starting to feel something between us. Maybe something i haven't felt in a long time.” Jana expresses her feelings out loud.

“You love Alex Jana. if you can express your feelings out like that about him then it means you love him more than what it is.” Payton says.

Jana asks, “did you guys ever likes Max?”

Caroline says, “the first few months was okay but after canceling dinner dates, we figured he wasn't going to be around much.”

Bailee says, “i think it's its job that keeps him away from you. He cares too much for his job rather for you Jana. we’re pretty sure you figured that one out already.”

Payton says, “maybe he wanted to marry you because of your success with your job more than your love Jana.”

Jana says, “i thought so too.”

“What are you going to do now?” Caroline asks Jana.

“I know what i have to do. In order to be happy, i have to end it with Max.” Jana says.

“That's going to break you. Are you going to be okay Jana?” Bailee asks worrying for Jana.

“I have to do this for myself or else i won't ever be happy again.” Jana says.

“What about Alex?” Payton asks.

Jana says, “i'm not sure about him or my feelings for him. I’ll figure it out when everything is okay.”

Caroline sighs & asks wondering, “why does loving someone have to be so hard?”

Bailee says, “it's reality. We got to face it once in our life.”

Payton says, “and sometimes reality can be a bitch.”

“I'm really sorry i haven't told any of you girls about my situation and making you all worry. I wanted to tell you girls when the time was right. How about we forget about this and go on with our day?” Jana says & asks.

“Thats right. We have a dinner and club thing to go to tonight.” Caroline says.

Notes