“May I ask who’s calling?” the female on the other end asks.
“You can tell him that it’s Jade. And that it’s really important.”
“All right, Jade. One moment please.”
I let out a sigh of relief that he still works there, and anxiously walk around my kitchen, Pumpkin trailing along behind me. I listen to the music on the other end that signals I’m on hold, and just when I’m ready to give up, the line clicks and a deep familiar voice answers.
“Jade?”
I choke on a sob at the familiarity of Nick’s voice and have to brace myself against the kitchen island. “It’s me.”
A gasp sounds on the other end, followed by the squeak of a chair. “Wow. It’s good to hear your voice. I hope you’re well?” he asks with concern.
“I’m doing very well.” I smile to myself sadly. “I own my own business,” I tell him proudly.
“That’s great, Jade.”
Fighting back tears, I take a deep breath. “It’s all thanks to you, you know. I’ll forever be so grateful for what you did for me, Nick.”
I hear the squeak of the chair on the other line again and Nick’s deep breathing. I can tell this conversation is just as emotional for him as it is for me. Nick was like a father to me in those early years. Before graduation.
“I’ve wondered about you often. I’m really glad to hear you’re doing well.”
“Nick.” I choke out a sob. “I’m calling because someone knows who I am.”
The line is silent, and I hear him let out a loud breath. “Can you tell me about it?”
“There’s not much. But I’ve been getting a few emails that hint at knowing who I am. One going so far as being my obituary. And then this evening, I got a text.” I swallow down the fear and go on. “It had my name. My real name.”
I hear him suck in a breath. “This doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand. Jade, can I ask where you are? You haven’t come back, have you?”
“No. No, I kept my promise. I’m far.”
“Okay. Good. That’s good.” He lets out a sigh of relief. “But I still don’t understand how this could be possible. Do you still have the emails and text? Can you forward them to me?”
I curse myself for not thinking. “I panicked and deleted the text. But I can probably find the emails in my trash.”
“Okay. That’s okay. Are you calling from your cell?”
“Yes.”
“Great. I have your number then. I’ll send you a text so you have mine as well. Please let me know if you get any more emails or texts.”
“Okay. Thank you, Nick.”
“Of course, Jade.”
“Well, I should probably go now,” I tell him.
“Sure. Take care.”
“You too.”
Ending the call, I let out a breath and finally let the tears fall. Talking to Nick again brings back a lot of memories.
“Come on, Pumpkin, let’s go to bed.”
Tonight, after making sure all my windows and doors are locked, I push my kitchen table in front of my patio door as extra security and move my entry-way table in front of the front door. Like most nights this month, once I’m safely in my room, I push my dresser in front of that door as well.
